Probably should have started here in the first place -- I've become interested in the rangefinder folding cameras with film plane focusing, the Ensign Commando and Mamiya Six. I bought one on eBay, only to find it had been dropped on the accessory shoe; the RF was non-functional and frame counter largely so; the damage was extensive enough it would most likely have cost more to repair than to buy a working example.
I've gotten a refund on that one; now I'm looking for one that works: either an Ensign Commando, either 1946 or 1948 version, or a Mamiya 6 with the 6x4.5 flaps (I'm not sure if the "Automat" version has those). I might be interested in a different camera model, if it has the same film plane focusing and 6x4.5 capability (and either has the mask, or has a "can't be lost" version like the Commando and Mamiya 6).
I'm not a stickler for appearance -- bad leather, brassing, minor dents aren't a problem, as long as the bellow is tight (or leaks are minor enough to patch myself), the lens is clear, and the mechanicals all work.
If I don't find anything here I can afford, it's back to eBay...
I've gotten a refund on that one; now I'm looking for one that works: either an Ensign Commando, either 1946 or 1948 version, or a Mamiya 6 with the 6x4.5 flaps (I'm not sure if the "Automat" version has those). I might be interested in a different camera model, if it has the same film plane focusing and 6x4.5 capability (and either has the mask, or has a "can't be lost" version like the Commando and Mamiya 6).
I'm not a stickler for appearance -- bad leather, brassing, minor dents aren't a problem, as long as the bellow is tight (or leaks are minor enough to patch myself), the lens is clear, and the mechanicals all work.
If I don't find anything here I can afford, it's back to eBay...