Slrgas

[Rodchenko]

I'm not a fan of SLRs. Really, I'm not. I know there is an OM2SP in my Olympus collection. And that Minolta SRT-303b my son bought me that got me (obliquely) back into photography. Oh - and the Canon EOS500 I saved from a charity shop which was too lovely in use to let it move on just yet. And, OK, the Minolta Vectis APS my other son uses. But other than that, we're really not an SLR household.

Just lately, though, I'm getting some heavy GAS for early German SLRs. I fancy the feel of the unique shape of an Exakta in my hands, or an Exa with a WLF, or a Contaflex for the leaf shutter that fits with the rest of my collection...

I know that they're slow to use, and awkward to fix, and there's the thing about the pinholes in the shutters, and and and...

But they just look so cool, and I think it might be real fun to use one. And if I get one (and I have a tiny budget), it'd be for using, not putting on a shelf and admiring. Perhaps such an old piece of kit can't be expected to perform regularly. But we're not talking older than my Nettar or my Paxette. I dunno. I'll try to resist for now, but we'll see how it goes.

 

[tunalegs]

Of my German SLRs the Edixas have been my favorites. They have the features - instant return mirrors (some models), automatic aperture, lever wind - that make them easy enough in use. But still have the old fashioned appeal of things like removable prisms (some models), lift and set shutter dials, and 1950s "german-ness" that makes them interesting to use.

I have an on and off love of Exas. They are a lot of fun, and they really are so different from anything else... but use them long enough and they compel you to go use a more modern camera.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Pre-war Exaktas are a nice camera but more historic interest. Big, heavy (about 900g) and awkward to use, unless you're left handed. The VF's are dim and the magnifier will probably be scratched but I've got one and like playing with it.

The more modern Exas go for a song and are a nice camera. And you can get that nice Lydith 30mm lens in an Exa/Exakta mount.

Regards, David

 

[Rodchenko]

Well, I managed to resist, what with other priorities going on.

Erm, up to today, when I snapped up a trio of Exas for less than 11GBP. That can't be a bad idea, now, can it?

 

[Jamie Pillers]

I'm not a fan of SLRs. Really, I'm not. I know there is an OM2SP in my Olympus collection. And that Minolta SRT-303b my son bought me that got me (obliquely) back into photography. Oh - and the Canon EOS500 I saved from a charity shop which was too lovely in use to let it move on just yet. And, OK, the Minolta Vectis APS my other son uses. But other than that, we're really not an SLR household.

Just lately, though, I'm getting some heavy GAS for early German SLRs. I fancy the feel of the unique shape of an Exakta in my hands, or an Exa with a WLF, or a Contaflex for the leaf shutter that fits with the rest of my collection...

I know that they're slow to use, and awkward to fix, and there's the thing about the pinholes in the shutters, and and and...

But they just look so cool, and I think it might be real fun to use one. And if I get one (and I have a tiny budget), it'd be for using, not putting on a shelf and admiring. Perhaps such an old piece of kit can't be expected to perform regularly. But we're not talking older than my Nettar or my Paxette. I dunno. I'll try to resist for now, but we'll see how it goes.

Difficult to find Exakta/Exa cameras without dry shutter curtains with pinholes. This is a big problem because shutter curtain replacement on these cameras is VERY expensive! WAY more expensive to repair than Leicas.

 

[Rodchenko]

If the seller is right, the Exas I'm getting are in good condition, but I will give them a check over.

 

[tunalegs]

The Exas, excepting the Exa II series all have metal shutters. Although sometimes the lubricants can gum up, there is probably no camera easier to give a CLA than an Exa. I have been inside a couple of Exas to wipe off dried up grease and blow out dust. If it is the original Exa you don't need any special tools at all, everything is put together with flat head screws.

 

[Rodchenko]

One is an Exa IIb. The others are a I with pentaprism, and Ia with WLF. Three different standard lenses (CZJ Tessar 50/2.8; Ludwig Meritar 50/2.9; Meter Domiplan 50/2.8), so I might have some fun swapping between them to see which I prefer. It's a relief to hear that the Is have fewer shutter problems.

 

[Rodchenko]

Well, the seller wasn't being honest, but I only paid 11GBP, so I can't feel too badly ripped off.

The Exa I is with me now. It sports a CZJ 50/2.8 lens, and I've fitted the WLF for some fun shooting today.

The Ia and the IIa are a bit more ropey. The second curtain on the II is really sluggish, and the Ia seems to only have one shutter speed, which is really disappointing. Still, I'll do what i can, and sell on individually for spares or repair if I can't get them going. Probably not lose anything on it.

The Zeiss lens is a bit stiff, and has a surprising amount of throw between 4m and infinity, so I hope I've got some decent focus.

Meanwhile, once I get used to WLF again (I haven't used one since I sold my ETRS in 2005, and not used one for street since I sold my Microcord in about 1990), I'll be fine. Taking a shot in portrait format was hilariously frustrating, though. I think I got some decent shots. I'll post when I've got them developed (and my PC back online).

 

[tunalegs]

Those old Zeiss lenses can get really stiff. They're pretty much all like that now. I had a Pancolar that responded well to lighter fluid though, but even that method requires one to at least remove the mount from the back of the lens to get to the helical. I can't imagine it would cost much to have a shop regrease it if you really like the lens.

 

[Rodchenko]

I'll try all three lenses to see which I like best before I decide. It doesn't make economic sense to get the lens fettled before selling it, unless I go crazy and do the bodies as well.

 

[Contarama]

I love the Contaflex Super but I have always wanted to try a Conterex.