Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/07/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I'll also give a nod to my Bessa II: it works well in tough conditions: eg Nepal. I only use it really for set tripod shots, and if I ever get the proper lens for the enlarger, I"m sure the images will be great ;-) Mike Durling writes: > I will have to second (or third) the praises bestowed on the Bessa II. I > happened upon mine in a consignment-type antique shop. Knowing almost > nothing about it its quality was immediately apparent. Nice clear > rangefinder, solid build, clear and coated large-aperture lens (color > Heilar 105/3.5) etc. The lens turned out to be very sharp with bokeh to > die for. I love 6x9 and my best camera for that format before this was an > old Busch Pressman. After I got the Voigtlander I couldn't be bothered > with trying to deal with 6x9 sheet film. > > I have a few other folders, mostly old Kodaks. I once displayed them on > my mantle, but found - sadly - that the bellows disintegrated after being > exposed for a while. > > Mike D > > > > Mark Langer wrote: >> Without taking anything away from the virtues of the Rollei, I'm >> surprised that people on a Leica Users Group wouldn't be waxing poetic >> over the virtues of medium format folders, rather than TLRs. Folders >> just seem to be more in tune with the Barnack ethos. Folders have the >> Leica virtue of compactness (certainly by comparison to a TLR) and >> many of them are equipped with coupled rangefinders, which also puts >> the cameras in the same league as a Leica. >> >> A Bessa II (mine has the Color Heliar lens, but they also come with >> the great 4 element Color Skopar and the legendary Apo Lanthar) >> collapses to the size of a M body without the lens. It yields >> fantastic 6x9 images, yet you can slide it into a jacket pocket. My >> Super Ikonta B 6x6 has a very nice Tessar lens, that although uncoated >> (there are later coated versions) is remarkably resistant to flare. Also >> can be carried in a jacket pocket. For the ultimate in >> compactness, I use a Perkeo II. It lacks a coupled rangefinder, but I >> love the Color Skopar lens on this, and the camera can be carried in a >> shirt pocket. This is the medium format equivalent of the Rollei 35. >> >> I'm not trying to start a flame war with the Rollei fans, but my >> fondness for rangefinders leads me to prefer engaging with my subject >> through a direct finder, rather than through a ground glass. Added to >> the reversal of directions on the focussing screen of a TLR (which I >> find distracting), I am too conscious of focussing on the glass, >> rather than on the subject. I just feel more connected to the subject >> itself when using a rangefinder or viewfinder. I'm surprised that >> other Leica users are not drawn to medium format folders for the same >> reason. >> >> The other great virtue of the folders is that it is important to me to >> have a camera with me as often as possible. I'm not as likely to slip >> a TLR into a pocket as I am to carry a folder. Perhaps I'm just too >> worried about people asking "Is that a TLR in your pocket, or are you >> just glad to see me." When the decisive moment comes, if you don't >> have your camera, you don't have your picture. >> >> Finally, medium format folders make superlative travel cameras. Sure, >> a Rolleicord is light, but not particularly copact. Folders take up >> very little space and tend to be light -- this may be relative, but >> even the heavy Super Ikonta B is a featherweight compared to some >> TLRs, like the Mamiyas or the Kalloflex. When you are schlepping your >> luggage by yourself, every pound saved is a blessing. >> >> Is anyone else a medium format folder maven? >> >> Mark >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Leica Users Group. >> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information Alastair Firkin www.afirkin.com www.familyofman2.com