1938 Voigtländer Brillant S

Voigtländer Focusing Brillant (Brillant S)

A Classic Vintage TLR Legend from Germany

The Voigtländer Focusing Brillant (commonly known as the Brillant S) is an iconic Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera manufactured by Voigtländer in Germany during the late 1930s. This model represents a major upgrade from the original Brillant series, transitioning from a zone-focus system to a true focusing mechanism using a dedicated viewing lens and focusing ring.

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Twin Lens Reflex (TLR)

• Film Format: 120 Film (6x6 cm square format)

• Taking Lens: Voigtländer Voigtar 1:4.5 f=7.5 cm

• Viewing Lens: Rapid-S-O 1:2.2 (Provides an exceptionally bright viewfinder image)

• Shutter System: Compur shutter (Supports various shutter speeds, including B and T modes)

• Body Material: Black Bakelite (Durable and lightweight)

• Viewfinder System: Waist-Level Finder featuring a central glass spot for precise focus adjustment

• Frame Counter: Side-mounted frame counter window, paired with a rear red window for initial film alignment

Key Features

1. Ultra-Bright "Brillant" Viewfinder

True to its "Brillant" name, the waist-level viewfinder offers superior brightness compared to standard TLRs of its era. It includes a central ground-glass circle, allowing photographers to focus accurately by turning the lens ring.

2. Depth of Field Scale

Located on top of the lens assembly is a beautifully designed Depth of Field scale. It provides a quick and clear visual guide for calculating depth of field based on the selected aperture (f-stop).

3. Frame Counter & Double-Exposure Prevention

Equipped with a frame counter window and push-button mechanism on the side, allowing smooth film advancement without needing to constantly check the rear red window after setting up the first frame.

4. Timeless Bakelite Design

The body is crafted from molded Bakelite with a fine leather-grain texture, accented by the signature cursive silver metal "Voigtländer" nameplate.

Collector's Note

The Voigtländer Focusing Brillant (Brillant S) seamlessly blends vintage Bakelite craftsmanship with fully functional TLR mechanics. It remains a favorite among vintage camera collectors and medium-format film enthusiasts looking to experience the timeless charm of classic German engineering.

The Voigtländer Brillant or Brilliant (UK name) series of cameras began production from 1932 to 1951. They were twin-lens reflex cameras (TLR Twin Lens Reflex) that were designed and influenced by the Rolleiflex camera. However, the first models were Pseudo-TLR, which means that the camera format was a fixed pair of lenses that could not focus on the object at the same time. It was not possible to look at the upper lens and focus directly on the lower lens. It worked similarly to a box camera. The upper lens only reflected the object that it wanted to photograph. The lower lens was fixed and could not be moved in or out, but there was a dial to focus on the object as specified. The first models of cameras were made of pressed steel. Later, they were changed to use Bakelite instead. There were also many different types of lenses. The Brillant series of cameras used 120 roll film and took 12 6x6 cm photos.

Voigtländer Brillant S or Focusing Brillant This is the last model of production in the Brillant family. The camera body is made of Bakelite. The lens set has been changed to be able to focus on objects, both the camera lens and the viewfinder lens. ...

It has a viewfinder on top and a lens ring that focuses on objects according to the focus rotation of both lenses, making it easier to use. There are also more shutter speeds and apertures to choose from, making this camera closer to a TLR Twin Lens Reflect than previous models.

Try looking at the price from the brochure of this camera model, which is in German. The Voigtländer Brillant S you see here has a Voigtar 1:4.5 7.5cm lens, Compur shutter, shutter speeds from 1 - 1/300 seconds, and has T (Time) and B (Blub) modes, which is the cheapest model. The price in 1938 was 85 RM (Reichsmark, the currency of Germany at that time). 2.5 RM equaled 1 USD at the exchange rate at that time. That works out to $34, equivalent to $761.18 today, which is approximately 26,180.00 baht.

The shutter assembly is from Compur and is numbered 3910879. Checking the Compur serial numbers shows that it was manufactured around 1937.

The number on the rear lens ring, 2708297, is probably the camera number. Check the Voigtländer serial numbers and it's the same year, 1937, towards the end.

This camera was received in a poor condition. The lens could not be adjusted or rotated. The shutter was stuck. Dust covered the lens and the body. The film counter did not work. So, we adjusted it until it worked as expected.

Let's take a look at the appearance, usage details, and sample photos from this camera.

   
The images show the front, side and back of the Voigtländer Brillant S

The front of the camera, from the top, is the top viewfinder cover, followed by the name of the camera, and then further down are the set of twin lenses with continuous gears to turn to focus on objects. The top lens is for viewing the image you want to photograph, with a focus distance scale and depth of field scale. The bottom lens is for taking photos, with the Compur shutter unit and adjustable aperture. The model name of the BRILLANT camera is under the lens.

On the right side of the camera, at the top, there is a loop for attaching a neck strap (broken). Below that is a black round dial. Turn it to advance the film roll inside. The small button on top is a lock button when the film has already been advanced for one frame. Once a picture has been taken, to advance the film to the next frame, you must push this button up to unlock it first. The next button down is for resetting the film's frame count to 1. Then to the right is a small round box that shows the number of the frame that is currently being taken.

On the top left side, there is a hole for attaching a neck strap (broken), a cover for opening and closing the slot for inserting a yellow filter and a light meter filter (this camera did not come with this).

On the back, at the top, there is a white metal piece. On both the left and right corners are latches that lock the back cover. Squeeze both to unlock and open the back. In the middle is the name BRILLANT. Below that is a transparent red circle for viewing the number of frames on the film. There is a small black gear for covering the film viewing window to prevent light from entering. This camera does not come with an internal cover. You have to use black tape to cover it when taking it out to take pictures.

Open the top cover to view the image from the Viewfinder. The front cover has a square viewfinder for viewing images at eye level. The side cover has two round buttons for storing filters and an internal compartment for storing necessary accessories such as a shutter release cable, lens cleaning cloth, etc.

The Voigtländer Brillant S waist-level top viewfinder is known for being very bright and clear. The top cover has a circular eyepiece for viewing at eye level into the square aperture on the front for aiming.

Front lens pair, upper lens RAPID-S-O 1:2.2 for viewing the reflection into the upper viewfinder, with gears connecting to the lower lens.

The lower lens is a COMPUR BRILLANT shutter unit, VOIGTAR 1:4.5 f=7.5cm lens. On the front, there is a gear connected to the upper lens to adjust focus.

On top of the top lens, there is a rotating ring that shows the focal distance in feet. On the lens itself, there is a scale indicating the depth of field.

On the right side of the shutter assembly are the aperture numbers, which are adjusted by pushing the lever on the left, and the shutter speed, which is adjusted by turning the adjacent ring.

Underneath the shutter assembly, on the far left is the shutter release, with a screw hole for the shutter release cable. Next is the serial number of the COMPUR shutter assembly. Next to the left of the lens is the shutter trigger and on the far left is the lever for adjusting the aperture.

On the bottom of the camera, there are the letters GERMANY and a tripod plate screw. To open the back cover to insert film, squeeze the two white metal plates at the same time to release the lock.

When you open the back cover, you will see the slot for inserting a 120 film roll and the back of the lens.

Bottom film slot for new film roll, top for empty film spool to receive new film.

To remove and insert the upper film spool, pull the film winding dial out first, then push the spool assembly open. Once the film spool is inserted, push it back in and press the film winding dial into place against the film spool to continue winding the film.

At the back of the film slot, there is a gear that rotates with the film to change the film count numbers on the side of the camera. Since today's film is much thinner than earlier films, this gear doesn't work very correctly. The film counting is incorrect, so most users don't use the camera's film counting, and instead look at the clear red circle at the back.

Once the film is loaded, wind the film until the number 1 appears in the clear red circle on the back. Then, go to the side. It doesn't matter what the number is. Push the white button next to the number to the right. The number will reset back to 1 to take the first picture. Once a picture is taken, you can't wind to the next picture. You have to push the white button next to the film up to release the film winding dial before you can wind the film to the next picture. Now we are ready to go out and take pictures.

Sample images from the Voigtländer Brillant S

Technical Specifications

• Date: December 17, 2023

• Camera: Voigtländer BRILLANT S

• Lens: Voigtar 1:4.5 f=7.5 cm

• Film: Ilford HP5 Plus (Black & White, ISO 400)

• Developer: Kodak D76 (Dilution 1:1, 20 °C, 14:56 mins)

• Format: Scanned from Digital Contact Sheet (6x6 Medium Format)

Voigtländer Brillant S Sample Photo 001

"Morning at the Pier"

Description: A wide-angle shot featuring an elegant two-story white classical building situated along the Chao Phraya River (noted by the Thai signage and high-rise buildings in the background). The spacious plaza in front is filled with a flock of pigeons foraging on the ground. A tall decorative lamppost stands prominently on the left. Bright morning sunlight illuminates the building, creating a serene yet lively atmosphere.

Photo Review:

This photo effectively demonstrates the performance of the Voigtar 1:4.5 lens under bright lighting conditions. The symmetrical composition emphasizes the grandeur of the architecture. The lens delivers commendable sharpness across the building details and the birds in the foreground. Strong sunlight results in high contrast between the white structure and the deep gray sky—a signature trait of HP5 Plus outdoors. It serves as an excellent opening frame that perfectly captures the setting and mood.

Voigtländer Brillant S Sample Photo 002

"Passage of Time"

Description: A medium shot highlighting a weathered two-story wooden structure. The perspective focuses on the aging architecture, complete with intricate fretwork on the second-floor balcony and louvered wall panels showing peeled, faded paint that reveals the raw wood beneath. A motorcycle is parked on the lower left, with metal barriers lined up across the front, and a wooden staircase ascending to the upper floor on the right.

Photo Review:

This frame excels in rendering texture. The Voigtar lens captures the intricate details of carved wood, weathering, and peeling paint with impressive clarity, conveying a strong sense of history. The contrast here is softer compared to the first image, preserving rich detail in both shadows and highlights. The framing emphasizes the complex linear geometry of the wooden architecture, bringing out the full vintage character of both the camera and black-and-white film.

Voigtländer Brillant S Sample Photo 004

"Shadows of the Past"

Description: A close-up compositional study focusing on light and shadow along the wooden veranda. Sharp, dramatic shadows cast by the decorative upper posts stretch across the plain white wall, creating a striking graphic pattern. Shutters and louvered doors remain firmly closed, while salvaged wooden frames and decorative pieces lean against a pillar. The overall mood is quiet, nostalgic, and steeped in history.

Photo Review:

This is arguably the most artistic frame in the roll. The interplay between bright sunlight and deep shadows is executed brilliantly. The intricate shadows cast onto the flat wall create a compelling visual anchor. High contrast emphasizes the shadow shapes while retaining fine texture on the distressed wood and concrete surfaces. It stands as a testament to how effectively vintage gear can capture emotion and abstract artistic elements.

Overall Roll Review

"A Triumphant Return to Life"

This roll is an absolute success in bringing the Voigtländer BRILLANT S back into action. All three selected shots prove that the camera and its Voigtar 1:4.5 lens remain fully capable, producing pleasing sharpness and the distinct vintage rendition characteristic of classic optics. Paired with Ilford HP5 Plus, the combination yields beautiful grain and rich, punchy contrast.

The development results in Kodak D76 (1:1) reflect precise exposure control across various lighting scenarios—from direct sunlight to subtle shadow work—highlighting the photographer’s skill in metering and aperture selection. This roll goes beyond merely documenting a location; it successfully captures the timeless soul of classic photography.