Missing my 6x9 - folders!

Dave Wilkinson

Dave Wilkinson

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For as long as I can remember there has been a roll film folder of some sort ( usually Zeiss, Agfa, Voigtlander etc.) in my arsenal, but not in the last year or so - since drastically reducing my collection. I'm now rather missing having a pocketable medium format camera, in a perverse way,as they are slow and 'fiddly' but often produce stunning results. Right now I have my eye on a Ensign Selfix 820 with 105 - f3.8 Ross Express, really clean and tidy, and for a good (in my view) price. So the usual, inevitable query - as this is about the only make I have not sampled! - how does it perform, in comparison to - say - a Ikonta, Nettar, Bessa etc.?, I have heard the Ross lens on 'em was pretty good?.
Cheers, Dave.
 
This is a model I would like to add to my set. They have taken off in value lately and are now a little too rich for my blood at the moment.
I've not had very great experience of a wide range of 120 folders, but of my folders (inc Isolette/Solinar) my two examples of Ross Xpress give a very good performance and are clearly every bit as good or better than the rest. Enjoy.....
 
Dave Wilkinson said:
No - not that one ( I rarely buy from camera shops ) I should be receiving mine on Saturday, and a bit less ££! :)
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Did you get it yet? Have you put film through it? Looking forward to seeing photos both of and with your new camera. I know my Zeiss Ikon 6x9 is a favorite of mine. Fujica 160 VC is almost magic in 6x9.

Edit: It hit me last night that I called Kodak Fuji. Good grief!
 
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If it's any consolation...

I just got a roll of Provia 100F shot on my Bessa II developed. Gorgeous. :p

One frame was an accidental double, but it was of a mass of flowers so the overlap has created a really nice, but subtle, effect. And it's about a 6 x 15 exposure!
 
Paddy C said:
If it's any consolation...

I just got a roll of Provia 100F shot on my Bessa II developed. Gorgeous. :p

One frame was an accidental double, but it was of a mass of flowers so the overlap has created a really nice, but subtle, effect. And it's about a 6 x 15 exposure!
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don't see too many 6x9 shots here, could you post some?
Dave.
 
In my experience the Selfix 820 is heavier and generally more ponderous to use than an Ikonta or Nettar. I've also found the resolution of the Xpres lens (on both my examples) a bit disappointing until about f11-16 (when however it is excellent)--and somewhat in the face of its near-legendary reputation.

OTOH I've had more success handholding it at long shutter speeds than with most other folders: often down to 1/4 with satisfactory results. I suspect its extra mass helps there.

Best of luck,
D.
 
Dave Wilkinson said:
don't see too many 6x9 shots here, could you post some?
Dave.
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I have yet to scan much from the Bessa as I only bought a V700 in the late spring. And it's been a heck of a busy year since then. I've also realized, from my test scans, that I have to buy the better scanning glass because there is too much curl on a 6 x 9 neg.

Let me see if I have time today or tomorrow and I'll post a couple to this thread.
 
hans voralberg said:
Fuji 160VC ? You sure you dont mean Portra 160VC?
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Yes, I did. I thought of it last night. I don't know why, but it just popped into my mind what I had done. I have added an edit above. Don't know what I was thinking (or not thinking) of to have said that. Fuji has some good films, but the VC really pops.
 
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