Agfa Isolletta 11 Info on this camera?

[ray*j*gun]

There is a pretty Agfa Isolette (sp) 11 for sale in our classifieds and I was hoping someone here knows something about that type and brand of folder. I love medium format and have a C220 now but would like a second camera such as this one.

Thanks for your help!

Ray

 

[Leighgion]

I was curious too, so I googled around. I believe the ad's "11" is a typo and it should be "II." I found a few pages on the Isolette II. It is an interesting little camera, but the distance scale-only focusing gives me pause. I'm not great at estimating distances. On the other hand though, that does mean no delicate rangefinder mechanism to bust.

 

[Uwe_Nds]

The Apotar of the Isolette in the classifieds is a very nice lens:
http://flickr.com/search/?q=apotar+isolette&s=int

The Isolette III is equipped with an uncoupled rangefinder and much more expensive. If you are not happy with scale-focusing, you could get an external rangefinder like the old Watameter.

Best regards,
Uwe

 

[fidget]

I understand that nearly every Isolette with original bellows will have light leaks.
Of the four Isolettes (2 type I and 2 type II) that i have had, only one had good bellows, and they were probably not original.
Having done the work to replace the last set, I am enjoying the camera and would recommend one of the higher spec lenses.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Thank you all for your information. I didn't realize the camera was a scale focus unit. I am horrible at judging distances and would have to get a external range finder. I'll keep looking.

Thanks again.

Ray

 

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

I understand that nearly every Isolette with original bellows will have light leaks.
Of the four Isolettes (2 type I and 2 type II) that i have had, only one had good bellows, and they were probably not original.
Having done the work to replace the last set, I am enjoying the camera and would recommend one of the higher spec lenses.

The camera in classifieds is mine,and I am unsure if the bellows are original.I have never seen an isolette before this one,so have nothing to compare it's bellows with.

The bellows is shiny and new in appearance,and logic says that at over 50 years old it is unlikely to be the original,but I cannot be sure,hence the qualified description.Fortunately in use it has been totally light tight.

Nice pocketable camera ,and the recommended settings on the lens for long and short distances at F11 certainly help with distance estimation.

On balance can't think why I'm selling it

Brian.

 

[Borghesia]

I have an Isolette II and I shoot at least one roll a week with it. I recommend you to choose one with a Solinar 3.5 lens and avoid the scale focus route. Instead buy a cheap external rangefinder to focus precisely, so you can benefit also from the excellent f.3.5 setting of the Solinar lens.
My Solinar Isolette with the focusing device gives equal results as my Rolleiflex T and even rivals my 80mm planar.
It's hard to find a good working Isolette, but the camera is so simple and there is plenty information to CLA it yourself. The bellows is another story, be sure that it's in good condition. There are a few very reliable sellers on Ebay, search for seller "Beedhams" , he sells quality folders for a reasonable price. I got my Isolette II from him, fully CLA'd and with leather bellows, cheap.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Thanks all!!!

Ray