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Voigtlander Vito Guide Reference guide
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- Voigtländer
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- Voigtlander Vito Guide
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- Reference guide
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- English
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- 52
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- Film cameras
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Page 4 · Read text
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: THE VITO
The Vito, one of the latest 35 mm. cameraswhlch followed
in the wake of the famous Leica,belongsto the group of
cameraswhich, like Retina,Baldina,Welti, etc.,are designed
as convenient,small instruments,easy to carrY,quick to
shoot with, inexpensivein use and good in performance.
The Vito was originally designedfor a new unperforated
35 mm. film, which was on the point of being introduced
with the idea of giving a larger picture size of 30x40 mm.
Shortly before production started, the war broke out and
the manufactureof unperforated35 mm. film was dropped.
For thls reasonthe Vito when first marketed in 1940was
equippedwith a feeler shaft but fitted with a 24x36 mm.
picture aperture. When it becameapparentafter the war
that no unperforated35 mm. film should be producedthe
camera was redesigned with a sprocket wheel for film
transPort. "grippy", The Vito ls small, takes 35 mm. film, ylelds
36 exposuresin one load. lt is fitted with good lenseswhlch
glve exceedinglysharp,crisp negativesand which on account
of their short focal length make for easyfocusingand quick
shooting. The shutters incorporatea wide range of speeds
and (in later models) are internally synchronisedfor flash.
The lens is connected to the camera back by the more
conservativebellows, making it possibleto offer full pro-
tection to the lens when the instrumentis closed.
The Vito relieson the approximativemethod of focuslng
wlth the exceptionof Vito lll which has a built-in range-
finder. But this latter model has been produced for the
German home market only, while another 35 mm. camera,
the Vitessawith built-in rangefinderand ultra fast f2 lens,
different in constructionfrom the Vito, is being placedon
the world market.
The Vito camerais a fine mechanicalprecisioninstrument
which should be handledwith care, a gentle touch and in
accordancewith the instructions. ln return it will offer
yearsof reliableservice.View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com The Vlto fs a mlnfature camera producfng I X l| In. (24x36 mm.) negati'res,35 mm. standard cine film ls employedas negativematerial. Up to 36 exposurescan be taken in a singleloadof film in standardcartridges.The film can be loadedand changedin daylight. The Vito body is of drawn ductile material and covered with leather. The dimensionsof the Vito I and ll are f $ x2f x4+t in. (4 x7.7x 12.5cm.) weighingcompletewith fens and shutter 14$ oz, The Vito lll ls slightly larger and heavier. Vito I and ll are fitted with a Prontor S, SV, Compur, Compur-Rapidor Synchro-Compurshutter, Vito lll with Compur-Rapidor Synchro-Compurshutter. The shutter speedsofthe Prontor S and SV range from I sec. to l/300 sec.with a built-in delayedaction release. Later modelsof the Vito I as well as all Vito ll modelshavea built-in flash contact. The Compur shutter speedsrange from I sec. to l/300 sec. and the Compur-Rapidshutter from I sec. to l/500 sec. Again the later models of Vito I as well as all Vito ll and lll modelshavebuilt-in flashcontacts. Lensand shutter are fixed to the front baseby collapsible struts and connectedto the cameraback by meansof short, square,light-tight leather bellows.When closed,the camera base-boardprotects lens and shutter. An optical dlrect- vlsion finder is built into the long side of the camerabody. Vito lll has a built-in rangefindercombinedin one eye- plecewith the viewfinder. A depth of field calculatoris engravedon Vito I and ll on the front of the shutter, on Vito lll on the focusingknob. A built-infilm counter registersautomaticallythe number of exposures made. A body releasewith automatic double exposure preven- tlon deviceis fitted. Furthermore,the film cannot be wound on without the previous picture having been exposed. The distancein Vito I and ll is set by rotating the front lens,in Vito lll by turning the focusingknob which movesthe complete lens.View original page 5
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The Vito Models
VITO I (1940) is fitted with the Skopar f 3.5 in a Prontor S or Compur
or Compu'r.-nadid shutter. lt is equipped with a feeler shaft for film
transpoit, body release bar and hinged-on filter mount which was dis-
continued in later models.
VITO lt (1949) is fitted with the coated. Colo.r Skopar f 3.5. in a
Prontor S oi Compur-Rapid shutter with built-in flash contacts. lt has
a sprocket wheel ihaft foi film transport, and body release bar, but no
hinsed-on filter mount.
VtfO tt (1950) is fitted as above but the body release bar has been
replaced Uyb Uody releaseplunger. A holder for a clip-on finder shoe
is fitted.
vlTo ll (1951) is similar to the previous model but has a fixed film
take-up spobl and the rewind knob has a telescopic axis.
VlTb il (1954) is similar but has an accessoryshoe and is available
with the Syhchro-Compur shutter.
VITO llf (1950) is fitied with the 5 cm. Ultron f 2.coated lens, in a
Compur-Raiid sliutter with built-in flash contact. lt has a coupled
rangdfinder-in one eyepiece with the viewfinder.
The Vito Lenses
SKOPAR5 cm. f 3.5 is a four componentanastigmatof the Tessar
type,,.coLoRa lenswhichshowscrisp,cleardefinition. SKoPAR 5 cm. 13.5 is basicallyof similarconstructionto
the Skopar,but showsappreciableimprovementsregardingdefinition,
brillianc'eand colour reprbduction,and can be rated as of outstanding
performance.The Coloi Skoparis coated.All uncementedsurfacesare
iovered with a very thin (ibout 0.0001mm.) anti-reflectionfilm to
suppressreflections,increaie brillianceand practicalaperture. The
coiiins is hard enoughfor ordinary cleaningmethods.
ULTRON 5 cm. f2 is an ultra-fastlens for photographsin Poorest
tlqht conditions,indoors or of fast moving obiects. lt is of similar
pErformanceto the Color Skopar(seeabove)and is alsocoated. t
Alf lenses built into the Vitos cover an angle of 47", can be
focused down to 3* ft., and stop down to f 16. The scale of
reproduction at the shortest distance is | : l8 where lt
covers a subject field of approximately 18x27 in. - t The treatment and care of the lens is a matter of import'
ance. On account of its chemical composition, optical glass
of the highest quality is susceptible to the influences of
moisture,-and for thi's reason touching the glass with the F
Ifingers should be avoided. The lens surface of both coated
anii uncoated lenses should be cleaned occasionally with a t
clean, soft chamois leather. t
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HANDTING THE VITO
To start with we take it for granted that we have the Vito
together with a daylight loadingfilm in front of us. Our
first task is to load the camerawith film. This should be
done in subdueddaylight.
Loading the Vito
l. Open camera back.
2. Pull out rewind knob.
3. Insert cartridge in film chamber. .
4. Push back rewind knob.
5. Thread film end into slit of take-up spool.
6. Turn winding knob until it locks.
7. Close camera back.
8.. Lift up releaselever for fllm lock.
9. Turn film counter index opposite .,F" and let
film lock lever fall back.
10. Turn winding knob to stop.
ll. Lift up film lock lever once more and let it
. fall back.
42. Turn winding knob once more to a stop. The
film counter will now show No. l.
t. Open camera back by llftlng up the tocking tedge.
2. Pull out milled knob, marked "R" above the film chamber as far as
It willgo. In Vito lll pressthe milled stud on top of the rewind knob
to allow the rewind key to spring up and pull it up.
3. Insert the film cartridge so that the projecting spool peg lles In the
guide recess in the bottom of the spool chamber.
5. Pull out about 3{ in. offilm from the cartridge and thread the end of
the film into the wide slot of the take-up spool.
6. Turn the winding knob until it comesto a stop, making sure that the
film runs in its groove and the film perforation engagesthe sprocket
of the counting shaft (except in early VitoJ which trave no
sprockets). In Vito lll give the film key one full turn to ensure that
film is wound tightly on to the take-up spool. lf the winding knob
of the Vito lll locks prematurely, press the interlock releaseto free
the film transport.
t, Close camera back by pressing the hinged back cover to the mdn IH.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
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body and let the locklng lcdgc engageby applyingslight Pressurc
with the thumb.
8. Lift the reteaseleverfor the film lock by placingthe thumb over the
roughenedend of the lever and swingingit uP b)r 90". Hold lt In
this position.
9. Turn the milled wheel appearingbelow the lifted up film countcr
releaselever in the direliion of the arrow abovethe wheel untll "F" comesto lie oppositethe index in the film wlndow. the letter
Now let film counter release-l6verswing back. In the"F"Vito lll pull up the film key and turn the counting drum until comesto
lib oppositethe index mark.
t0. In early Vito models the winding knob will be locked In thlr
positlon. Open the camerafront and cock and releasethe shutter
by the bodl releasein order to wind on.
ll. ln earty Vito modelsinsteadof lifting.uP.!le film lock lever repeat
the pr6cedureasgiven under 10. In the Vlto lll presson transPor3
locking lever to 5e able to turn the film winding key.
lL tf in the Vito lll the index does not show to I but to the red dot,
press the transPort locking lever once more and turn the film
winder to a deflnite stoP.
Hotding the Vito
It ls obvious that the camerashould be held as steady as
posslble,asthe slightestshake,even if not seen in the origlnal
hegative,will becomevisible In the enlargement.
A partlcularly steady hold of the camera ls necessary
when worklng with spdedsbelow l/lq0 sec..
Always starid with your legs apart. Pressthe Vito agalnst
the noie for horizontal plctures and agalnst forehead and
nose for veftlcal ones.
For horizontal photographs: Rest camera horizontally
aqainst nose while the eye lboks through the finder. Keep
b6th elbows close to the body, presslng the right thumb
aqatnstthe camera back, right Index finger stretchlng over
tte film wlnding key to the body release while- the rlght
middle finger bent d6wnwards Pressesat camerafront. The
left hand irasps the camera bddy on lts left side. On the
vito tll plaie the left thumb and lhdex finger on the focuslng
wheel.
For vertical photographs: Rest camera upright aqalnst
10 forehead and nose, grasping the top of the camera wlth theView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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LoADING (p. e)
V 71
\
?
r
f0
f . Open cameraback
2. Pull out rewind knob.
3. Insert cartrldge in film chamber.
1. Pushback rewind knob.
I 6.5. TurnThreadwindingfilm endknobintountilslit ofit locks.take-up spool.
7. Close cameraback.
8. Lift up film lock releaselever.
9. Turn film counter Index opposite the letter "F" and let the film lock lever
fall back.
10. Turn winding knob to the stop.
I t. Lift up film lock releaselever once more and lct h fall back.
12- Turn winding knob to the stop again.The film counterwlll now show No. l.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
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left hand, left thumb pressedagainstthe cameraback. On
the Vito lll the left index fingeirubs againstfocusingwheel.
The right handholdsVito from below,-ri8htthumb on.body
releasi the camerarestingin the palm of the right hand.
To release'use finger piressure'only.Keep the hand and
its grip on the camdraiteady. The actual pressingdown
wilihive to be done slowly ahd smoothly. T.heslower the
exDosuretime the smoother must be the release.
For slow exposuresin'the hand it is advisableto rest the
elbows or at leastto lean the body againstsome suPPortin
order to avoid shake. In this way 115sec.and with a v9l'
steady hand lf2 sec. can be exfosed without noticeable
camerashake.
Use a tripod when taking -time e.xPosuresand also for
speedsfrom l/10 to I sec.- A rigid iripod with ball and
sbcket head should be employed'position.to allow quick changing
from horizontalto vertical The tripod or ball and
socket head top screw has'to be screwed into the tripod
bush in the bottom plate of the Vito.
For time exposureiand speedsslower than I i l0 sec.,when
working from'a tripod, usea cablerelease.This screwsinto
the cabTereleaseiocket which is situated on Vito I and ll
at the front end of the body releasesocket,and on Vito lll
immediatelybehindthe body releaseplunger.
Carrying the Vito
However elegant it may be t9 carrY the camera on a
long strap hangfngfrom the shoulder,this positionis quite
uniuit"bl'" for (uiik acrion. Many a good !ho! has been lost
in this way' A better method is to carr)'.thevito on a straP
round thd neck, so that it lies on the chest. Openingthe
front and lifting the cameraup to the eye is then a matter of
a split second.
A special ever-ready case has been constructed, which
allows'youto use the camerawithout removl-ngit from the
caseby simply openingthe front flap, which freesall work-
t2 ing pai'ts. A holilng sirew goesthrough the bottom of theView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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HoLDING THE VlTo (p. l0)
Hold camera firmly
in both hands,
How to hold the Vito I and ll for horlzontal photo-
graphs (left) and vertical shots (right).
and stand wlth legs
well apart.
,
Holdqultestlllwhlle How to hold the Vito lll for horizontal (left) and
re I e as i n g t h e vertical (right) pictures. The left thumb and index
shutter. finger turn the focusingwheel.
THE RANGEFINDER? OF THE vlTo lll (p. 16)
Look through the eyepiece and watch the double image of the subiect in the circle
in the centre of the rangefinder frame (left). Turn the focusing wheel until the
two images fuse into one sharp image (right). The camera lens is then accurately
focusect
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case Into the camera triPod bush and Prevents the camera
from accidentallyfalling out of the open case.
Shooting with the Vito
Practicethe manipulatlonsdescribedhere until in tlme
they becomePracticallyautomatic.
l. Open camera front.
2, Clieck that fllm has been transported.
3. Set shutter.
4. Set stop.
5. Set distance.
6. Determine picture in viewflnder.
7. Release.
8. Close camera or wind transport for next
exPosure.
l. To open the camera front press the knob on the underslde of the
camera body. Then grip tlie base board on either side and.Pttf^i:
downwards until the lwi side struts engate. Moke quite certoin NOf
to press the releose bar of Vito.t while openiigthe coml,ero,os this would
iniariably lead to domage to the comero.
After thL film has beei inserted and film counter set to No. l,al
instructed on page l0 the camera is ready for the first exPosure.
After each follbriing exposure the transport-lock.is automatically
disengagedand the frlm dransport key-can be wound on to a definite
stop.-lfiherefore when checking the film transport the winder does
not tu.n, this is a clear indication that the film has been wound on
after the last exposure and a new frame is in position. lf the transPort
knob can be tuined, this tells you the film has not been wound yet.
Turn the knob to a definite st6p to bring a new piece of unexposed
film behind the lens.
3. There are two actions Involved when settlng the shutter: (o) setting
the shutter to the exPosure time requirea; (b) setting the shutter
tensioning lever (:s6cking the shutter)'.
The sh'irttersbLilt into ihe Vito I and.ll are the Prontor S or SV,
Compur, Compur-Rapid, or Synchro-ComPur' while the Vito lll
has a Compur-Rapid br Synchio-Compur :fuit.9t .The Prontor S
" n A C o m p r i r g i v e ' s p e e d s6 r l , l 1 2 , l i s , - 1 . ' 1 0 1, .i 2 5 , l / 5 0 ' l / 1 0 0 a n d
l/300 sec., arid B,'while the Compur-Rapid.9-l S.y.l!lr":99lnp'T
, h u t t " r h a i s p e e d so f l , l 1 7 , l 1 5 , l / 1 0 , 1 1 2 5 ,1 1 5 0 ,l / 1 0 0 ' l / 2 5 0 a n d
l/500' sec.and B.
To set the shutter speed turn the outslde milled rlng so.that one
l{ of the engraved speedi comes opposite the index mark. The valuerView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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given: l, 2, 5, ctc., are fractions of secondsand stand therefore for
I second,| /2 second,| /5 second,etc. The shutter requirescocking
for all speedsincludingB, by pulling the cockinglever in a clock-3t wlse direction in the Compur and anticlockwisein the Prontor
shutter,asfar as it will go. On the Compur shutter the speedsfrom
I to l/100 sec.rangecontinuouslyand may be set to any immediate
value,i.e. a settingbetween50 and 100gives li75 sec. On the other
hand,neitherintermediatespeedsbetweenI sec.and B nor between
l/l@ sec.and the fastersDeedscan be set. When turning the out-E: side mllled ring from l/100 to 11300sec.In the Compur, and from
l/250to l/500 in the Compur-Rapidor Synchro-Compur,a marked
resistanceis felt. This is quite in order as an additionaltensioning
spring is brought into actionto achievethesefasterspeeds.
At B (short tlme exposure)the shutter openson pressingthe
releaseand will closeagainon letting it go. For long time exposures
a cable releasewith locklng device is employed. Screw the cable
Into the cablereleasethread,set the shutter to B and on releasing,
engagethe cablelockingdevice. The shutter will now remainopen
until the locking devlce is dlsengaged.This method is only em-
ployedwhen the shutter hasto remainopen for a long time when
it would be inconvenientor impracticableto keep the releasc
lever presseddown all the time.
The Vito I has,In addition,a locklng lever built In front of the
strut nearestto the body releasebar. lf, on releaslngwlth B settlng,
this milled locking lever is pushedinward, the shutter wlll remain } open until the lever ls pulled out again.
A delayedaction releaseis built into the Prontor Shutter (but
not Into the Compur). This allowsthe photographerto appearin
the picture himself,providedthe camerahasbeen placedon a firm
support(tripod,table,etc.). Seep. 55for the synchronizingsettings.
After settingthe shutter in the normalway, pushthe smalllever
with red dot near the lower strut downwards. When the shutter
is now releasedthe delay mechanismwill take about l0 sec. to
run down. This allowsyou to get into posltionin front of the camera.
An audibleclick indicatesthat the shutter hasgoneoff. The delayed
actloncannotbe usedon the B setting,the lever is then blocked. 1.l Adlust the iris dlaphragm by turning the stop lever until the
indicator polnts to the stop required.
The aim of the dlaphragmis to adjustthe effectiveopenlngof the
lens. The smallerthis opening(the more the lens is stoppeddownlFl the less light can passthrough the lens In any given iime. Tha
exposuremust therefore be correspondinglylonger (p. 43). On
the other hand the smallerthe aperture, the greater wlll be the
depth of field (p. 32).
5. On the Vito I and ll the distanceis set by turning the front celf of tho
lens untll the requlreddistancefigure (whlch is engravedelther In
feet or metres) ls opposite the engravedblack arrow head on the 15tiView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
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front plate of the shutter. On tne Vito lll the distance is determined
wittt ittu built-in rangefinder which is coupled with the lens. So
at the same time as you set the rangefinder, the camera lens is auto'
matically focused.
To uie the rangefinder of the Vito lll hold uP !h.e camera.to the
eye. On lool<ingihrough the viewfinder a second^slightly.yellowish
circular image viitt Ue v'isible in the centre of the finder. As long.as
inr aiit"n.e" setting is incorrect the subiect will- lPPear double.
On turning the miiled focusing ring on top, left of the camera, the
two imaeei can be brought tocoincide. They slowly move on toP
"i u".t &her, and when ihey fuse into one, and only one clear sharp
ir"s" is to be seen, then dhe camera is correctly focused for the
subiect. The focusing knob carries an.engraved distance scale with
an index which permits reading the distance to which the camera
has been set.
This orthodox way of focusing, by looking through th-e -range-
flnder eyepiece whild turning the lensfocusingmount until the two
ir"""r in dtre eyepiece coinclde, may be adopled for taking photo'
grafins of subieits'that are fairly statioTary. l different method of
iocusing is necessarywhen taking moving .qybiects. Set the range.
finder ib a distance'at which the subiect will be at a given moment,
or focus at some spot which it actually has to PPs, and press the
release-- button when the subiect reaches the pre-focused point.
Wittt subiects who are'liable to react self-consciously.(e'g'
chilJren) setih" lens to a suitable distance, and then approach the
subiect 6uickly, exposing as soon as the two images in the range-
nnai. coincid6. Allernaiively, focus at some obiect which is at the r"r" ditt.nce from the cameia as the real subiect, but in a different II
direction. Then swing round and press the release button as soon
as-- the victim comes inio the field of view of the finder.
3;; ;[; p"g" 36 for quick shooting with zone focusing methods'
5. The viewfinder is of the direct vision type. Hold it close to the-eye.
Do not attempt to turn the camera t6-the right or left away from
eyepiece of the centre the from eye the "y", and do not move th" "spying the round This of view. field of the ;; n;'Jih;iimitation
io.n"r'; it deceptive, as only that section seen in the finder, which
ir "itiUlu when holding the eye close to and in the centre of the eye'
piece while looking ltraight ahead, will appear on the^negativ.e.
The field of view given is exact for photograPhs taken at.t to lz lt.
iiti.n.". At infin-ity a trifle more Lppeais 6n the negative than is I
seen through the finder, and at 3| to6 ft. a shade less.
7. To release the shutter, gently press the body_release lever of the I
Vito. Soeeds from | /25 to l/300 sec. on the Prontor and comPu-r
"ia I 116Ot"., on ttrb Compirr-Rapid respectively are fast enougtr
ior tttiDictures to be taken'with the camira held in the hand. lt ls
troweveF advisableto use l/25 sec. as sparingly as possible from the
16 nana, as there is some danier of ierkiig the iamera. Even a slight I
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sHooTlNG (P. la)
il"7....
3
t. Open camera front. 2. Check that film has been transPorted. 3. Set shutter
speel. {. Set stop. 5. Set distance. 6. Determine picture in viewfinder. 7. Release.
8. Close camera.
UNLOADING (p. l8)
ry1 r
n \
l. Lift up film lock release lever for rewinding. 2. Rewindfilm into cartridge.
3. Open camera back. 4. Pull out film cartridge. 5. Closecamerabackor reload.
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ferk, six or eight times enlarged, results In unsatisfactory deflnltion.
On the other hand, with a steady hand and a chance of leaning
against a wall or-even better--supportlng the camera on some-
thing solid, our exposure of not only l/25 sec. but also of l/10 and
even l/5 sec. can, with care, often be taken without shaking.
Time exposures should be made with the cable release, which
screws into the cable release thread of the camera.
8. To close the Vito I and ll press down the two black roughened keys
in front of the lens. This will release the side struts and enable the
front to be folded up. On the Vito lll press with two fingers on the
wide bar on the camera front and fold the front backwards. The
fingers should remain on the bar until they are automatically pushed
away by the lens carrier.
Unloading the Vito
After havingtaken all the 36 exposures(the numberof
exposurestaken is automaticallycounted on the film
counter)the film hasto be rewoundlnto the cartrldgeIn
order to removeit from the cameraand replaceit by a new
film. Both theseoperationsshould be done In subdued
daylight.
l. Set camera for rewinding.
7. Rewind film into cartridge.
3. Open camera back.
4. Pull out film cartridge.
5. Close camera back or insert new fllm.
l. On the Vlto I and ll set the camera for rewinding b), llfting up the
release lever for the film lock. Hold it in this position. On the
Vito lll press the rewind knob on the top plate behind the body
release. lt is marked with the letter R. Keep it In this position.
2. Wind the rewind key on camera top (marked with the letter R) in
the direction ofthe engraved arrow until all the film has been wound
back and the film transport key stops turning.
ln the latest Vito ll the rewinding is facilitated by pulling up the
rewind key to the first engaging click-stop. On the Vito lll swing up
the grip of the rewind key but do not pull out the key itself.
3. See p.9, No. l.
, _ 4, To remove the film cartridge, flrst pull out the rewind knob to lts
18 fullest extenlView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
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Changing Partly Exposed Films
A partly exposed film (e.g. if the camera ls loaded wlth
black and white film and )rou want to take colour plctures)
may be removed from the camera and exchangedagalnst
another one without usinga darkroom as follows:Irl l. Rewind the partly exposed film into the cartridge as descrlbed on f p. 18. Be careful when rewinding to stop when the increased
resistance is felt which is due to pulling the beginning of the film
from its anchorageat the take-up spool. This prevents the beginning
of the film from slipping back into the cartridge. lf this should
Inadvertently happen the cartridge would have to be opened in the
darkroom to extricate the beginning of the film so that it can be ** re-inserted into the camera at a later date. Mark the number of
frames exposed in pencil on the start of the film emulsion side.
2. Insert the new type of film into the camera as described on p. 9.
3. To re-insert a partly exposed film proceed as when Inserting a new
one. Once the camera back is closed and the film counter is set to
No. l, pull up the transport locklng lever (Vito I and ll) and keep lt
in thls position. Turn the fllm winding knob until the noted picture
number appears opposite the index of the exposure counting disc.
Now let the locklng lever swing back. After having cocked the
shutter the camera is ready for the next exposure. With the Vito
lll the procedure is the same, except that the interlock release is
depressed and not pulled up as ln the Vito I and ll.
Cutting off Exposed Film Lengrths
lf a film which ls only partl), exposed hasto be processed,
It can be cut off in the darkroom or in completedarkness.
After the last exposure wind the film transport knob
once more. Then In the dark, open the camerabackand cut
the film about { In. awayfrom the cartridge. To removerhe
exposed part on the take-up spool lift up film transport
lock lever (on the Vito lll depressit). Wind the film from
the take-up spool and wrap it up In black paper.
The remainingfilm in the cartridgecan now be refnserted,
attached to the take-up spool, and the camera closed. lf
the reinserting has been done in the darkroom no further
blind exposureis necessary.lf the film has been reinserted
in daylight,maketwo blind exposures(p. l0). Advancethe
exposure counter by two to allow for the loss of film in
cuttint and reinsefting. 19View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
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VITO FIL,MS
The Vito takes standard Perforated clne film of 35 mm'
width, as used in the majority of other 35 mm. cameras,
e.g.,Leica,Contax, etc. lt may be obtainedas:-
DAYLIGHT CARTRIDGESare the simplest form of vlto
film packages. The read), cut and trimmed films for 36
exposuresare supplied iri cartridges (also called cassettes
or parrones), ,ntiittr can be loadld in daylight into the
camera (see p. 9).
DARKROOM REFILLSare lengths cut and trimmed for
36 exposuresand have to be loaded into a cartridge in the
darkrbom (see p. 24).
DAYLIGHT REFILLSare cur and trimmed for 36 exposures
which are wound on to a centre spool (.r used In the
cartridge) and covered with a.black PaPerlead.erstriP to
allow l5aiing of a cartridge in daylight (seep. 24).
BULK FILM is film in 18 ft. to 200 ft. lengths' where a
suitablelength hasto be cut offto be loadedinto a caftridge
in the darkroom (see P. 24).
Safelight
The loading of cartridgeswith darkroom refills or from
bulk film hasto be carriedout in the darkroom.
In the caseof panchromaticfilms (seep. 25) a dark green
safelight may bd used, but it is always safer.to work In
corpiut" darkness. This is not difficult. lt is, however,
adviiableto practicefilling with a dummy film first in day-
light"ln before itarting the darkroom work. the caseof por=,tivefilm (seep. 25) amber light will do.
Handting, Winding and Trimming the Fitm
When handlingthe actual film, particularcare must be
20 taken not b touEh its emulsion(mitt) side. lt shouldonlyView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
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FILHS (pp. 20,22)
l: The correct trimming of the wedge-
shaped end (which is fitted to the centre
spool of the cartridge) with a standard
trlmming template. 2: Trimming of the
curved cut with a standard trimming tem-
plat€. 3: The appearance of the trimmed
film, left wedge, right curved cut. 4: The film
cartridge, its outer shell, centre spool and
separate top. 5: How to fix the film to the
centre spool of the cartrldge. 6: Winding
the film with the mechanical film winder
to the centre spool. 7: Assembling the
cartridge. 8: Loading film into camera.
D o o r o o Q t o o o ! o o oView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
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be handledand wound on to the centre spool of the cartrldge
by holding the film by either side of its edge, preferably
betweenthumb and index finger.
At the same time, it is of no less lmportance that the
pfacein which the loading is done should be perfectly dry,
clean,and free from dust. Only a clean, spotlessnegative
will produceclean prints.
When using bulk film for loadingcartridges,the edge of
the work-bench can be marked wlth notches or drawing
pins to indicatevarious distances,let us say for 12,24, 36
exposuresof film. This considerablysimplifies measuring
film lengthsIn the darkroom.
Film ends are best trlmmed with the aid of a sPeclal
film trimming template. At the beginningof the roll of film
makethe wedge-shapedcut for the centre spooland measure
offthe requiredlengthof film. At the end of this makethe
curved cut for the take-up spool. The curved cut must not
to through a perforatlon hole.
When doing this Job wlth a good template it leavesat
the sametimqthe correct cut for the take-up spool on the
remalningfilm on the roll, so that about 4 in. of film are
saved on every strlp. When trimming film without a
template it is sufficientto start the curved cut betweenthe
tenth and eleventh bottom hole from the end, facing the
emulsionside of the film. As lt ls not essentialto havethe
full standardcut when worklng with the Vito, a 2 In. (5 cm.)
cut wlll serye the purpose quite well.
The ready cut film is now wound on to the centre sPool
of the cartildges as describedon p. 24. Make sure, while
winding on, to hold the film only by its edges.
Thls task can be simplified by the use of a specialhand
winder, a milled metal rod with a slit on one end to fit into
the cross pin fitting of the spool. A mechanicalwinder may
be obtainedto servethe samepurpose. lt can be attachedto
. the edgeof the work-bench,l2 full turns with this will wind
sufficiehtfilm for about 12 exposures,18 turns: 19 ex-
22 posures;32 turns : full length for 36 exposures,View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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When wlnding the film on and ofi take care not to put
too great pressureon the film. The film edges must not be
squeezedwhen drawingthrough the hand. Failureto take
the first precaution may result in fogging, while neglect of
the latter precaution may give rise to peculiar kinds of "lightning exposure effects known as flashes". These are
due to static electrical discharges,and appear as dark,
zig-zaglines running from the edge of the film towards the
centre of the picture.
TENGIHOFF't t REQU'REDFORANv NUMBEROF EXPOSURES
Number Lengthof Number Lengthof Number Lengthof
of Film of Film of Film
Exposures Required Exposures Reguired Exposures Reguired
ln. c.m. in. cm. in. cm.
| il* 30 t4 3r* 80 27 5l 30
2 13* 34 rs 33 84 28 s2* 33
3 15 38 16 34* 88 29 54 37
4 16* 1t t7 36+ e2 30 5s* 4 l
s t7t 45 18 37t e6 3t 57 45
6 t9* 49 19 3e* r00 32 s8* 48
7 20* s3 20 40* ro3 33 60 52
8 22 56 2, 42 107 34 6r* 56
9 231 60 22 43* ill 35 63 60
f0 25I 64 23 4s ,14 36 64* 64
f r 26t 68 24 46* il8 37 66 67
t2 28* 72 25 .18 a22 38 67* 7 '
f3 30 76 26 49* t26 Includingtrimming
Loading Vito Cartridges
The cartridgeconsistsof a flangedcentre spool which is in
a one-pieceshell;the film leavesthe shell by a light-trapped
slot. The centre spool can be removed from the shell by
lifting either the top or bottom of the cartridge according
to the construction of the particular make of cartridge.
While the containersof the daylight loadingfilms are in-
tended by their makers to be used once only, it is an
establishedfact that they can be safelyre-usedseveraltimes,
particularlyif care is taken to keepthe plush lining free from
dust and grit.
IView original page 22Page 23 · Read text
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Reloadlngcartridgeshelpto reducethe runnlngexpenses
appreciably.
How to Iroad Cartridges with Darkroom Film
l. Work in darkroom in approPriate safelight.
2. Prepare fllm.
3. Open cartridge.
4. Fii ftlm on cantre sPool.
5. Wind film on centre sPool.
5. lnsert centre spool into shell: the flrst 2 in. of
film must protrude from light traP.
7. Close cartridge.
2. In the caseof bulk film PrePare the length to be used as described on
o. 22. When usinq a darkroom refill remove its wrappings. lt is
lseful to fold the'iirst * in. (l cm.) of the beginning of the film
slightty backwards. ThG prevenm it from slipping back into the
cartridSe.
1. lf the Eentre spool is fitted with a film catch, thread the .tapered
end of the filni into it. Where the centre spool is fitted with a
sorins. thread the end under it and fold it sharply back. lf the centre
sbooiis without any suitable fitting to hold the film, wind a l{ in.
(4 cm.) piece of adhesive tape (for example, Cellophane, lantern
ilae Uiniing tape) round th6 camera s-pool.so that on either side
about { in. ol taie-is used to secure the film (see p. 2l).^
5. Wind €trefilm oh the centre spool moderately tightly. Do not touch
the emutsion with the fingers; handle the film only by the edges.
7, When using cartridges on which the top .o.r bottom cover are
originally tr6ta in poiitio.n by the gummed label, refix the top or
boitom iover to the shell wiih a length of cellophane adhesive tape.
How to Load Cartridges with Daylight Refills
l . No darkroom is necessarY'
2. Remove wrapPing and label of reflll.
3. Open cartridge.
4. Iniroduce refill lnto shell of cartridge; the flrst
2 in. of paper-leaderhave to protrude from light
trap.
5. Cldse cartridge.
6. Pull out pape;-leader and 2 in. of fllm.
21 7. Cut off paPer-leader.View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
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4. The original centre spool of the cartridge is not needed and may be i
kept separately.'using
7. When tartridges on which the top or bottom cover are
originally held in position by the gummed label, refix the toP or
bottom cover to the shell, preferably with a length of adhesive
Cellophanetape.
The Choice of Material
"best" There is no such thing as a film for any or every
kind of picture. Eachtype of film hascertain characteristics,
especialiywith regardto colour sensitivity,sPeed,Sradation,
latitude,and, more particularly,grain.
COLOUR SENSITIVITY. The ordinary silver bromide
photographicemulsionis only sensitiveto violet and blue
iight, ind'thereforeboundto live an untrue blackand white
rendering when taking photographsof .subjectscontaining
yellow, green andior red ("t practicallyall gbjects.do).
iulodernminiature films are panchromaticand have been
made sensitivenot only to violet, blue, yellow and green,
but also to red. Some particularlyfast panchromaticfilms
are over-sensitiveto red and will render t,his colour too
light.
INFRA-RED FILM. Infra-red film is a negative material which is made
s e n s i t i v e t o i n f r a . r e d r a y s n o t v i s i b l e t o t h e h u m a n e y e . S p e c i a | a p p | i c a .
tions of this material are photograPhy in the dark, long distance shots,
haze or mist penetration, scientific copying and research work.
ORDINARY FILM. For copying black and white obiects (books,
fedgers,etc.) a positivefilm of 3 to l0'Scheiner can be recommended.
Besidesits qualities of fine grain and high brilliancy, it possessestho
advantagethat it can be handled in an amber darkroom light.
SPEED.The sensitivityof film materialsto light in general
is measuredin ExposureIndexnumbersor varioussystemsof
degrees. Scientistsand manufacturersall agree that noneV of ihe methodsemployedto determinethe speedof films
is entirely satisfactor/,and continue giving preferenceto
one or tfre other of them. In any case,although speed is a
very obvious asset,it is also a quality which must be paid
for by possibledisadvantagesof the material in some other
respecti. 25View original page 24From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
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