6x6 folding camera wanted

TR · 2012-02-26T10:31:02+00:00

Hallo allersteits. Eigentlich dachte ich, ich habe nun meinen festen Bestand an Kameras und benötige nichts Neues mehr. Dummerweise ist mir die Detailzeichnu...

TR

First of all, hello. I actually thought I’d now got my permanent collection of cameras sorted and wouldn’t need anything new. Unfortunately, I find the detail in my 35mm shots taken on 400 ASA film too out of focus or imprecise during the darker months of the year. I’m looking for a 6x6 camera that’s compact and can be carried comfortably in a pocket (just like my 35mm rangefinder camera). Here are my requirements:

Four-lens
6x6 or 6x4.5 / focal length not exceeding 75mm
A decent shutter with more than three speeds

I don’t need a rangefinder system. I always focus hyperfocally – which also explains why the camera mustn’t have an 8.5cm focal length, as I’d then have to stop down even further. Was the Agfa Isolette also available in a basic version without a rangefinder, with the 75mm Solinar or only with the 8.5cm? Isn’t there something from Zeiss-Ikon as well? What else might be worth considering? Apart from bellows cameras, there were also a few with retractable tubes. Might there be an alternative there? I’d prefer to do without the rangefinder, as a student you have to watch your pennies. Regards, Thomas

Wolfgg

Hi Thomas, Have a look under 'Ikonta'. Best regards, Wolfgang

piu58

I have a Weltax from Sömmerda. It’s an old German model, but otherwise exactly what you’re looking for. You often see them on eBay. If the shutter works, then it’s in working order. That’s all there is to it. Here’s a link, though it’s a three-element lens (also available with a Tessar): http://www.museum-digital.de/thue/index.php?t=objekt&suinin=38&oges=2527

Xenar

Hello Thomas, Zeiss-Ikon produced the Ikonta in a wide variety of models over the decades. Formats: 6x9, 6x6 and 4.5x6, Lenses: Tessar (four-element), Nettar, Novar (three-element) in various mounts. The Super-Ikonta models have a coupled rangefinder and are correspondingly expensive, as are, of course, all versions with the Tessar. I myself own a 6x6 Ikonta M with a 1:3.5/75 Novar-Anastigmat in a Prontor-SVS shutter. Aperture values 3.5 to 32, shutter speeds 1 to 1/300 sec and B, self-timer as well as X and M flash contacts, non-coupled rangefinder. The Novar-Anastigmat is said to be one of the better three-element lenses. From around f/8 onwards, it is not far behind the four-element lenses. This Ikonta was my first camera when I was 11, and I took photos with it for many years. I still use it occasionally today; I had it cleaned and readjusted just a year ago. Perhaps something like this would suit your needs? Regards, Volker

TR

Hello and thanks for the info! Luckily, I don’t need any of the Superikontas, Isoletten, etc. The prices are (relatively) quite high. But they are also very nice cameras and, of course, perfectly usable. I’ll have a look at your suggestions too. Volker, I’ll start by looking for four-lens cameras. Regards, Thomas

Wolf_XL

...Voigtländer also offers the Perkeo I and II. These are available with a range of three-element lenses as well as the excellent four-element Color Skopar. The Franka Solida III is also available at a reasonable price. I would at least prefer the version with the Schneider Radionar...

Xenar

Hi Thomas, Don’t necessarily limit yourself to an Ikonta. There were plenty of suitable options from dozens of other companies. Just have a look online – it’s no problem these days. I only wrote so much about the Ikonta because you asked specifically about Zeiss-Ikon. And: let us know how it turns out. Best regards, Volker

TR

And: let us know what you end up with.

I’ve gone for a Weltax (Rheinmetall) with a Tessar lens – the same one Uwe has. A lovely, high-quality camera. I’ve paid about double what I’d actually intended to spend, but the camera came from a photographer who could guarantee its full functionality. Unfortunately, many sellers on eBay never actually know what they’re selling or what technical condition it’s in. Best regards and thanks again, Thomas

Xenar

Well then, enjoy the new Falter!