Folding camera expectations

JDP · Jun 18, 2010

chris00nj said:
I picked up a late model Ikonta 6x9 for $75, but no rangefinder and 75/3.5 Novar (3 element lens).

Hi,
Did you really get a 6x9 with a 75mm lens (so wide-angle)? I would love a folder like that!

elekm · Jun 18, 2010

No, that wouldn't be possible. The 6x9 cameras had a lens in the 105mm-110mm range. The 6x4.5 and 6x6 models had lenses in the 70mm-80mm range.

The shortest lens that I've seen on a production 6x9 Zeiss Ikon camera has been the Box Tengor, which has a 90mm lens. And that's a simple achromat.

Rick A · Jun 18, 2010

bblhed said:
My Bellows Camera of choice is a Kodak Brownie Autographic #2. I don't worry about Film flatness. it leaks like a sieve, although I think I found the problem now. The viewfinder is dim, and lousy and only provides general information, focus is by guess. The shutter and aperture settings are sort of close to right, and I sometimes forget to adjust them before taking a photo. I have two of these cameras. Why do I put up with these things? Some of the best photographs I have ever taken were with these cameras, I don't know if people relax more with the look of them or what, but I tend to get good shots with them.

I say that if you already have a Medium format camera that you can do really quality work with when you want or need to, then get yourself a budget folder and enjoy it, they can be a lot of fun, and attract a lot of attention as well.

The fix for bellows leaks(pinholes and very small holes/tears) is liquid electrical tape. Just paint on one or two thin coats, and no more light leaks. Its very flexible and even works on cheap paper bellows. Best part is its cheaper than replacing the bellows. I just finished the bellows on my Speedex Jr. and the results are fantastic. Now if I can get the shutter working...

JDP · Jun 18, 2010

elekm said:
No, that wouldn't be possible. The 6x9 cameras had a lens in the 105mm-110mm range. The 6x4.5 and 6x6 models had lenses in the 70mm-80mm range.

The shortest lens that I've seen on a production 6x9 Zeiss Ikon camera has been the Box Tengor, which has a 90mm lens. And that's a simple achromat.

I thought it was too good to be true! I have a Zeiss Ikonta 520 (6x4.5) with a 7cm tessar which is the widest I could find. Its the folder I use the most. If they had produced more wide-angle lenses, I would use folders much more.

Ian Grant · Jun 18, 2010

ralnphot said:
The fix for bellows leaks(pinholes and very small holes/tears) is liquid electrical tape. Just paint on one or two thin coats, and no more light leaks. Its very flexible and even works on cheap paper bellows. Best part is its cheaper than replacing the bellows. I just finished the bellows on my Speedex Jr. and the results are fantastic. Now if I can get the shutter working...

At a camera fair in April (in the UK) there was a box of Bellows £2 each set ($2.90) for a wide variety of 120 & smaller folding cameras being sold off. My guess is this was old stock from Glanville's (later became Camera Bellows, now Custom Bellows) who had the contracts for Kodak's bellows in the UK and possibly export as well.

So cheap replacements are available.

Ian

elekm · Jun 18, 2010

It's too bad that the camera makers of yesteryear didn't try to make a wide angle version of their folders. The fixed-lens wide angle cameras are very pricey, even today: Brooks Veriwide, Rolleiwide, Plaubel Makina, etc.

I've seen conversions of folders to add a wide angle lens. Sort of cool, but of course you have to know what you're doing. I'm not sure that I could do that. It would be fun to try, however!

chris00nj · Jun 18, 2010

JDP said:
Hi,
Did you really get a 6x9 with a 75mm lens (so wide-angle)? I would love a folder like that!

No, and sorry for the confusion. it was late while i was writing. It has a 105mm lens.

bblhed · Jun 18, 2010

ralnphot said:
The fix for bellows leaks(pinholes and very small holes/tears) is liquid electrical tape. Just paint on one or two thin coats, and no more light leaks. Its very flexible and even works on cheap paper bellows. Best part is its cheaper than replacing the bellows. I just finished the bellows on my Speedex Jr. and the results are fantastic. Now if I can get the shutter working...

I wish that would work, I shoot with Autographics and I already did that and a few other things only to learn that on a Kodak Autographic camera the little door on the back of the camera leaks light that plays all kinds of havoc inside the camera. What I did was insert a well fitting piece of cardboard inside the door to fully block the slot. It took FOREVER to figure out that leak because the door is behind the film in the film holder, I only found it because the leak was always where the door is, I shined a light on the door, and presto, huge leak. At least I hope.

agfarapid · Jun 18, 2010

I've been using a Zeiss Nettar 6x6 with lovely results. You get used to scale focusing after a while. I just got a Zenobia for around $40 but haven't had a chance to load any film yet. The folders are pretty neat and give really nice crisp photos. I usually bring the Nettar along with a 35 or larger roll film camera, gives a nice balance. I'll post my first scans with the Zenobia once they're processed.

Brian Legge · Jun 30, 2010

I'd love to see your Zenobia scans.

I found one locally with the Hesper lens in excellent condition. $65 total cost. I figure I could have done better on ebay but shipping would have pushed it up to near $65 anway. Buying locally had the added benefit of being able to test it prior to paying.

Anyway, this little camera blows me away. Here are shots from the first roll/test roll:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=zenobia&w=59657594@N00

Most of these were shot around f/8 at 1/100 or 1/50th. If I'd been shooting at a higher shutter speed, they'd be even more crisp. I need all shots to be so sharp but its nice knowing the capability is there when needed.

I apologize for the size, but here is one shot with the lens. It isn't the best picture but it gives me an idea about the capability of the camera:

As I've said elsewhere, if I come across Neo-Hesper version in the same condition, I'll probably have to pick it up as a backup.

jhw · Jun 30, 2010

elekm said:
No, that wouldn't be possible. The 6x9 cameras had a lens in the 105mm-110mm range. The 6x4.5 and 6x6 models had lenses in the 70mm-80mm range.

The shortest lens that I've seen on a production 6x9 Zeiss Ikon camera has been the Box Tengor, which has a 90mm lens. And that's a simple achromat.

The Telka III is close, at 95mm, and its Sagittar is a Tessar. Actually a very sharp lens, and a pretty sturdy camera. Trick is finding one...

Folding camera expectations

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