Vitessa N operation

[gordonrgw]

Hi, just a query for Vitessa owners;
I've just bought a Vitessa N - 2nd version. I know what the operation sequence re. opening and closing *should* be, however, the one I have operates thusly;

From closed, Press 'plunger' - it rises up into 'primed' position, press shutter button 'barn doors' open. (The shutter button doesn't depress from closed to raise plunger and open doors in one movement)
To close, close 'barn doors' then gently depress plunger and if you hit correct position it stays depressed.

This seems to me to be a better method than the standard press shutter and all hell breaks loose, so I assume that something inside is now 'unoptimal'.

Should I just leave it as is - as long as this method of opening and closing isn't doing any further damage to the internals - or should I seek to have it repaired?

 

[gordonrgw]

Ah, found a reference stating that the 'all hell breaks loose' action was only on the earlier versions,my one is exhibiting the 'normal' later action...

 

[snusmumriken]

I have the ‘A’ first version. I was unaware that they changed the mechanism in later versions. FWIW, I put my left thumb on the plunger, fingers of both hands over the barn doors, and press the right thumb down on the shutter release. In such wise, ‘all hell’ breaketh not loose.

 

[gordonrgw]

I found reference here: http://www.cjs-classic-cameras.co.uk/voigtlander/voigt.html#vitessa
I don't know where that info was sourced from, but my N follows the 'release plunger, press shutter, doors open' method..
The only finicky bit is pushing the plunger to *exactly* the right position for it to remain in the 'relaxed' position.
Is that the same for your A?

Incidentally I've put my first roll through it, I really like the operation and although only the f3.5 Color Skopar the images are *very* sharp.

(I now may need to invest in a backup copy :O )

 

[snusmumriken]

The plunger on mine latched down OK, but didn’t reliably advance the film, so I took it to pieces and cleaned it up. The bottom end is quite a grease and dirt trap, and it’s easy to see how accumulated muck will prevent it latching reliably. There’s adequate guidance on YouTube and elsewhere if you feel the need to do this. It’s fiddly but manageable if you are at all handy, and you don’t need special tools other than small screwdrivers, preferably parallel-faced.

 

[gordonrgw]

Thanks for that Jonathan, I may just give that a try if my muscle memory doesn't develop the knack.. ATM mine seems to advance okay, but I will keep an eye out for mis-behaviour.

(PS. Big Tati fan, but not to the extent of visiting Saint-Marc-sur-Mer - well yet anyways..)