Super Ricohflex TLR lens vs. Agfa Isolette 2 folder lens

[ggray79]

The Ricoh has an Anastigmat 80mm/3.5 and the Isolette 2 has the Apotar 85mm/4.5. Which of these lens will provide the sharpest resolution, especially for landscapes and non-portraits? Mostly sunny day shooting. Thanks!

 

[McDiesel]

@ggray79 my limited experience with folders suggests that the quality of their lenses tends to be undermined by loose tolerances of their construction and low accuracy of their focusing mechanisms.

 

[Dan Daniel]

@ggray79 my limited experience with folders suggests that the quality of their lenses tends to be undermined by loose tolerances of their construction and low accuracy of their focusing mechanisms.

I was going to say, probably both lenses are comparable, especially stopped down. But the odds of a TLR being aligned is much greater than of a folder being aligned.

 

[Alex Varas]

Uhm… the problem setting up the lens of a Ricohflex is the box where the film goes and if the door closes correctly doing the correct pressure over the film and the box.
My bet here is the Isolette II, Agfa did bad bellows on them but good opening mechanisms.

 

[Besk]

The Ricohflex has the highest potential resolution. The lens is a 3 element design (per my research) and the "box" is more rigid.
That being said, the condition is very important when considering either.

 

[Neil Grant]

..the Agfa Isolette series are about as rigid and well-aligned as it gets for a folder, and the lens is good too. As others have mentioned the bellows is generally the worst aspect of the camera. Whatever, careful and disciplined use is essential if you are to avoid blank frames or oof images. This is due to the camera's 'blocking' mechanism and non-coupled rf. You really cannot 'rush' one of these cameras - when you press the shutter button you've got to commit. Backing off is not allowed or the 'block' will be activated. The technique is to 'push and hold down'.

 

[ggray79]

Thank you all!