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  #11  
Old 2nd March 2013, 12:22 AM
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I had a ccouple of MF folders (a Dakora and an Agifold) and was knocked out at the quality they can produce. I'll try to scan up some prints for the benefit of non-believers. For my 50'th I was treated to the modern version- a Voigtlander 667. By comparison it's HUGE next to the old folders. Still quite light (unfolded bellows contain thin air after all) but it needs batteries and I can't say there is a stellar leap in image quality- and we're talking the difference between cameras costing £15 and £1500. Although I love my Bessa, if asked for advice, I'd be saying look at a beautiful old folder. There's a guy online called Certo6 (http://www.certo6.com/cameras) who restores and sells folders. No connection by the way. His site is FULL of images taken on Agfas, Certos, Baldos etc. Well worth a look. Oh, and it's also great discipline- MF quality in your pocket, but no metering! You get real good at sunny 16 (and overcast 8, misty evening 5.6, snowy morning 11 etc . . )
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  #12  
Old 2nd March 2013, 01:13 PM
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Another heads up for the Isolette. I was fortunate to buy a Super Isolette from Peter Loy at one of the camera fairs, it had just been serviced and even 5 years later it works like a dream. The shutter release sometimes gets a bit stiff but a drop of lighter fluid soon sorts it out. What always amazes me is the quality of the Solinar lens, at least on a par with my Bronica SQ lenses AND it fits in your pocket!

A good excuse for a bit of camera porn methinks...



The only thing missing is the original case, if anyone knows where one can be obtained I'd be grateful to know.

Paul
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  #13  
Old 2nd March 2013, 01:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Mitchell View Post
...
The only thing missing is the original case, if anyone knows where one can be obtained I'd be grateful to know.

Paul
Mine came boxed with a case and instructions... but the camera was nearly seized up from lack of use and dried grease so it spent the next few years in a box. These things should be used though, so I sent it off for an overhaul last week. I'm not sure if I'll use the case though... but then how do you fit a strap?

Mine as it left last week...


Last edited by Xpres; 2nd March 2013 at 01:52 PM.
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  #14  
Old 2nd March 2013, 06:10 PM
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I couldn't agree more that they should be used, I despair when I see camera's such as this gathering dust on the shelf.
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  #15  
Old 3rd March 2013, 03:15 PM
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I've got an Isolette 1, and even with the oft-derided Agnar lens it gives great results.

I've also got an Isola 1, but haven't got around to taking this out yet.
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  #16  
Old 4th March 2013, 05:34 AM
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Yesterday I bought 2 folders from e-bay an Agfa Isolette with leather case for £11.25 (not yet sure whether its a 1 or a 2) and also a Ross Ensign for £14.50. Looking forward to receiving them and giving them an outing. I have 2 Zeiss Ikon Nettars one which I have used and the other recently given to me by an acquaintance who found it in a cupboard in the house they just moved into. As Richard says they are so easy to carry around and fun to use.
Richard
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  #17  
Old 4th March 2013, 09:32 AM
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I have an Isola with the Agnar, and a Baldixette equally basic, both £1 from the "box under the counter" at a camera fair.
The Isola has a better viewfinder than many better models, and double exposure prevention but can wind on slack. The shutter release has a long travel that could cause shake so I've only used it with flash. The lens gives a strange effect, would appeal to the Lomo fans maybe, low resolution but interesting.
I missed a Super Isolette at a fair. great condition, auto frame counter, Solinar etc. £70. I hesitated having a few folders already, went back ten minutes later and it was gone to someone who had two already and admitted he wouldn't be using it.
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  #18  
Old 4th March 2013, 11:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Mitchell View Post
Another heads up for the Isolette. I was fortunate to buy a Super Isolette from Peter Loy at one of the camera fairs, it had just been serviced and even 5 years later it works like a dream. The shutter release sometimes gets a bit stiff but a drop of lighter fluid soon sorts it out. What always amazes me is the quality of the Solinar lens, at least on a par with my Bronica SQ lenses AND it fits in your pocket!

A good excuse for a bit of camera porn methinks...



The only thing missing is the original case, if anyone knows where one can be obtained I'd be grateful to know.

Paul
Paul what the viewfinder like on these? I am often attracted to these as a bit of fun as I don't have a square shooter, but I did once have a Voigtlander Bessa 6x9 camera and the viewfinder was some grim tiny thing full of dust, which has put me off folders ever since.
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  #19  
Old 4th March 2013, 12:08 PM
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Default Given one !

I was GIVEN am Isolette III with SOLINAR and the Compur-Rapid by a Lady Camera Club member, with the original case, no damage to bellows , no fungus in lens and NO GREEN GOO that I have come across ( So Far ! )
I have done several 16x12" Exhibition prints frmo B&W negs taken with it
Have a LOOK and click on 'slide-show' at the top --
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2585098...7630623802290/
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  #20  
Old 4th March 2013, 02:05 PM
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Dave

The viewfinder is certainly not the biggest I've used and is a little awkward with specs but it is bright and easy to clean.

Paul
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