Introduction
This is a 35 mm. camera with a rigid
front and non-interchangeable lens. When launched, one
contemporary report described the Vitrona as the world's
first camera with built-in flash and automatic flash
control.
The
Vitrona
The camera has the same basic design
as the Vito C, but has a pistol grip which holds the
batteries to power the flash.The grip may be removed from
the camera - it has a bayonet style fixing. When fastened
to the camera, there are two settings - the capacitor may
be constantly charged or only charged when a switch is
pressed. Depending on battery condition, charging takes
between about eight and fifteen seconds. The flash guide
number is 9, with 100 ASA film. When using flash, the
aperture is selected automatically according to the
distance setting. The aperture ring has a special setting
for use with flash. The viewfinder display includes a
flash ready indicator, which also features on the top
plate. The camera may be used with film speeds 25 - 400
ASA, when the automatic settings should be correct. A
contemporary test report claimed some fall-off towards
corners at full aperture, but good coverage at f/5.6. The
camera was fitted with the 50 mm. f/2.8 Lanthar lens in
Prontor 250 shutter. It was criticised by one tester for
only having three zone focussing symbols, rather than a
coupled rangefinder. Although it was accepted that a
rangefinder would increase the price of the camera, it
was thought that as focussing was important for correct
flash exposures, some means of achieving accurate focus
was necessary. Having said this, the camera was not
cheap, and sold in relatively small numbers. It seems
unlikely that the addition of a coupled rangefinder would
have increased sales, but it would have pushed the camera
into an even higher price bracket. In 1964 the camera
cost about £57 including batteries, and a spare set
of batteries cost 13s 6d. The camera was discontinued
about 1967.
Guidelines for Purchasers
The Vitrona is not a particularly
common camera, although there are other Vito cameras
which are more difficult to find. It is mainly a
collector's item - although interesting to use, it is not
a camera for regular use. There are better and cheaper 35
mm. cameras available now for frequent use.
Note that while Vitronas occasionally
appear without the bayonet grip, I have never seen a grip
without a camera. Ensure the contacts are free from
corrosion and if you have Vitrona, always store it
without batteries in the grip.
Data
Section
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Camera
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Filter Size
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Vitrona
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32 mm. push-on
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