Using the Voigtlander VC-Meter II for Film Cameras
By Austin Camera | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the Voigtlander VC-Meter II with your film camera. This guide covers setup, metering, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
The Voigtlander VC-Meter II is a compact shoe-mount light meter that gives you accurate readings for older film cameras without built-in metering. Here's how to set it up and use it in the field.
Why use an external meter with a film camera?
Many classic rangefinders and SLRs lack a working light meter or have one that's inaccurate by today's standards. An external meter like the VC-Meter II gives you reliable readings without modifying the camera. It's small enough to stay on the camera's accessory shoe, so you can meter quickly without carrying a separate handheld meter.
Limitations to know
The VC-Meter II is a reflected-light meter, so it measures the light bouncing off your subject. It does not measure incident light (light falling on the subject), which some photographers prefer for portraits or studio work. Also, the meter uses a single silicon photodiode, not a spot meter, so it averages the entire scene. For tricky backlit or high-contrast scenes, you may need to meter carefully or bracket your exposures.
How to use the Voigtlander VC-Meter II
- Mount the meter: Slide the VC-Meter II onto your camera's accessory shoe until it clicks into place. Make sure it sits flush and doesn't wobble. A loose fit can cause inaccurate readings; check the shoe for debris or wear.
- Set your film speed (ISO): Turn the ISO dial on the top of the meter to match the ISO of the film you're using. The dial clicks at each third-stop increment. Forgetting to set ISO is the most common mistake; double-check it before you start shooting.
- Choose aperture or shutter priority: Decide whether you want to set the aperture or shutter speed first. Turn the corresponding dial to your desired value. The meter will calculate the other setting automatically. If you set both, the meter won't give a reading; leave one dial free.
- Point and read the LEDs: Aim the camera at your subject. Look at the row of LEDs on the meter's face. The center green LED indicates correct exposure; red LEDs above or below show over- or underexposure. The meter averages the scene; for high-contrast subjects, meter the most important area and lock the reading.
- Adjust and confirm: Turn the aperture or shutter dial until the center green LED lights up. If you change the scene brightness, the LEDs will update in real time. The meter is sensitive to bright light sources behind you; shield it with your hand if you get erratic readings.
- Transfer settings to your camera: Set the aperture and shutter speed on your camera lens and body to match the values shown on the meter. Fire the shutter. If your camera has a slow or no sync speed, check the flash sync before using a fast shutter speed.
Product facts
- Voigtlander VC-Meter II - Black - USED: The Voigtlander VC Meter II slips onto your camera's shoe and uses smooth, maneuverable ISO, aperture, and shutter speed dials. You can adjust settings and see the reading without taking your eye off the scene, making it fast to use on the street or in the field.
Voigtlander VC-Meter II - Black - USED
