Rangefinder folders

[OptiKen]

I'm looking for a new folder - my favorite camera for black and white work.
I'd like to have it coat pocketable and medium format (6x6 or 6x6 and 6x4.5)
Anyone have any opinions on:
Seagull 203
Mamiya 6
Balda Super Baldax
Others?

I'd like to stay under $150 if possible

Thanks in advance for your input


Ken

 

[Alan9940]

Agfa Isolette III or Perkeo would be my choice.

 

[R.Gould]

Franka Solida 2 or 3, Ensign 820 special,also have super baldax,, but I would be wary of any Agfa Issolette, I have bought a few and have yet to come across one than did not need new bellows, they all seem to have pinholes in the corners,
Richard

 

[Arbitrarium]

I've used a Super Baldax and a Super Ikonta III, both excellent choices.

The build quality is better on the Ikonta, but I actually preferred the unit-focusing on the Baldax, and the Ennit lens is more characterful than a Tessar. Baldax weighs less and fits a pocket easier too.

I also had problems with the rangefinder getting out of whack with the Ikonta. No probs with the Baldax.

 

[macfred]

I have a Zeiss Super Ikonta III 531/16 with the Novar Anastignat f/3.5 75mm. Rangefinder is small but -for me- it's good visible and it works accurate.
First I got problems with frame spacing but this was easy to fix.
The Novar isn't a Tessar but -stopped down to f/8 there will be not much differences between them. And ... it's under $150!

 

[Paul Howell]

I have a Mamiya 6, the 75mm lens is really sharp, good contrast for a single coated lens, easy to carry, fits into a large jacket pocket. I use SVI filters and lens hood. LIke all cameras not going on 50 years to 60 years finding one in good repair without light leaks may take some time.

 

[Alan9940]

R. Gould makes a valid point about the Agfa Isolettes, but if you buy one directly from Jurgen Kreckel or one that he refurbished (I recently sold one) it will most likely have a new bellows installed. If you buy any Isolette off eBay, be prepared to send it off for a CLA and bellows replacement.

Regarding the Zeiss Super Ikonta III, it's a great camera--I own one--but I doubt you'll find a nice one for $150 or less.

 

[guangong]

A Super Ikonta B is what I use, but your jacket better have heavy duty pockets because camera is heavy. Convenient around the neck or in a bag. Robust and easy to focus. 2.8 Tessar lens.

 

[P.johnson14]

I use an Ansco Speedex Special R, which is really an Isolette. I bought mine serviced with new bellows. It’s about the same size and weight as one of my Retinas. It spots 6x6 and will fit into a jacket pocket.

 

[Pentode]

The Seagull 203 is a fun camera to shoot with and the lens (in my example, anyway) is quite sharp. I’m hesitant to call it a “good” camera, though, as the quality control is next to non-existant. Mine, which I purchased new in the early ‘90s, came with leaky bellows right out of the box. No extra charge! I patched the pinholes with black silicone caulk and they’ve been fine ever since. The folding mechanism is pretty dodgy so I have to be extra careful opening and closing it and the advance lever is made of plastic so cheap I keep expecting it to break off.

Even though that’s a pretty grim description I have to admit I really enjoy shooting with it and for the money it’s pretty hard to beat.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Any you could find under 150 and it is actually going to work. I went this route several times in past seven or so years.
I hate Perkeos after it. Balda for 20 bucks as is was superior to it. Just lens and shutter to clean.
Safest ways is this:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/certo6/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

 

[M. Axel Wikstrom]

I'm enjoying using sheet film in this little guy. Busch Pressman C.

 

[Russ Young]

I've shot maybe 15 different 6x6 folders and the best of the lot (including Ikontas) is the Mamiya Six with a fixed 75mm lens. Here's one on eBat at your price point. Just be sure it has the interior film presure plate. https://www.ebay.com/itm/EXC-MAMIYA...an/273606488949?hash=item3fb437b375:rk:1:pf:0

 

[Sirius Glass]

I have a Voightlander Vito IIb which is a 35mm folding camera that does not have a range finder. Would that fit in this thread??

 

[anfenglin]

I once had an Isolette III with uncoupled RF.
Great lens, great, light little camera.
I got a new bellows from Sandeha Lynch and it worked perfectly.
The results were great.
I sold it for not using it and needing money at that time.

 

[Arthurwg]

I just received a Zeiss-Ikon Super Ikonta 6x9 (post war) that I bought on Ebay. I had one of these years ago but foolishly sold it. This one now seems perfect except for the rangefinder, which doesn't seem to work properly and appears to need calibration. It's a great camera, but I don't think I want to spend more to get it fixed and will probably return it.