Advice on MF folder rangefinder please

[fgianni]

I am looking to buy a MF folder camera, which is the best value for money?
I heard god things about the ISKRA 2, has anyone got any experience with it?
Also where can I buy one (I know I can get it from e-bay but I am hoping on a more reliable source)

Thanks

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Good quote Gianni.

First: I don't have any experience with the Iskra. (sorry 🙁 )

I only have experience with the Franka Solida IIIL; it has a Schneider-Kreuznach f/2.9 lens 80mm, with shutter speeds of 1 sec to 1/300 sec. It's hard to find one in good condition; the selenium meter on mine is still surprisingly accurate, but not responsive in low light; the bellows are also just as good as new; came with the original leather case. I got mine at an antique store for $60-65, and they are fetching about the same (if you're lucky, half of that, but without the case) on eBay.

I forgot who here had samples of an Ikon (Ikonta?), but it had a longer lens, really nice. Unfortunately the Voigtlaender MF folder cameras are fetching higher dollars on eBay than they used to about a year or so ago.

 

[digitalox]

hi francesco

This came up pretty recently, you might try sifting through this thread
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9433

I have a zeiss ikon. Its easy to use, fits in a jeans or jacket pocket, and is pretty tough. Picture quality is OK. Its my only folder so I don't have much to compare it too.

 

[wlewisiii]

Fedka has a very nice looking one (even nicer than the one he sold me.) herehttp://www.fedka.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=403&osCsid=eadcf938c9c998a6c957ef3afa16b1f3

It isn't cheap, but his service is good and the camera is worth every cent.

William

 

[Todd.Hanz]

There are many folders out there, I bought my first recently, an Iskra I. It works well, spacing is a little off and I keep forgetting to cock the shutter before pressing the release but that's my problem.

Which one you get has alot to do with what you can afford, I didn't want to put 200-450 into a folder so I stayed away from the Ikonta's. Look here for some tips, and he sells on occasion as well: http://www.certo6.com/cam/certo6.html

The Iskra is a fine folder with outstanding results, here are a couple:

 

[jlw]

The old folding Mamiya 6 is very good. Unlike many folders, it offers both a rigidly-mounted front standard (important for consistently sharp results) and unit focusing of the lens (gives better optical performance than focusing by turning the front element only, as on Super Ikontas.)

It accomplishes this by moving the film plane instead of the lens to focus. Focusing is done by a thumb wheel on the rear "shoulder" of the camera, a very convenient location. Overall construction is very solid.

Prices on these Mamiya folders seem to vary widely depending on age, specific model (many variations) and what lens is fitted. They were in production for a long time, so they aren't all that uncommon. Some will be expensive, but it's worth watching out for possible bargains.

 

[fgianni]

If I get an Iskra off e-bay, is there anyone in UK that does CLA and bellows replacement?

 

[RJBender]

If I get an Iskra off e-bay, is there anyone in UK that does CLA and bellows replacement?

Hi Francesco,

I bought a Zeiss SLR, on eBay, from Certo6 and was happy with it. He replaces bellows and has some information on his website:
http://www.certo6.com/

I don't think a bellows replacement is necessary in most instances. Light usually leaks in around the door seals if you have a light leak. To inspect the bellows, just take the camera into a darkroom with a small flashlight.

R.J.

 

[RJBender]

The Iskra is a fine folder with outstanding results, here are a couple:

Great photos, Todd! If I had to guess what camera you used, I would have guessed a Rolleiflex 3.5F.

R.J.

 

[RJBender]

The old folding Mamiya 6 is very good. Unlike many folders, it offers both a rigidly-mounted front standard (important for consistently sharp results) and unit focusing of the lens (gives better optical performance than focusing by turning the front element only, as on Super Ikontas.)

It accomplishes this by moving the film plane instead of the lens to focus. Focusing is done by a thumb wheel on the rear "shoulder" of the camera, a very convenient location. Overall construction is very solid.

Prices on these Mamiya folders seem to vary widely depending on age, specific model (many variations) and what lens is fitted. They were in production for a long time, so they aren't all that uncommon. Some will be expensive, but it's worth watching out for possible bargains.

Hi jlw,

I've had two vintage Mamiya 6s. The focusing mechanism is unique and they are solid cameras. The bokeh's good but overall image quality is not tack sharp like the Todd's Iskra photographs.

 

[Seele]

Hi jlw,

I've had two vintage Mamiya 6s. The focusing mechanism is unique and they are solid cameras. The bokeh's good but overall image quality is not tack sharp like the Todd's Iskra photographs.

The focussing mechanism of the Mamiya 6 is not unique; it had been suggested that it was "inspired" but the Ensign Commando, and many Japanese writers actually insisted that Ensign copied the Mamiya 6, but new evidents seem to point out that it's another case of simutaneous invention: moving the film plane might sound technically more challenging, but in a sense it makes coupling the focussing mechanism to the focussing mechanism easier. In fact the Stereo Realist by David White also incorporated the same system.

But back to the original question: I have always been quite impressed with Agfa's Isolette series for 6X6 format; structurally it is a very sound design so lens-to-film distance is well held, and the lens location rather stable. Look for a Solinar lens for it is inherently a fine performer, Apotar is a whisker behind in performance, but avoid the Agnar altogether. Cosmetics is not as refined as those by the more renown marques such as Zeiss Ikon and Voigtlander, hence prices are much lower, but no less capable as picture takers.

 

[lkgroup]

I recently got an Iskra on a trade. I had Certo6 replace the bellows and CLA the camera. Some information on his website:

http://www.certo6.com/

I also had him put new leather on the body which I did to make the camera almost new. A very nice functionable camera which takes great pictures.

Highly recommended.

Leo

 

[jdos2]

I've had good experience with a Moskva- a 6x9 folder of some (ill) repute.
Got it from Oleg, and have been happy with it. It takes nice pictures. and was only $60. Self timer even works.

 

[Iskra 2]

Iskra 2 CLA

Iskra 2 CLA

I purchased an Iskra 2 that needed meter repairs. Sent it to Oleg and he fixed everything. He was able to find a good selenium part. 🙂 You will be happy with a good Iskra. 😀 ..... and you will save yourself some money for film 😀

 

[Heath]

I have both the Moskva 2 and the Commando mentioned earlier. Of the two I would reccomend the Moskva, as it has a lighter focusing mechanism. The focal plane focusing of the Commando makes it necessary to have very heavy springs behind the film pressure plate, so it is quite stiff to focus.

The Commando is smaller than the Moskva. The lens on the Commando is a 75mm Ensar Anastigmat F3.5 while the Moskva has an Industar-23 110mm 4.5. Shutter speeds for the Commando are 1/200, 1/100, 1/50, 1/25, 1/10, 1/5 1/2 1 and B and the Moskva has the same shutter speeds except for the fastest which is 1/250. The Commando is a dual format taking 6x6 and 6x4.5 images using built in masks across the film gate. The Moskva only takes 6x9 images.

Evan though the Commando has a faster lens and is dual format I would still recommend the Moskva due to it's ease of focusing and it's larger image size.

Hope this information helps.

Heath