1934 Voigtlander 6x6 Superb TLR, the desirable model with “big ears”, with new surface coated mirror, CLA’d, Freshly Serviced!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use

This is a 1934 Voigtlander Superb TLR from, referred to by collectors  as the “ big ears” due to the large unique camera strap mounts located on either side of the body.  It’s a desirable and rather rare camera since this version was only produced for only a year. Introduced the same year as the legendary Voigtlander Prominent 6x9 rangefinder camera, the Superb 6x6 reflex camera demonstrates shares many of the same goals, philosophy and manufacturing techniques displayed in the prewar Prominent. Which is to say they attempted produce the very best, most advanced camera that money could buy. With that goal in mind they used the all the best designs, parts and techniques available in the 1930's. The result was a heavy duty "Über Kamera" that was intended to obliterate the 6x6 reflex competition. (Which was at the time the less expensive Rolleiflex.) Unfortunately although the Voigtlander Superb was indeed a superb camera, the camera was too expensive and too over engineered to survive the economic pressures of the great depression. 

The body of this camera is die-cast alloy. It uses normal 120 roll film. One of the unusual features of this design is that in contrast to Rolleiflex, the film moves horizontally rather than vertically. To adjust for viewfinder parallax. Another unique feature is that the top lens moves forward and down when the camera is close focused. And yet another oddity is that  the shutter speed dial is engraved in reverse. This was done so that the numbers would appear correctly when viewed from above through a small hinged prism. The prisms were rather fragile and are often missing now-a-days. This camera still has its original prism. However it is chipped.

Over all, this rare camera is in excellent condition and fully functional. It’s been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The Compur shutter works well and all speeds (1 Sec-1/250^th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along nicely and the faster ones are clean and snappy. We’ve also installed a brand new surface coated  mirror into this camera and the viewfinder image is excellent.

The Voigtlander Skopar 3.5/7,5 cm (75mm) lens is in excellent condition. It’s a classic design with four elements in three groups and it’s design and performance is nearly identical to the Zeiss Tessar. This lens in exceptionally fine condition. It’s clean and clear. There are no scratches, no cleaning marks and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W film.

All in all, a unique hard to find vintage camera for your collection. Wonderful to look at and a real treat to use if you are so inclined.