The search for a decent 645 folding rangefinder

[Alex Varas]

I tried several 645 folders, now in the workshop a Pearl IV, same kind of viewfinder than Fuji GS645 Pro, really good. Sadly that camera is as expensive as the Fuji and it has better counter than the III version. This Hexar of Konica is a jewel.
Both cameras will need new bellows if they are not changed already.

My option would be a Super Ikonta 531 with clean glass, no matter if it’s coated or not.

The Fuji or Super Ikonta 531 are good investments.
Super Ikonta will outlive the Fuji for sure over time.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I tried several 645 folders, now in the workshop a Pearl IV, same kind of viewfinder than Fuji GS645 Pro, really good. Sadly that camera is as expensive as the Fuji and it has better counter than the III version. This Hexar of Konica is a jewel.
Both cameras will need new bellows if they are not changed already.

My option would be a Super Ikonta 531 with clean glass, no matter if it’s coated or not.

The Fuji or Super Ikonta 531 are good investments.
Super Ikonta will outlive the Fuji for sure over time.

Well said and I agree 100%. Changing bellows on larger format cameras is not fun, but on these smaller 645 cameras is absolutely dreadful. You almost need an extra set of very small hands. Not a fun thing to do, but maybe that's just me.

 

[thomasossi]

Well, I ended up ordering a pearl II last night! I think it'll be a good balance of quality and ease of carry. The sample photos seem like it'll be a great in between for a day that I want higher quality than my 35mm cameras but don't feel like lugging my RB67 or 4x5 around. 16 shots will feel great with the Provia and Velvia I have too! Thanks for all the comments, I'll probably keep my eye out for a deal on a mamiya 6 or 7, or Plaubel Makina when the time comes to part ways with my RB67.

 

[John Wiegerink]

Well, I ended up ordering a pearl II last night! I think it'll be a good balance of quality and ease of carry. The sample photos seem like it'll be a great in between for a day that I want higher quality than my 35mm cameras but don't feel like lugging my RB67 or 4x5 around. 16 shots will feel great with the Provia and Velvia I have too! Thanks for all the comments, I'll probably keep my eye out for a deal on a mamiya 6 or 7, or Plaubel Makina when the time comes to part ways with my RB67.

You should like the Konica Pearl if it's in good operational condition (No idiot tampered with focusing). I've been watching for a deal on a Mamiya 7, but I'm afraid my wife might be shopping for a casket before a deal comes along on a Mamiya 6 or 7. Yikes, those prices are terrible!

 

[MattKing]

I'm afraid my wife might be shopping for a casket before a deal comes along on a Mamiya 6 or 7

And if you buy one that isn't a really great deal, is the likelihood even greater that she will be shopping for a casket.....?

 

[John Wiegerink]

And if you buy one that isn't a really great deal, is the likelihood even greater that she will be shopping for a casket.....?

Much greater!

 

[abruzzi]

I have changed bellows for Pearl III, it was a pain but worthy.

did you make the bellows yourself, or did you find a source for them?

 

[Alex Varas]

did you make the bellows yourself, or did you find a source for them?

Customs Bellows UK does them, I sent original ones so he could replicate them.

They did a good job.

 

[thomasossi]

Customs Bellows UK does them, I sent original ones so he could replicate them.

They did a good job.

I have gotten a pearl 2 but my bellows also need replacement. How was the process? Seems like some shenanigans are necessary to get the film gate out. Any chance you took some photos along the way?

 

[xya]

+1 for the Pearl III. I have had quite a few 4.5x6 cameras, see https://www.120folder.com/compa.htm, it still is the best for me and I still use it. I was lucky with the bellows, I had 3 in total, all fine, 2 of them I gave away to friends.

I was not lucky at all with the Fuji GS, both of mine failed, the last one I sold to my repair man after 3 repairs.

And I'm still fond of my Fuji GA645Wi, non folding, but a real point and shoot in MF. Wonderful.

 

[Melvin J Bramley]

Consider this camera
Mamiya 6 folder/ dual format.

Mamiya 6 Model V (1953)

This is a Mamiya 6 Model V, a medium format roll film folding camera, produced by Mamiya Optical Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan between the years 1953 and 1955. Th

mikeeckman.com

All old folders are a craps shoot.

 

[OAPOli]

I have gotten a pearl 2 but my bellows also need replacement. How was the process? Seems like some shenanigans are necessary to get the film gate out. Any chance you took some photos along the way?

The film gate has a fairly wide lip that snaps/folds over the body. You have to gently bend the lip at the corner to start lifting the gate over the body. Then gradually pry it out. It's difficult.

 

[Alex Varas]

The film gate has a fairly wide lip that snaps/folds over the body. You have to gently bend the lip at the corner to start lifting the gate over the body. Then gradually pry it out. It's difficult.

I found a “cleaner” way… cutting off that lip just in the “valley” then the frame comes out cleanly.
Remove bellow, position new ones and now for keeping the frame put I make two holes and threads for short screws, one hole for each side. It worked fine the only time I tried this on a Super Ikonta.

 

[xya]

All old folders are a craps shoot.

No, I do not agree at all.

 

[ghostslice]

+1 for the Pearl III. I have had quite a few 4.5x6 cameras, see https://www.120folder.com/compa.htm, it still is the best for me and I still use it. I was lucky with the bellows, I had 3 in total, all fine, 2 of them I gave away to friends.

I was not lucky at all with the Fuji GS, both of mine failed, the last one I sold to my repair man after 3 repairs.

And I'm still fond of my Fuji GA645Wi, non folding, but a real point and shoot in MF. Wonderful.

Good to hear it holds up as a genuine shooter rather than just a shelf piece. Three bellows all coming through clean is either very good luck or very good storage habits, probably both. Do you tend to handle basic maintenance yourself, or do you send everything out? Curious how people approach it with older gear like this.

 

[fj55mike]

Later Mamiya 6 folders with the 645 masks are extremely nice to use. I have a K2 version which uses a red window instead of automatic advance, and has an attached pressure plate so it can't get lost. Maybe a little heavier than a Pearl but probably comparable in weight to a Super Ikonta A

 

[xya]

Good to hear it holds up as a genuine shooter rather than just a shelf piece. Three bellows all coming through clean is either very good luck or very good storage habits, probably both. Do you tend to handle basic maintenance yourself, or do you send everything out? Curious how people approach it with older gear like this.

I'm lucky to have a french friend who is fond of repairing old cameras in his free time and became an expert over the years. He also takes in those of his friends. So mine get expert care...

 

[Randy Stewart]

I've owned two GS645 cameras (first one stolen). The rule for acquistiion is, find the best condition onee you can. If the original bellows hs been replaced, require proof. The original beloows were cheqqp crp; the replacments are a one time event. Then have the camera fully CLAed, particularly shutter cable linkage lubrication. The GS645 is a bit fussy to use, and the controls on the lens are tightly spaved, and there is no way to mount filters without the original, dedicatedleens hod. (The hood itself is a bastard to gwet on and off, te lens.)
IMO, the alternative is a Konica Pearl III, or a late run Pearl II with the better 3,5 lens. If you are cash heavy, go for a Pearl IV. whilee a 645 filder, it is a completely different camera from the prior models, excpet that it shares the later 3.5 lens. It is smaller and easier to use the a GS645. Controls well spaaced; takes filterws. But it has no internal meter. So, put one of the newmicro metersin thee cold accessory shoe. As a matter of princple for used cameras intended for significant use, a CLA should be done.