35mm Folders

OptiKen · Nov 10, 2014

I have an affinity for old folders and I am starting to shoot more 35mm. Usually I use my Retina II but recently my Vito II has been experiencing shutter problems so I was looking at replacing it if I can't get the shutter right.

This poses a question: Which 35mm folder to replace it with?

I was looking at the Vito III...folder with a nice Ultron f2.0 50mm lens and coupled <?> rangefinder. Of course the trick would be in finding one in good condition that I can actually afford.
Anyway, it got me wondering what other 35mm folders I should put in the mix of what I should be looking for.

What can you suggest in a quality 35mm folder from generations 1940's thru 1950's?

Thanks for your input

Ken

cliveh · Nov 10, 2014

Retina IIa.

bdial · Nov 10, 2014

The Retina II's and III's are the usual suspects, though unless it is known to have had a recent service, I'd get it serviced before actually using it. I have several, but only one that is actually functioning now, and that's because I sent it off to be CLA'd.

But, Steven Gandy (cameraquest.com) makes a good argument for the Zeiss Contessa, and IMO, the ones I've looked at seem nicer than the Retinas

David A. Goldfarb · Nov 10, 2014

Voigtlander Vitessa-L with the 50/2.0 Ultron--my favorite 50mm lens. I really liked mine and only sold it when I finished my last roll of Kodachrome and wasn't shooting so much 35mm anymore.

An old favorite with this camera:

Nick Merritt · Nov 10, 2014

Contessa -- the one with the meter (I forget the Zeiss model number). Anyway, this one:https://www.cameraquest.com/contessa.htm

Peltigera · Nov 10, 2014

Zeiss Ikon's Ikonta 35 and its derivatives (folding Continas and Contessas) are pretty good as are Balda folders.

Personally, I would get another Vito II - mine is one of my favourite cameras. If it had a bigger viewfinder it would be my all-time favourite.

R.Gould · Nov 11, 2014

Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Voigtlander Vitessa Barn doors type, Contina, are all good folders, plus Retina 111c or IIIC, or any of the Vitos, with the Color Skoper lens, almost as good as the Ultron

andrew.roos · Nov 11, 2014

I recommend the Contessa rather than the Contina, since the latter has an uncoupled rangefinder which is a pain in the a**. I have many out of focus photos to prove it!

Andrew

Newt_on_Swings · Nov 11, 2014

Vitessa or retina iiiC along with everyone else. Really cool cameras!

flavio81 · Nov 12, 2014

Retina IIIc for enjoyment. Or the Agfa Karat IV for beauty.

For compactness and a really good lens, the Minox 35 (it is a folder as well).

You may be interested in the Agfa solinette as well. Cute thing. It has a 3-element lens but reportedly a very good one, and one that is UNIT focusing (like the Retina) not front-cell focusing (like the Rollei 35 and Minox 35).

elcabezagrande · Nov 13, 2014

flavio81 said:
... You may be interested in the Agfa solinette as well. Cute thing. It has a 3-element lens but reportedly a very good one, and one that is UNIT focusing (like the Retina) not front-cell focusing (like the Rollei 35 and Minox 35).

The Solinette/Super Solinette (Ansco Regent/Super Regent US versions) with the Agnar or Apotar lenses are three element lenses. With the Solinar they are 4-element Tessar-type lenses. The Super versions add a coupled rangefinder to the package. They are nice cameras if the bellows are good.

35mm Folders

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