Glad you touched on all the garden varieties of simple woes these old simple cameras might exhibit over time. Not surprisingly, the Yashica was the winner since the true TLR where often the choices of most professional photographers before the advent of dedicated medium-format for the advanced user. Not sure why the Isoletta from Agfa is giving you lost contrast unless the shutter timing is off. Agra/Ansco used a heavier lubricant than many other makers, which with time will congeal somewhat. A thorough CLA may well sort it sufficiently to get your your clarity & contrast to return. Enough said on the Kodak, box & folding camera's since both are nearing 100 years of age, and few would spend the cash to ever restore the springs or service the ball-bearing mechanisms with so little to be gained, as most use a basic meniscus lens arrangement.
Yesterday I found for £10 in a charity shop the Kodak version of the agfa in fair condition, every thing works it just needs a good clean. And yes I bought it worse case the charity got £10.
I have a Flexaret (TLR) ca 50/60 built, you have to plan time for explaining people what camera you are using 😉 I also noticed that using a Twin Lens Reflex on the street doesn't bother people much less than other cameras, I think because they don't realise that you look through the viewer from above! So a good question to ask yourself is what do you want to do with the camera? Incidentally: I came to making photos with old cameras through videos like this one😉
The "slightly over engineered door" on the Agfa? You can't rely on the red window to protect the film as today's films have a different chemistry and the backing paper is thinner. This is an even bigger problem on the two older Kodaks; electrician's black insulating tape is your friend. Very informative though, sorry part two never got made.
Makes you wonder why the manufacturers keep printing the numbers on the backing paper. I agree that it's a good idea to cover the window between winding.
Glad you touched on all the garden varieties of simple woes these old simple cameras might exhibit over time. Not surprisingly, the Yashica was the winner since the true TLR where often the choices of most professional photographers before the advent of dedicated medium-format for the advanced user. Not sure why the Isoletta from Agfa is giving you lost contrast unless the shutter timing is off. Agra/Ansco used a heavier lubricant than many other makers, which with time will congeal somewhat. A thorough CLA may well sort it sufficiently to get your your clarity & contrast to return. Enough said on the Kodak, box & folding camera's since both are nearing 100 years of age, and few would spend the cash to ever restore the springs or service the ball-bearing mechanisms with so little to be gained, as most use a basic meniscus lens arrangement.
Yesterday I found for £10 in a charity shop the Kodak version of the agfa in fair condition, every thing works it just needs a good clean. And yes I bought it worse case the charity got £10.
Today i went to the market and saw one of those 120 film camera...quite informative video, would leep in mind when I'll buy one
Interesting and informative video. Thank you for taking the time to make it!
We're used to helping photographers, especially if they're not familiar with film so this was based on the kind of questions we're often asked. Thanks
I found this very informative ,thank you ☺️
I have a Flexaret (TLR) ca 50/60 built, you have to plan time for explaining people what camera you are using 😉 I also noticed that using a Twin Lens Reflex on the street doesn't bother people much less than other cameras, I think because they don't realise that you look through the viewer from above! So a good question to ask yourself is what do you want to do with the camera? Incidentally: I came to making photos with old cameras through videos like this one😉
A 4x5 view camera + tripod has always attracted comments as well! TLR are great for candids once you've got used to them
@@thedarkroomukltd7541 Yes, good training for left/right coordination...😉
nice video - thanks mate
The "slightly over engineered door" on the Agfa? You can't rely on the red window to protect the film as today's films have a different chemistry and the backing paper is thinner. This is an even bigger problem on the two older Kodaks; electrician's black insulating tape is your friend.
Very informative though, sorry part two never got made.
Makes you wonder why the manufacturers keep printing the numbers on the backing paper. I agree that it's a good idea to cover the window between winding.
How cool? Really cool. Thanks for the information.
Thanks Jaime - that was a fun one to put together
Where's Part II - 35mm Cameras? I'd like to know if the selenium meter in that Pen EE still works? Also, the picture quality of half-frame?
Sorry, I'm not a camera technician so I can't offer anything meaningful on this
I love this video
I hope it was useful :)
Any suggestion how to care for the leather? Thanks a lot.
Use a leather product that doesn't smear but most polishes should help keep them supple
Greetings dear boy from Stroud
Hi Neil - good to hear from you again
I will call in later in the week
Bring film... and cake ;)
All of the cams looks alot lik the project zero series
I see picture in a room very beutifull.
Thank you!