Any recommendation for 6X9 Uncoupled rangefinder folder

[ericzhu]

It seems that coupled rangefinder folder of 6X9 is a little expensive. Any recommendation for 6X9 Uncoupled rangefinder folder?

I know some:
1\ Ensign 820 special;
2\ Agfa Record III;
3\ Zeiss Ikon Mess Ikonta 524/2

 

[Abbazz]

It seems that coupled rangefinder folder of 6X9 is a little expensive. Any recommendation for 6X9 Uncoupled rangefinder folder?

I know some:
1\ Ensign 820 special;
2\ Agfa Record III;
3\ Zeiss Ikon Mess Ikonta 524/2

I have all of these cameras (my Mess Ikonta is a 524/16 though, the 6x6 model) and my favorites are the Agfa Record and Mess Ikonta. They are both well built and they deliver great pictures. In fact, there is nothing wrong either with the quality of the Ensign, it's just much more bulkier, making it less usable IMHO.

If I may add a fourth camera to your list, I would suggest the Bessa RF (also called E-Bessa in Germany), either with the Skopar or Heliar lens. With a bit of luck, you may still be able to find one at a reasonable price -- at least much cheaper than a functionally equivalent Bessa II equipped with the same lens ! This is an amazing camera with a beautiful design and an incredible lens.

Cheers!

Abbazz

 

[pb908]

- zeiss ercona I and II
- voigtlander bessa (not perkeo) I and II (a lot of model, from prewar and post war)
- all zeiss folder with "C" word
- try search fleabay with "6x9 folder", you'll amaze !!

having no rangefinder means you will mostly shoot landscape with small aperture to reduce focus error

 

[Ezzie]

Franka Solida IIIe

 

[oftheherd]

Once you are using an uncoupled rangefinder, why worry if it is built in or is an accessory? That opens up the possibility many fine non-rangefinder cameras. I have a Zeiss Ikon 6x9 that is light and small compared to a RF model. Even with the Novar lens it is a fine photo taker. I can estimate distance well enough not to use an RF, but you could get one that is attachable to a shoe, or just stick one in your pocket.

Not the answer your were asking for, but you might want to give it some consideration.

 

[chris00nj]

I have the Ikonta 524/2. Great camera.

The nice thing about a integrated rangefinder is that the scale of the rangefinder will be the same scale as the lens. This makes focusing quicker.

 

[Steve M.]

I second the Bessa RF AND it has a coupled RF, AND you can find one w/ a Heliar lens. These things will eat a Hasselblad's lunch. Really, I owned 'em both. No comparing the IQ's. Expect to pay $500 and up for that version. The Skopar versions are cheaper.

 

[pagpow]

Once you are using an uncoupled rangefinder, why worry if it is built in or is an accessory? That opens up the possibility many fine non-rangefinder cameras. I have a Zeiss Ikon 6x9 that is light and small compared to a RF model. Even with the Novar lens it is a fine photo taker. I can estimate distance well enough not to use an RF, but you could get one that is attachable to a shoe, or just stick one in your pocket.

Not the answer your were asking for, but you might want to give it some consideration.

+ 1 especially if you will not be doing close focus shots -- scale focusing, or with good light, hyperfocal focusing becomes very easy.

 

[PMCC]

Once you are using an uncoupled rangefinder, why worry if it is built in or is an accessory? That opens up the possibility many fine non-rangefinder cameras. I have a Zeiss Ikon 6x9 that is light and small compared to a RF model. Even with the Novar lens it is a fine photo taker.

+2. I have the Zeiss Nettar 518/2 with Novar lens, and it's well built, cheap, and works great.