A folder on a budget....Witch maker/model?

[vidgamer]

I got my camera - pretty nice for everything except the slow shutter speeds which I can live without.

I saw a similar camera go for less (no idea on if it works though) and one is waiting for not much more than what I paid. For anyone still interested in the original topic... if you are on a stiff budget (or just cheap like I am) and are a bit patient, the Agfa Isolette and variants are probably a good way to go.

(I also got my tester assembled and initial testing was OK, but it's a bit "dim". Maybe it'll work better in a darker environment...)

 

[Pioneer]

The Perkeo sounds like a great model that I might have preferred except for price. Well, this is the "folders on a budget" thread.... I guess that depends on how much of a budget!

I got myself an Agfa w/Apotar lens for super-cheap. It's in the mail. Hmm, I hope it works. ;-)
I looked up information on the various lenses. It appears that if you don't go for the most expensive high-end lenses (tessar, solinar, etc.), you can sometimes get a good deal on folders.

I was going to say that if you don't get one with a rangefinder it'll be cheaper, but I saw a Mess Ikonta go for $40 on fleaBay. Was tempted, but I don't need a 3rd folder. Well, not yet anyway. ;-) I'm curious to find out if there's a difference between the ones that I have...

That little Apotar lens is a terrific performer, particularly at f5.6 or f8, I don't think you will be disappointed with it at all.

The three most common issues you can face with one of these Agfa folders are:
1. Pinholes in the bellows. In the beginning use some plastic rubber to fill them. That usually works out great unless the pinholes are too large. In that case a lens cone is a very inexpensive alternative. Bellows can be purchased for around $70 if you feel up to making that repair itself.

2. Frozen Focus. This is caused by the lubricant drying out over time and cementing the lens focus helical (screw) in place. This is actually not to hard to fix and there are several on-line sites that provide good instructions for doing this. Some acetone, a quality screwdriver, some small hose clamps and some wax paper will be all the tools you need.

3. Shutter Problems. Shutters that have sat around for a long time without being used can become tight and will often fail to work accurately. Fortunately there is usually very little wrong that a tiny bit of lighter fluid and a willingness to spend a few evenings sitting on the couch cocking and firing the shutter won't fix. Again there are some very useful on-line resources that can head you in the right direction.

Truthfully I was very hesitant to do any of this when I first started. Then one day I sat down and asked myself; "How much harm can I really do to a $20 camera that doesn't work anyway?" It turned out to be great fun and I have a little Agfa Isolette I that I was able to turn into a terrific little camera. I think I have more satisfaction from the pictures I get from that particular camera than any other I own.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[vidgamer]

Thanks for the tips. The focus seems OK (only a bit stiff perhaps), and I didn't notice any light leaks; maybe I should try a flashlight. Higher shutter speeds look really accurate -- I'll give my tester a try! I'm not sure it's worth opening up just to work on the slow shutter speeds, but I may want to do something with my Minolta.....