Noll
Well-known
Hi all, I'm hoping for a little help rationalizing my GAS for this beauty of a folder. For MF I have a Diacord L TLR and an Ikonta 523/16 at my disposal - and they're both great, but....
I get around in a lot of natural areas, and in addition to a digital camera for documenting plants I carry a medium format camera (typically the Diacord) for when I want my landscapes to look great. It seems that a 6x9 folder would be a good way to reduce the size and weight of gear that I typically carry for MF while allowing me to take advantage of that extra-large neg.
The 523/16 is great but I'm itching to take advantage of 6x9 film - especially slide. I don't think I need the extra weight, bulk, or convenience of a coupled RF, and metering is not an issue. Most shots will be taken on a tripod or a braced monopod. I should add that I'm looking at the f3.5 Jena Tessar version.
So, how about it? Are there better options out there in this format and in the sub-$200-250 price range? I'm OK with 6x7 too, but don't want to go down to 645 as my scanner won't take good enough advantage of that format.
I get around in a lot of natural areas, and in addition to a digital camera for documenting plants I carry a medium format camera (typically the Diacord) for when I want my landscapes to look great. It seems that a 6x9 folder would be a good way to reduce the size and weight of gear that I typically carry for MF while allowing me to take advantage of that extra-large neg.
The 523/16 is great but I'm itching to take advantage of 6x9 film - especially slide. I don't think I need the extra weight, bulk, or convenience of a coupled RF, and metering is not an issue. Most shots will be taken on a tripod or a braced monopod. I should add that I'm looking at the f3.5 Jena Tessar version.
So, how about it? Are there better options out there in this format and in the sub-$200-250 price range? I'm OK with 6x7 too, but don't want to go down to 645 as my scanner won't take good enough advantage of that format.
hac
Established
I sold my Ercona because of Pentax67 GAS d,-) ....but its beautiful folder, big negative, great Tessar lens... very pocketable camera...
hac
Established
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Well, it is a minimalistic film holder with a Tessar to it - capable of excellent images, if you have the time and a static subject. But I'd consider $250 way too much for that, as that is about the street price of a Bessa RF and not that far off a Fuji GW690 (at least with cosmetic flaws) - the former with coupled rangefinder in a even smaller package, the latter a modern fully RF and transport coupled camera.
Noll
Well-known
Thanks Sevo, good point about the Fuji, I have considered the Fuji GW series in the past, but have been put off by the apparent size of the thing. I'm seeing the GW690II go in the mid $300 range, and the GW690 in the high $200's so prices there are good but I'm still concerned about the size and weight - I'll probably be carrying this thing in a "lumbar pack" (a large, glorified fanny pack) so that lens barrel may not pack so well.
Thanks for mentioning the Bessa -I'll look into it.. I was vaguely aware of it but been caught op in a fog of GAS. This is why I posted this thread as I don't know much about the world of 6x9 folders..
The Ercona ii I was looking at was serviced and sold by Jurgen (Certo6), and the price is a bit under 200. I mentioned a higher price bracket in case there were models I hadn't considered (clearly there are)
Noll
Well-known
Thanks for sharing the images Hac, it looks like you made the best out of your time with it. And great blog too. Can't read much of the text but your portrait series certainly speaks for itself.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
There are a decent number of 6x9 folders out there with good lenses. Not familiar with the Ercona II myself, but something like the Zeiss Mess Ikonta (uncoupled RF, available with a Tessar) is a good choice also. And don't overlook the Moskva-4 or -5 either -- 4-element Tessar design Industar lenses (very good indeed), which can be used in 6x6 also, provided you get the correct mask.
SteveM
Established
I have an Ercona II and its Tessar lens is capable of producing very sharp images. On 6x9, the resolution is stunning. In B+W, contrast is quite good, and this is based on a comparison with another folder I have (Franka Solida IIIe), which has a triplet lens with visibly lower contrast. Colour film with the Ercona has a slightly pastel-like look, probably because of coating.
For portability it is really light, which is a factor that has put me off of the big Fujis. I have an accessory rangefinder but end up never using it because I don’t generally shoot subjects at close range. It is therefore fairly fast to use, but obviously slower than a modern camera. If you are contemplating using a tripod, speed isn’t likely an issue. Getting a serviced folder is a significant plus. The lenses are front cell focussing, and these can be stiff if unused, as can be slow shutter speeds. I think a price for a serviced Ercona II in good shape is quite reasonable. Not sure about alternatives (Mess Ikonta is one, but no personal experience), but I’m quite happy with mine.
Steve
For portability it is really light, which is a factor that has put me off of the big Fujis. I have an accessory rangefinder but end up never using it because I don’t generally shoot subjects at close range. It is therefore fairly fast to use, but obviously slower than a modern camera. If you are contemplating using a tripod, speed isn’t likely an issue. Getting a serviced folder is a significant plus. The lenses are front cell focussing, and these can be stiff if unused, as can be slow shutter speeds. I think a price for a serviced Ercona II in good shape is quite reasonable. Not sure about alternatives (Mess Ikonta is one, but no personal experience), but I’m quite happy with mine.
Steve
hac
Established
thanx Noll....ercona in my part of the world is much chiper....around 50-70 euros....moskva 5 is very good to ...
Renato Tonelli
Member
I have the older Ercona: it produces sharp negatives even wide open. I am looking for the Ercona II with the shoe mount (for a meter). I also like the fact that it can shoot both 6x9 and 6x6 with the mask.
Noll
Well-known
Thanks to all for the suggestions everyone, I was quite tempted by all the options (especially the Bessas and FSU's) and did read up a lot more on 6x9 folders, but finally pulled the trigger on the Ercona II. Somehow I don't expect this to be my last folder...
Pioneer
Veteran
Enjoy the Ercona II. I owned one for awhile and it is a terrific camera with static subjects where nothing moves. Use a hood, it is not unusual to experience some veiling flare that will dramatically reduce the contrast of your images. When done properly the images can be magnificent. If you intend to use slide film I have used a lot of Provia and never been disappointed if I did my part.
Noll
Well-known
Uf da! Now someone warns me
Needless to say I was a little surprised by the left-handedness of this camera when I opened the box! I'm left-handed and it still feels weird! Perhaps I can tape a cable release to the other side...
I was also surprised that the tripod threads are one size larger than the standard size. Is this the item that I need for using a standard 1/4" thread?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/882989-REG/Sunwayfoto_tn_25_Stainless_Steel_1_4_to.html
Then I was admiring the nice leather half case and .. what! ... The top and bottom halves of the leather case are riveted together! :bang: I may try to remove this rivet and replace it with a snap-button.
Deep breath - Will put some film in it and get out and shoot it tomorrow to see if any of this really matters. Thanks again for all the help!
Noll
Well-known
What size is this hood? Any suggestions for where to find one?
Thanks in advance...
BW400 - Did you add any effects to those images after scanning or is that actually the characteristic of the lens? That is an extra-vintage look! Glad to hear you're enjoying the pre-war Bessa. I may pick up a pre-war folder if one comes my way.
hanskerensky
Well-known
Just had a look (out of curiosity) at my Ercona II (Tempor shutter, CZJ Tessar 3,5/105).
Couldn't find a matching filter nor hood in my collection. There is a groove on the frontlens which is IMO designed for accepting filter/hood.
Tried a 38mm Push-On Hood but it was just a fraction too big.
So my first guess would be a 37,5mm Push-On type.
Have fun with the Ercona, it's a nice folder !
JPD
Retina and Rollei user
Tried a 38mm Push-On Hood but it was just a fraction too big.
So my first guess would be a 37,5mm Push-On type.
It takes a 37mm push-on hood and filters.
Here are two photos taken with my Ercona II with Tessar. Scanned from prints with a slight texture, so the negs are sharper:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/9048055231_5952b75583_o.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/6858647004_8ee89c6e0f_o.jpg
BW400CN
Bessamatic forever!
No!
A bit sharpening and playing with the contrast like you do it with every scan and here just added a bit a sepia tone.
more of this cam:
http://www.ipernity.com/doc/306393/album/349343
I just wonder about the difference in the results, because my Voigländer Avus has the same lens and shutter
http://www.ipernity.com/doc/306393/album/344215
pseudobreccia
Member
I utilized my recently purchased Zeiss Ercona I for the first time last weekend. Here is one of the first scans:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenschist/11367558724/
This may be a bit premature...but I think I'm going to really like this camera!
Steve Kleinheider
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenschist/11367558724/
This may be a bit premature...but I think I'm going to really like this camera!
Steve Kleinheider
Monday317
Member
Better Late Than Never?
Better Late Than Never?
I own a Certo6 (Jurgen Kreckel)-CLA'd Ercona I and love it! The 105mm f3.5 Tessar is a very fine lens: sharp and with a Modulus of Transfer Function(MTF) that rivals a Leica Summicron. This means the lens renders contrast in all three primary wavelengths in greater fidelity than most others lenses (a big reason why Leica lenses are so damn good--and expen$ive), especially in MF. Only Hasselblads are, IMHO, better in MF as they are better resolvers. Others like Mamiya Press and RB/RZ or Pentax are all quite good and very high resolvers, but don't handle light quite as elegantly as the older lenses. I've looked at thousands of images and remain convinced the more modern designs deliver a rather sterile image on any film compared to the Tessar. Workers with better film and developer choices may disagree, and I won't argue. The Ercona simply does the best job for me.
Better Late Than Never?
I own a Certo6 (Jurgen Kreckel)-CLA'd Ercona I and love it! The 105mm f3.5 Tessar is a very fine lens: sharp and with a Modulus of Transfer Function(MTF) that rivals a Leica Summicron. This means the lens renders contrast in all three primary wavelengths in greater fidelity than most others lenses (a big reason why Leica lenses are so damn good--and expen$ive), especially in MF. Only Hasselblads are, IMHO, better in MF as they are better resolvers. Others like Mamiya Press and RB/RZ or Pentax are all quite good and very high resolvers, but don't handle light quite as elegantly as the older lenses. I've looked at thousands of images and remain convinced the more modern designs deliver a rather sterile image on any film compared to the Tessar. Workers with better film and developer choices may disagree, and I won't argue. The Ercona simply does the best job for me.
ACullen
Well-known
I've a beautiful Ercona II , it has great merits namely a very fine lens and of course the 6x9 negative. It is however my least favourite folder. I find the wind on and rewind knobs fiddly to use, it's bulky, top SS is 1/250 .
Of greater concern I find that no matter how robust the tripod used the camera front appears to be prone to vibrating even when using a cable release . The consequence is that photos with SS of less than 1/30 often have shake visible. The camera is as rigid as any folder I've used but my guess would be the long FL makes shake more likely. I've yet to try B setting , this might work better given that the vibrations generated by the timer will be absent.
Of greater concern I find that no matter how robust the tripod used the camera front appears to be prone to vibrating even when using a cable release . The consequence is that photos with SS of less than 1/30 often have shake visible. The camera is as rigid as any folder I've used but my guess would be the long FL makes shake more likely. I've yet to try B setting , this might work better given that the vibrations generated by the timer will be absent.