So I shot recently with a Zeiss Nettar (517/16) and loved it, but I just really want something that is coupled for closer focus things, and with a faster lens for a little nicer dof control.
I was looking around online and a 532/16 sounds like the ticket, but I also stumbled across a Fuji Super Fujica Six and OMG that thing is gorgeous. I love Fuji glass and the way they render, but does anyone have any experience with that camera and confirm that it's as nice as the rest of their equipment? It's a pricey buy and almost never available, but it just looks like a great camera.
I would be spending a bit more on the Ikonta, but I have a lot of reference to go on with that camera, while there is barely anything on the Fujica.
Of course, I would also love cheap, so an Isolette or other is also a consideration. I want to do some research on these, but I really do want a nice RF folder without spending a couple grand on the new Fuji...
i'm not sure why you say you would be spending more on the Ikonta? how much is the Fuji Super you are looking at?
generally speaking the 532/16 are about the cheapest (pre-war cheaper than post) way to get into a 6x6 with CRF (particularly combined RF and VF window). on the good side the 532/16 are very well built, extremely sturdy (probably rank the best built or at least among the best), they are also plentiful so you can pick and choose to get one thats in good condition (worth paying more to get a good one, they are buggers to work on). on the downside they only take 11 shots which is a bit of waste of film and money, about 8% at a guess which for me usually means i wouldnt and dont bother to use that camera, for some people though having the film advance system may help them save that shot that would be otherwise double exposed or missed with a manual red window set up, swings and roundabouts but only 11 shots is big negative to me (pun accidental
🙂 ). also the 532/16 is front cell focusing which loses points for me
if i only had the choice between the fuji or 532/16 i would go the fuji super 6 (nice VF and user features), but there are quite few other 6x6 CRF camera i would choose ahead of them both, even though they may miss out on a feature or two, most would be of german origin (some mentioned by others above) although a couple of others are good too, eg. mamiya 6 (automatic) last version, not that keen on the earlier ones .
if i had to keep just one or two 6x6 w/CRF they would be the Agfa/Ansco Super Isolette/Speedex and the Welta Weltur, the later is a very simple camera in terms of function and mechanical build (quality built but simple) but has a number of small design/build features that make it a fine camera (amongst the best) to use without incident over many years, many of them would go by un noticed by the casual onlooker but things like the way the pressure plate is designed or that the lens returns to infinity by itself as you close the front door etc, its available with unit focusing tessar or the 5 element xenar that was only available for a few years (both fine lenses), also a couple of other lens options but those two are fairly common. the super speedex/isolette has more user features such as double exposure prevention and film spacing wind on etc, these are great so long as the camera is in good working condition, if they break down well, your in a bit of trouble. with its unit focusing solinar lens (coated) it takes beautifully rendered pictures that just have that hint of vintage to them, its among my favourite lens on these type camera. a brand new bessa 3 is stark/sterile and lacks character by comparison, the bessa also has pretty harsh contrast which can work against it with some subjects. apart from the price the bessa 3 is a fine camera, you tend to put it on dummy mode for exposure so its almost as easy as going click with a digital camera and that has its advantages but takes the fun out of it in comparison to using a vintage camera imo
cheers
chippy
