Simple 6x6 folder results.

[fidget]

Whilst my Moskva 5 awaits restoration work, I have tried an Agfa Isolette II folder for a few holiday shots. (Sorry. this one is scale focus).

The idea was that I could easily cart this around for a week in my rucksac without the problems I sometimes have with a larger MF cam in its own case, as they say, this will fit in my pocket. A simple CLA of the shutter and the inevitable bellows replacement and it's a good-un.

Harbour at Lachi, Cyprus HP5+

Crop of above.

Abandoned truck.


I love the detail here. I've yet to print in the darkroom, the indications are that this neg will provide a very nice detailed print.
It's not often that I am so pleased with the results from a new-to-me cam.
This looks like becoming my standard landscape cam on the move....

Dave...

 

[bmattock]

Nice work! Amazing what those old cameras plus huge negatives can do, eh? I had a similar awakening some time ago, but it sure is great to see!

 

[MartinP]

Those look very acceptable indeed, Dave. I have a bit of a project refurbishing a different old Agfa. Can I ask which lens does your Isolette have ?

 

[fidget]

Thanks for the comments. Oops! Yes, I forgot to mention the lens 😱
This is the 3.5 Solinar, probably around f8.

 

[Borghesia]

Hello Dave,I allready commented this day on your pics on Flickr.
Very nice pictures. Try your Isolette II with an auxilary RF, you´ll notice that the Solinar is excellent even wide open on f3.5, if focus is precise.
I find the Solinar especially a good performer in lower light performance, indoors with just enough light to handhold the cam.

 

[Uwe_Nds]

Yes, I love the Isolette II as well:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=52613&ppuser=9369

and

 

[fidget]

Hello Dave,I allready commented this day on your pics on Flickr.
Very nice pictures. Try your Isolette II with an auxilary RF, you´ll notice that the Solinar is excellent even wide open on f3.5, if focus is precise.
I find the Solinar especially a good performer in lower light performance, indoors with just enough light to handhold the cam.

Yes, that touches on a good point of the camera. The shutter release is light and smooth. Too many of my folders have a hard-to-press button, or they snap like a rat trap. The Isolette is a nice user in this respect..

Dave..

 

[Solinar]

Simple, old school and compact - yet able to get the job done. Nice work, thanks for posting the results.

 

[Windscale]

Whilst my Moskva 5 awaits restoration work, I have tried an Agfa Isolette II folder for a few holiday shots. (Sorry. this one is scale focus).

The idea was that I could easily cart this around for a week in my rucksac without the problems I sometimes have with a larger MF cam in its own case, as they say, this will fit in my pocket. A simple CLA of the shutter and the inevitable bellows replacement and it's a good-un.

Harbour at Lachi, Cyprus HP5+

Crop of above.

Abandoned truck.


I love the detail here. I've yet to print in the darkroom, the indications are that this neg will provide a very nice detailed print.
It's not often that I am so pleased with the results from a new-to-me cam.
This looks like becoming my standard landscape cam on the move....

Dave...

I love me Solinar as well. But the bellow gave way so I had to convert it to a fixed body. It is still great, but, sadly, no longer foldable. I still have another Isolette with Solinar 3.5. Can anyone tell me where I can get replacement bellows. Certo 6 is supposed to be very good but Jurgen is really too expensive.

 

[fidget]

I too had asked this in a thread
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52954

Some good pointers in there.

In the end, not knowing how much investment I would like to put into my Isolette II before I knew how it performed, (and being just a touch mean) I opted for the donor camera as described in the thread.
I got a very nice set of bellows from a Kershaw 630, which were straightforward to remove and fit. My donor cam came from a fellow member here who may not be overly pleased to learn that I butchered the camera he gave to me...sorry.......The small Kershaws (may not be common outside of the UK) go for buttons on the bay.

Dave....

 

[ibcrewin]

I have an agfa viking that needs a bellows replacement. More pinholes in it than a pin cushion during fashion week! I'll have to get on that soon.

 

[shadowfox]

Dave, love the truck shot.

Folders are awesome really. And the Solinar lens is among the best out there.

 

[Solinar]

I've been purchasing bellows for folders from Camera Bellows LTD. http://www.camerabellows.com

They are in the UK. You'll need to remove your old bellows and sent it to them for them make a replacement. I had a set made for my Bessa II in January and just the cost of the bellows was $50 US - not exactly buttons.

But for buttons as I've done in the past, find a very low value donor camera of a different.