Agfa Isolette III -- Opinions?

[cooltouch]

I was the successful bidder on an Agfa Isolette III and am anxious to get a chance to run a roll of 120 through it and see how it compares to my Yashica Mat and Bronica. After doing some reading up on this camera on the 'net, I think it will probably handle the comparison well.

This one has the uncoupled rangefinder, Solinar 75mm f/3.5 lens, and Synchro Compur shutter. That makes it a later model III, probably made in 1956 or so -- according to what I've read.

I like 120 pocket folders. A lot of bang in a relatively small package. The last one I owned was a Zeiss Super Ikonta B, and I wish I never would have sold it. Hopefully the Isolette will fill that hole.

So, if you have any experience with an Agfa with the Solinar 75mm, I'd like to read what you think of it. Thanks.

 

[petronius]

I have the f4,5mm version of the Solinar. The Synchro Compur needed some work.
All of the Isolettes I own have a nice output, even the simple Agnar lens.
Here is an example from the Solinar on Acros:

 

[joeswe]

I own a late model Isolette iii with the f3.5/75mm Solinar. Stopped down, the lens is sharp over most of the image area except the extreme corners which are always blurred. The close range performance is better than what you would expect from a front lens focusing camera. Check the plastic bellows, it will probably have some pinholes in the corners. You can replace the bellows or simply repair the holes with a silicone based sealant. The focus ring on the lens and the rangefinder tend to freeze because of the inadequate lubricants used at the time. These can be easily fixed. happy shooting!


baron_du_theil01 von eames68 auf Flickr

 

[cooltouch]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Your photos are encouraging. The camera might arrive this week. First thing I'll do is check the focusing ring and rangefinder to see if they move at all. I've had to deal before with lube that has changed to a crayon-like substance. I have some black gaffer's tape that I'll try using if the bellows has any pinholes. I also have some black silicone seal that might work too.

 

[Seele]

I have one bought in very good cosmetic condition, bellows all good, but the focussing screw and rangefinder were both jammed. Fixing the rangefinder was easy but it took a while for my repairer to free the focussing: the soap-based lubricant dried out and turned into superglue, and forcing it would not work. What he did was to put a tiny drop of light oil into the thread every day, three weeks later the bond was finally broken. Then the threads on both parts were cleaned up and a suitable lubricant applied, and it is working very well indeed.

 

[sevo]

I like mine. But it took a lot of work to get it going. They pretty generally have issues with failing bellows and gummed-up grease freezing the focus thread solid. The good news is that their flaws are repairable, even on a DIY level - the bad is that they usually need repair.

I haven't followed ebay to see whether the hype is over yet - for a while they were in the same price range as other highly regarded uncoupled RF folders like the Mess Ikonta. Which was a tad too much given that the latter will usually be workable within half an hour of cleaning while the Ikonta might need a day or two to re-line the bellows and restore mobility to the front element...

 

[rover]

I really want an Isolette III.

How has it worked out for you?

 

[Brian Legge]

Just speaking to the lens, I have a Super Speedex - the rebranded Super Isolette. It has the same Solinar f3.5.

I love the lens. The corners are a bit softer than I'd like at f/4 but not too bad. I'm very happy by the sharpness by f8 or so.

I think this was around f5.6. Its a decent example of what the lens can do at medium focus distances around that aperture. In particular, look at the newspaper in the corner. I didn't do any sharpening, etc with this image - its straight from a flatbed scanner:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/6235022988

 

[Borghesia]

I have a simple Isolette II but like yours with a Solinar 3.5 , this lens is great.
My camera has the better newer bellows material and I never suffered lightleaks.
As a focus aid I use a Watameter RF.
Your Isolette III is a well sought camera.

 

[gdi]

I hace a III with the middle of the road Apotar. Here are a couple of shots with it. A person APUG was rebuilding them and I got one. Watch the framing!

 

[jnoir]

A nice camera, indeed. So simple, cheap, reliable and capable of providing great results.

​

 

[joeswe]

Last week I finally found a decent lens (Schneider AV Xenotar) for my MF slide projector, and I must say that the slides I took with the Isolette iii really shine now. It definitely made a huge difference to the cheap projection lens I had used before and I have the impression that for the first time the Solinar showed its full potential. Scanning and viewing the slides on a screen just doesn't do them justice...
I admit I have never seen 6x6 slides from a Hasselblad, I would expect that to be still be a notch above the results of the Solinar qualitywise, but considering the age of the Isolette, its simplicity in construction and its tiny size, the quality was almost overwhelming. So for me, it really makes a great lightweight travel camera if you can live with the limitation of one focal length.


Hermigua, La Gomera von eames68 auf Flickr

 

[rover]

I did run out and get an Isolette III, just giving it a work out at this point. The Solinar lens though clearly is a winner.


Untitled by rmeliso, on Flickr