Sharpest 120 Folder?

[Kodachromeguy]

Update: No, do not try to fit a F model in this BYOB 7 bag. The plastic meter cover will be vulnerable to any external impact. Look at how snug the focus knob is on my 3.5E 'flex without a meter.

Decades ago, the Rollei case for my former 3.5F had a rigid leather cover for the meter. When I traveled, I just chucked the camera and case in a backpack, and it was more than adequately protected. Sometimes, I wrapped it with some clothing, as well.

 

[cliveh]

A Rolleiflex is not a folder, see original post.

 

[itsdoable]

A Rolleiflex is not a folder, see original post.

Well, the thread naturally wandered to this, after the OP said he bought Contax G1 on post #60...

 

[Dan Daniel]

Update: No, do not try to fit a F model in this BYOB 7 bag. The plastic meter cover will be vulnerable to any external impact. Look at how snug the focus knob is on my 3.5E 'flex without a meter.

(or just pull the meter block from your F, put a slug in the opening, and be done with the annoying and fairly useless protuberance.... I'll see myself out...)

 

[Besk]

(or just pull the meter block from your F, put a slug in the opening, and be done with the annoying and fairly useless protuberance.... I'll see myself out...)

I did.

 

[chris77]

Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 530/16 Film Camera 120mm with Tessar 2.8/80mm

Somewhere I have a couple of pictures I took with one of these and they were so sharp you could cut yourself.

Simply beautiful !!!

 

[macfred]

A Rolleiflex is not a folder, see original post.

Cliveh, you're right. So, here's my 120 folder - though it only was equipped with the Novar I like the lens. It's sharp enough for my eyes.

 

[pbromaghin]

A Super Ikonta with a Novar? Not many of those around. And it's a pretty one!

 

[takilmaboxer]

Super Ikonta with a Novar wasn't that uncommon, I've had three. The rangefinder really helps the triplet perform!

 

[Donald Qualls]

You could make a case that a well made f/4.5 triplet is at least as good a lens as a Tessar faster than f.3.5, like the f/2.9 I have on my 532/16 Super Ikonta. They're indistinguishable at f/8 and smaller, and they both get pretty soft wide open. That Tessar at f/4 is very comparable to a Novar f/4.5 at f/5.6 -- only advantage is it's a stop faster at the same image quality, and honestly, I don't shoot a folder much in light where f/5.6 on ISO 400 give too slow shutter...

 

[Auer]

Voigtländer Bessa 46 | Skopar ƒ/3.5/75 | Ilford Delta 100 | RO9

 

[JPD]

Voigtländer Bessa 46 | Skopar ƒ/3.5/75 | Ilford Delta 100 | RO9

Just another run-of-the-mill folder with horrible image quality that I don't want. (I took my OCD medication this morning).

 

[Auer]

Just another run-of-the-mill folder with horrible image quality that I don't want. (I took my OCD medication this morning).

Less medication, more folders!

 

[macfred]

Another one with the Novar equipped Super Ikonta III - not too bad @f/5.6

 

[macfred]

and one @f/11 ...

 

[henryvk]

This picture was taken with a Voigtländer Bessa I 6x9 with uncoated Skopar 3.5 lens. I think at the time I hadn't managed to calibrate everything just so but I still like the shot!

This is the camera. I put on a mount in order to use an Altix viewfinder which even has parallax correction.

The camera itself is relatively lightweight and very decently made.

 

[pbromaghin]

And here's one from my Bessa 1:

 

[henryvk]

And here's one from my Bessa 1:

Nice – is that at Park Meadows?

Handheld or tripod? Looks really clean and sharp anway.

 

[pbromaghin]

Yup, Park Meadows, handheld. I was picking up takeout and it was about the first signs of life since the world closed down. My wife has a thing for Hello Kitty so it demanded a photo.

 

[moggi1964]

I got lucky on ebay, for £30 I picked up an Agfa Isolette II with a Solinar 75mm F/3.5 on the front. Bellows are relatively new so no leaks and the focus needs a little energy but not that I would say is tough to move. It is very smooth.

I ran a test roll of very expired Lomography 400 through it and only a few prints were any use. I have a roll of XP2 in there right now.

 

[darinwc]

My take on folding cameras... Most of the post-war coated lenses are VERY sharp. Even the 3 element lenses.
However, getting the lens to focus and frame properly at close distances and wide open can be unreliable.

I have a Bessa I with Color Skopar. It is very sharp and it is easy to nail focus on distant object.

Forrest Hill Bridge and American River 1 by Darin, on Flickr


However, closer than 10 feet or so, it is more difficult. This is paritally because of the distance estimation, but also because of the front-cell focussing, and also due to holding a larger camera.

All of the 6x9 folding cameras are great for field work, but are a bit clumsy for 'street' work.

The 6x6 cameras are much better for quick snapshots. The drop bed is sturdy, and the cameras hold the film flatter.
I have a Super Ikonta III, here is an example.

Coconut Trimming by Darin, on Flickr

 

[henryvk]

Yup, Park Meadows, handheld. I was picking up takeout and it was about the first signs of life since the world closed down. My wife has a thing for Hello Kitty so it demanded a photo.

Funny. I'm German, living in Germany, but my wife grew up in Colorado, in-laws still live in Perry Park. She recognised the mall almost right away. As we say in the Old World: "The world is a village"

Great to see Voigtländers being toted around the South-West!

 

[Don Harpold]

Hello
If your still looking I would suggest the Voigtlander Perkeo II
It doesn't have the coupled rangefinder but you can add one
Here are some photos to see the sharpness.
Don

 

[Helge]

and one @f/11 ...

View attachment 267158

That’s a great couple of shots. You’re good!

 

[Helge]

You could make a case that a well made f/4.5 triplet is at least as good a lens as a Tessar faster than f.3.5, like the f/2.9 I have on my 532/16 Super Ikonta. They're indistinguishable at f/8 and smaller, and they both get pretty soft wide open. That Tessar at f/4 is very comparable to a Novar f/4.5 at f/5.6 -- only advantage is it's a stop faster at the same image quality, and honestly, I don't shoot a folder much in light where f/5.6 on ISO 400 give too slow shutter...

You’re not tempted to do anything as stupid as shooting at 3.5 or close on MF with a Novar. .
You really discover how and why “bokeh” was not really an expensive, desirable effect until recently. And why they always go on about DoF in old photo magazines.