Advice please on 6x9 folder

[Dan Fromm]

Maybe Dad will get ultra lucky and get a Horseman with a rotating 6x9 back.

Just another press camera ...

 

[DBP]

Maybe Dad will get ultra lucky and get a Horseman with a rotating 6x9 back.

Or without - don't forget the 970/980 Series Horseman, which are pretty versatile, but not small or light. My 980 is about the same size and weight as my 4x5 Speed Graphic - though of course it has a lot more in the way of movements.

 

[DougGrosjean]

120 film in a roll holder. ...
That's where I get film for my old 2x3 press cameras.

Interesting - thanks!

 

[Robert Oliver]

The Bergheil is likely to be a 6.5x9cm plate camera, not a 6x9 rollfilm camera. But I agree - they're nice. Especially with the 120mm Heliar lens...

;

My bergheil has the rollex-patent 120 roll film back. 105mm heliar f3.5... no plate holders. I would love to find a glass back and a dark slide for my roll film holder though.

 

[Abbazz]

Dustym,

If you are looking for versatility and you don't mind the bulk and weight, go for a press camera with a rollfilm back, like suggested by Dan.

If you are looking for a pocketable camera with a coupled rangefinder, go for for a Bessa E (Bessa RF), like this one. It goes for much less than the overpriced Bessa II or Super Ikonta, is equipped with the best lenses of the trade (5 element Heliar or 4 element Skopar) and is reasonably well constructed.

For even less money, there are lots of folders with scale focusing lenses or with uncoupled rangefinders.

With all these old cameras equipped with bellows and a delicate folding mechanism, just make sure you buy from a reputable seller offering a rock solid return policy.

Cheers,

Sebastien