Did I really need another?

[graywolf]

In a booth at the local antique mall I came across a rather clean looking Ansco B2 Speedex.

The shutter fires on all speeds, the focus moves smoothly, the bellow looks good. Since the camera is basically an Agfa Isolette II with a Bakelite top plate that is good because those are the usual problems. The viewfinder is very hazy, so that will need cleaning.

I will load up some film an go take some of my usual test subjects tomorrow.

Oh, yes, price $25. Not an especial bargain, but not too shabby either.

 

[rover]

Yes, for $25 you needed another.

 

[Noll]

is this even a question? of course!

 

[graywolf]

In some ways it completes a set as I already have an Iskra (coupled rangefinder), and a Hapo 66e (uncoupled rangefinder), this Ansco (sans rangefinder) gives me one of each type folding 6x6 camera.

I checked the bellows with my flash light last night, no pinholes or other obvious light leaks. I also cleaned the viewfinder as best I could. As best I could because while I figured out how to loosen the top plate, I could not get the wind knobs off. I figure they simply unscrew counter clockwise, but the would not move with moderate force, and I did not want to take a chance of breaking them. However, I was able, by pulling out the knobs to their loading position, to get at the insides of the viewfinder lenses with Q-tips. Not 100% clean now, but you can see through it fairly well.

In case someone needs to get the top plate off one of these there is a screw in the take up film well, and you need to remove the collar around the cable release socket. Those, and the wind knobs of course, are all that are holding it.

I loaded a roll of Formapan 100 and need to get out this afternoon to shoot it, then process it tonight. If you do not think it is a world market out there, the Formapan was a gift from a friend in England. He ordered it from a web dealer in Thailand because dealers in England or the USA would not accept his English bank card for something to be delivered in the US. I normally use Arista.EDU, which is of course Formapan sold by Freestyle Photo.

 

[konicaman]

No you most certainly did not! Repeat after me: I have been very naughty - shame on me!
Heeey wait.... I would have done the same 😱 hmm....

 

[oftheherd]

Looks like a nice camera. As I would guess you know by now, those old folders can be fun to use. Show you pictures when you get the chance.