Sharpest 120 Folder?

Kodachromeguy · Feb 13, 2021

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 · Feb 13, 2021

A Rolleiflex is not a folder, see original post.

itsdoable · Feb 13, 2021

cliveh said:
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 · Feb 13, 2021

Kodachromeguy said:
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 · Feb 13, 2021

Dan Daniel said:
(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 · Feb 14, 2021

cliveh said:
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 · Feb 14, 2021

cliveh said:
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 · Feb 14, 2021

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

takilmaboxer · Feb 14, 2021

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

Donald Qualls · Feb 14, 2021

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 · Feb 21, 2021

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

JPD · Feb 21, 2021

Auer said:
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 · Feb 21, 2021

JPD said:
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 · Feb 21, 2021

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

macfred · Feb 21, 2021

and one @f/11 ...

henryvk · Feb 24, 2021

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 · Feb 24, 2021

And here's one from my Bessa 1:

henryvk · Feb 24, 2021

pbromaghin said:
And here's one from my Bessa 1:

Nice – is that at Park Meadows?

Handheld or tripod? Looks really clean and sharp anway.

pbromaghin · Feb 24, 2021

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 · Feb 24, 2021

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 · Feb 25, 2021

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 · Feb 25, 2021

pbromaghin said:
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 · Feb 25, 2021

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 · Mar 1, 2021

macfred said:
and one @f/11 ...

View attachment 267158

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

Helge · Mar 1, 2021

Donald Qualls said:
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.

Sharpest 120 Folder?

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