Look what I just won!

[Stephanie Brim]

My recent luck on Ebay has sent me picking through listings more frequently than I should be lately looking for deals on things that either need a little TLC or are listed wrong. This is one of those 'needs a little TLC' ones.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...60031396584&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEBI:IT&rd=1

From what I can tell in the photos, the lenses are dirty and in need of cleaning and the leatherette needs replacement, but other than that I don't think I'll have a problem. If the shutter speeds are slow I can always clean it.

Anyone else have one of these? I'm curious about the lens and whether or not I'm getting a decent deal here. Also, when I buy new leather/leatherette for the camera, what color should I go with? 😉

 

[dreilly]

Stephanie,
The Ikoflex's tessar lens has a very good reputation--it's sort of the gold standard of the 4-element lenses, though some argue the Rokkor on the Autocord is sharper. I've been told by someone who should know that Tessars varied in quality, so you might get a good or not so great one. But it should be a nice lens--soft wide open but at around f8...very sharp.

The Ikoflex is reputed to be very well made. Never had or tried one but a repairperson I know who works on many types (but is a Rolleiflex specialist) respects the line in general. I'd say if this thing takes pictures...you got a good deal!

I've gotten bitten by the same bug before, too, with a string of good luck on ebay with just a little elbow grease and an occasional bit of help from more knowledgeable folk. The first was a Yashica Lynxe that I resusitated...cleaned out the RF/VF, battery compartment, and even got the counter working with a q-tip and some oil. Recnetly picked up an old agfa folder with good bellows! But a bad shutter! oops. The ricohflex that's for sale in classifieds was a fun thing to dismantle and clean...and a low-risk thing to do. In general I've been able to "fix" several things with my hamfisted hands...you do lose occasionally however!

let us know what happens...what a fun adventure for a low admission price!

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I actually thought about buying the Ricohflex if I didn't get this one. Since I did I'll have a nice project to work on in addition to my pinhole camera. I think that, since the shutter works, I shouldn't have too much of a problem getting this thing to look good. My main concern at this time is the lenses and whether or not they're scratched under that dirt. Worse comes to worse I'm going to have to send them off for repolishing...but I'm hoping that doesn't happen. 🙂

 

[dreilly]

>send them off for repolishing...

You mean, to the Ukraine? I've got a project Rolleiflex Automat with a front element that's got more than it's fair share of "cleaning marks". I was thinking of doing the same thing. Then again, it's clearer than the lens on my Topcon D1 I learned photography on. Then again, most of my pictures from that camera stank. Then again, I was just learning...

The automat in question has sticky shutter syndrome and some ronsignol on the blades made it healthy again. I also have to recover mine, and will probably get a leather kit from Morgan Sparks...or rather, a leatherette kit. If it's good enough for Leica!

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I'm going with real leather because I plan for the ones I cover to stay with me. They're kind of going to end up a matched set...and I want something that will last nicely.

 

[BillBingham2]

I remember having time for projects like that, then I had kids. Love them more than anything (yes, even my leicas and photography), but they do suck up time.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE YET???

Sounding like an old fart, sorry.

Let us know how you make out.

I wonder where that old Vivitar 252 is........

B2 (;->

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I surely will.

I'm really, really looking forward to getting this one in the mail. Due to the fact that I'm going to have to send a money order it'll probably be next week sometime and it's going to be hard to wait that long.

 

[BillBingham2]

Walmart has the best price on money orders. After that, it's the Post Office.

B2 (;->