what are some non folding, 6x6, eye level rangefinder cameras?

Kodak Medalist II for 6x9, Chevron for 6x6

Kodak Medalist II for 6x9, Chevron for 6x6

I have the Medalist II, overhauled and converted by Ken Ruth.
They are large cameras, but have collapsing lenses. Both take 620 film originally, but Ken Ruth can convert them to take 120 film. Well worth the price. The Heliar type Ektar lens is spectacular, and coated.
 
Robert Lai said:
I have the Medalist II, overhauled and converted by Ken Ruth.
They are large cameras, but have collapsing lenses. Both take 620 film originally, but Ken Ruth can convert them to take 120 film. Well worth the price. The Heliar type Ektar lens is spectacular, and coated.
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Does the Chevron have the same quality Ektar lens? Everything the same except the frame size?

Also, can a Medalist optionally a 6x6? I know some cameras of that time had a conversion available.
 
Mamiya 6, the modern one that came out in the 1990s, not the old 1950s folder. I have one, it has three lenses, rangefinder, parallax-compensating framelines that automatically change to the correct frame for the lens. I sold a Hasselblad and got the Mamiya 6. No regrets, it is an awesome system with incredible lenses.
 
I don't have a Chevron, so I can't tell you much about it. From some quick Googling, I note that they have issues with their shutters (1/800 max speed), and they are perversely MORE expensive than Medalist II to purchase. The latter may be due to rarity. At this rate, I would suggest a Medalist II to get that glorious 6x9 cm frame.

If you want interchangeable lenses, then Chris' suggestion of the modern Mamiya RF cameras is the way to go. Mamiya medium format lenses are second to none.

You can pick up a Medalist II for around $200, but Ken Ruth's work will cost you around $500.
 
Chriscrawfordphoto said:
Mamiya 6, the modern one that came out in the 1990s, not the old 1950s folder. I have one, it has three lenses, rangefinder, parallax-compensating framelines that automatically change to the correct frame for the lens. I sold a Hasselblad and got the Mamiya 6. No regrets, it is an awesome system with incredible lenses.
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thanks chris what do they cost about? macro capability?
 
Sit my son and ye shall behold
Wonders of the rare and old
TLRs rangefinders are
Rangefinders turned SLR
:eek: :D :rolleyes:
:dance:
 
68degrees said:
thanks chris what do they cost about? macro capability?
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Macro and Rangefinder are not generally in the same sentence.
You can get an "auto-up" for some lenses. I tried one for a Canon ltm 50mm and was pleasantly surprised.

Eye level RF non folder..? The two modern ones already recommended.
I've owned the GW670iii and now have the GW690iii. The Fuji's are big but the output is beautiful and.... they are inexpensive compared to the Mamiya 6.
If you want to do Macro you could get a Pentax 6x7 with Mirror lock or just get a Hassy.

I like folders. You get used to their quirks and appreciate the advantages they provide.

Cheers!
 
Ken Ruth has a good write up on the possible shutter issues w/ the chevron style shutter. I have a 620 Kodak folder that has that uses the same shutter and it has developed the problem. I haven't used it since talking over the symptoms w/ ken.

I have been told the chevron lens not quite as good as the one on medalist ii.

Gary
 
I have a Balda Hapo 66e, it is not coupled or metered. If you have the money get a Mamiya 6 like Chris Crawford suggested. I like the Balda but the Mamiya is so much easier to use. I use a friends (very little), but love it.
 
I'll second Chris's recommendation on the Mamiya 6. Some of my favorite photos were taken with that thing and it has some really, really sharp lenses!
 
Like Chris said, the Mamiya 6 is the very best of the lot. With the 75mm and 150mm lenses, you effectively get the same magnification because the close focus of the 75mm lens is about 1m and the close focus of the 150mm is almost double that so your subject at close focus is about the same size. With the 150mm the lens can compress the subject and background a bit at smaller apertures and wider it can throw the background out of focus quite nicely.
A complete Mamiya 6 system runs from $2000 to $3000 depending upon how old the camera is, its condition and the condition of the lenses. The 50mm is truly one of the best optics ever made, in any format.
The only close-up ability is with a lens diopter "filter" that does over the front element of only the 75mm lens and has a glass prism attached to it to refract the focus point to a closer range. This only brings the close focus to just over half a meter.

Other 6x6 options for eye level rangefinders are the original Mamiya Six, the Iskra, Zeiss Ikonta and Super Ikonta (without and with coupled rangefinders, respectively.) There are others too. Voigtlander Perkeos, Certo 6's, and the list goes on. You can find these for peanuts but they will need overhauls so it is usually worth it to buy a known good one from someone like Jurgen (Certo6) who does an amazing jo on these cameras.

Phil Forrest
 
The Kodak Chevron has a four-element Tessar type lens. It's 6x6.

It's styling is similar to the Signet 35. It's a massive camera with significant weight. Very well made, but it's a lot of camera to haul around. So are the 6x9 Medalists (I and II).
 
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