Folders & Box Cameras - Which have been your favorites?

pdeeh · Aug 29, 2014

my favourite was the first folder I bought, an Adox Golf 45; unfortunately the bellows needed constant repairs and one day I was just too clumsy and killed it ... then the Isolette II I replaced it with was also lovely, but the low speeds were sticky so I thought I'd have a go at cleaning it ... all those tiny springs and cogs are just impossible to find in the shag-pile aren't they?

At the moment I've an Ikon 517/16 (very pocketable) and a Selfix 12-20, which is a big lump but has a marvel of a viewfinder

Arcturus · Aug 29, 2014

Another vote for the Perkeo II here. It takes very nice photos, and yet is small enough to fit in my back pocket. It started out as a travel camera, but I'm using it more and more instead of my newer cameras for most things. I also have a Voigtlander Bessa 6x9, the 1930's model with the pop-open viewfinder. The uncoated Skopar is sharp and renders most scenes in a pleasing manner. I like it for night street shooting with Delta 3200, it softens the otherwise harsh contrast of the street lights and makes for some very interesting prints.

DannL. · Aug 29, 2014

Last evening I went and ordered a Zeiss Ikonta 521/2, which appears to be in fine shape. (Price, camera condition, and manufacturer reputation being determining factors). But, we shall see. Hopefully it won't be a basket case. It could go either way. I recall when I ordered the Kodak Duo, the vendor stated that the camera had numerous issues. I was all prepared for a problem camera. And when I received the camera, all of the issues mentioned were very minor, and not hardly worth mentioning. Selling tactics at work. So, one down. And now I will need to assemble a list of all the cameras mentioned thus far, and get after it.

ntenny · Aug 29, 2014

Dan Fromm said:
Its a phase that many of us pass through.

Well, some of us go into the rabbit hole and never come out, but basically I agree with you. I think it's a constructive phase on the whole---for many people folders are an inexpensive entry into MF and/or a first "auto-nothing" camera, and I think the "cheap and cheerful" character makes it easy for some of us to stop worrying about gear and start *seeing* things.

In hindsight I also think they're good training wheels for LF.

-NT

Fixcinater · Aug 29, 2014

I had an Ikonta 645 format folder: 521/A was the model number. Lightweight, folded down smaller than most 35mm bodies and had a great lens.

I wish I had kept it now as I'm not shooting so much anymore due to school taking most of my free time...it would be small/light enough to carry around more often than what I can lug my Pentax 6x7 around.

Anyway, I liked it because it was simple, it was compact, it was easy to shoot once you knew where everything was...and it looked great on the shelf.

drphilwv · Sep 1, 2014

New member and first post!
I have been a yard sale collector of box cameras for YEARS but actually never shot a single frame of film until a month ago. My 13 year old daughter brought a, AGFA Billy Record back from a trip to Europe (from a yard sale!). She said that she wanted me to start using all those old cameras mom complains about! So, I have a bunch of Brownie cameras, including a Six-16 (two of them), several Brownie Hawkeyes, A 2A, an Ansco or two... some 127 format cameras. Just a lot a stuff.
Ordered my first set of developing supplies. Should be fun. I was able to scan some of the film from the Billy (it had film in it - unexposed). I took the rest of the roll.
Hope to learn here!
Doc Phil

tessar · Sep 2, 2014

A Moskva 5 and a pre-war Voigtlander Baby Bessa, but for 6x9, my favorite -- like Dan Fromm's -- is a 2x3 Graphic with rollfilm holder. My only box camera is a Brownie 3a, which gave fine results when 122 film was still available.

mfmike · Sep 2, 2014

Zeiss 524/2

I've always liked the Zeiss 524/2 6x9 folder - just something about the design and the images that make me want to buy another one.
Cheers,
Mike

Pioneer · Sep 2, 2014

I am a folder addict. I lost count of how many I own a long time ago. I find them on Ebay ($5 to $15 is my limit), pawn shops, flea markets and yard sales. My favorites seem to change over time. As a rule I prefer 6x6 and 6x9. I have a few that use 620 but most of mine use 120 film, with a couple that use 35mm. My two current favorites are my 6x6 Agfa Speedex Special R and Vest Pocket Kodak.

I have a few box cameras. An Ilford Sprite, a Brownie Starflash and a Baby Brownie. I have recently become infatuated with Kodak Box Brownie cameras and have picked up two No. 2A Brownie box cameras. I am continually astounded how good the images are from these very, very simple cameras.

In fact, I have been so impressed I am getting ready to build a large format box camera.

snay1345 · Sep 3, 2014

About ten years ago I inherited a Perkeo II and it has been one of my favorites since starting medium format. Thing is sharp when focused correctly. But recently I have been playing with a Kodak no 2 Folding Cartridge Premo and it has surprised me. For a camera that is a 100 years old it has been great to use. And the 6x9 negative it produces are a nice change.

Folders & Box Cameras - Which have been your favorites?

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