Kodak folder worth restoring/using?

DmaalaM · Jul 6, 2014

I have an agfa isolette III solinar from mr certo6 and have been thinking about purchasing an agfa Record III solinar from him as well. So... I was out antique/thrift store shopping as I like to do sometimes because I find a lot of great stuff that way and came upon a kodak folder. It wasn't the normal beat up anastigmat folders you usually see. It is a Kodak no. 1 pocket special. Compur shutter 1-1/250 and zeiss tessar 12cm 6.3 down to f32 which I believe takes 120 film. Do you think this would be worth my time to have restored? I'm not a collector, I like to use my cameras. As I understand it wouldn't be coated and I'm not sure if I could find a hood for it. I don't even know who would work on these for a fair price and if they are able. How would it hold up to a later solinar? Color? I don't even know lol. Any insight is appreciated.

MattKing · Jul 6, 2014

I have and sometimes use a restored Kodak folder that is of a similar vintage as that camera, except mine uses 616 film. I have some old 616 film for it, and sometimes adapt 120 for it as well. It is fun to use and, in my case, has some sentimental value as well.

Before you decide on the one you have found, consider whether the viewfinder on that camera works for you. I find the one on my camera to be a challenge.

DmaalaM · Jul 6, 2014

Yeah, it's the small little viewfinder attached to the lens that can be moved for horizontal or vertical shooting

snapguy · Jul 6, 2014

nutso

If you are as nutso as I am you will find you cannot escape the challenge in getting the folder to make great photographs for you.

Dan Fromm · Jul 6, 2014

Are you sure that the camera is a #1 and that the lens is a 12 cm? I ask because if it is a #1 its native film size is 120. US-made #1 Special FPKs were last offered with an f/6.3 Zeiss Tessar in 1915, focal length was 4 3/8" and the lens was in a Compound shutter.

I've seen UK-made #1 Special FPKs with, iirc, a 100/6.3 Tessar in Compur.

So the focal length seems wrong. No matter, f/6.3 Tessars are very good lenses. I sometimes shoot a 130/6.3 in Compound on my 2x3 Graphics. On 2x3 it gives up nothing to modern coated f/4.7 tessar types or, for that matter, to any of my other lenses around that focal length. Same goes for a 150/6.3 CZJ Tessar in barrel made in 1912. All uncoated, all very good. Good color rendition, good contrast, perfectly usable.

Compur shutters can almost always be cleaned, lubed and adusted. Look for a decent shutter mechanic. Carol Miller at flutotscamerarepair.com is well respected but may not be working these days, Paul Ebel, located somewhere in Wisconsin, also has a good reputation. Look around.

DmaalaM · Jul 6, 2014

I am exactly sure. I took a photo of it with my iPhone before I left. Tessar 1:6.3 f=12cm Carl Zeiss Jena Nr.651911. Below that " D.R.P. No. 258646 D.R.G.M." Then below is Compur in big letters beneath the lens. Shutter speeds on a small seperate wheel above the lens. 1/1-1/250. Small wheel in the left of lens with Time, Bulb, and Instant. Lever on right and another in the left if lens. The plate below the lens/shutter says No.I Pocket Kodak Special 28996. Another plate below that states made in the USA by Eastman kodak company Rochester NY and more numbers. I would have pasted a pic but I can't get it to work.

Yeah I was having trouble finding anything on the web and that a 120mm lens would be found on a 116/616 format kodak instead. It did seem a little long in comparison to other 6x9s.

DmaalaM · Jul 6, 2014

got it!

shutterfinger · Jul 6, 2014

According to A Lens Collector Vade Mecum the lens is from 1925-1926. It is listed as covering 2 1/2 x 3 1/2.
The shutter is a Dial Set Compur. Try SKGrimes for servicing.
Some information on the lens and shutter is in their 1927 catalog, http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/zeiss_1.html .

Dan Fromm · Jul 7, 2014

OP, thanks for the reply. What a find! FYI, it seems that Kodak US exported FPK bodies without lenses to Kodak UK and Kodak France. The foreign Kodak companies fitted lenses that they sourced.

DmaalaM · Jul 7, 2014

Oh ok. That's interesting. It caught my eye being a zeiss tessar and also being 120(useable). I actually haven't purchased it yet lol. I was on the fence and debating. Which is why I posted. It's for sale for $55. so It would be a worthy investment I take it? (I'd try to haggle down of course)

pgomena · Jul 7, 2014

For $55, it's a pretty darned good deal if the shutter is in good working condition. Bear in mind that using any antique camera is a lot like driving an antique car - charming but perhaps impractical, and a little eccentric. Enjoy the ride.

shutterfinger · Jul 7, 2014

On T or B press the shutter release to operate, on I cock the shutter and it should fire on the speed set on the dial.
Set on 1 the shutter should stay open for 1 second, on 2 it should stay open for 1/2 second. There should be a clock with a second hand on it somewhere in the store so ask the shutter if it works.
The trip lever is under the TBI dial.

Dan Fromm · Jul 8, 2014

Worthy investment? Of course not. Few cameras or lenses are worthy investments. If you want to invest, put your money in the funds.

But if you want to use the thing, well, once the shutter is in good working condition it will take nice sharp pictures. Taking good pictures is your responsibility.

At one time I bought FPKs with f/6.3 Tessars and removed their lenses to use on my 2x3 Graphics. There's another option for you.

DmaalaM · Jul 8, 2014

Like I had said before, I am not a collector. What I meant was. Is this something that I should put my money into, OR would it be better to just purchase a later 1950s folder from certo6 like the agfa record with solinar, tessar clone with coatings. The front cell moves. Compared to the kodak which the whole front standard moves which I heard was better. It is uncoated, but then again it is an actual tessar.
Now I know that the lens was actually meant for 116/616 so the focal length will be a little longer because the film will not be recording everything since it is a smaller 120 format. This could be a little bit of a good thing though maybe since the edges may not come out that sharp, normally, cutting out the sides.
The viewfinder as someone has mentioned may be a difficulty compared to a later 50s cam.
Idk, just trying to. Collect my thoughts on the matter. I don't like spending money for things I'm not going to use or would not be the right tool. Especially with a $150 repair bill ontop of the initial investment. I want use it for landscape/ cityscape stuff.

Dan Fromm · Jul 8, 2014

The only drawback is that the lens is a bit long for 2x3. Normal for 2x3 is 100 mm.

I'll tell you again. I have a number of f/6.3 Tessars (so engraved). All but one uncoated. The coated one is a 158 B&L that shoots no better than my uncoated 158 B&L. I have two 101/4.5 Ektars (tessar types), one coated, the other not. The uncoated one is in better condition and shoots better. In my experience for tessar types the advantages of coating aren't large.

If you're not comfortable getting that FPK, don't get it. You'll find other opportunities. If I were looking for a post-WW II 2x3 folder I'd seriously consider a high specification Kinax, Royer or Telka. I'd try to get a friend in France to pick a good one for me. But I'm not looking because I have 2x3 Graphics and they're more capable than fixed lens folders. They have two drawbacks: price and not fitting in a regular pocket. May not be to your taste at all.

DmaalaM · Jul 8, 2014

Well I stopped by the shop that was selling it to check it out. The back had problems shutting and some other problems I hadn't noticed before. I went ahead and passed on it. I'll just wait later for a good condition 6x9.

Kodak folder worth restoring/using?

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency