Pre WWII Folding Cameras For Photographers Today
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- Folding cameras from Zeiss to Voigtlander and Welta should be a serious consideration for all film shooters looking for a 120 film camera today. Why? Build quality, amazing uncoated glass, mechanical design (no batteries or BS LCD screens), portability PLUS they are very affordable especially when compared to modern 120 film cameras.
In this video I outline a few of my very favorites, talk about key differences, and give advice on what to watch out for. Stay tuned for additional videos in this series.
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#photography #lens #analog #vintage #120film #film #voigtlander #Zeiss #foldingcamera #camera #historic #preWWII
One of my favorite cameras (of those I actually own) is a 1927 Voigtlander Rollfilmkamera (direct predecessor of the Bessa 1). Mine, in 120 (it was also sold in 116 and/or 124 format, I think) has the Anastigmat-Skopar, Voigtlander's copy of the Tessar, f/4.5 10.5 cm (one of if not the best overall lens prior to 1930), and makes some of the best images of any camera I own (the huge 6x9 negative helps, of course). Another is my Welta Weltini (unofficially the Weltini II, the newer of the two undifferentiated versions offered first in 1941), a folding 35 mm rangefinder. Mine has a 50 mm f/2 Xenon, the same lens that the much more common and well known Kodak Retina had as its top choice -- and with a full 35 mm frame, it'll easily fit in a coat pocket when folded.
I actually own two 127 folders, different lens options of the Vest Pocket Autographic Kodak, both made before 1921, but I don't use them much -- 127 film isn't common and it's expensive, and the ones I have don't have top end lenses or shutters.
I did find myself snickering about your quoted prices and advice to get the camera from a dealer who services it. My Weltini, I bought twice -- the first one was on eBay as "fully functional" but it arrived with the rangefinder disconnected from the front standard and the top plate caved in; the second was perfect but the shutter had been aftermarket converted to have flash sync (which didn't exist, in pre-War Compur shutters) at the cost of losing the cable release socket -- so I can't readily take long exposures on a tripod. My Rollfilmkamera, on the other hand, I paid paid $10 for (albeit almost 20 years ago). I've opened up shutters and cleaned them in the past (Compur and Prontor are fairly easy -- many small parts, but nothing that will jump across the room -- and pretty robust), but neither of these needed such. In my experience, the older shutters were less likely to have lubrication that would gum up over a half century or longer; instead, being designed to run dry or with the tiniest bit of pure mineral oil that won't harden over time.
Once upon a time folders were cheap and I would sometimes pay as little as $5 for Agfas or $20 for a Zeiss Ikon. Then interior designers discovered them as decorator pieces and prices soared. I do not really care when they were made, I just have a thing for folders and old TLRs. Fun video! Thanks!
I have probably two dozen folders, approx half of them pre-war and half of them post-war. I actually like the post-war ones with automatic film counters best, I don't like these small red windows. Although I mostly shoot b&w, for color film I think the coated lenses of post-war folders produce more contrasty and sharper pictures with more vibrant colors. My most preferred lens for classic medium format cameras is the uncoated pre-war Voigtländer Heliar, though, however I use it nearly exclusively for b&w.
My most used folders are actually my oldest ones, though: two Kodak 3-As from 1915/1920, with coupled rangefinders and Tessar lenses, which I modified to accept 120 film, so they now produce 6x14 cm negatives. I always have one of them loaded with b&w and the other with color film with me (one of the perks of sitting in a wheelchair, I usually have half a dozen cameras on me). Great for landscape, architecture and full body portraits. Or taking pictures of the giraffe in the Zoo.
Nice video. I've had a Welta Weltur 6x4.5 for years and absolutely love it. "Tank" is a very accurate description of it.
Like many of the respondents I too have quite a few folders. Primarily Voigtlaender and Zeiss Ikon. I have a nice 75mm Tessar 645 camera that is in very good original form. I have the prewar Bessa 6x9 with the Skopar. This uncoated lens is also one of my favorites...and I too have the 645 mask. I found however that the viewfinder for 645 is quite inadequate. I have other 645 cameras that do this better, The postwar Bessa 645 finder seems to be better , but there is a very fine interior difference, do that you can't use the pre-war 645 mask. There's an orientation pin that protrudes on the Bessa II. I may just snip this off and grind down the stub so I can use the pre-war mask. That said; in most instances you can craft a good mask with stiff construction paper. Probably the most used and consistent is the my Zeiss Ikon 524/2 this is the uncoupled RF version. My 532/16 has a jammed shutter. It worked for a while..but now??
[Note I'm not trying to sound like a snob or anything, but I now live in Germany. The pronunciation is (Folklender) if you refer to Folk Music you don't really dwell on the "L" So Voigt (sounds like "Foc" (as in focus). The Laender part is not so critical. The "a" with the two dots (ä) is "ahh" (apple? ..) for most, if you just think "Lender" instead of lander you will approximate it closer. ]
Very informative video. Thanks! I have used a 1937 Bessa and several Zeiss folders. My favorite though is an early ca 1954 Zeiss Super Ikonta B 532/16 with the Tessar Opton 80mm lens. It has the combined rf/viewfinder window with a modern control layout-focus with left hand, shutter on the right side of the top plate. Superb build quality.
Though I am Japanese, his English is so clear that I can easily understand what he is saying. Very very thank you
This is the first video talking about front standard vs. front cell focusing!! Lugging around a 4x5 with a 120 back makes me ache for a cool 6x7/6x9 folder. 😅 Incredible insight, thank you!
What a great video. I have a nice Agfa Isolette II viewfinder, and the Isolette III is an uncoupled rangefinder, but I’ve been looking for a coupled rangefinder. The Welta looks like the Weltur model, and I like it a lot. Only found a couple on eBay, $350 and $1,900!!
Thank you for the interesting esoteric video. I am a long time "serious photographer"..exhibitions several books etc. I love my folding cameras and have tried many over the years. particularly when I did active darkroom printing. I have the Nessa 2 and the Best RF ..as well as later Agfa and a Rare French Telsa, , etc. I did sell off about a dozen that I found to not be truly practice enough for actual high level work. I try to always use Helier 5 element or 6 element Sonnar design lenses where possible as the Tessars 4 element though sharp are busy IMHO in the Bokeh. I understand that $ element design lenses versions are always cheaper.... Same goes for my current digital shooting using adapted vintage lenses. Cheers, Reid
Great video and info. Last year , I had to send my 6X6 camera out for repair and was left with no medium format camera. I lucked out and found a recently serviced Super Fujica 6 . Great camera. I continued to work on landscapes, and the 75mm lens is sharp. Now it is my medium format P&S. KB.
Super Fujica 6, one of the nicest, and desirable if you find one somewhere where the seller is not clued into the marker for one. So, $200 US or less, outstanding. $500 up, either you are a collector in need, or you pass. $200 - 500: There are a number of other cameras to consider; not really a cost effective user.
On those cameras that have the flip up RF focus wand and RF focus wheel it is better to turn the lens cell to focus rather than the wheel. Think this way. That RF focus wheel has to apply a lot of torque to move the much bigger heavier lens assembly in order to achieve focus and if the wheel is anything other than really tight it will gradually cause focus issues as the relationship between RF and lens alters. Instead turn the lens barrel to focus and all it has to shift is the much lighter RF mechanism! I learnt this hack from having had Moskva 5's... If the rf goes out of adjustment it is more than likely from turning the RF focus wheel to focus! Hence I focus the RF and in turn the lens by turning the lens and not the wheel. You are quite correct in saying get them checked over/serviced. Ive had /have several of these folders and all have needed infinity focus corrected and tuned up and not necessarily from issues with RF... Poor servicing, stiff grease, wear and tear etc I've learnt to do them myself, its relatively easy to work on infinity with a ground glass, a tripod, a view with something close by at 2m to check near focus after setting infinty. I use a window to see the view and set the camera 2m ftom the window frame. Lovely cameras and great choices in the vid. I have currently a Franke Roflix ll 6x9 6x6 with frame, F3. 5 Rodenstock Trinar fitted with a Braun Finder and a Watameter Super RF all calibrated . The lens goes down to 4ft. Ziess Ikon Nettar 6x6 with fitted with a Medis RF. I have an Agfa Billy 6x9 configured to shoot 35mm film. The Franke and Ziess both have flash capability... Whats not to like.
You have a really nice collection i just scored my first folding camera a few days ago. It is a Voigtländer Inos II.
Love my Inos II as well!
Lots of useful information here. I went through a phase of buying some last year. Definitely think it pays to buy a few and figure out what works best for you. Focusing, framing and film advance being the main issues... I've still to find a particular combination of features in one camera to the point I could fully trust it like I trust a Rolleiflex or something... but they're fun to shoot with.
Excellent primer for folks new to these. In all honesty though, I've generally never been terribly interested in the upper echelon folders you're presenting here, though I've looked into them numerous times and briefly shot a Bessa and Super Ikonta. For me personally, the simpler designs of the day are more than adequate with scale focus and framing pop-ups, or uncoupled RFs at best. Since there's nothing that will ever be "fast" whilst shooting these, I just find the simpler models (Balda, Franka, Glunz, etc.) more attractive in the size/weight/complexity aspects. The lenses are often every bit as good (or the same), and best of all, they're less expensive. :) But I love folding cameras in general.
Totally agree with you. I particularly like the Balda Baldix 6x6 cameras. I think I have all the variants 8-)
TLRs seem like the bargins these days but I have always really been fascinated with these folders including later models like the Moskva 5.
Great video! Enjoying the channel 👍
Thank you!
Nice video! I also like folding cameras, there is something addictive about buying them. 2 months ago I bought my first one - Ercona II with Novonar 110/4,5 for 100PLN (~23 USD!!!). I was super lucky: bellows are fine, lens and shutter also and there was reduction from 6x9 to 6x6 inside. This month I bought same model but with Tessar 105/3,5 lens for 150PLN (~34,4 USD). Unfortunately body was damaged too much but the lens was still nice. I asked my repair guy to remove the lens and fix the shutter speed. It was too nice to throw it away. Since then I'm thinking constantly how to build a body and use it.
If I may ask. Are you in the USA? If so, who is your camera repair guy. I have a camera I would like to have CLA'ed. Thanks.
Great comparison with one concern.
I have had some of my cameras CLA (cleaned, lubricated and adjusted) and they have come back messed up. I’m of the opinion that less is more with any old camp unless it truly needs work.
I don’t know how to find competent service people.
That is always an issue- I only send my cameras new/ old/ very old to trusted people I have worked with for years-
I just love 30s cameras, and think that everyone must try at least once one of that beauties.
Wow 🤩 like your camera collection!!!😮
Thank you! 😁
Absolutely brilliant video chock full of awesome information. My life has been photography. Of late I’m trying old film cameras primarily as content for my channel the side effect is I recently bought an Italian folder to try it’s a 1948 ferrania falco two to say I’m besotted with this camera is a huge understatement I’m certainly not the techy pixel peeping grain gawping type what I like to think I am is a lad who loves the process of photography and this folder thing is a pure pleasure. I’m currently bidding on a couple more folders😂📷❤️ liked and subbed mate great vid regards paul
Thank you! Happy shooting!
Loved the video, well done!
You mentioned that the film masks are very rare and hard to come by. While ofc not an original part I could see how this could be easily solved with a 3D printed one. I have modeled and printed a panorama mask for my Mamiya 7 when I recreated the panorama kit (because those are quite expensive).
Yep... difficulty is keeping it thin but 3d printing is going to save a lot of vintage cameras in the coming years.
Save a lot of many vintage items !
Thanks so much for this. I’ve been looking for the zeiss ikon which you converted to take 120 film. I think it’s called the “Super Ikonta 530/15” right.
I can’t wait for you to do a video on it. I wonder what field of view it resembles. Also how pictures from it look like.
Funny how I messaged you about doing this kind of video this week and by magic the video appears. Maybe I have special powers lol
Have a great weekend.
P.s your stand development formula is a staple to my process 👍🏾
Awesome!
Excellent overview!
Thank you!
Great video, thanks! My GAS is really kicking in here
Exactly!
If you buy them to actually shoot photographs you will be disappointed!
Wow great video
Thanks!
Late to finding you. Just subbed. Questions. What is the best way to store folders. I have a small collection of folders (12) from 1919 Kodak through the 30s, various makes and models.. I have them on shelves, opened but not racked out. House is never too hot or too cold and not damp. Any suggestions? Also whats the best way to care for the bellows? Any conditioner that can be applied to extend their life? You mentioned having them check out or repaired. Who in the US would be a good resource for that kind of work. Thanks. Really enjoyed this video and plan on catching up on you others.
You are storing them perfectly- I use an English natural leather product on the bellows very sparingly and really only 1 time- dry bellows are bad but overly moist bellows are also not good. All of mine were repaired when I purchased them or I did it in house.
@FIGITALREVOLUTION Thanks for your quick reply. Appreciate it. Cheers!
Awesome video. I own a 35mm Canon and a Rolleiflex 3.5F, and I would like to add a folding camera to my collection. I've found some offers on Ebay that seem good, but I'm not sure which one to choose. I would appreciate any insight or assistance...
Just make sure it has been CLA and from a reputable person- folders are prone to many issues especially older ones. I purchase most of mine from here: www.petrakla.com/collections/medium-format
@@FIGITALREVOLUTION Awesome, thank you.
Great video thanks. I too have a Voigtlander RF but have trouble seeing film exposure numbers through red windowed cameras, particularly English Ensigns. Just discovered that Fomapan numbers are very much denser and easy to read than Ilford. Do you know of any others please? Subscribed.
Fomapan has the best and of course their 3rd party versions by Arista and others-
Fuji Acros II is also very nice
One question I have not been able to get a confident answer to regards rangefinders with uncorrected vision.
With my SLR I find that without my glasses or if my prescription is getting old I can't properly focus as the camera tries to correct my out of focus vision. Is a rangefinder going to be the same way?
I would say so
beautiful!
Thanks for the video.
How easy is it to replace the bellows on these pre-WWII folding cameras?
Not hard but just take your time.
Excellent presentation of these jewel folding cameras. I am looking for a model to modify in order to shoot panoramic 6x12 or up to 6x15, I would be very happy if you could suggest a model or two, primarily for black and white but not excluding color. I know a good old school technician who can do a successful modification.
thanks a lot for the very interesting video.
A Zeiss Super D can be modified to work with 120 film and has a just about perfect 6x12 negative- I have one that is modified for this purpose.
@@FIGITALREVOLUTION do you mean Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 530/15 Model D?
Yes- requires spacers for the spools and the film gate has to be decreased a bit but makes quite nice negatives!
@@FIGITALREVOLUTION thanks a lot 😊
Great overview of awesome cameras! So who are the reputable sellers and techs you recommend for these cameras? I am surprised you don’t have a Super Ikonta 6x6 🙂. They are even smaller to travel with.
a favorite of mine: www.petrakla.com/ The Welta Weltur is 6x6 but yeah the Zeiss 6x6 is very nice!
You didn't mention the Voigtlander Inos II.
Is that a good one?
I'll bet the mask for 6x4.5 images is rare.
It is a very good camera- I have a few of them in 120 and 116- I did find a 6x4.5 mask and yeah it is very hard to find.
Absolutely- which lens did you get with it- they all are good. See you posted in pounds- heading to Liverpool today!
@@FIGITALREVOLUTION The lens is a Voigtlander Anastigmat Skopar. It's just that the front lens had haze. Couldn't get it off so brought a really tatty camera for salvage.
I own an old one that I want to sell, but I couldn't find the right place
Which one is ur favourite
I love the 1936 Voigtlander Bessa RF and the Certo Super Sport Dolly a lot… the Zeiss Super Ikonta from 35 and 36 is also really sweet and so solid-- they all are amazing but if I could only have one of the cameras on the table it would be the Bessa RF
@@FIGITALREVOLUTION ohh
@@FIGITALREVOLUTION which camera is better modern or old one.
Make video on it😃
There is a comparison of the 1954 and 1936 Bessa in the video but I suspect I will do a separate side by side with sample images soon…
@@FIGITALREVOLUTION sure sir
Hello, can you give me all camera name in your table ❤
Oh so many-- a lot of Zeiss and Voigtlander with a nice Welta for good measure-
Ok i already found it❤