Any other folder camera shooters here?

Andrew O'Neill · Nov 3, 2022

...still tempting, though!

Donald Qualls · Nov 3, 2022

wjlapier said:
It’s a dual window. Surprisingly, no light leaks with that method.

There were millions of red window cameras built and used in bright sun over a period of a century or more. Light leaks from the red window are usually only an issue if the camera is damaged in some way.

wjlapier · Nov 3, 2022

Andrew O'Neill said:
Beauty! Just had a look at several on the auction site.... not cheap!

It was as-is from Roberts but really all that it needed was a shutter cleaning. I shot it as it was with only the faster speeds before I sent it to Jurgen. I think it was less than $100. Shutter CLA wasn’t that much.

Donald Qualls · Nov 3, 2022

wjlapier said:
Shutter CLA wasn’t that much.

Shutter only on a Compur or similar isn't usually a big job as long as it actually works. The hardest part is getting the RF resynchronized after putting the front group back.

Andrew O'Neill · Nov 3, 2022

wjlapier said:
It was as-is from Roberts but really all that it needed was a shutter cleaning. I shot it as it was with only the faster speeds before I sent it to Jurgen. I think it was less than $100. Shutter CLA wasn’t that much.

Sweet! Lucky you!

wjlapier · Nov 17, 2022

wjlapier said:
Mine is a Zeiss Super Ikonta 530. Jurgen Kreckel CLA’d it recently. The lens is a Tessar and it pretty sharp for a 1930’s camera.

Here it is next to a Mamiya c33. It’s tiny.

A few from the Zeiss 530 ( Lomo 400 overcast day )

Mr Flibble · Nov 17, 2022

I regularly shoot folders; from 6x4.5 to 4x5". from 1910-ish to 1950-ish

Most recently I used a Franka Solida III on holiday in France. Still processing those images.

Some other samples

Annivesary Speed Graphic shot from "EyeWitness 2022" in Overloon last October

Anniversary Speed Graphic shot from "The Island" last October

Vest Pocket Kodak shot from "Historic Festival" Doorn last July

Donald Qualls · Nov 17, 2022

Nice. I've got two Vest Pockets (both the Autographic version, one with meniscus and one with Periskop type lens). They do pretty well for what they are, and (aside from bellows leaks in the meniscus one) work amazingly well for being over a century old.

GregY · Nov 17, 2022

Huss said:
I used my Mockba 5 White Russian

To take this:

Great portrait Huss!

GregY · Nov 17, 2022

I've been using this gem of a Voigtlander Perkeo ll. The Color-Skopar is a great lens.
Even sold my Plaubel Makina 670 !

Sirius Glass · Nov 17, 2022

I have a Voitländer Vito II. My first serious camera was the Vito II.

sfphoto · Dec 7, 2022

wjlapier said:
Mine is a Zeiss Super Ikonta 530. Jurgen Kreckel CLA’d it recently. The lens is a Tessar and it pretty sharp for a 1930’s camera.

I opted for a newer Ikonta 6x6, w/ coated Tessar T, uncoupled RF

pbromaghin · Dec 8, 2022

sfphoto said:
I opted for a newer Ikonta 6x6, w/ coated Tessar T, uncoupled RF

View attachment 323541

After 2 years of peace, you have triggered my GAS.

Melvin J Bramley · Dec 27, 2022

BHuij said:
I went through a phase where was buying Agfa Isolettes on eBay for cheap because they were untested or "for parts." 99% of the time they just need a thorough flush job through the shutter with denatured alcohol, and for the front focusing cell threads to be unstuck, cleaned, and re-lubed with something that isn't Agfa's famous green long-cure cement.

Well, to be fair most of them also need bellows repair or replacement.

Then a quick focus re-collimation and I had a beautiful little 6x6 folder that could fit in my pocket. At least that was the theory. In practice, I can't make a decent image with a folding camera to save my life. I've seen lovely work from other people using them. Everything I've ever put through any of my Isolettes comes out distinctly uninspired.

I did recently cannibalize the 85mm Solinar lens in Prontor SVS shutter that was on one of my restored folders. I use it on my Goodman Zone camera now. Turns out with TTL composing and focusing, it's a really excellent lens. Who knew?

I'm with you on the can't make a decent image with a folder or should I say reliably make a decent image.
I have issues with my Mamiya six folder that I cannot decide are self induced ( ageing eyesight) or camera malfunction.
I have had the camera out for repair twice ( at too much expense) and I'm still hit and miss with this pristine example of the camera.
My next venture is to add an Agfa Isollete version III to my collection and whilst it has a sticky , old age, shutter I think it can be revived with some Brake Kleen fluid! as the product revived a Rodenstock Grandagon I have.

Folder fever has never made sense !

TB

takilmaboxer · Dec 29, 2022

Lifelong folder freak here, currently own 13 of them and have trouble deciding which to load with film next! IMHO the inherent limitations of folders - spring loaded folding doors, front cell focusing, and lenses with longer focal lengths than 35mm's - combine to make really sharp images a challenge. Back in their heyday they were used to make smallish prints from vacation trips and sharpness was not the primary intent; for that they used view cameras. But for hiking trips no better camera has ever been made. Even a few press photographers carried them.
And if you want maximum performance, mount it on a tripod and use f/32.

pbromaghin · Dec 29, 2022

From Pt. Loma lighthouse. Voigtlander Bessa I, PanF.

Any other folder camera shooters here?

Andrew O'Neill

Moderator

Donald Qualls

wjlapier

Donald Qualls

Andrew O'Neill

Moderator

wjlapier

Mr Flibble

Donald Qualls

GregY

GregY

Sirius Glass

sfphoto

pbromaghin

Melvin J Bramley

takilmaboxer

pbromaghin

Any other folder camera shooters here?

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