I found a very, very nice Agfa Record II at a fleamarket today, but the ones I have spoken to so far tell me that it isn't worth much as a shooting camera OR as a object for sale. Anyone got experiences with this camera at all?
The camera looks almost 100% unused, example pictures is at http://folk.uio.no/ulrikft/6x9 I'm going to buy some bw film on Monday, shoot a roll or two to test it.
I have the exact same model. Stop the Apotar well down and have fun. It's quite capable. But don't expect anything a TLR with a Tessar-type lens and good technique would deliver. The cooke-type lens has a bit less resolution and a different footprint.
One other issue (besides bellows) to watch with the Agfas is the original green grease used to lube the focusing threads. This tends to solidify and you may be moving the entire lens rather than just the front element when you try to focus. This is also relatively easily repaired, but requires patience and some solvent.
After a CLA and bellows fix, Agfa folder performance can be very good.
I have the exact same model. Stop the Apotar well down and have fun. It's quite capable. But don't expect anything a TLR with a Tessar-type lens and good technique would deliver. The cooke-type lens has a bit less resolution and a different footprint.
Thanks for your answer! I have a SLR (Bronica) coming in next week, I'm going to use that as my main MF camera. But when I saw this at a fleemarket in great condition and for almost nothing, I had to get it. A quick question: if you got this one, this might be a stupid question, but how do you set iso-speed...?
One other issue (besides bellows) to watch with the Agfas is the original green grease used to lube the focusing threads. This tends to solidify and you may be moving the entire lens rather than just the front element when you try to focus. This is also relatively easily repaired, but requires patience and some solvent.
After a CLA and bellows fix, Agfa folder performance can be very good.
ISO-Speeds are set on meters. This is a meterless camera, hence no ISO-setting. You could use a handheld meter or use the rule of the sunny-16. If you have any further questions don't hesitate to ask.