Edit: I rethought pricing and split-ability. Let's say:
- Camera + backs 4 & 1 (a good new one and iffy old one) - $430 shipped
- Back 2 (better old one) - $60 shipped
- Back 3 (new 220 one) - $60 shipped
- Everything together - $525 shipped
I'll also replace the light seals on the backs for you if you'd like.
Way cheaper than you'd get buying from Japanese eBay sellers! Oh, and do make me offers if you want.
Original:
I bought this a few months ago, and have decided it's not for me. IQ is great, but I don't get much joy out of actually using the thing.
For those who don't know, this is a modular, zone-focus, finderless camera that accepts both 6x7 and 6x9 backs. It has a very nice 62.5mm f/5.6 lens and a half-built-in (the eyepiece is shoe-mounted) sportsfinder.
Pros:
- It's pretty compact as far as 6x7s go, weighing in at 1150g with the newer backs and measuring at 130mm wide, 120mm deep, and 100mm high.
- Perhaps most importantly, the lens is great, if not perfect. Center sharpness is always good, but if you want sharp edges (maybe the outer 10%) you've got to stop down to f/11. Extreme corners never look fantastic. Here are a few test shots - the black and white ones are on Agfa Copex Rapid, very badly developed in Caffenol.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V3vBdmHfN92dzPWLU9N7gWQa08IkgHih?usp=share_link
Cons:
- Pulling out the sports finder, zone-focusing, setting aperture and shutter speed, and winding...it's just one step too far for me.
- I found the fact that the triggers for cocking and shooting the shutter are the same (just on opposite sides of the lens) a bit tough to get used to. The shutter trigger also has a bit of a long travel, so pull it slowly if you're hand-holding at slower speeds.
- The backs work well, but like most reverse-curl types, if you leave a roll loaded for a bit, you'll have flatness issues with the next frame you wind to. It'd still be fine for, say, an 8x10 or a bit bigger, but something to keep in mind.
This particular one is in fine shape, with a couple of dings here and there. I replaced the light seal foam where the body meets the back, which you can sorta see in my terrible shot below. Shutter works well and accurately, and the glass is good. I don't have any means of testing the flash sync, so no promises on that.
It also comes with a nifty little detachable (there's a tripod mounting socket on the top of the camera too) extra plate with a strap ring and second hotshoe.
The backs are all functional but at varying condition levels. All have their dark slides, and none have light leaks but could probably all use new seals. The two older backs are single-stroke and designed to have the winder at the bottom. The newer ones are nicer, lighter, and 2-stroke, and while you can mount the magazine with the winder down, that'll put the film counter on the bottom as well. All are 6x7.
1. Older 120 back, probably in the iffiest shape. One of the latches on the door has worn down a bit, so I had to do a little bending and add some overcompensating light seals. It no longer leaks, BUT you can pull the door open with enough force. I'd use this one last.
2. Older 120 back, in ok shape apart from peeling leatherette that I taped down.
3. Newer 220 back, ok shape. Works fine with 120.
4. Newer 120 back, ok shape.
- Camera + backs 4 & 1 (a good new one and iffy old one) - $430 shipped
- Back 2 (better old one) - $60 shipped
- Back 3 (new 220 one) - $60 shipped
- Everything together - $525 shipped
I'll also replace the light seals on the backs for you if you'd like.
Way cheaper than you'd get buying from Japanese eBay sellers! Oh, and do make me offers if you want.
Original:
I bought this a few months ago, and have decided it's not for me. IQ is great, but I don't get much joy out of actually using the thing.
For those who don't know, this is a modular, zone-focus, finderless camera that accepts both 6x7 and 6x9 backs. It has a very nice 62.5mm f/5.6 lens and a half-built-in (the eyepiece is shoe-mounted) sportsfinder.
Pros:
- It's pretty compact as far as 6x7s go, weighing in at 1150g with the newer backs and measuring at 130mm wide, 120mm deep, and 100mm high.
- Perhaps most importantly, the lens is great, if not perfect. Center sharpness is always good, but if you want sharp edges (maybe the outer 10%) you've got to stop down to f/11. Extreme corners never look fantastic. Here are a few test shots - the black and white ones are on Agfa Copex Rapid, very badly developed in Caffenol.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V3vBdmHfN92dzPWLU9N7gWQa08IkgHih?usp=share_link
Cons:
- Pulling out the sports finder, zone-focusing, setting aperture and shutter speed, and winding...it's just one step too far for me.
- I found the fact that the triggers for cocking and shooting the shutter are the same (just on opposite sides of the lens) a bit tough to get used to. The shutter trigger also has a bit of a long travel, so pull it slowly if you're hand-holding at slower speeds.
- The backs work well, but like most reverse-curl types, if you leave a roll loaded for a bit, you'll have flatness issues with the next frame you wind to. It'd still be fine for, say, an 8x10 or a bit bigger, but something to keep in mind.
This particular one is in fine shape, with a couple of dings here and there. I replaced the light seal foam where the body meets the back, which you can sorta see in my terrible shot below. Shutter works well and accurately, and the glass is good. I don't have any means of testing the flash sync, so no promises on that.
It also comes with a nifty little detachable (there's a tripod mounting socket on the top of the camera too) extra plate with a strap ring and second hotshoe.
The backs are all functional but at varying condition levels. All have their dark slides, and none have light leaks but could probably all use new seals. The two older backs are single-stroke and designed to have the winder at the bottom. The newer ones are nicer, lighter, and 2-stroke, and while you can mount the magazine with the winder down, that'll put the film counter on the bottom as well. All are 6x7.
1. Older 120 back, probably in the iffiest shape. One of the latches on the door has worn down a bit, so I had to do a little bending and add some overcompensating light seals. It no longer leaks, BUT you can pull the door open with enough force. I'd use this one last.
2. Older 120 back, in ok shape apart from peeling leatherette that I taped down.
3. Newer 220 back, ok shape. Works fine with 120.
4. Newer 120 back, ok shape.
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