Telling film from digital ...

[Andy K]

And they are reliable cameras with sharp lenses? What about rangefinder focusing? I must say I know little about folders. I have an old Kodak folder from my grandfather but it is tattered and the lens doesn't look quite right.

The Bessa is not rangefinder focussing, it is scale focussing, the lenses are great! And it fits in a pocket easily. Yes it is reliable (it is 80 years old and still going strong!). I also have an Old Model No.2 Box Brownie, which gives superb results from a simple meniscus lens, single shutter speed and large, medium and small apertures! My other mf camera is an Agfa Isolette folder, another excellent little pocket sized mf camera!

 

[Kevin]

The Bessa is not rangefinder focussing, it is scale focussing, the lenses are great! And it fits in a pocket easily. Yes it is reliable (it is 80 years old and still going strong!). I also have an Old Model No.2 Box Brownie, which gives superb results from a simple meniscus lens, single shutter speed and large, medium and small apertures! My other mf camera is an Agfa Isolette folder, another excellent little pocket sized mf camera!

Hi Andy,

I suppose a folder would be more practical to lug around than a Fujica. What would you recommend? I have seen many being auctioned off but I don't what what is good and what is better.

I saw this bessa with rangefinder focussing, but someone bought it for $750 !!!
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7527261328

Are there any other cheaper 6x9 folders with rangefinder focussing, 220 film capability and good sharp lenses? And which lenses from that time were good? I have seen Skopar, Heliar, ...

Finally, have you or anyone else bought folders from this dealer (certo6), who apparantly CLAs old folders?
http://feedback.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=certo6

Best,
Kevin

 

[Andy K]

I have heard good things about the Color Skopar lens. Mine has the Color Lanthar, which is still good but not so sought after.
If you are limited for cash, look for a non-rangefinder mf folder and buy an auxiliary rangefinder for the accessory shoe. I have one which I use with my Agfa Isolette. You find the distance with the accessory rangfinder and then set the distance on the lens.
Even a very basic mf camera will give incredible results. See the two attachments here. One is the overall 6x9 shot the other is a crop from the centre of the shot. The phot was made with HP5+ in a No.2 Box Brownie with a meniscus lens, single shutter speed, and three aperture settings (small, medium and large). I like this light-leaky old camera because of the very dated look it gives the photos. 😉