general use

[wannabegood]

hello all

i was thinknig of geting a medium format (or 35mm) camera as a second use, i have a kodak No.1A autographic but the bellows are leaking so i have to put a cloth over them.

i have seen this on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-AGFA-ISOL ... 5639a3b3e8

i want that sort of style.

i see a on ebay, holga ones can have diffrent lens that would be good


wannabagood

[richard littlewood]

That camera you are looking at was my very first camera way back in the 60's. If you want 6x6 negs that are always on the soft side with low contrast and flare, iffy focusing and exposure go for it. I reckon a decent folder is a better option.

[dave_whatever]

What's your budget? Probably the cheapest and most reliable way to get good results would be a yashicamat, say £30-100ish. These are generally a safer bet than getting a cheaper folder since you're not worrying about holes in the bellows, focussing cells jammed etc, plus you can focus accurately.

If your budget stretches further then look at any of the mamiya 645 models. These are hard to beat for value, very versatile and readily available used, and cheap. You can do anything from macro, portrait, action and landscape with these things.

[Lynne Evans]

I have a Zeiss Ikon Nettar which I use from time to time. It takes 6x6cm negs and gives some great results. Minimal settings, so none of this 1/3rd stop exposure calculation stuff! They come up quite often in second-hand shops and are usually around £15-£35, so cheaper than Holgas etc.

[Paul Mitchell]

You wouldn't go far wrong looking at some of the old Agfa folders. Just beware though that some of the cheaper models (I's & II's) suffer from light leaks and may need new bellows.

Here's a good guide to what's available http://www.ph.utexas.edu/~yue/misc/Ansc ... ml#SuprIso

I have the Super Isolette which is the dogs dangly bits of folders but a cheaper alternative is the Russian 'Iskra' copy http://www.mplsdesigner.com/cameras/cameras/iskra.html

[hmvmanuk]

Depending on your budget, one of the best medium format general use cameras of recent years was the Mamiya 6 (6x6) and 7 (6x7). They tend to be expensive though, even second hand.

Not sure where you're based but Collectable Cameras in East Yorks has a good range of Zeiss folders, Mamiya 645, Yashica Mat, older Bronica reflex, Hasselblad etc. I've dealt with this chap and he's genuine and honest. Some of his items are in excellent condition, others less so but he'll tell it to you straight. Have a look at his list here: http://www.collectablecameras.com/list.htm

I have a Zeiss Nettar which I used to use and gave me some excellent colour transparencies, if lacking a bit of contrast. It has a quirky range of shutter speeds: 25th, 75th and 200th. Sadly, mine developed a light leak through the back so now it enjoys retirement on a shelf alongside some old Kodaks. I have seen Nettars for sale at as low as £10 -15.

Gavin