Description

Voigtländer was founded in 1756 in Vienna, Austria by Johann Christoph Voigtländer, as a scientific instrument maker. Voigtländer was an optician and inventor, noted for his work on mathematical instruments, and held letters patent (a state-protected monopoly, the forerunner of a Patent) from the Austrian government, granting an exclusive right to carry on that business. For example, Voigtländer invented instruments for linear and circular measure (i.e. to measure and divide distances and angles with great precision) which were used for calibrating surveying and navigational instruments including astrolabes.

The German made 6×6 Perkeo 1 is almost as well made as the Ikonta but with no rangefinder (distance focus scale only), small viewfinder, Prontor SVS shutter and Skopar 80mm f/3.5 lens. Its satin chrome, black and leather clad (less rigid) body is noticeably lighter than all the others. Purchased for £95 (early 2016) it needed a full CLA, shutter repair and (wobbly) front standard repair.