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Voigtlander Avus 9x12 Plate Camera 1913-1936


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Condition: Excellent

Voigtländer Avus 9x12 Plate Camera 1913-1936

Excellent cosmetic condition, Shutter working down to 25th, sticks below a 25th

Skopar 13.5 f4.5

Supplied with a Voightlander plate back

General Voigtländer Avus Information

The Voigtländer Avus is a folding plate camera, manufactured at Brunswick, Germany, between ca. 1913 and ca. 1936. The Avus was designed with the "semi-pro" user in mind, who was looking after a well built machine. It was first made in 9x12cm, right after the end of the First World War, soon to be followed by the smallest size, 6.5x9cm by 1927. The former was produced until 1934, while the latter - the model depicted in the photos - lasted in production for two more years, until 1936. Avus stands for "Aktiengesellschaft Voigtländer Und Sohn" ("Voigtländer & Son, Inc").

One of the key points in making the Avus was durability, and as such some of the best available materials were used. It rapidly became one of the most popular models within the Voigtlander catalog during the 20s and 30s, with around 100.000 units made.

As said, the Voigtländer Avus was manufactured in two sizes, 9x12 and 6.5x9cm. Varieties of both models include double extension bellows, and the shutters mounted on the cameras were either Ibsor or Compur, with high-quality glass and Tessar-like formulations such as the Skopar, Voigtländer's own design. A simpler lens can also be found mounted on this camera, the Voigtar, a triplet.

The 9x12 variant do exist in both horizontal and vertical formats, being the former the most looked for, and the possible lenses mounted are Voigtar 135/6.3, Dynar 135/5.5 or Skopar 135/4.5 on either Compur, Ibsor or Pronto shutter.

The 6.5x9 variant can usually be found with either Voigtar 105/6.3 or Skopar 105/4.5, but in a few cases glass from other makers, such as Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar, were used. The shutter for this version can be Ibsor or Compur.

A 10x15 variant does exist also, for postcards creation by means of contact printing, being an uncommon version. The possible lenses on this camera were Avuskop 165/7.5, Avus Anastigmat 165/6.8, Dynar 165/5.5 or a curious zoom, Collinear Satzanastigmat 135-305/6.9-12.5 on Compur, Ibso or Prontor.

The front of the camera, where lens and shutter are placed once it is opened, has a robust U design that also allows for some useful, but limited, movements of the block, either vertically or laterally. No tilt and shift, unfortunately.

A not very known feature of this camera is its capability for "macro" work up to 3x magnification: being the Skopar an assymetric design, it is possible to unscrew the front element and use the double extension bellows to take the picture. The instruction manual describes the way to proceed, allowing a "close focusing" of up to 3 centimeters from the lens. The Voigtar lens also allows for this, but the magnification degree is lower.

There were lots of accessories available for the Avus, from color filters and close-focusing lenses - such as those shown in the photo - to a magnifying lens for the waist level finder or a set of lenses for transforming the Avus into a tele-photo camera: Tele-Dynar f/6.3.

The 6.5x9 variant has a dimensions of approximately 92x133x50mm (closed) or 92x160x50mm (opened), and weights a bit less than 700 grams.

Camera House Price: £129.00

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The Voigtlander Avus 9x12 Plate Camera 1913-1936 is shown in Cameras > Vintage Camera.

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Looking after your camera

Use a Camera Bag

A camera bag does more than just protect the camera against scratches and dust: It keeps it safe from rain because many are waterproof on the outside.

Be Very Careful Around the LCD Screen and Camera Lens

Use only special equipment to clean your camera’s LCD screen and camera lens. Buy a special cleaning kit that includes liquid solutions, microfiber cloths and brushes that have been specially designed to clean your camera lens.

Never Leave Your Batteries in Your Camera for Too Long
Many camera batteries are now alkaline or lithium formats. If you keep your camera with the batteries inside of it in a moist area, then the batteries can get corrosive. So if you’re thinking about just putting your camera on the shelf for several months, do yourself a favor and remove them.

Turn Your Camera Off Prior to Doing Anything

Before you do anything to your camera, always keep in mind that it should be turned off first. No matter what it is—swapping lenses, changing memory cards or disconnecting or attaching cables—your camera should be turned off.

Cold and Wet Weather Can Wreak Havoc on Your Camera Body
Take your camera out only in a waterproof bag. If the weather’s unusually cold, just wrap your camera in a plastic bag that has silica desiccant packets for the reduction of moisture. It’s also a smart idea to have a soft towel with you to wipe off any moisture, just in case it should get on your camera.

Good Memory Card Care Is Good Camera Care

Only transport your memory cards inside of a protective caseMake sure the memory cards stay dust-free at all times. When removing memory cards, make sure you do so indoors or in non-dusty situations.
Make sure that you keep memory cards only in cool places. Never keep them in places where they may heat up, like dashboards or glove compartments.
Never place your memory cards close to magnetic sources. Examples of magnetic sources are things such as audio speakers, TV monitors and actual magnets.

Use a Filter to Protect Your Camera Lens

The lens of your camera is naturally fragile. As such, it’s susceptible to scratches, cracks, dents…you name it. A UV filter will not only will you give your lens a fighting chance, but you’ll also enhance the quality of your pictures.

Condensation Can Be Controlled

Condensation normally happens when you move your camera between different temperatures.
Allow your camera a chance to naturally get used to the hotter environment. Don’t place it inside a closed plastic bag when transporting it between different temperatures! Just let the camera sit in the humid temperature for a while, until condensation disappears.
If this still doesn’t get rid of all of it, you can utilize a soft cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture and marks left behind from the condensation.