What is the Voigtlander Vitessa 500 AE Film Camera?
The Voigtlander Vitessa 500 AE Film Camera is a classic and highly regarded camera that was first released in 1977. It is a 35mm rangefinder camera that offers both manual and automatic exposure control. The “AE” in its name stands for “Automatic Exposure,” indicating its ability to automatically adjust the exposure settings.
This camera was manufactured by Voigtlander, a renowned German camera company with a long history of producing high-quality and innovative cameras. The Vitessa 500 AE was one of their flagship models, known for its excellent build quality, precision engineering, and advanced features.
Features and Specifications
The Voigtlander Vitessa 500 AE Film Camera was packed with a range of impressive features that made it a popular choice among photography enthusiasts. Here are some of its notable features and specifications:
1. Aperture Priority and Manual Exposure: The camera offers two modes of exposure control – aperture priority and manual mode. In aperture priority mode, you can select the desired aperture, and the camera will automatically adjust the shutter speed accordingly. In manual mode, you have complete control over both the aperture and shutter speed settings.
2. Built-in Light Meter: The Vitessa 500 AE features a built-in light meter that measures the available light and provides accurate exposure readings. This allows photographers to achieve optimal exposure in various lighting conditions.
3. Rangefinder Focusing System: The camera employs a rangefinder focusing system, which offers precise and accurate focusing. The rangefinder allows photographers to adjust the focus manually until the subject aligns perfectly in the viewfinder.
4. Interchangeable Lens: The Vitessa 500 AE has an interchangeable lens system, which means that you can attach different lenses to suit different photographic situations. This gives you the flexibility to capture a wide variety of subjects with different focal lengths and perspectives.
5. Compact and Portable Design: Despite its advanced features, the Vitessa 500 AE is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and handle. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable operation, even during extended shooting sessions.
Availability and Pricing
The Voigtlander Vitessa 500 AE Film Camera was widely available during its release and can still be found in the secondhand market today. However, due to its vintage nature and popularity among collectors, finding a well-preserved unit might require some patience and research.
When it was first released in 1977, the Vitessa 500 AE had a retail price of around $400, which was considered quite expensive at the time. However, it was justified by the camera’s advanced features, build quality, and the outstanding image quality it produced.
Today, the price of a Voigtlander Vitessa 500 AE can vary depending on its condition, availability, and any additional lenses or accessories included. On average, you can expect to find a well-maintained unit in the range of $300 to $500, while collector-grade models or those in pristine condition can command higher prices.
Conclusion
The Voigtlander Vitessa 500 AE Film Camera is a classic rangefinder camera that offers advanced features, superb build quality, and outstanding image quality. Its versatility, reliability, and ergonomic design make it a desirable choice for vintage camera enthusiasts and film photography enthusiasts alike.
If you’re looking to explore the world of traditional film photography or add a unique and reliable camera to your collection, the Voigtlander Vitessa 500 AE is definitely worth considering. Its timeless design, mechanical precision, and the ability to capture stunning images make it a true gem in the world of analogue photography.
