Need recommendation for 6x6 folder

[loneranger]

HI, I know this may have been discussed at another thread so maybe someone can direct me.. but I need recommendation for a 6x6 folder with the following conditions
- Sharpest glass possible, for color work
- f2.8
-no more than $500
-relatively easy to work with
- No chronic issues, in other words reliable
- Smaller the better
- good shutter, easy to CLA
thanks for any help.

 

[Krosya]

I suggest that you search other threads in Folders section. Here is one to get you started:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90548&page=2

 

[Solinar]

I need recommendation for a 6x6 folder with the following conditions
- Sharpest glass possible, for color work
- f2.8
-..............
thanks for any help.

99% of the compact medium format folders were fitted with either a Tessar formula or a Cooke-Triplet. Some five element Heliars were produced. The lens signature for all three is that to get sharp image across the entire frame, you need to close down the aperture to about f/8 or better yet f/11. At f/2.8, you'll be dealing with resolutions that will be well less than than 10 lines per mm in the center and worse toward the corners.

A modern multi-coated Planar type lens will allow you to shoot wide open at f/3.5 or f/2.8 and get results that I'd consider sharp across the frame.

Except for the Makina 67 and the new Voigtlander Bessa III, none of the folders are fitted with a Planar type lens to cover 6x6.

There are couple of reasons no one built a folder with a Planar until the Plaubel Makina 67 and the modern Voigtlander Bessa III.

1st is the price. Medium format folders rarely cost more than $125 USD when they were new. Most were priced below $125 USD.

2nd - a 2.8 Planar is big, heavy chunk of glass, with a good portion of its glass elements protruding from the rear of the shutter as well. It's tough to design a camera with such a glass and shutter combination that folds into a body that isn't much thicker than a roll of 120 film. In other words, it would be difficult to build a folder with a 2.8 Planar that is pocketable.

 

[abumac]

I use the Zeiss Super Ikonta III. A great camera. I like it so much.