dougiec29
Member
Are there any 6x6 rangefinders? I know a lot of square format cameras are waist level SLRs and TLRs, but I got into 35 rangefinders from a SLR backround and don't know if I want a huge mirror in my next camera.
trittium
Well-known
I have a Mamiya 6 folder and a Certo Dolly supper sport. Both are excellant cameras. Another option are the super ikontas.
Finder
Veteran
The New Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 6 MF are great cameras.
ZeissFan
Veteran
To add to the list, there is the Agfa Isolette III and Super Isolette and the Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta B and Mess Ikonta.
The Super Ikonta B emerged in the 1930s and could be one of the first 6x6 rangefinders.
I almost forgot to mention the Kodak Medalist I and II, which are 620 cameras and ones that I would best describe as "brutish" and certainly not discreet -- about as discreet as an anvil. Oh heck, that's a 6x9 camera.
The Super Ikonta B emerged in the 1930s and could be one of the first 6x6 rangefinders.
I almost forgot to mention the Kodak Medalist I and II, which are 620 cameras and ones that I would best describe as "brutish" and certainly not discreet -- about as discreet as an anvil. Oh heck, that's a 6x9 camera.
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mbisc
Silver Halide User
There are tons of old folders (BTW in other than 6x6 formats as well) that have coupled rangefinders -- just check the usual sources for Zeiss, Voigtlander, Agfa/Ansco, various Japanese manufacturers and the FSU knock-offs...
Mike
Mike
mbisc
Silver Halide User
One more thought, there is always Jurgen Kreckel (in PA, USA) who sells restored folders of many manufacturers for users. His website is http://certo6.com/. I am not sure whether he is on this list, but check out his website if you want a great-working folder. I have no connection to him, except as a very satisfied customer. My Bessa II that's listed below is from him...
Mike
Mike
dougiec29
Member
Thanks for the help, especially the link. I'm going to look at the Zeiss and Agfa folders.
markinlondon
Elmar user
Bear in mind that just about any Isolette will have a leaky bellows unless it's been replaced. Having said that, they're easily patched with fabric paint or that thick kind of nail varnish. I did this on my Isolette III
Buying from Jurgen Kreckel will mean the bellows has been replaced.
Buying from Jurgen Kreckel will mean the bellows has been replaced.
Attachments
ZeissFan
Veteran
Typical problems of th Agfa folders are pinholes in bellows and hardened lubrication in the helicals which makes the lens either difficult or impossible to focus.
However, both of these things can be corrected.
The plastic bellows are notorious for having holes in the corners. And the helicals usually can be cleaned and relubricated.
If you don't mind an uncoupled rangefinder, the Agfa Isolette III with either a Solinar (Tessar design) or an Apotar (triplet) is nice. Or the Zeiss Ikon Mess Ikonta (524/16) -- also with an uncoupled rangefinder -- with either the Tessar or Novar (triplet).
In general, nearly any classic camera will need to be serviced unless you're buying from someone who already has done the work.
However, both of these things can be corrected.
The plastic bellows are notorious for having holes in the corners. And the helicals usually can be cleaned and relubricated.
If you don't mind an uncoupled rangefinder, the Agfa Isolette III with either a Solinar (Tessar design) or an Apotar (triplet) is nice. Or the Zeiss Ikon Mess Ikonta (524/16) -- also with an uncoupled rangefinder -- with either the Tessar or Novar (triplet).
In general, nearly any classic camera will need to be serviced unless you're buying from someone who already has done the work.
rogue_designer
Reciprocity Failure
I really like the Voightlander Perkeo folders too - some RF, some scale focus.
Michiel Fokkema
Michiel Fokkema
Hi,
I have a Zeiss super Ikonta 3 for sale.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
I have a Zeiss super Ikonta 3 for sale.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
fgianni
Trainee Amateur
If U can find one, the certo six is a great 6x6 folder, with an excellent tessar f2.8 lens, most likely the RF patch will need replacing (I sent mine to newton-ellis for CLA and with £65 I got back a really super coupled RF folder)