LEITZ LEICA STEREOLY " VORSA " With CASE, VOTRA STEREO VIEWER & RARE ' 34 BROCHURE
Item History & Price
Early '30s Stereoly, #617, has no arm. No light diffuser on VOTRA
Leitz pioneering efforts in stereo photography in the 1930s are fascinating technically, and today quite collectible.
The Leitz code name for the stereo attachment was "VORSA", but it's usually known as "Stereoly". The stereo viewer code name is "VOTRA".
Relatively few STEREOLY and VOTRA units were made. ...The stereo viewer, VOTRA, was a hand-held device which could also be fitted to a separately purchased stand (VOTIV).
It has independent adjustment to the eye-pieces.
CONDITION
STEREOLY (Leitz code VORSA) is early '30s, & given its low serial number (617) it was probably for Leica Models A and C. Does not come with an arm. Cosmetically shows signs of heavy use—some finish loss, especially on the back. Circular marks on the front suggest it may have had some kind of attachments at some time.
The left prism (looking from the front) has a corner chip and some edge cloudiness, and it is also not quite aligned with the other prism. The second prism is in much better condition, generally clear. The case is in very good condition, except part of the latch mechanism is missing.
The VOTRA Stereo Viewer looks really excellent overall, cosmetically, demonstrating the quality of Leitz prewar manufacturing. A couple of mounting screws have corroded, one marking the adjacent finish. Small chip on one prism (right looking from front), but it's barely in the viewing area. No glass plate diffuser in the film channel, and I notice some mounting screws look later on the film channel, and project slightly.
The STEREOLY CASE is original Leitz, and in great condition leather wise, but is missing part of the lock mechanism, so it can't be clicked closed. Fine for storage, however.
The November 1934 Stereoly Brochure is uncommon and is in near perfect shape. It includes a December 1934 Price List as an insert. It also includes detailed directions for using the Stereoly.
Both these items are fine for display, but as far as use goes, I'd say both will need some work. Or, of course, you can use them as a source of parts.
I ship internationally. Items are declared as "Used Photo Equipment.