Rangefinder heavyweight

[kiev4a]

Finally got all the pieces together so I can shoot a test roll today with my Koni-Omega 6x7 Model 100 rangefinder.
Impressions:

The KO is a heavy sucker. It had a neck strap on it when it arrived , which I removed. I'm going to put the strap back. The camera is big enough and heavy enough that without the neck strap you have to sit it down to fee up a hand.
I wouldn't want to take this camera on an extended hike. That's unlikely, however since I gave up hiking almost 40 years ago, after leaving the Army. My Toyata Pickup is large enough to carry the Koni without breating hard.

The changable film magazines are nice to switch film in a hurry. But loading the film in the individual magazines takes five time as long as say, a Mamiya C330. My speed will probably improve with practice but it's unlikely I'll ever be able to get a roll in as fast as on a non-magazine camera.

Anyone else on the forum ever do anything with a Koni?

 

[denishr]

Wayne, I have a Koni Omega Rapid - similar to your KO 100, but without the back "magazine" - just plain back, meaning you can't change films mid-roll... Not that it bothers me 🙂
I shot a few rolls with it (too few, I'm afraid), since I found it too limiting, being heavy, and I only have the 90mm standard lens for it.
However, the shots came out really nice. Talk about sharp! People are sometimes comparing the Koni photos with a Hasselblad... I wouldn't go that far, but those big Hexanons are good!

Still, for MF shots I prefer the Rolleiflex - much lighter to carry around. OTOH, if I want versatility and various lenses, movements, etc., I use the 2x3 Speed Graphic. So, Koni does not get much exercise - which is a shame, since it's a VERY good camera. BTW, I prefer the bokeh I get with the KO Hexanon to what I get with my Rolleiflex Tessar 75/3.5 🙂

Denis

 

[kiev4a]

Denis
You can't change film in mid roll with the 100 but you can have another magazine pre-spooled and ready to go when you finish a magazine. For the type of stuff I'll probably schoot (scenics) rapid film change won't be a big deal.
I've also got a 58mm len that I will probably use more than the 90mm -- if Mark Hansen can straighten out an aperture problem it has.
I have my Dad's 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 Speed Graphic that is lighter than to Koni. I have a 120 back for it but the lens (I forget the model) seems a little soft and the camera really needs an overhaul.. My Mamiya C220 is a little bit easier to handle than the Koni.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I used a Optech neoprene strap with mine, takes alot of weight off! They are great cameras but heavy, here are a couple taken on Kodak Portra 100 and 400UC (scans on epson 2450, not the greatest) with the 90mm.

The first one of the church has some camera shake, Koni's dont lend themselves to slow shutter speeds, hold tight! The second is a boy begging for money, his parents are in the upper right, so I payed him a couple bucks to take his pic. The third is my son on the beach, all were taken in Key West, Florida.

Good Luck,
Todd

 

[kiev4a]

I'll probably shoot black and white most of the time since I can develop it myself. I think there is only one lab in this area that does 120 color and they are pretty pricey. Can't drop off 120 at the local Walgreen 1-hour. Can't buy 120 film there, either.

Thanks for sharing the photos

 

[rbiemer]

Todd,
Really like the shot of your son! Especially how the clouds echo the buoys/markers! Thanks for sharing these.
Rob

 

[tedwhite]

Another very good MF camera is the Kowa 6. Incredible 85mm lens (or was it 80mm?). Camera looks just like a Hassleblad, build quality is excellent. The 66 had interchangeable backs. In my opinion the 6 is more reliable. I used one as a studio portrait camera for a couple of years. At 11x14 and 16x20 I could see no discernible difference between the Kowa lens and my Hassleblad. So I sold the Hassy, which not only paid for the Kowa but put additional bucks in the bank.

TEd

 

[kiev4a]

Shot a roll of TX last night. No light leaks-- film was perfectly clear when I accidently left the lens cap on for four frames!!🙂 Impressed with contrast. I was shooting granddaughter and I think she was a little leary of that big ole camera.
I'm pleased with the first effort. The KO is a very capable machine.