Rollei 35 vs Voigtlander Vitessa

fattyale · Jan 12, 2010

So I'm getting a compact RF mainly for travel. And I wanted to get a Vitessa because it looks REALLY good (Looks matters too!), has a rangefinder (the Rollei 35 can't focus right? You've to estimate the distance manually?) and I like pictures taken by the f2 Ultron lens.

But because I'm living in Singapore, I'll have to ship one from the bay over to Singapore which costs roughly USD300 (with shipping costs) because no one sells them here. The only guy that owns one has fungus on it's lens, rangefinder not aligned well, cocking mechanism doesn't transport the film occasionally and the film counter is damaged.

Kodak Retinas are also hard to come by.. but I'm not really into them

However for the Rollei 35 I can get it for about USD160. About 3 of them on our local classifieds. It's cute, very compact and has a meter.

So what do you all recommend? Should I hang in there and wait for a Vitessa to come by or just stick with a Rollei 35?

johnnywalker · Jan 12, 2010

I have the Rollei 35s and like it a lot. I don't find the focusing a problem, you have to remember to do it! The only shortcoming I didn't anticipate is that 30.5mm filters are almost impossible to find for it. It does have a few quirks, like loading the film, but it's just a matter of learning how. Also the original batteries for the light meter are no longer made, but there is lots of information on the web (and probably here on APUG) on how to work around that.

declark · Jan 12, 2010

I have the 35s and I just use hearing aid batteries. Actually I just guess, because I'm not sure I trust my meter that much anyway. I find it is a great camera for infinity focus shots. Film spacing is tight, wish it had a bit more between frames for cutting. I have a few pictures in my APUG gallery taken with this camera for reference. The lens is no slouch on this camera.

cmo · Jan 12, 2010

Look on german ebay for a Vitessa, they are sold for something between 50 and 100 Euros (70 to 140 US Dollars). Some crazy people ask for much more, but they never sell. I owned a Vitessa, and I was not overly impressed. The rangefinder base is extremely small for a 2.0 lens. Even for the prices here I consider them overpriced.

You might instead consider a real classic camera for approximately the same prices...

http://www.cameraquest.com/conrf.htm

(Just don't buy a soviet Kiev fake)

Rol_Lei Nut · Jan 12, 2010

Or a Voigtländer Vitomatic... Much cheaper than the Vitessa and probably a better user.

It also exists in versions with the Ultron and Skopar lenses. Don't be put off by the Skopar: It is often considered to be the best of the Tessar-type lenses.

The Rollei 35SE will avoid any battery problems you may fear. I'll also say that guess focusing isn't a big problem, unless you often shoot rather close.

Chaska · Jan 12, 2010

I would definitely choose the rollei, the lens is amazing.
Reminds me that I need to take mine out for a spin this week, always loved it with k200.
Will give the 64 a shot while I can!

ludoo · Jan 12, 2010

I second the Vitomatic suggestion, not many rangefinders have a bright 1:1 viewfinder. And they are cheap. But if you decide to get one, check the viewfinder carefully before buying, as sometimes its elements have separation or are damaged.

elekm · Jan 12, 2010

Good question. Both are fine cameras, and the Ultron is an oustanding lens.

I took hundreds of photos with a Rollei 35T and never found the lens to be inadequate, although it's slow at f/3.5. On the other hand, you can take the camera anywhere, because of its compact size.

The Vitessa might need some work, as it's roughly 50+ years old. So keep that in mind. Maybe you'll get one that's been serviced. It uses the famous Voigtlander "focus by dial," which you might or might not like. The body is quite a bit larger than the Rollei, but the lens is better.

Among compact cameras, you could also consider a folding Zeiss Ikon Contina II with Tessar (excellent camera with uncoupled rangefinder) or the folding Zeiss Ikon Contessa with Tessar, coupled rangefinder and meter.

Finally, there is the Voigtlander Vito III with the same excellent f/2.0 Ultron. It has a rangefinder but no meter. It's a folding version of the Prominent, although not nearly as heavy and a much better camera to use than the Prominent, I think.

elekm · Jan 12, 2010

To add to this, the Agfa Karat IV and one of the early Super Silettes has a nice f/2.0 Solagon.

fotch · Jan 12, 2010

I once owned a Voigtländer Vito IIa and regret selling now. Excellent picture taker.

elekm · Jan 12, 2010

The IIa is a great little camera. Lightweight, nice Color-Skopar lens (Tessar type) and lever wind.

Rol_Lei Nut · Jan 13, 2010

cmo said:
(Just don't buy a soviet Kiev fake)

Actually, the Soviet (Ukranian) Kievs *were* the original Contax after 1945.

Built by the same machines (entire factory moved to the Ukraine), supervised by the same German engineers and, at least for earlier models, using the same parts left over in Germany.

A good Kiev can be a very nice camera. Earlier ones (1950's & 1960's) tend to be better built than later '70's and 1980's ones.

As with many Soviet cameras, get a good one from a reliable source and you won't be disappointed.

cmo · Jan 13, 2010

Rol_Lei Nut said:
Built by the same machines (entire factory moved to the Ukraine), supervised by the same German engineers and, at least for earlier models, using the same parts left over in Germany.

In fact, post-war german machines, material and german engineers, deported to the Soviet Union, and some russian quality control. Good luck, but get more than one camera, they are cheap enough

But just to be compatible with the Vitessa vs. Rollei 35 question, we are talking about post-war quality and well-coated post-war lenses. The Contax IIa and IIIa built between 1950 and 1961 in West Germany are in the same ballpark.

As with all other classic cameras you must be very careful when buying such a beast. A well-know specialist has compiled some information here:

http://www.zeisscamera.com/services_buying.shtml

fattyale · Jan 14, 2010

Thanks for the great response.

So getting a Vitessa for 300USD isn't worth it at all I assume. Plus I've looked at the Zeiss Ikon Contessa and to get a Retina over it. However it's built quality is excellent so I'm stumped.

Vito IIa a nice, compact, folding RF but the lack of a rangefinder. But it's a backup choice! It's about 90USD here, and I think that's very appealing.

And I've had experience with Russian cameras and I'm not a fan of them.

Anyways, thanks again for the links and great advice. But I think should I wait it out and analyze plenty before getting any..

mr rusty · Jan 14, 2010

I am a big fan of the folding retinas. My little iic gets taken out a fair bit just because it is quite compact. It works OK, but has been "serviced with solvent" to keep the shutter working, and the aperture has a gremlin in it on the last half stop in that one of the leaves doesn't open properly - chris sherlock thinks something is jamming the last bit of the slot but I can't justify sending it to him quite yet.

I think there is a lot of junk out there, and my experience both first hand and reading many, many posts is that just about every retina sold needs a CLA, many have been butchered and several parts like cocking racks may be nearly worn out.

I keep looking at this guy's site

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Jacquess-Refurbished-Retina-Camera__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Obviously more expensive than a typical ebay purchase, but he is offering warranty and has 100% feedback on 1000+. tempting.

FilmNoir · Jan 22, 2010

Fattytale, you may want to look into the Vito III, as it's a rangefinder.

fattyale · Jan 25, 2010

Thanks FilmNoir, I tried it out and it's not too bad! Ergonomic and great size. But I went ahead and got the Vitessa f.28 Color Skopar, off the bay for 150USD. Not sure whether it's too expensive. And I might get the Vito II/IIa/III in the future.

elekm · Jan 25, 2010

Did you get the folding Vitessa with the barn doors? Or the Vitessa T (non-collapsible)? Both have that huge plunger for advancing the film. Nice construction, good viewfinders. Overall, excellent cameras.

fattyale · Jan 25, 2010

I got the folding one cause i needed something compact.

Plus it looks so good..

goamules · Feb 5, 2010

Hey, I'm glad you got the Vitessa. I was going to say, before I saw you got it, that I've loved my Vitessa. I've taken lots of nice pictures, and the camera just exudes quality. I've not had one bit of trouble with it, and yes, people really notice when you use it.

fattyale · Feb 6, 2010

Yeah I'm really happy with it and I'm glad you loved yours too!

Going to develop my first roll of film with exposure settings using it's meter. Hopefully all goes well

Nikon Collector · Feb 7, 2010

Just got a contessa lk, meter doesn't work but the camera seems really well made and the shutter sounds good. caint wait to run some film thru it

Renato Tonelli · Feb 7, 2010

Another vote for the Rollei 35. It has become my favorite camera.

whlogan · Feb 7, 2010

Get the Rollei 35 Se or the S. I have 4 of them and I love them. Learning to guess the distance is easy! Batteries can be had from B&H all the time or at most camera shops here in the States. Wein makes a replacement that lasts for a long time for about $7.00. you'll never be sorry you went with Rollei!

Logan

Vincenzo Maielli · Feb 28, 2010

Except for the rangefinder lacking, i surely prefer the Rollei 35 S or 35 SE over the Voigtländer Vitessa.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

Rollei 35 vs Voigtlander Vitessa

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency