Most ergonomic 35mm folders

msbarnes

msbarnes

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I've had a Retina IIIc but the ergonomics get in the way. It never seems ready to shoot. I'm mostly talking about the EV-system. On paper, the Retina IIIc/IIIC seem to be the best spec'd folders but I'm wondering if there is one that is better.

1. Would you consider any other folder to be more ergonomic?

2. Which ones do not have the EV system?

I'm not concerned about a light meter but I want a rangefinder. I'm looking into the Zeiss Ikon, Agfa, and Voigtlander offerings.
 
Voigtlander Vitessa with 50mm f/2 Ultron. I have one, like it, and it is always ready to shoot, as long as film is loaded.
 
I have never tried any other folders but my Agfa/Ansco Super Regent is a wonderful little folder. However, they do have a few potential problems.

1. It makes use of the LV shutter system so it will not likely be a lot different than using your Retina's.
2. The shutter is cocked separately from the film transport.
3. The film transport systems were not that robust. They toothed roller will sieze and there are no longer parts to repair it. This happened to my first one but my 2nd seems to be working well so far.
 
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I had a Voigtlander Vito IIa, the only thing that spoiled it for me was the 'dreaded' EV system, but you might like to look out for the earlier II (if you don't mind knob rather than lever wind) as I believe that was before they went to EV. No doubt somebody will correct me if I'm wrong there.

I had a Vitessa with the gorgeous Ultron lens (the Skopar is also excellent) but you would want to check that the film transport and shutter arming mechanism is reliable - if worn, like mine was, it would be a nightmare to repair.

If you count a 'scissors strut' camera as a folder, I like the Agfa Karat 36 and Karat IV, but you would want to check for bellows and solidified Agfa grease problems. All lenses fitted are excellent.

I have seen the Petri Color 35 and 35D well reviewed, but have no personal experience of them.
 
There are the Certo Super Dollina II, and the Welta Weltina II, both with Zeiss lenses and Compur shutters. Rangefinder on the Weltini is a bit squinty though.

PF
 
May I suggest the Retina IIa? It has a quick advance lever, a beautiful 2.0 lens and does not use the EV system. I currently have and use the Retina Ib, II, IIa, IIc, IIIc, Voigtlander Vito II and Vitessa L. I have found that while using the IIa, it just feels better that the others.
 
Some of the Baldas have Zeiss or Schneider lenses and range finders (not always coupled). Ditto Weltini and Certo Dollina as previously mentioned. Weltini is also available with an Leitz Elmar lens but expensive.

Balda names can be a bit confusing, Baldina, Baldini, Jubilette, Baldinette, Beltica, Rigona etc etc

But the Balda and Certo range finders are often the split image type which isn't as nice to use as the double image type. Weltini range finder can be good but small like an ltm Leica

A very well made camera is the Welta Ic with Tessar lens, unfortunately no range finder on this one but it does have 'unit' rather than front element focussing.

Coupled range finders on folding cameras make for more, sometimes fragile, linkages.

Ergonomics on this lot can be a matter of taste!

Michael
 
My vote also goes to Vitessa with Ultron, especially earlier models without fixed cold shoe. Left hand steady the camera and do plunge frame advance/shutter cocking, right hand focus using the top deck wheel and press shutter release. The viewfinder/rangefinder are a bit squinty but usable. And the Ultron lens really shines.
 
I have a Retina IIIc and it takes great photos but is somewhat hard to hold. The neck strap helps to not drop it because there is not much to hold on to. I also have a Vitessa and that is eaiser to hold up and the plunger works okay also. The EV system is weird but once you get used to it's simple and accurate.
Joe
 
Contax T

Contax T

The original Contax T w/ the flash unit removed is the best 35mm folder I ave ever used IMHO. I like them so much that I have two of them. I have used all the variations of the retina. Ergonically the IIb is the best of the lot.

Gary
 
Reviving an old thread!

Suggestions for a 35mm rangefinder folder welcomed!

Anybody that can help setting off a list of 35mm folder rangefinders?
 
I have a Vitessa with Ultron, and I've not quite managed to get to grips with the ergonomics. I'd have sold it already, except it needs a minor service (frame spacing gets a bit tight on the roll). The plunger still feels a little like the sort of thing that could jam at any moment and I find the shape a bit unsuited to my hands.

On the other hand, the Kodak Retina IIc with the bottom wind has near perfect ergonomics for me, except for the pokey dark viewfinder. I still regret getting rid of mine.
 
No rangefinder, but a recommendation: Weltis are a bit crude and minimal, with no couplings between anything, but are outstandingly well made (and that until well into their GDR period - only the last generation was more shoddy).
 
I like the Retinas - I've had the rangefinderless ones, they are very nice. Of course nothing beats a Leica II, but... :D I've had a 117, a couple 50's 013s and the latest one was a rickety 148 that I gave away to a collector. Ergonomics - well, that's a debate that can get really personal, but I like the early Retinas, despite being a bit slow to operate.
 
Jimi,

you're right, the Leica II is pretty nice indeed! Thing is, with the lenses I have for it, it's not pocketable. And, if I'd bump into a nice 35mm folder RF, why not scoop it up!? :D

Happy shooting!
 
Other than my two earlier suggestions, there is always the Agfa Karat 36. Not a folder, but a collapsible. It takes the same size filters as the Retina, and if you really want a lens cap for it, you can use the lid off an Ilford film canister.

PF


P1070555_2 by br1078phot, on Flickr
 
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