6X9, cheap, simple but good: Which one??

I have a Bessa-I (modern style) 6x9 with the 105/3.5 Color-Skopar, and that lens is really really good, even being a folder it appears to me sharper than my Tessar type TLRs.

It has no RF at all, so I was quite forced to work at f/8 and estimate distances. An external one would be slow to use, but helpful.

It ran me €35 at a flea market here. It really pays to get familiar with how the 'best' lens/shutter assemblies look like so you can easily spot them.

Edit: Just in case you want more references, the 6x9 version of the Agfa Isolette (Billy Record?) with the Solinar lens should be a first class performer. And it comes with an uncoupled but combined VF/RF.
 
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My thoughts on a rangefinder:

-- If you like to shoot wide open or you plan to shoot portraits, a rangefinder is a big advantage. You can also use a small handheld rangefinder.

-- If you shoot at smaller apertures: f/8-f/22 or you want to shoot mostly landscapes, then a rangefinder isn't an absolute necessity.

With a small amount of practice, you can become quite proficient at guessing distances.

When buying, check that the lens support is stiff and doesn't flex (with any Voigtlander). Also check for impact damage and that the lens door opens and extends smoothly (any camera). In general, don't allow the camera to snap open -- use a two-handed approach when opening the camera.
 
350 to 500 usd is alot for such a machine. You could get a moskva in great shape and some film...and some developer, a tank, and you are set:)
Seriously, a non-rf ikonta with a quality lens (tessar, but the novar anastigmat can perform well) and a quality working shutter is a good choice. I had one for 70 euro, coated 80mm f3.5 tessar, synchro compur, but the focus was busted. Otherwise a great machine.
Scale focus works stopped down; you could buy a shoe mount external rangefinder for 15-20 bucks and you can use it wide open.
 
caspert79 said:
I wouldn't recommend the Mamiya Press to be honest. It's true what MacCaulay says that it can produce great images but the Press is a pain in the ass to work with. It's bulky and the rangefindersystem is a hell. If I were you I would look for a Fuji 6x9.
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I would disagree that there is a problem with the rangefinder on the Mamiya Press, in general. Perhaps you had a bad one. I have had one for almost 30 years and it still works well. It is a system camera as well, with interchangable backs and lenses. It is big, but not so heavy at least in my opinion. That is of course a relative thing.

But, it is not a folder by any means. I don't think a rf is a must with a folder. Judging distance is something easily acquired if you can't do it already. Is there a reason you are looking at 6x9 in a folder? That is, 6x6 or 6x7 are still much larger than 35mm negatives. Nettars and Weltas are good, and I think both have 6x9 but I am not positive. Weltas are probably less expensive. I am partial to them but that is because I have used a Welta Welti for so many years.
 
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