Voigtländer Perkeo I Review - A 6x6 folding camera from the 1950s

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: / analog_insights

[@steveg8322]

Jules’ little guy holding the Perkeo up to his eye just knocked me out! What an angelic face!

[@rcjp]

One of the great mysteries of youtube for me is why you have less than 50K subscribers for such consistantly high quality and interesting content. I appreciate it anyway, thanks!

[@skazhenyj]

@@kthmtchll Of course everyone is entitled to an opinion, so I'll reply with my own not saying that one is right or wrong. I disagree, I think that this channel's got its own personal touch and style and many of us appreciate it (and I don't feel seduced in any way nor feel uncomfortable as a straight male, actually I feel strange talking about this, it never even crossed my mind). I like the channel just as is and I've subscribed a long time ago myself. There are so many channels to choose from, no need to have same old "KZbinr" approach everywhere where we're all "bros" and "dudes". What some consider as "seducing the viewer" here I see only as passion for the subject. Variety is a good thing and ironically, this is such a huge platform, yet almost every channel looks the same these days; or at least they become that after reaching a certain number of views/subs.

[@rcjp]

@@kthmtchll I've always found the channel quite restful and stylish, so its interesting to hear you find the presentation off-putting. I think Max records in a very spartan room and I guess speaks softly to avoid quite a strong room echo.

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

@@kthmtchll I disagree, the presentation is excellent, and is all about the content, very refreshing.

[@alexandermenzies9954]

Well said, Dejan.

[@BriteTap]

Sadly, it's really no mystery. Photography as a hobby appeals to a relatively small segment of the population and film photography appeals to even fewer. Analog Insights is a niche within a niche. I checked some of the other channels I watch that cover film and analog photography exclusively and most are about the same size or smaller. Even a channel like Tony and Chelsea Northrup's that covers digital cameras and is heavily focused on gear reviews, has only 1.5 million subscribers. For perspective, chanels that cover technology are much, much bigger. (At random, I looked at Marques Brownlee's Tech channel and it has 14.5 million subscribers and he's just one of many that cover the tech industry) Analog Insight's subscriber base just reflects the reality of the market. I suspect Max and Jules do this purely out of love --- there can't be much profit in a KZbin channel that has 50,000. subscribers. That said, I'll keep watching as long as they are making them.

[@joncaradies3155]

I had a Perkeo II that pretty much rocked !!!! Color Skopar lens that was dead sharp .... The only thing , I wished it had strap lugs .

[@philmtx3fr]

This camera is very nice simple and well made. It permits to have a very small 6x6 very transportable. When I bought mine I got a little issue with the double exposure security but was able to repair it easily (just unscrew the advanc.e button, the 2 screw behind and the front screw of the cold shoe and you can retire the upper side. This gives access to the very clever mechanism). I will try it this week end.

[@johncleaves52]

A few months before watching this episode I bought a Balda Super Baldax 6x6 folding rangefinder made in Bunde West Germany. My understanding is that the company founder Max Baldeweg managed to keep his company together in Laubegast near Dresden during WWII only to have his business nationalised by the East German government. So he managed to leave and start his company all over again in the West German city of Bunde. Such resilience is to be admired. I was please to hear Max's suggestion that cameras of this style make a good folding travel camera which is exactly how I intend to use my Super Baldax. So far it's works well, doesn't take up much room amongst my other cameras, and the negatives are lovely. Shooting square also makes me think carefully about the composition in a new and refreshing way. Although I suspect the Voigtlander cameras were probably more nicely made - I find all cameras from this period of German history fascinating. I still have my father's Voigtlander Vito II and my big folder is a Linhof Technica IV. Thanks for such a lovely, tasteful series of KZbin videos. The music, videography and the whole tone of the series is inspiring.

[@sivakumarsathiamoorthy6583]

This is one of the best photography channels on youtube. everything is on point here, the delivery, voice, camera music. Well done!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback and words. I really appreciate it. Glad to hear you like our little channel. :)

[@alfredbarten4901]

I have Perkeo II with Scopar lens. It outperforms my Yashica and Rolliecord TLRs. Great camera!!!

[@richardsimms251]

I have never heard of this fascinating camera. I have now learned another new subject ! Thank you. RS. Canada

[@SteveMorton]

Thank you for sharing this video. Seeing the scenes next to the river, I hope you and your family haven't been impacted by the terrible flooding in Germany recently. Take care

[@magnusa.5599]

those portra colors are oh so lovely.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Wonderful video again fellas. As a resent owner of a folding camera I my case a ferrania falco II I can honestly hand on heart say I love them to bits. I uploaded the first shoot to my channel which went fairly well the second and third shoot are pretty impressive they’re edited and will be up in the next week or so. The main issue I have is a light leak in the bellows which at the moment I can’t locate. I love this folder and will definitely seek out other versions to try. Cheers for this video love your work regards paul

[@funbichons5215]

I have Perkeo II and Watameter rangefinder perfect combo. Thanks for another great review 👏

[@pasitalv]

Thanks for a great video of a great little camera. I wish i had my Perkeo 1 at the time when I did a lot of hiking in Lapland, it would have been an ideal camera when backpacking.

[@PhilKnall]

Wonderful video as usual. And now I'm going to have to have a look for this...

[@mhz9003]

Wow. The Perkeo 1 was the first medium format camera I ever used. Complete with a Watameter. Amazing image quality from these very affordable classic cameras. I think I need to load a roll of film in mine and take it for a walk. Thanks for another great video.

[@rodmund83]

You have a lot of explaining to do: I watched your beautiful review and now there is not only a Perkeo II but also a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/17 in the post on their way to me. Thank you for your chanel. I enjoy watching all of your videos.

[@philmtx3fr]

I find the watameter more in accordance with the body. Very nice combination.

[@gabrysgabriukas]

Why I even dreaming about expensive hasselblad this Perkeo really amazing camera. Thank you

[@WintherKl]

Fantastic images and wonderful video sequences, loved the settings and the little kid was just super sweet! Thank you!

[@odukar2315]

I like these kinds of cameras. My most used camera is a FRANKA Solida III with an 80mm f2.9 Radionar lens and a PRONTOR SV shutter. Internal focusing is already possible. Already impressed by the high quality of the images. Thx for presenting one of these old gadgets.

[@joncaradies3155]

I have the same Franka ..... I don't use it as much as I should ..... Great camera ..... I've always loved the 'Made in occupied Germany' case or it .....

[@DigitalMentorGroup]

I have a Franka Solida III as well. Interesting that the pace of this video matches the pace of using the camera. Excellent!

[@karinmuhlberger7069]

Ist is another nice Video, you do not need Wasserburg, you have Jules boy!!!!🥰

[@andrewinaustintx]

As usual, Analog Insights does not disappoint. Someone chose well by selecting the Voigtlander Perkeo.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Loved the focusing technique @ 9.50. Brilliant! And I might add the result speaks for itself. well done Jules!

[@autisticlife]

I enjoyed thsi episode very much, thank you. German cameras from the 1950's are special, and the lenses there has been noting like them since. I will look out for a Perkeo. I have an Agfa Super Isolette, try one it is pure luxury and joy to use.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks for the recommendation. Will do. :)

[@derrenleepoole]

Wonderfull little camera. I gifted mine to a friend as they moved to Canada so they could use it on their travels. The lens was bang sharp. The only oddity was my Voigtlander rangefinder was in feet and the camera in meters (or vice versatile), so you had to convert the measurement. Great video.

[@inahaase889]

Schöne Bilder von Wasserburg und Umgebung. Jules mit seinem Sohn, allerliebst. Tolle Kamera! 💕😎

[@_Sisyphus]

As timing and coincidence would have it, while you were shooting with the Perkeo I in Germany, I traveled from California to Andalusia with my Bessa II /105mm colour Heliar. As you mentioned, it really is the perfect travel companion. Thank you for your wonderful review.

[@TrashTheLens]

3:02 250EUR? Wow, that would be a steal if someone made a camera of that quality today for that price. :)

[@---us7qf]

Yes, Voightlander would make a killing, especially if they retained the quality with modernised classic lenses. I have aways wondered (actually hoped for), which company now: Fujifilm, Olympus, Nikon, Linhof or Voightlander would invest in a film camera(s) that really took us back to the good old days. Including making good affordable film stock.

[@davidf2281]

Another lovely piece of videography. Thanks.

[@jimjanus3710]

I love using this type of camera. I have a bessa 66, and the photos are better than I thought they would be. Your videos are excellent and I enjoy watching them.

[@janw.jensen2490]

Loved this. Back in the 1980s I got a 6x6 Agfa Isolette II. It's much of the same. Agfa Apotar 85mm lens and Pronto. If you set the camera ready you can use the knob on the top of the camera to flip it out - and you are ready to shoot.

[@L.E.Santo02]

Excellent review, thank you.

[@thomashilmersen711]

Wow, fantastic rendering from that lens. Great video, as usual.

[@RogerHyam]

This camera appears very, very similar to my Super Baldax (Balda Kamerawerk, Bünde). It has a f3.5 80mm and Prontor-SVS, double exposure lock, built in range finder (within the viewfinder), a little slider for the red window. I realise why it has red numbers on the focus scale now, these must be the snapshot setting equivalents. When I bought mine I just needed to glue the covering back on as it was peeling. I think Balda made cameras for other brands. I wonder if they made the Voigtländer? I love the channel. Keep them coming.

[@danbuchman7497]

Magnificent, please keep sharing you’re experiences. I especially like the word you used describing what it was like to use this camera… “consciousness”. That sums up exactly what a peaceful time taking analog images.

[@redsphoto6708]

Lovely video as always, loved the little one running about! And your photos were super rad. Now I am tempted to pick one of these up even though I already have a Mamiya 6 folder. It is not the same camera but I have a Voigtländer Bessa 2 from the same era and god if that 50s Voigtländer mechanical feeling isn't perfect. Just incredibly satisfying to use and the pictures are wonderful (when I don't mess up).

[@wilsonrodrigues3548]

What a fantastic Episode i got this camera for 5 years and i love my Perkeo . Thanks again, take care.

[@adamimp6728]

Love the video on the Voigtlander Perkeo 1! What a fantastic camera! Keep up the great videos!

[@Ricardo-SW]

Enjoyed your review! Seeing you and Jules by the river, I can only think of the recent images of flooding- hope you all are well!

[@AlexandrePardo84]

Thanks for this video! I just bought a Perkeo I from an auction and still gotta receive it, but I already know what to expect from it thanks for to your work here!! The moment at the end, with Jules son’s holding the camera is touchy and timeless!! Cheers 🍻

[@thewildgoose7467]

Came across this while awaiting the arrival of my Perkeo 1, so now I'm super excited to run my first roll through it. A very informative, classy and well produced video and a joy to watch. Just subscribed. Thanks.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks so much for your kind feedback. Really appreciate it. Wish you all the best and lots of fun with your new Perkeo I.

[@sebvz89]

what a sharp lens

[@innstikk]

Very nice video. Would be interesting to see a video about the Mamiya six automat folding. I would probably have cheated with a laser meter if using the Perkeo 😂

[@kwl3356]

Amazing review and a lovely piece of craftsmanship!

[@AnalogInsights]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it

[@vp_analog4268]

Nice video about this wonderful camera! I have a Perkeo I too, absolutely love it!

[@junalmarines9342]

I really like you channel, contents very informative! 🙏 Thanks for the tips

[@franciscoramos8872]

I don't have this camera but I love my Agfa Karat 36 from the same period that takes excellent photos. It folds out the same way and had a built in rangefinder.

[@riffraffselbow]

I use my Pentax 67 more often now, but I do love my 1930s Super Ikonta A. the name-brand 120 folders are pretty much all wonderful pieces of machinery to hold and use and take some absolutely gorgeous photos. I was most surprised by how well the prewar tessar on my Super Ikonta handled color film; I really didn't expect much.

[@cuedotfilms4427]

This video has inspired me to get the 75mm and the 80mm camera's you speak of here. They seem to be very sort after now, both cost me around the £100 price. I love your channel, I find the videos interesting and also quite soothing to watch and listen to. You have a great voice. Take care and thank you. 🙂

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

Such a treat to watch. ❤. Haven't tried one myself but I own similar ones, a Bessa (which you mentioned) and the tank-like Moskva-5. The design or style is great. It really works for me. Your channel is very appreciated. (Edit: those I mentioned are certainly a lot bigger or heavier, an important point)

[@Zetaphotography]

Almost bought the Moskova-5 found a Zeiss Nettar 516 and Bessa Folder Early Model that's are nice to use

[@MatthijsLangerman]

As always a fantastic video. A lot of information, great videography and wonderful photos. I have a Voigtlander Perkeo II that i got from my grandfather. In the 80's a colleague of him gave him the "old" camera as he knew my grandfather likes old cameras. I got the camera together with a few more great cameras like the Olympus OM10, Olympus Pen EE-3, a sturdy Praktica MTL5 and a lot more, but this is the most used camera I have as it just fits in every pocket. Slow speeds are a bit sticky so I use ISO 400 and never come close to them until I can get it serviced by someone who knows more about cameras than me.

[@GONZOFAM7]

Thanks for another fantastic video. I own a Vito II and it's amazing. I plan on buying the Perkeo II and Bessa to complete my Voigtlander collection.

[@AnalogInsights]

Great choice. Thanks for your kind feedback.

[@jonathanraven5939]

Absolutely fantastic

[@martiningram8799]

Great review! And you took some very nice photos I thought. Thinking carefully about every step seemed to pay off!

[@tgchism]

Wonderfull review! Also a very handsome young photographer with the camera at the end!

[@muhammadhaikal9309]

Loved the video. Greetings from Singapore

[@henkvanzuylen]

Nice video (as always) Good to see that you don’t need a expensive camera to make beautiful photo’s :) In the right hands about any camera will give good results.

[@paulstillwell]

Thanks for making another great video! I picked up a Zeiss Ikon Exona last year which is very similar but slightly larger. It came with the mask that allows me to choose between 6x9 and 6x6. Similar to the Perkeo it requires a range finder and is fully manual... the only weird thing about it is that the shutter release button is on the left and gets covered by most of the accessory rangefinders out there. The lens (105mm f3.5 Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar) is amazingly sharp! There are many great folders out there!

[@1973sonvis]

Great video! 👍🏻

[@pv2753600]

Great video, I will enjoy your other videos, thank you.

[@timrpbrown]

Literally just bought one a couple of weeks ago. I still have the first roll of film going through it so nervous about how well they are going to come out (not sure how well my distance estimates will be but mostly shooting at f/8 to give me a fighting chance). Great video - thanks

[@kencarnley7101]

Superb Photographs.

[@LexTakuna]

Great Video which really helped me to understand the Perkeo I that i picked up just today in a perfect condition. Now i will look for a good Rangefinder :-) Have you any tips to get the exposure right for shooting ?

[@Pollock.iconoclast]

I purchased a voigtlander bessa ii heliar last year. With children this is the perfect film camera for me. I may sell my medium format slr to get a med format press camera because the bessa is almost harder to use without the glass when I can slow down.

[@lcdmvdoact]

As usual, great video.

[@AnalogInsights]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lynettedeschenes6206]

Beautiful video with multitudes of great information about this limited edited camera.

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you for your kind feedback. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@vonfilm]

Great video on the Perkeo I. I own the type 170 and also the uncoupled Voigtlander light meter. I also have a Bessa I which is essentially a larger version of the same camera that takes a 6x9 negative. My Bessa I has a Color Scopar and my Perkeo I had the Vaskar. These both take great photos with a classic character.

[@bobadams1064]

A very nice review. I have a later E version with the built-in rangefinder (which has some limitations compared to a separate shoe mounted one). The lens is very sharp and the results can be great if you take your time.

[@davidmilton2956]

Hello Max, recently I purchased a Kodak Retina IIc - one of the last of the German made Kodak's (Kodak purchased Dr August Nagal's Zeiss/Ikon camera business). It has a Schnerder-Kreuznach 50mm f2.8 Xenon lens. Perhaps you could review this camera? It is a 35mm folding camera rather than the Voigtlander Perkeo's 6X6.

[@yetanotherbassdude]

Bought a Zeiss Ikon very similar to these Voightlanders recently, mostly just because I was looking at getting a Holga as a low-cost entry into medium format and then realised that these 1950s folding cameras can be had for about the same money but take *much* better pictures. Don't get me wrong, I still have a soft spot for the Holga, but my Ikon is doing a much better job of scratching that medium format itch for me until I can save up enough for something more modern.

[@myahya1987]

Such a great camera.. I myself own the Mamiya Six Folder, which I'd love you to review at some point

[@trastevere2007]

Best voice in the business.

[@jdebultra]

Really nice production. I adore my 2 folders that were purchased from Certo 6. Agfa Sillette 6x6 and Agfa Billy Record 6x9. I think both are the 2nd versions. Wonderful image quality and perfect for the methodical shooter. I occasionally use a laser distance meter.

[@johnt.thompson1945]

I like my medium format 6x6 pocket camera: Franka Solida III with Radionar 2.9/80 lens in Synchro-Compur shutter.

[@BigDuke6ixx]

I love the 6x6 format.

[@thierryfontaine7210]

Hello Max. This video, as others from your channel, is really great! I feel in them a sort of romanticism and a praise of slowness which exactly matches with my conception of shooting. For my part, I shoot a Yashica 124 (non-G) which brings me a lot of pleasure, and you're not stranger to that: your review (and some others on KZbin) triggered me to buy one. Thanks a lot and go on!

[@Quark.Lepton]

There is a combination range finder and light meter for this camera that fits on the shoe-are you familiar with that device? Thank you for this wonderful video about the Perkeo I!

[@Vincent.Morreale]

God bless this channel. Keep up the good work

[@stevenpam]

Interesting camera. Your video inspired me to get out and shoot with my Mamiya Six P 😊

[@AnaloguePhoto]

Any chanses of a video showing how Jules would clean and adjust the shutter in the Perkeo? Would appreciate a video like that as much as I appreciated this excellent video.

[@ieb13]

Great video

[@lukemakayabu4369]

thanks for the review mate, I just got me a Perkeo for with the 80mm on a Vario shutter for price of of a cup of coffee

[@AnalogInsights]

Wonderful. Congrats!

[@lukemakayabu4369]

@@AnalogInsights now I need to find the rangefinder cold shoe, any leads? I’m in South Africa

[@BarwickGreen]

Very interesting, useful and well-produced film. I don't have one of these cameras but do have a Zeiss Ikon Nettar, which is sufficiently similar for this video to be relevant.

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Wonderful video, Voigtländer made some great folding cameras, both in 120 roll film and 35mm. The original Bessa 6x9 (pre Bessa 1) is an absolute gem and very cheap. Also love the non-folding 1950's Vito B series, small and incredibly well made 35mm fixed lens cameras. Thanks again.

[@matthewdeacon1970]

Which Bessa? The rangefinder or non rangefinder? I assume you mean the 1930s?

[@andrewwilkin1923]

@@matthewdeacon1970 The original Bessa was made from 1929 to 1956, pop-up viewfinder. Mine is post war, Skopar 10.5cm f3.5, Prontor shutter with sync. Other models :- Bessa RF (coupled) 1936-51. Bessa 1 1950-56, fixed viewfinder Bessa II coupled RF 1950-56.

[@GeraldFigal]

Great-now another camera I want…. 😊

[@harrycover9180]

I have the Agfa Jsolette III with the rare solinar 75mm f3.5 and to my eyes it's the best

[@peterbromaghin7621]

VERY nicely done on the close up photos. I've been shooting folders for several years and have never really tried that. When you are measuring distance to the subject, where on the camera are you measuring from - film plane, lens?

[@AnalogInsights]

Thank you. According to the handbook you are supposed to measure from the lens to the subject in our case and this is what we did. Hope this helps. :)

[@agflaboratorios5951]

Great reviews. Please, it's possible to make a review of AGFA Silette LK and a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 6x6. Thank's

[@davidyager2579]

Great video thank you! Which one of the two cold shoe range finders did you like better? Thanks!

[@ggaffrey8573]

The best photos I have seen on flikr for 6X6 folders appears to be from the mamiya 6.

[@GeorgeStar]

The Bob Ross of classic cameras.

[@mariofazioli7534]

0Manny, manny time viewer, very so interesting variety of excellent cameras. The way you describe every thing is a thing of beauty. Just finished watching ( voigtlander perkeo) 6x6. which of the FOCUS METERS used would you recommend for ease of operation for someone over 70 years old. Great work to all of you, Thanks

[@nilsgariboff]

Very nice Video (as always)! I just got me a Perkeo I w/ Vaskar 4.5/80mm and Prontor-S. Is it norma, that the double exposure prevention mechanism blocks exposures when no film is inserted? Or is that a defect? Thanks!

[@martingallardo3794]

Wonderfull vídeo My friend i love these cameras..i woudl like yo get it

[@colnagocowboy]

I often have go looking for your viseos as youtube neglects to notify me' when new ones are posted.

[@AnalogInsights]

Oh, this is interesting. Have you tried the "bell" button in addition to the subscription? Maybe this does the trick.

[@colnagocowboy]

@@AnalogInsights ive done that as well as unsubscribing then resubscribe. Im told all this is the result of youtube adding new servers.

[@ericvm4281]

What a wonderful video you convinced me of the camera! I see you use a Cenei lense hood, what size?

[@barthonhoff5547]

I have a similar Zeiss IKON Nettar. My main problem is the flatness of the film. It sometimes isn’t perfect flat and one side is completely out of focus.

[@SatumangoTheGreat]

Could it be a problem with the pressure plate?

[@maxwellwellmax878]

Every time I watch your videos i feel im under dressed for the occasion lol, need to put on a Tie at least :D.

[@grahamrichards8531]

I have recently purchased 5 folders from this era and earlier from the internet. The biggest problem is the interior state of the lens, 3 have mist and make "soft" images, one was dirty and a waste of film, one has slight spots. Another common problem is that the folding arms do not run true, this was a problem with 3. The Compur shutters are good and usually accurate in my experience. I am pretty much over this experience with the cost of 120 film however the best one is 6x9 which I will probably keep to letterbox crop for panoramic images.

[@Omega1P]

Awesome review! Not sure if you have any comments what's the difference between this and Bessa 66? Should I upgrade from the Bessa 66? :D

[@AnalogInsights]

Unfortunately, I can't really comment on this. But if you're happy with the Bessa 66, just stick to it. :)