Rollei 35 vs Voigtlander Vitessa

[fattyale]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[fotch]

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