Want to Buy WTB: Ensign Commando or Mamiya Six

[Donald Qualls]

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...

 

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[Donald Qualls]

No responses here -- I guess anyone who has one isn't selling (or isn't checking the WTB classifieds). Anyway, I found a pretty clean looking Mamiya 6 (dual-format, with Sekor T 75mm f/3.5 lens) that i can afford, and it's on its way from Japan, hopefully here before Christmas.