Voigtländer Perkeo (6x6)

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There is also an earlier magazine plate camera, the Perkeo No. 140 by Krügener.

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Perkeo is the name of several folding cameras made by Voigtländer.

Perkeo 3×4

The original Perkeo is a vertical folding camera for 3x4 cm pictures on 127 roll film, made by Voigtländer in 1932. It is self-erecting. As often with folding cameras, it was available with a range of lenses (all 5.5 cm; slightly longer than standard) and shutters:

  • f/4.5 Skopar in Embezet shutter
  • f/3.5 Skopar in Compur shutter
  • f/3.5 Heliar in Compur shutter


The camera has the same body-mounted focusing knob as the larger-format 1930s folding Prominent and Virtus, moving the whole lens and shutter unit on focusing rails. It is even apparently possible to set the focus before unfolding the camera.[1] The camera has the same chunky knurled control knobs as those other Voigtländer folders. The original model has a folding frame finder on the body. An updated model, from 1933[1] has a fixed telescopic finder, as well as the same elegant folding table-stand and braided wrist-strap as the Virtus and Prominent.



Perkeo 2¼-inch square models

Three folding cameras were made in the 1950s with the name Perkeo, for 2¼-inch square (6×6 cm) exposures on 120 or 620 film. They are vertical folders (that is, the front door opens sideways in relation to the body, not downward). The cameras all have a telescopic viewfinder built into the plated metal top housing, and a cold shoe.

The Perkeo I, made from 1950, [1] was sold with either an f/4.5 Vaskar or an f/3.5 Color-Skopar lens, in any of several shutters, from a Pronto to a Prontor SV or Compur.

The Perkeo II, also from 1950, [1] was only a slight upgrade. The same lenses were available. It has automatic frame-spacing (instead of a red window) and double-exposure prevention.


The Perkeo E was made from 1954. It is similar to the previous models, but has an uncoupled rangefinder built into the top housing, and the Voigtländer name on the front, not on the top.

McKeown shows a prototype for a new model of the Perkeo E from 1955, which is a horizontal folder, and has an improved focusing mechanism and an uncoupled selenium meter.


Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). p958.

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