BEST Folding 6x6 Film Camera Ever? ABSOLUTELY! The Agfa Super Isolette REVIEW
Vložit
- čas přidán 7. 08. 2024
- The Agfa Super Isolette was was originally sold from 1953-1958 and is the first folding camera that I've ever owned. It's the top and final model in the Isolette line and has superb image quality from the Solinar (Tessar clone) lens. This camera has that special 3D "pop" that you can only get from large format film and is easily folded and stored in your pocket!
Photos from this Video on Flickr: flic.kr/s/aHsmanPxhF
Donate to my Channel paypal.me/FilmPhotoChannel
Buy Film, New/Used Cameras at Adorama adorama.rfvk.net/YY6rR
My Blog: filmphotochannel.blogspot.com
My Flickr Channel: tinyurl.com/ydfvjkg9
Agfa super isolete is supposed to be the superb folding camera made ever. I. Purchased one second hand in very good condition for my collection with a solinar 3.5 lens. I also purchased its younger brother isolete lll with 3.5 solinar lens but. non coupelled rengefinder. It also gives superb results. Sologon, solinar, and apotar,agnar, are superb and famous lenses of agfa products, and Iam crazy of agfa folders, 1950 to1960was a time for using folders and zeiss super ikonta, Fujica, solida ,kodak,,were blooming inthe field of folders. But in my opinion I found super isolete is one of the best in the field that time. Thanks to Agfa, Germany for releasing out standing products of all time. S.K.Pareek.Bhawanimandi.Raj.India.
Aside from the subject matter (which is my meat), your video presentation is excellent. Well focused close ups of what you are discussing at the moment. Few if any other videographers take the time to do this. Lighting, focus, framing, DOF and the transcript, all at a professional level. Thank you for your effort!
I just discovered your channel in the past week and just love what you are doing. Based on this video I was checking out ebay and found only one Super Isolette available (too pricey for my budget right now) but found a near mint Agfa Isolette and grabbed it right away (and it was dirt cheap). Just got it in today's mail and it is beautiful, including a leather cover in equally good condition. Can't wait for my 120 film to arrive in a couple days so I can try this beautiful old camera! Thanks for all your videos and keep them coming!!
Thanks for visiting. I had an Isolette II before buying the Super Isolette. It yielded some pretty impressive results. The focus ring seized due to old grease but it was stuck on infinity so I could still use it for landscape and street photos. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you actually start using it. They’re pretty fun to use. This link is for a few photos that I took with the Isolette II if you want to check them out. Thanks! tinyurl.com/yczaeery
Love all of your videos, Eric. My favorite folder is still my Super Ikonta. Andy
Another great video, I love folding cameras too!
The best!
I just took my Isolette II (From J. Kreckel) out for a walk today - I forgot what a pleasant camera it is to use. I have a small collection of vintage cameras, and I will say that they are a delight. I'm glad I came across your channel and look forward to more vintage camera reviews, as well as whatever else you wish to share. Thanks!
Thanks so much Naomi! I have more videos coming for sure.
Really very informative. Thanks Algernon
Just bought a Isolette II that need to get its bellows fixed.Finding your channel was pure gold.
Thanks so much. Glad I could help!
Nice, informative video.
Continue doing your videos great work
Thanks so much.
Very informative. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Found you as I searched about "Agfa Solinette" I'm bidding on... Thank you for your channel...
Thank you.
Thank you Eric..
I am a big fan of folders!!!
I would also love you to do a video where you load the camera up with black and white film (maybe the Leica M3) and you go out in the field without a light meter and walk us through your choices of settings, from an easy situation to hard situations. Then we see the scanned results and compare. I think it would be an amazing lesson. I don't think anyone has done it on youtube.
I will probably do just that. I've had similar thoughts since I've run out of cameras to review! I'm a big fan of the "Sunny 16" method and also the zone metering method as well (I know, polar opposites). I have two videos that I'm working on right now but I will be sure to include your suggestion. Thanks!
I had one a few years ago and I regret selling it. But I recently picked up an Isolette III and I got it for a steal! Something I like more with the regular isolettes are the weight compared to the Super Isolette. Cant wait to shoot 6x6 again.
What I really like about these cameras is that theyre so simple and easy to repair. Not much can go wrong. And I agree, I love the size of the cameras and cant believe you can shoot medium format with such a small form factor. Was thinking about getting a Hassy, Mamiya 645, or RB67 then remembered the Isolette! Throughout the years i've put importance on form factor and weight over anything. I realized if the gear is too heavy to shoot, I wont even take it with me.
Excellent videos!
Thanks so much! That's such a great point. I'm looking at my Mamiya 645 sitting on the shelf and can't imagine lugging it around all day. And its a shame because I really enjoy using it and the image quality is amazing. The Agfa's are super-convenient due to their form-factor and also have great optics so it's easy to bypass the chunky M645.
great video. Subscribed!
Thanks so much!
Lovely videos, just subscribed! Great to see the variety in this channel. I wonder if you would do reviews of modern film cameras such as the eos 1v or the current nikon film camera? Cheers from Spain!
Hi Alberto, I did a review on the Nikon F6 but I don't own an FM10. I would love to review any film camera if I own it or could borrow one from someone. I'm actually working on a deal like that with my local photo store since they have a pretty healthy inventory of film cameras.
Thank you!!!
Just spreading good vibes. Great video, love how simple and informative your videos are.
Btw, how many film cameras do you own? I'm starting to love the idea of having an old camera in MINT condition. It's like having an old James Dean Porsche or something. I'm sure it's a cool feeling.
thanks!
It is very cool playing around with these old film cameras. I own around 25 of them. I really do enjoy them. i use them all.
Please more videos. Dont give up man. C'mon fight.
Great camera, i bought a Zeiss Superikonta 532/16 a few weeks ago, also a great little camera
Thanks for sharing! Zeiss folders are awesome.
Really good review I've actually had one of these on my eBay watch list for a few weeks now LOL.
Thanks Ray, make sure to ask about the film transport system so you won’t have the same problem I have with mine.
I forgot to mention you can get the same Solinar lens in the Isolette III which doesn’t have the fancy film advance system or the couples rangefinder. It has an uncoupled rangefinder and is a bit smaller than the super. Build quality won’t be quite as nice but it will take the same photos at half the price.
Thanks boss. Im very fussy about focus so if I had a choice I would prefer the rangefinder unless im shooting landscapes. Ive still got a few of these in my ebay cart by the way :)
@@Raychristofer I hear ya. Just to make sure I was clear, it does have a rangefinder, you just have to dial in the focus on the lens after you determine focus distance with the rangefinder built in to the camera. It's an uncoupled rangefinder.
You know what, Im glad you pointed that out because It didnt click in my head the uncoupled part. cool thanks
You mentioned grease problem in your camera . You might as well include all Agfa,Ansco cameras ,as it seems everyone of them I have examined has some function on them frozen . Presumably the grease problem .
Nice collection. My old agfa had a leaky bellows. I ordered a chinese Seagul. Not the same camera but it was fun. Ah the Ansco. Reminds me my dad always (sadly) shot Anscochrome back in the 50s.
Thanks for checking in. I love to hear the stories about film cameras (and film) of yesteryear and the experiences had by different family members. For our viewers, here's more information on Anscochrome film tinyurl.com/y5of6toa
@@FilmPhotographyChannel oh cool. Thanks.
Jergen might be able to fix that if he has the parts. If not he can put a red window in like your other isolette. Wife bought one from him almost two years ago and loves her Super Isolette.
I have the little Kodak too ( good as it uses the "cheap" 35mm film )
“Cheap” in quotes is right, lol. Film prices are pretty insane right now ($25 for a single roll of Ektar??) I also saw it for $15 but on back order. I’m glad that I stocked up a couple of years ago.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Yes, I still remember the time when a roll of film was less then €1
I am surprised that the Chinese have not yet come up with the idea of making cheap film,
considering that such a film is just a strip of coated plastic in a small container...
Medium format cameras are the way to go. Quality photos with ease. Bellows cameras are fascinating but I have none any more. I had an Ensign 12 20 and an Ensign 820. They are cheap to buy.
I have used a Rolleicord Va Tlr since 1958. Had it serviced 6 years ago and its still running perfectly.
I have a matched pair of parallax corrected close up lenses for it to get me as close as 18 inches.
I use it with Kodak Tri X.
I really enjoy my folding cameras. Such a smart design allowing a camera with such a large negative to fold nice and flat.
neil piper. Your Ensign are from the late 1950's and are fitted with lenses by Ross, then one of the best lens makers in the world. The Ensign 820 is not cheap anymore. By the way, close up lenses were made for most cameras, stacked upon one another, you can do closeups from postage stamps.
I love folding cameras too, I have for example a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 517/16. I've taken last summer to the mountains and I came back with amazing sharp photos.
I've just discovered your interesting channel, subscribed :-)
Thanks so much for the sub. I’m working hard to produce more videos. The Zeiss Ikons are extremely well built machines with great optics. I plan on getting one someday.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Do it, you'll not regret it. Hopefully you'll find one in good conditions.
These Agfas, and their Ansco rebadged equals, are a great balance of weight (modest), features, and optics. The lens is just a Tessar copy, but it does very well given the film format size. One problem is the used price on these models, which has risen out of sight over the last 10+ years. If this bug has bitten you, but you consider paying $600 a bit crazy for a 60 year old, fairly ordinary 120 folder, look for a late model Mamiya 6, a folder from the same time but with a stronger build and similar lens. Sells for $150-200.
Alas many Japanese folders have fungus and hazed damage due to the damp climate.
@@danMdan Actually, the Mamiya 6 folder does have a deserved reputation for lens issues, but the problem seems to be failure (hazing) of the lens element coatings. The Mamiya Sekor version is the least affected, but the ones with Olympus lenses, while "collectible" and the highest priced, almost always have these problems. The most comparable folder to this Super Isolette is probably the Zeiss Super Ikonta III from 1959. This, and the IV version adding a meter, go for about the same price as the Super Isolette/Ansco Super Regent.
Hi great video thank you for it. I have one of these just having one question my shutter button does not work activating the shutter without film in it is that how it should be?
yes
Thanks for this video, very useful. Question, how is to see through this viewfinder with glasses? Couldn’t be grated?
It’s not great with glasses. You can’t see the whole image.
The little gear sprocket in the film bay that senses the film to start at the first frame simply needs cla as a fix. It should turn freely with some pressure from film going across it as it connects with other gears for the film advance. The major problem with this camera is the bigger gear sprocket/cog located underneath the film advance that will easily break off a few teeth is because someone has tried to over crank the film advance with no film inside. That big cog when broken is important because it determines when the film should stop at each consecutive frame. THIS CAMERA WILL NOT ALLOW FILM ADVANCE KNOB TO TURN PROPERLY WITHOUT FILM LOADED. It has double exposure prevention, but one can easily do double exposure by manually triggering the shutter at the lens. This is one of the last and greatest 120 film folders in my opinion ----> I just own 3 of them :). The first one overhauled by Jurgen, the last two by myself.
That's great information. I'd love to get mine working properly. Jurgen indicated that he would have to have a 2nd body for parts to replace the gear with the broken teeth that you mentioned. Do you have a source for parts?
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I don't have any reliable source for parts. If you come across one that is fully tested with film and working they command a high price. And the cheap ones are the ones that has that broken cog- even then they are still expensive. FYI, I prefer the earlier lens version (MX) without the self timer, because it has more aperture blades giving smoother/creamy bokeh. The later lens version that has the self timer (MXV) only has 5 blades which - to me - is a bit less desirable and gives distracting bokeh. Check out my video, I also very much like the Isolette III that comes with this same lens setup "Solinar 75mm, 3.5" the only difference is that it is an uncoupled rangefinder and no automatic counter advance, much lighter, a bit smaller, less problematic with gears --> a great alternative to the Super Isolette.
Once again great information and I'll check out your video for sure. Thanks!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Nice video and your Super Isolette looks to be in really excellent condition!
I've serviced a few of these now and I think there's a chance that the problem with the frame stop system for the winder could be relatively easy to fix. If it used to work properly and you have never forced the mechanism causing it to break then the gear sprocket with the teeth to stop the advance wheel could well be ok. If I understand correctly your camera detects the start of the film and the frame counter advances but doesn't stop at each frame and you can always depress the shutter release? There's a lever which drops between the teeth on the sprocket to stop the film advance for each frame and another lever which engages the shutter release lock. There's a chance these levers are gummed up and a few drops of lighter fluid on the pivot followed by working the mechanism will bring it back to life. This revived the winder on one Super Isolette for me.
It could be another problem of course but I wouldn't give up on it and assume it needs a whole new winder unit just yet!
I would love you to do an experiment for us. Buy 1 35mm Cinestill 50d, and 1 Portra 160. Shoot the Cinestill at box speed and the Portra at 50. I basically want to know if Cinestill is hype and that Portra can do same thing at much cheaper price or if there is a real difference.
Great suggestion! I'll make a note on this as well.
To fix the seized grease problem a drop of WD-40 let it seep into the crack and the mineral spirits and petroleum oils in the WD-40 will soften up the polymerized Greece. It works a charm!
Very informative video! I was wondering though if this film counter cog with spikes will work with harder PET (or is it PE?) films like Adox CMS 20 II Pro. Even though this film is having production issues with the 120 rolls and can’t be acquired at this point I thought it would be great to know for the future and perhaps for other films too. Do you have any insights to this matter?
Hi, unfortunately I don’t. If you find out the answer please come back and post so others can benefit from what you found out. Thanks!
The cog you refer to is a roller on one side of the film frame with very small toothed gears on each end. The teeth on the roller dig into the edge of the film emulsion, letting the film turn the roller as it is advanced to the next frame. This roller then meters the passage of the film and operates the automatic film spacing. The back of the film sandwich is the paper backing and has no contact in this process. The front of the sandwich is the film emulsion. The film base is in the middle and contacts nothing. Therefore, it makes no difference if the film base is a PET or a more conventional media. The spacing problem he is having here is very likely a mechanical problem with the counter. Given the high value of the camera, it would be worth it to have the camera repaired. This should be done without delay, as the capable, experienced repairmen for these old cameras are dying out fast.
@@randallstewart175 on my super isolette the gear cogs puncture the plastic a bit so I thought if the plastic was harder it might damage the cog. I can see the indentations on my scanned negatives.
Hi, I have a very basic Agfa Isolette V. The bellows are in pretty poor shape and I am looking for another 6x6 folder. Hopefully slightly higher end, with a range finder. I was advised that Mamiya Six is a really good bang for the buck. How does Mamiya Six Automat compare to Agfa Super Isolette? Which Agfa Isolette model is the closest in features, build, and image quality to the Mamiya? Thanks...
It is a very different camera design but the East German Pentacon 6 uses a similar film advance system.
The film advance/frame counting mechanism in the Agfa Super Isolette is brilliant but not very durable. Pretty common failure in this otherwise great camera.
i have one, but the focusing tab doesnt move, its the only problem, cause i can take photos to landscapes.
Yeah the grease basically turns into cement. I have a "regular" Isolette that has the same problem and I used it for landscapes only before I bought the CLA'd super Isolette in this video.
Does voigtlander 310/32 hood fit this camera? I read some eBay sellers claiming that.
The Super Isolette takes 29.5mm screw-in or 32mm slip-on filters so it SHOULD fit. As always buy from a reputable seller with a return policy.
Can you provide a link to Jurgen.? I have an Iskra 6x6 which is in pretty good shape but the focus ring, aperture ring are a bit stiff.
Sure. certo6.com
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I tried, he doesn't work on Iskra's.. Thanks for your reply though, I appreciate it.!
Oh sorry to here that. Good luck!
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thanks for trying..I like your channel, it's very informative.
Thanks so much
Exact same model I have, cost me 5$ at a Sunday market .
If it’s in decent condition it’s worth many times more than what you paid for it! This camera takes absolutely gorgeous photos too. So much depth and sharpness. One of my all time favorites.
Newby question: can you use flashes with those cameras? If yes, what kind?
Yes, you can use any flash that accepts a PC synch cable. Since this camera has a leaf shutter you can sync the flash at every shutter speed.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel Thank you, I just found that in your video too. Some info I have to dig into. Thank you!
What type of film did you use for this camera?
I’ve used mostly Ektar 100 and Fuji Superia Reala 100.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel thanks!!
i just bought an agfa isolette v and the focus is stuck at infinity. I guess i'll try a roll of HP5 and see what i get. it was only meant to be a little novelty walk around camera anyways. I tried forcing the ring but it's really stuck and the whole apparatus moves so I don't want to force it and risk breaking it.
I have an Isolette II with the same issue. The grease they used on them dries up and seizes the focus mechanism. I used mine for landscapes and other far away subject matter as well. You might want to check the bellows for pinholes which will leak light. I used my iPhone flashlight in a closet or other dark room. Enjoy it, these cameras have really good picture quality.
WoW !! you should be much more GENTLE as you pop out the bellows -- you will end up with film sucked out of the film focus plane and possible holes in bellows material ----
Film suck, yes; bellows holes, doubt it. However if you always let the bellow and lens standard snap out "instantly", over time you will get avoidable wear or :"bend" at the hinges and the stops with cause the front standard to align with the film plane when it is out. The cost of any repair of that type is more than the camera is worth, and there are no repairman anymore who can, or will try, do that work.
Was that The Camera Store little musical intro? Ha! Film photographers would cringe when you refer to 6x6 as “Instagram format”
Hah! Yes it was the old CTS intro. You're right about a 6x6 film format maybe being too much for "INSTA" as the kids call it. I do have to admit that my choice of words were absolutely intentional. We have to get young people onboard with film photography to help keep film alive! I read somewhere that there are lot's of younger people in Japan that use film cameras while the older folks use digital. Probably anecdotal but I found it encouraging. Thanks so much for stopping by Mark.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel according to a survey Ilford did, the vast majority of people still buying film are under 40 years old. 😁
The title with its superlatives is calling for relativization. Simply because for sure a BEST one doesn't exist. Or: i like the Mamiya Six better :-O and i have them both. The Mamiyas viewfinder IS better and focussing via the thumb-wheel on the back is SO much better if not PERFECT. Ups, were i using capitals?
Let me just second Peter Elgar. You are *way* to rough in your handling of these cameras! They are fine mechanical instruments.
The bellows and mechanism is not meant to flip open at fill speed. The struts nor the bellows likes that violent jolt. Neither does the film inside the camera. It will get sucked out.
Also don’t let the back door bounce on the mechanical limits. The hinge is the weakest part of the door, and the part nearest to the hinge is the most critical in avoiding light leaks.
Develop some mechanical empathy! :-)
These are not really your to thrash as you like. Stuff of this quality and age belongs to the commons of humanity. You’ll eventually pass this on to your children or someone else.
If you only own two cameras then you are hardly in a position to comment on the quality of lenses. Any Petzval lens from 1850 will be far sharper than a Solinar lens, and any lens by Ross from the 1950's will still be sharper.
I’ve had 8 folding cameras and many more medium format cameras over the years and I think I know enough to provide an informed opinion. To be honest, I’ve never heard of a Ross lens but after some quick research I’m placing an Ensign AUTORANGE 820 firmly on my bucket list. Thanks for the info.
@@FilmPhotographyChannel I have about 80 vintage cameras and vintage lenses that can be used on 4X5 in or 8X10 in view cameras. Ross, Dallmeyer, and Taylor, Taylor and Hobson were two of the best British makers of lenses, Taylor & Hobson still make special lenses and measuring apparatus. During WWII Ross and Dallmeyer made medium wide angle lenses for reconnessance from Spitfires. Andrew Ross made an improvement on the second lens formula designed by Petzval in c 1840. In the late 1950's they took over Ensign and fitted a new line of folding cameras with very sharp and contrasty anastigmats. Lenses for digital cameras are newly designed wide angle anastigmats.