6x6 or 6x4.5 folders or TLRs

R

RML

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Since I got a few rolls of Fuji 120 (colour) film in Antwerp and a couple of rolls of (respooled) 620 B&W film at B&H in NYC, I've been shooting my Agfa and Zeiss-Ikon folders. Both give 6x9 negs, which I find a bit large for my purpose (just shooting for the heck of it, though I might take them out for some landscape photography some day). I'm thinking of a folder or TLR that takes 120 film and gives 6x6 or 6x4.5 negs. I have two Lubitel-2 cameras but I found the negs to be rather soft, though this could be due to the lab's processing. I also have a Holga, which I don't use for 120 film but for 35mm film. I may run a roll of 120 film through it some day as well.

Any other 120 folders/TLRs that give 6x6 or 6x4.5 and that I can afford? No need for rangefinder (if that exists).
 
I've got a Balda 6x6 with uncoupled rangefinder that gives good results.
I think I paid about $70 including shipping from the UK to the US. I'm sure you could beat that deal with something already on your side of the pond.
It's a handy little camera with double exposure prevention and an actual working film counter (so you don't have to rely on the red windows). It fits in the back pocket of a loose pair of jeans.
I do get a bit of vignetting from it. I've never shot it wide open, so I can't tell you how it does in low light.
Picture of and picture from attached. More at http://www.pbase.com/dazedgonebye/balda
 

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If you don't mind a heavy camera, you may want to consider the Mamiya C330. It is well built and has interchangeabe lenses.
 
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Depends on what you mean by "afford."

If you go with some of the later generation folders you'll get multi-coated lenses that are often Tessar copies. These are good cameras, and some can be gotten in the $50-$75 range in excellent condition. I just sold an Isolette III here on RFF, in fact, that had apotar lens (the solinar is the tessar clone, but I got terrific results from the apotar) for about that price.

Personally, for that range, I'd rather get a TLR. An Autocord can be had for that price range. A fully CLA'ed Yashica Mat 124 is closer to $150.

Steamer - I find your suggestion for an Iskra to be weird. Great cameras, but not particularly available as compared to, say, an Isolette III, which can be less expensive (other than the fully CLA'ed models, of course). Do you recommend the Iskra over the Isolette because of the latter's lens freezing tendencies?

allan
 
Hey, Allan, I'd like to know where you can get an autocord for that price. :) The ones in decent shape on fleabay all go for $150+, often hitting over $200 now. The ones that sell for under $150 are, wel, in poor condition. I've been watching and waiting and putting in random bids for the last 5 months :p

I have an iskra II. Here's what I know: the frames overlap. I have 15 developed rolls sitting around, waiting for me to get an MF capable scanner, heheh. Can't really tell much from the negs. I've tried taking pictures of them with my dslr, but I can't keep the film flat enough to determine sharpness. It is a fun camera to use, though.

jano
 
jano said:
Hey, Allan, I'd like to know where you can get an autocord for that price. :) The ones in decent shape on fleabay all go for $150+, often hitting over $200 now. The ones that sell for under $150 are, wel, in poor condition. I've been watching and waiting and putting in random bids for the last 5 months :p
Click to expand...

I second that, nowadays it is cheaper to go for a Yashicamat 124G, however the Autocord is a better camera IMHO.
 
I think a TLR will provide better pictures, especially at wider apertures. Folders seem to be better suited to being stopped down more. That said, a Voigtlander Perkeo is a good folder that you probably could get for around $100. No rangefinder, and the first version is a red window affair. Look for a Ricoh Diacord if you want an inexpensive TLR with a Tessar-type lens; these are a lot less pricey than an Autocord or Yashicamat. A Yashica D, especially with a Yashinon (as opposed to Yashikor) lens, is another good inexpensive option.
 
jano, ian,
My apologies - I had lost track of prices on ebay. I am doubly regretful - I saw a great condition autocord at a local camera show for about $70 a month ago. I decided not to get it, but if I knew they had climbed so much in price...

allan
 
I would consider the ISKRA, there are some threads about folders with pictures taken with it (take a look also to Tood´s gallery). Probably you know www.certo6.com with folders inperfect working condition.
 
I just picked up an Iskra (from www.dvdtechnik.com) and have put two rolls through it. So far I am very pleased with the results. The images seem very sharp, comparable to the Rolleiflex 3.5 Tessar I recently sold (although I have yet to make any enlargements above 5x5). I'm guessing that wide open and edge-to-edge the Rolleiflex will be better, but I do find the Iskra very easy to use (no reverse image like a TLR) and very portable. You should be able to find a good one for around $100-125.
 
I really like the idea of a 6x6 folder, but I haven't had good luck in finding one in decent shape. Of couse if I were to spend some(for me) serious $ I could get a good one...but I'm not shooting much 120 lately so no GAS in that area. For now.
I do have and like a Seagull 4a-107. Not the best TLR available but I have been happy with it. I would not go for a used one, though.
Remy, one of the ideas I had for those 6x9 negs from the Ansco was to make contact prints and simple small frames. With simple, strong compositions I think you'd end up with little "jewels" to display.
Or you could gor for something like THIS. :D It's a little heavy and I didn't make the best choices for all my lenses(skip the MIR 45mm)but I like it and the other lenses alot!
Rob
 
I have a Yashica Mat 124G, and it takes gorgeous squares, but my Great Wall DF-2 is the best: I cherish it.
The negatives from my first Balda Baldax roll looked a bit soft, but nicely dreamy; I think, however, that I need to master zone-focussing.
I shot my first 6 X 9's last week, with a box camera, a gift from one of my favourite forumpeople, and I was delighted with the results....and eight frames to a roll appealed to my impatient nature. :)
Remy: where do you have your 120 film processed?
 
I like my mat 124 so much I just sold off all of my other 120 gear. It's my go-to camera now. I'd like to get a rectangular format - the Mamiya 7 or the Fuji 690 (if I gotta be fixed lens, might as well go 6x9), but can't afford it right now.

When focused correctly, the images from my Isolette III could come close to the mat 124. Not quite there, but very close. Most noticeable at corners. The Isolette I came remarkably close to the Isolette III, actually, and is much lighter. But it's got far fewer features and it is softer. Impressive and usable, but softer.

allan
 
remy, a good working rolleicord w xenar 75/3.5 coated (if possible) lens is a sure bet. Cheap as well.
If you look carefully, sometimes you find excellent stuff on marktpplaats.nl ; i bought a cord V there for 50 euro, and a 6x6 super ikonta III for 20+postage (!!) which needed some rf adjustment but that was easier than i thought.
 
Iskra reply

Iskra reply

Hi Allan I suggested the the Iskra because, like you say it's a great camera, I don't know much about the Isolette III except the bellows are made of some kind of nasty plastic stuff instead of leather, don't hold up and are usually full of pinholes.

I got a really nice Iskra from grizzlybear33 on the bay auction site. No issues with film transport or any other mechanical problems. There always seem to be a few on sale on the bay. One final point in its favor; the Iskra is built like a brick love shack and has the heft to help you fight off a pack of jackals.

Steve
 
All good advice, guys and gals! Thanks! If you have more, keep it coming. :)

Lynn, sofar I have 1 roll exposed and I have yet to find a place. The shop I sent my earlier MF attempts to went out of business last december.

Csab', the Rolleicord appeals to me (it's the name, I think). :)

The Ikontas and Isolettes sound like they're up my financial alley.
 
Now, let me stir the pot... Buy a medium format SLR.

Actually, TLRs work great. I have had small problems with the lens not being parallel with the film when using folders.
 
RML said:
Any other 120 folders/TLRs that give 6x6 or 6x4.5 and that I can afford? No need for rangefinder (if that exists).
Click to expand...

A nice Bessa I went for 100 Euro recently at German Evilbay, no RF and a 4,5 X 5 mask included. The pre wwII Bessa folders have no coating, so check it first and decide if that is what you want. For landscape I'd prefer coated lenses, not for portrait tho.
Regards,
Bertram
 
Well, let me do the typical thing and throw in the camera I just bought.
Koni-Omega.
Not small (my son saw it and asked why someone painted a brick).
Not light (saves trips to the gym).
Not expensive (mine's ugly as sin, but only cost $60 shipped).
Not restricted to one lens (I have a wide angle on the way).
Not hard to use (once you get the hang of it)
Not square (well, the negative isn't square, the camera kinda is).
Not anything that will get you mugged (in fact, would make a fine weapon if someone were going for your wallet).
Not going to fit in your current camera bag (on the good side, you can toss it on the front seat of your car without worrying about hurting it).

That's probably not all.
 
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