Camera Talk

I've always liked the 645 format. The only reason that I sold my Bronica RF645 was because the film transport was unreliable. The lenses were excellent, and it was a small and light package to carry about.

So now I use a Mamiya 7 II for MF. Yes, it's more limited than an SLR, but I am willing to carry it far more often than I would a heavier camera.

I have been Using an ARAX -60 for many years it is a 6x6 but they also make a 645 version. I prefer the Mir 45mm lens on mine as I love wider angles.

Impressive camera, Larry!

It's a beast.

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.


Side-By-Side Zenobia-Ikomat 1 by P F McFarland, on Flickr

This from 120 Day this year:


Vented Ventilator by P F McFarland, on Flickr

PF

PFMcFarland wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 5:53 pm

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.

PF

I've been tempted by 645 folders, but I've hesitated because I've been unable to find a reliable source of replacement bellows. Sandeha Lynch doesn't make them - he said that it's difficult to make them so that the door of the camera closes.

PFMcFarland wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 5:53 pm

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.


Side-By-Side Zenobia-Ikomat 1 by P F McFarland, on Flickr

This from 120 Day this year:


Vented Ventilator by P F McFarland, on Flickr

PF

I don’t know why but the 4,5x6 cameras aren’t my thing, it should be perfect for portraits once you get the parallax correction done (maybe I fail a lot here)

alexvaras wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 07, 2020 12:26 am

PFMcFarland wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 5:53 pm

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.

PF

I don’t know why but the 4,5x6 cameras aren’t my thing, it should be perfect for portraits once you get the parallax correction done (maybe I fail a lot here)

To each their own. You have to use what you are comfortable with, Alex. You'll find something, there are lots of choices out there.

PF

Dismayed wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 7:01 pm

PFMcFarland wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 5:53 pm

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.

PF

I've been tempted by 645 folders, but I've hesitated because I've been unable to find a reliable source of replacement bellows. Sandeha Lynch doesn't make them - he said that it's difficult to make them so that the door of the camera closes.

I imagine it's hard to get that thin leather these days. But old Zeiss cameras have excellent bellows, and the one on my Zenobia is in good shape too.

PF

PFMcFarland wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 21, 2020 3:53 pm

Dismayed wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 7:01 pm

PFMcFarland wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 06, 2020 5:53 pm

You could get a 645 folder like the Zenobia, Alex, a Japanese copy of the Zeiss Ikonta A (Ikomat 1) with a nicer finder. Easy to do portraiture with, and small enough to fit a jacket pocket.

PF

I've been tempted by 645 folders, but I've hesitated because I've been unable to find a reliable source of replacement bellows. Sandeha Lynch doesn't make them - he said that it's difficult to make them so that the door of the camera closes.

I imagine it's hard to get that thin leather these days. But old Zeiss cameras have excellent bellows, and the one on my Zenobia is in good shape too.

PF

I caved. My 'new' Zeiss Super Ikonta 531A arrived yesterday. The bellows appear to be fine, but the camera needs to be serviced. Any recommendations?