The Beirette VSN is a 35mm camera. It was built in the mid-70s to late 80s in the GDR and is part of the Beirette camera series.
The compact camera is largely plastic with some aluminum. Because of the materials and size, it is quite light and compact.
The Beirette VSN is quite a simple camera. It works completely manually without batteries.
It is equipped with a 45 mm fixed focal length with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The three-lens camera, which bears the name Meritar, can be stopped down to f/22. In terms of exposure times, the Priomat shutter of the camera offers four options, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s and Bulb.
The Beirette VSN does not have a light meter. Only small weather icons are supposed to help with manual setting of the correct exposure. The use of an external light meter can of course make this process much easier. If there is not enough light available, an additional flash can be fired via the hot shoe.
The Beirette VSN was also sold under other names. It was available in West Germany as Beroquick KB 135 and in England and Mexico as Beier Boots Beirette B.L. The latter was offered by British drugstore chain “Boots”.
Films for the Beirette VSN
In the Beirette VSN photographic films are exposed, more precisely 35mm films. This type of film is still produced and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems.
A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford Delta 400*. With both photo films you can take beautiful and good quality pictures with your camera. Usually 36 pictures fit on one roll.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 45 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/125 second, 1,60 seconds, 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Company name of the brand | Freitaler Kamerawerke Beier / VEB Kamerafabrik Freital |
| Country of production | GDR (German Democratic Republic) |
| Estimated value / Used price | 34,49 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 22 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 39,44 Euro (42.21 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 41,23 Euro (44.38 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 40,40 Euro (43.30 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Beirette VSN
Is the Beirette VSN a difficult camera to use?
No, it's quite simple to operate. It's fully manual, meaning no batteries are needed. You manually adjust the settings for aperture and shutter speed.
What kind of lens does this compact camera have?
It has a fixed 45mm lens, a Meritar three-element lens. This means you can't zoom, but the focal length is good for general photography.
Does the Beirette VSN have a light meter?
No, it doesn't have a built-in light meter. It relies on small weather symbols as a guide for manual settings. Using an external light meter is recommended.
What type of film does the camera use?
It uses standard 35mm film, both color and black and white. These are readily available and easily processed by most photo labs.
Can I use a flash with this small camera?
Yes, it has a hot shoe for attaching an external flash. This is useful in low-light conditions to get properly exposed images.