In today’s episode, Jules and I review the Voigtländer Perkeo I, an all-manual 6x6 medium format folder camera from the 1950s.
When folded, the Perkeo is relatively small and easy to pocket. Once unfolded, it reveals an excellent lens, mechanical shutter and focusing ring. It is an ideal travel camera that gives you high-quality 6x6 negatives in an extremely compact form factor.
There are various versions of the Perkeo, namely the I, II and E. We are focusing on the first version which was built between 1950-55. Even in this time-frame we see a couple of different iterations of which we have the very first and the second to last iteration. We’ll get into the differences in a minute.
For our review, we took the camera out on a Sunday photo walk to Wasserburg shooting both Ilford Delta 100 and Kodak Portra 160. Let’s take a closer look at the camera, our personal impressions and the image quality.
Gear used:
Voigtländer Perkeo I (Typ 167)
Voigtländer Perkeo I (Typ 170)
Voigtländer Rangefinder
Voigtländer Fokar I
Wata Watameter
Gossen Sixtino
Films used:
Kodak Portra 160
Ilford Delta 100
If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/analog_insights