Looking for medium format folding rangefinder 6x7, 6x9, or 6x8

[koraks]

(if all other factors = equal).

But they're not.

 

[Sergey Ko]

I used 2 mentioned here in answers cameras: Voigtlander Bessa II & Moscow-5.
The price difference is 4X, but the quality is slightly differed.
I sold Bessa, just to reduce my collection.
Bessa shot example:

 

[GregY]

Wanted:
Plaubel Makina W67 for 10 € .......

 

[loccdor]

Bigger negavtive = better IQ (if all other factors = equal).

Indeed. The factor likely to be very unequal is the resolving power of the lens, based on both its design and the lack of accuracy in its position.

 

[GregY]

Indeed. The factor likely to be very unequal is the resolving power of the lens, based on both its design and the lack of accuracy in its position.

Yes.... This....

 

[warden]

Indeed. The factor likely to be very unequal is the resolving power of the lens, based on both its design and the lack of accuracy in its position.

Yep - when I look at the design of the folding mechanism on some folders I lose confidence in their ability to accurately position the lens regardless of the size of negative.

 

[GregY]

Yep - when I look at the design of the folding mechanism on some folders I lose confidence in their ability to accurately position the lens regardless of the size of negative.

& that's true of modern cameras, like the Fuji GF670 with a great lens and a folding mechanism that is its achilles tendon.

 

[Chuck1]

There's an ugly makina w67 for about $1500 us @KEH

 

[warden]

There's an ugly makina w67 for about $1500 us @KEH

...and if you look at that mechanism you can see why the lenses on Makinas are solid as a rock when extended. Great design.

 

[itsdoable]

...and if you look at that mechanism you can see why the lenses on Makinas are solid as a rock when extended. Great design.

If you bang the front standard of a Plaubel Makina 67 or 67W when it's open and locked, the rails will notch, and the lens standard will then forever be slightly wobbly. Without a door, the front standard is pretty exposed - and as theses are pretty old, and the chances of a slightly wobbly front standard is pretty high when you encounter a Plaubel Makina 67.

 

[warden]

If you bang the front standard of a Plaubel Makina 67 or 67W when it's open and locked, the rails will notch, and the lens standard will then forever be slightly wobbly. Without a door, the front standard is pretty exposed - and as theses are pretty old, and the chances of a slightly wobbly front standard is pretty high when you encounter a Plaubel Makina 67.

That sounds awful. I never had an issue with mine but I treated them carefully. The lens would be extended just before the shot and then back into the camera it would go. I imagine most folders would fair poorly if you drop or bang the lens while open. Ouch.

 

[GregY]

That sounds awful. I never had an issue with mine but I treated them carefully. The lens would be extended just before the shot and then back into the camera it would go. I imagine most folders would fair poorly if you drop or bang the lens while open. Ouch.

Agreed. Over the years, I've had 3, 67 & 670......they never developed a wobble. As you point out....that's the disadvantage of a folder.....on the other hand.....we know they have substantial advantages.