MF Folder

[Krosya]

The original Bessas the Krosya mentioned can be had for relatively cheap, unless it is listed as having a Heliar in which case it is usually priced high...the newer chrome Bessa and Bessa II are the ones that more often than not priced ridiculously high. I love my Bessa rf. It is the smallest folder I have and in many ways I find it perferable to even my Fuji folder, unless I want the huge viewfinder and modern lens i take the bessa with me...

Here is a shot that shows a size comparisonof the FujiGs645, Iskra, and Bessa RF...

Thats right. Newer chrome Bessas (Bessa I and Bessa II ) go for many hundreds of dollars. I have seen some with heliars that cost over $1400. The black ones, however, are just about as good, and to me look better even. But thats a personal choice. But if you go for a older folder - I would go for the ones that are known to be the better ones - read about all those at www.certo6.com. Many are good - IF in they were serviced. But some are great as they are built better to begin with. Some great cameras out there, yet many with known problems, such as bad bellows, poor mirror silverings, poor mechanics, etc. If you want a Coupled RF folder - Voigtlander Bessa (and others) is just about the best (safest) choice. Plus their lenses are great too. I hear good things about Fuji, but 645 is just too small for me. I have an Iskra, that's in perfect shape. It has a wonderfull lens, but it's just quirky to use. OTOH, Bessa, while much older, is a pleasure. Me, if I take a folder - it Bessa, if TLR - Rolleiflex or YashicaMat124. I have used several folders and I'm yet to come across one that I like better than Bessa. I've used Iskra, Welta, Certo, Franka SOlida, etc. I did hear good things about Ensign, but I can't find a good sample at a reasonable price.

 

[RObert Budding]

I hear good things about Fuji, but 645 is just too small for me.

How large do you print? I can produce really really nice 11x14 prints from 645 negs and have printed excellent 16x20 prints using slow film. I'd always prefer a larger neg, but there are trade-offs. so for me, 645 is a superb compromise.

 

[Solinar]

Medium format photography is a now under appreciated area of photography.

Uber folders with coated Heliars and APO Lanthars are very over priced, but a lesser model with a uncoated Skopar and lacking even a rangefinder will still produce way better than 35mm exposures when stopped down a bit.

All three of my Agfa folders needed a CLA and two needed bellows - but it was some of the best time and money I've ever spent on photography.

The aboved mention Fuji 645 is more than a step up from 99% of the pre or post WWII folders in regards to a superior optic and modern ergonomics. However, in skilled and patient hands, the Iskra or a Super Isolette at f/5.6 to f/11 will yield an 11 by 14 print that match the Fuji.

The black bodied 6x9 Bessa with its coupled rangefinder is a best buy and cheaper than later 6x9 Ikontas with coated Tessars.

 

[Pherdinand]

You don't need to pay hundreds for a folder, you just need a bit of patience and luck sometimes.
I got a 6x6 super ikonta for 20 euro. WHy so cheap? Because, ONE, the rf was badly out of alignment (turned out to be a 3 minutes job of turning a screw EXTERNALLY, you don't even need to take off top cover or such) and I guess this disappointed the previous owner; TWO, it has the "lesser" triplet lens (novar anastigmat f/3.5). This lens can perform amazingly well, and even wide open many images are more than satisfying.
I think it was the best bang for the euro i've ever bought.

 

[Solinar]

You don't need to pay hundreds for a folder,

That's true and too often everyone is chasing the same uber folder.

By the way, Zeiss Ikon didn't each and everyone of their lenses. For example, the 105/3.5 coated Novar on the later 6x9 Ikontas is a triplet and sure looks to me to be a Rodenstock Trinar . The Trinar is found on some Franka Rolfix cameras and better yet it is usually set within a Compur Rapid or Synchro Compur shutter.

 

[Krosya]

How large do you print? I can produce really really nice 11x14 prints from 645 negs and have printed excellent 16x20 prints using slow film. I'd always prefer a larger neg, but there are trade-offs. so for me, 645 is a superb compromise.

I agree. I dont usually print biger than 16x20. And I used to use a Mamiya Pro which is 645, which gave me great results. What I mean I guess, is that I seem to get more, or better composition (for my liking) with 6x6 and 6x9 formats. Just a personal preference I guess.
George