A medium format present..

Dinis Figueira · Aug 30, 2016

johnnyh said:
Another recommendation for the AGFA Clack.

I also like the Box Tengor, but the controls might be a bit 'harsh' for young fingers, and the Original Poster's available default is a box camera anyway.

The Zeiss Ikon version of the box makes me drool

choiliefan · Aug 30, 2016

I'm thinking an eight year old's fingers could quite easily damage a bellows type camera.

baachitraka · Aug 30, 2016

I don't think so.

choiliefan · Aug 30, 2016

I guess you've never been around kids...

Dinis Figueira · Aug 30, 2016

Alright. From all that seemed interesting
Folding cameras I have the Isolette (or Clack or the whole series) and Ikonta's.
From the Box, the Zeiss one.
And TLR the Lubitel 166.

Other than the Lubitel, are there any cheap TLR's brand?

And by the way, my niece is careful with her things. Her friends aren't. The bellows go easily away with a little push or something?

klownshed · Aug 30, 2016

Dan Daniel said:
My concern over a TLR isn't if it will break. It is if the hands of an eight year old could use it comfortably. Anyone have experience of a child using a TLR?

In some ways the TLR is easier to use than a folder.

The main issue for an eight year old with a TLR is the inverted image. It can be a little disconcerting seeing the image move the 'wrong' way when you're composing. The other bit that can be tricky is making sure you see the frame numbers properly in the window when winding on. It's easy to miss a frame if you can't see the tiny little numbers go by.

But other than that the Lubitel would be a good choice IMHO, as it's cheap, sturdy and far less delicate than a folder. It has the same style type of on-the-lens controls for aperture, shutter speed and shutter so would be a good intro to many other cameras with similar systems such as the Zeiss Ikons.

Don't tell anyone though, my most used MF camera is a Holga! It's a terrible camera in most respects, but I love the images and it's so easy to chuck into a backpack. My SQ-A only gets used for more serious photography, of which finding the time is very tricky. As part of a 'photo of the day' project, my Holga is probably my most used film camera and it's responsible for some of my favourite images. I've not used my 166 since I got the Holga (but am intending to fire it up again soon!).

baachitraka · Aug 31, 2016

TLR do not have inverted image, rather it is reversed.

klownshed · Aug 31, 2016

baachitraka said:
TLR do not have inverted image, rather it is reversed.

invert 1 verb |ɪnˈvəːt| [ with obj. ] put upside down or in the opposite position, order, or arrangement.

A TLR's viewfinder does have an inverted image. It's inverted on the X-Axis.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 1, 2016

Is there any more opinions upon this?

EDIT: Is the Lubitel fragile?

sionnac · Sep 2, 2016

choiliefan said:
Sounds like you need a Zeiss-Ikon Box Tengor. Fairly inexpensive, simple yet well built and fun to shoot.

I second this! I have one.

onre · Sep 3, 2016

Dinis Figueira said:
Is there any more opinions upon this?

EDIT: Is the Lubitel fragile?

Lubitel is made of bakelite. It's not exactly fragile, but can be broken.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 4, 2016

With both Lubitel or a folding camera, what tips would you guys give?

Dan Daniel · Sep 4, 2016

Sunny sixteen. Try to keep the sun behind you. Get closer.

Let her figure it out from there.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 5, 2016

Is the Lubitel 2 anything special?
Or the Rolleicord 1a?

choiliefan · Sep 5, 2016

Well, you could smash the Lubitel to smithereens with the Rolleicord. Have you looked at the Zeiss-Ikon Ikofex yet?

Dinis Figueira · Sep 5, 2016

choiliefan said:
Well, you could smash the Lubitel to smithereens with the Rolleicord. Have you looked at the Zeiss-Ikon Ikofex yet?

It's too bloody expensive around here

BTW: Does that mean that the Rolleicord is worth every €?

baachitraka · Sep 5, 2016

Why are you so confused about the choices? Btw., Rolleicord do worth every € you put in ;-)

If you are going for Rolleicord I/II till V, you may need an after market focus screen.

paul ron · Sep 5, 2016

give her a bronica etrs. she will love it. its not expensive, has plenty of lenses available and using it with the winder grip, its a joy for a lady to use.

another great camera are the yashicamats. light, easy to hsndle and can be found very cheap in working condition.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 6, 2016

paul ron said:
give her a bronica etrs. she will love it. its not expensive, has plenty of lenses available and using it with the winder grip, its a joy for a lady to use.

another great camera are the yashicamats. light, easy to hsndle and can be found very cheap in working condition.

They are cheap on your side

Even If I wanted to import one, I would pay more than the camera on shipping and taxes

EDIT: I'm going to wait to see if a nice TLR shows up... the Rolleicord that I wanted to buy for her is very degraded.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 8, 2016

Other thing guys. O ther than the Agfa Isolette, what other folding cameras of this would be recommended?
And would a rangefinder in the coldshoe help focusing?

elcabezagrande · Sep 8, 2016

Mamiya 6, Voigtlander Perkeo, and yes.

elcabezagrande · Sep 8, 2016

Or is it Mamiya Six? Anyway, the postwar vintage folder, not the modern rangefinder.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 8, 2016

Alright guys. After a lot of search I've bought an Isolette for her. Now the only thing left is acessories but that's easier.

Thank you all for the help guys!!

cooltouch · Sep 10, 2016

Good choice, but your Isolette may require servicing. It's very common for them to have a stiff or frozen focuser.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 10, 2016

Ill try to repair myself. But the seller guaranteed me that everything was ok.

A medium format present..

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