at 2:23 you mention the one second and the two second shutter speed. The "2" means half a second . But, unfortunately, longer shutter speed on old cameras is always prone to malfunctioning
All you have to do is clean the shutter .. take out the front and back elements/group the you will have access to the shutter blades. Cleaning them usually fixes the problem
I really like all of my Franka cameras, and the Solidas with Schneider lens are quite nice! Great reviews, and you have a good eye. I also appreciate that you do your own processing, and don’t digitally alter the prints, so we see what film can really do! Thank you!
I feel the same way as you do about your vest pocket 6x6 folders as I do about my Yashica A twin lens. Love the square format and the TLR is light weight and makes lovely images.
Roger -- you are so lucky you can bend down LOW as you do not have a Stoma Bag to contend with -- low angles are now just a 'Distant Memory' for me ! Keep Snapping ! --- Peter
Bronica is nice Hasselblad alternative. Same picture quality but much cheaper. I do have ETRS (6X4.5) and GS-1 (6x7) and i love them. SQ series are 6x6.
The pale skies remind me of the old black and white films from the 1930s and 40s. Lots of examples on Talking Pictures which is on freeview. It's interesting to se how they dealt with different lighting conditions.
I've been using Ultrafine almost exclusively for awhile in the states. I love it... especially the fact that it doesn't curl up when I'm trying to handle it after development. I bulk load it in 35mm - $40 for 100 feet!
I've got a few folding cameras, Voigtlander Bessa 1, Zeis Ikon Nettar and a Agfa Isolette II. The Voigtlander being my favourite. Nice video as always, keep up the good work.
I shoot a lot of Ultrafine and like it, however I fine it can be a bit of a pain loading onto a reel. It just seems to be flimsy and hard to get started on the reel, I avoid the 36 exposure roles as they have can jam the reel after loading the film about half way. So I stick to 24 35mm exposure and 120 film.
Years ago (I have been at this since 1981) there was an article in a photographic magazine where they tested the Bronica PE 75mm f2.8 against the Hasselblad 80mm Planar f2.8 and for all practical use there was no difference. The Bronica is a joy to focus but the Hasselblad is a pain (I do not wear glasses).
I have three of the smaller medium format cameras, and shoot both 120 and 35 mm with film adapter out of my cameras, I enjoy your videos, "Royal Enfield" your natural sense of humor is ideal in all photographers. And if you use 35mm make sure you cover the back red window with black electrical tape, although the smaller cameras have a metal slide cover. That is why I love this old foldable medium format cameras they can dual film cameras with interesting results depending on the film you feed it.
That Rowi Range finder was one i zoomed in on and bought one for my Two Zeiss Ikon cameras ... one is a 6x6 and the other is a 6x9. glad i saw thia on your videos.
Those folding cameras are great. Nice, small size yet big, beautiful negatives....and cheap too- for now. I picked up a Foldex 30 camera for $40 and love it. The only drawback is the tiny viewfinder. I'll have to look into the wowi wange uh....lol.
Ahhh....Love those old cameras...have one myself but no enlarger for it yet so it sits on the shelf...but one day i get it out...Great video as always thank's.
I have an Agfa Isolette that I bought as shelf decor a couple of years ago, but after watching your videos with bellows cameras, I'm now tempted to try the camera out (if it still works and isn't too dusty!). If it does work, it could be one of my most compact cameras. I also got a chuckle out of your comment about there being just land everywhere in landscapes.
I have a Franka Solida III I inherited from my Dad. He must have owned it from new since he still had everything it came with: the case, the light meter, and the manuals (one for the body and one for the shutter lens mechanism). I use it from time to time but I have not got a dark room.
I bought the same Zeiss Ikon Nettar like yours, a 6x6 medium format, love it, after that I bought a Super Ikonta, but Its a 6x4.5, It has rangefinder built in, but, I like the 6x6 better, got a watameter rangefinder that I couple on top and have a blast.
Nice video as always. Great to see the channel evolve. Where I live we are on lock down. Fortunately I have three packs of darkroom paper and fresh chemical to keep me busy. I am going back to your in house videos to get some ideas. Maybe I can find a flower around here...my dog won't sit as still as yours.
Thats a great looking camera you got there, and good price too. you can find some real bargains in medium format cameras as they seem to be one of those that are somewhat unloved, but I have a Zeiss exactly the same as yours that in only paid 50$ AUD for in mint condition and it produces wonderful shots as well. I have another Zeiss folder that seems to be fairly rare that shoots 6x4.5 with a Tessar and it takes wonderful shots. you dont need to spend a huge amount to get into medium format .
A couple of years ago I mentioned on a forum that I wish I could get Kentmere 400 in 120 size in the UK and was told that Harman do sell it abroad in 120 format under the Ultrafine brand, so as far as I know it's Kentmere 400, probably won't sell it in the UK because of the HP5 and other pricey120 Ilford film sales may be hit. Abroad I suppose Harman want to undercut Kodak and get a chunk of the foreign market with a low cost film.
What is it with companies and the UK pricing? We are not that well off. When are they gonna get the message? Its the same with hardware as with software, cameras, films, chemicals. No wonder its called ' rip off ' Britain.
I very much prefer TLRs over folders. But I collect - and use - both, as long as they have at least a 4-element lens. I don't look that much at max opening, since I usually use a hyper-focal distance (which also eliminates the need of a rangefinder in case of the folders), meaning shooting with an aperture between f11 and f22, if the weather cooperates.
Nice work. I'm a big fan of 6x6 as well. My main camera for medium format is a 1950s Mamiya Six. It's great to use, and unlike the other lower-end Mamiya folders, it has an automatic frame advance so there's no need to look through the red window to see the numbers on the backing paper. If anyone is looking to get into medium format and wants to try a step up, I'd highly recommend getting hold of a Rolleicord. It won't break the bank and as far as I'm concerned, it has a lens that rivals the more premium cameras like Hasselblad, Bronica, etc. Rolleiflexes tend to be very expensive, but there are a number of other TLRs that give outstanding results for not much money.. I think I paid less than 100 quid for my Rolleicord V a few years back. The thing is that they were generally aimed at amateur enthusiasts, so they tend to be in immaculate condition, unlike vintage Rolleiflexes that are often quite beaten up from years of professional use.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss That would have been great. I think the prices might be creeping up a little as people realise just how good they are. Same with the Minolta Autocord. They usually went for under £100 a few years back, but it seems word got around about how good the lens was and they're now selling for over £300
I have the Nettar haven’t shot it much but what I did I was impressed. Got it for $25 with the original leather case . It quickly fell apart , all the threads were rotted .
Oh my word, I have one...I thought I'd try and convert it into a wetplate camera, but you've got me thinking, specially that the shutter gets stuck at speeds below 1/25th.
You might want to try tinkering with some TLR cameras. I have a Yashica D which shoots 6x6, and I absolutely love it. Also, box cameras like the Kodak brownie or Ansco Sure-Shot are pretty cheap and fun medium format options as well. 🙂
My only complaint about Ilford's films is the faintness of the print on the backing paper. This seems to be a recent change, because I've used expired films on which the frame numbers are printed solid, whereas now they are in pecked lines. These are very difficult to see through the red window on the back of a folding camera, and some red windows are darker than others. I've quite often overshot the frame number when winding on with an Agfa Isolette, for instance.
( A bit of trivia ) I may be wrong but the rangefinder works similar to the Dambuster setup where they brought two light beams together to set the hight for the bouncing bomb.
Kreuz rhymes with quoits and nach with Bach, e.g. J.S. Bach. I believe the Radionar is a three element lens and that the name is just a trendy brand name and not because it is radioactive, as some lenses have been. I think we are lucky to be able to buy and use such beautiful old cameras that can be bought for a fraction of the price of our digital marvels. Next stop Super Ikonta?
Roger, check out the bronica s2a or ec series. They're great cameras designed to be japanese hasselblads, their lenses were all made by nikon and are amazingly good. You can still pick up a good s2a with the 80/2.8 nikkor lens for around $350 shipped, it's one of the last good deals that seem to be left for medium format film cameras. I sold mine to fund a mamiya 6 and I'm looking to pick up another one now to compliment my rangefinder.
I second the EC! I had one and it was an absolute beast! As for the Nikkor glass, totally awesome glass! Of course, if you're lucky, you can also get one with Carl Zeiss glass :D I didn't believe it until I saw it too! The idea of it being a Japanese Hasselblad, compared to the 1000F (not the V series) is fairly accurate. The coolest feature of the Bronica, tho... The split mirror! It really cuts down on camera shake, by a lot! Instead of a huge mirror slapping upward, the mirror splits, with 2/3 sliding upward to cover the viewfinder, while the other 1/3 rotates downward Or if you want something a bit more modern, check out the Bronica SQ (Avoid the SQ-B and SQ-M). I have the SQ-Ai and it is just incredible!
I have a Rolfix Franka that seems to be a very similar design, but it is a 6x9 negative camera. You can also use it as a 6x6 with a mask. The aperture sliding thing is indeed pretty fiddly in the cold :-)
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Yeah, it's difficult to get a hold of enlargers that big these days. For a reasonable price, at least. I mostly use it with the 6x6 mask. Wonderful camera, but it has sadly developed a bit of a tilt/shift effect. Needs some adjustment!
I just bought one of these! Had to fork out 12 quid, but mine has a built in rangefinder. Not coupled, but still pretty handy. Can't wait to give it a try! Love those old Schneider lenses.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss www.butkus.org/chinon/voigtlander_pdf/voigtlander_baby_bessa_66/voigtlander_baby_bessa_66.htm Lovely little machine, small, light, the Skopar is pin sharp, supposed to have been the best in its price range of the day. Mine is a little beaten up, but still works a treat.
Brilliant as always. Learnt a lot over the last year! I have a few folders as well but also like TLR’s. There are many good and relatively cheap options beyond Rolleiflex and Mamiya 124. Keep it up!
Enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing. I have seen some comments that suggest Ultrafine Extreme is somehow related to Ilford. What is attractive for folks in the USA is that it is $3.79/roll.
The consensus on the net seems to be that this film is manufactured by Harman, the maker of Ilford films. But Ilford stated that they do not sell the Ilford-branded emulsions (delta, hp, fp...) to re-branders, so it is unlikely to be one of those. On the other hand, there are other films manufactured by Harman, for example Kentmere-branded ones, so it might be one of those. Or even some custom formulation made specifically for Ultrafine. All we know is that Ultrafine Xtreme comes out of the same factory. Which is a good thing, because other than the recent problems with backing paper, they are pretty good with their quality control.
The larger glass on the Franka is the result of its faster f2.9 aperture. For a simple conventional lens design f1 is equivalent to the focal length. For example a 50mm f1 lens would have an effective front element diameter of 50mm. For the Franka @ f2.9 the effective lens diameter would be 80/2.9=27.58 mm and for the Nettar 75/4.5= 16.66. This is just a simple explanation as the more precise term in the equation is actuallysize of the Enterance Pupil rather than the lens ( front element ) diameter.
50 years of owning all sorts of antique and (now) vintage glass and wondering this and that about front element diameter ... and now I am better educated cuz of you. THANKS! ... even though I feel a bit sheepishly stupid. :0
I’m feeling like you when I go out for some landscape photos... I live in the same type of area, south Brittany in France, just near the sea, and i’ve no problem with seascape but mate, I struggle much with pure landscape work 😅 maybe our eyes are so trained to see sand, water and rocks than it's difficult to find somethings to look at when we are in an open field aera
Shoot Film Like a Boss you’re not alone lol When I’ve some luck, I produce some decent images, but it was never with a wide angle or normal focal lens most always with a telephoto, isolating a portion of a big wista or a subject
I am in the same process as you. Only a large format is a real advantage over digital, but that is expensive. 6*7 is not that bad, but the cameras are expensive. 35mm is a loose of time and money over digital.
Leaving the frame counter window open might be your light leak. I understood it was only to be opened long enough to get the next frame into position, but I could be wrong.
Got a mint early 60s Agfa Isolette III here donated by a friend. Used to be her dads camera, its absolutely like new. I think you've given me the confidence to go out and shoot with it. I dont have facilities to develop/scan medium format at home. Anyone able to recommend a good online service that I can send my films to? Great vid, many thx
Congrats on the (not so) new camera... I'm considering a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 6x9 (105mm - f4.5) for about 40 GBP Loved the Bench shot although the print was a bit too tightly cropped compared to the contact. I have some good bench shots myself (who doesn't).
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I shoot with an Intrepid 4x5 - they have an enlarger kit for it and you could make a 4x5 enlarger for less that 500 GBP. I'm certainly thinking about this. intrepidcamera.co.uk/
I recently acquired a zeiss ikon nettar 6x9 with a 105mm 6.3 lens (have yet to test it). But I think I should have gone for a 6x6. For me, the square aspect ratio has that typical medium format look/feel and I can get 1.5 times the amount of shots for the same money
What did you deveop the Ultrafine film in? I don't think I caught that if you said.Nice camera. With a Schneider Kreuznatch, you're in Carl Zeiss glass territory.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Well, now I know where to look. Thanks. Only reason I'm interested is I'm considering getting 100 feet of the 100 ISO. I already have the roll-your-own gear, the Ultrafine goes for only 40USD for 100 feet. And I'm hearing people like the film. So why not?
I do wish manufacturers would print more legible numbers on the film backing paper. The darkest print is on Fomapan film. Easier to see and saves wasting shots. I use an Ensign 16 on 120 on which I mount my Prazisa accessory rangefinder which is calibrated in Feet. I meter with a Leningrad 4 meter.
Ebay is a great source. You can easily find them there... Or you can get a handheld one. I'd recommend having a couple. The reason, you might ask... simple. Some cameras are in meters some in feet. Same with the rangefinder. You get one in feet and one in meters, unless you're really good at making conversions. They're known as 'auxiliary rangefinders' or 'cold show rangefinder'... but that's usually the best source... or camera shows. I have one, it's in meters, mostly because most of the cameras I use with no rangefinder built in, are in meters. That said, I'm also very good at making the conversion. One way to easily make the conversion, is multiple the meters by 3... 1m = 3' 2m = 6' 3=10' 4m = 15' and finally.... INFINITY is... INFINITY lol (yes I know the 3 and 4 meters are not by 3, but 1m = 3' 3"
Funny how when I was about 12 years old (in the 1960's) I thought nothing of loading a 620 film in my cheap plastic camera, referring to that slip of paper that came with the film (F11 for cloudy bright etc) and doing everything manually. I recently got a medium format and had to look up on TH-cam to see how it's done - and think it's all very complicated
I'd highly recommend a TLR one day. You'll absolutely love it, but chances are your Frank and Nettar will end up shelved. LOL Great content as always! An excellent TLR (inexpensive) is the Yashica 635, Diacord, or even an ArgusFlex (not the snapshot version) but the one with the geared focus... or a Lubitel II
My expensive medium format is the Mamiya 645 the cheapest you can get a full working first gen even is $550-600 USD because the waistlevel finders are so rare as to be $150-200 on their own.
@@pilsplease7561 yes, Bronica cameras are less $$$ 😁 I have all of the models.. except the rangefinder. 645/66/67.. love my Bronnies! Used to have a Bronica EC, sold it, also had a Hasselblad.. sold that too lol Still have my newer Bronnies! Absolutely love them!!
TLRs are not anywhere near as portable as folders. Folders are very elegant and versatile. Good triplet lenses are more than just good. You never have to worry about separation, and cleaning if necessary, is possible without the risk of starting separation.
@@demcomp I would love to get a Bronica and try it out, but its just not in my budget being a college student I do a lot of trading to obtain cameras. I have several Argus C3 and C4 model cameras that I shoot the most, Followed by a nikon N50, I am planning to get a canon A1 or AE-1 for a backup 35mm.
@@pilsplease7561 oof ya, i hear ya. I got my SQai for free, the GS1 I got for a song and the ETRs was my first mf slr kit waaaaayyy back in 2011.. They are such awesome cameras.. I've gotten several people hooked on Bronnies hahahaha!
Yep, the views FROM the IOW Downs are great, but the Downs themselves are pretty boring photographically speaking....Maybe try a TLR as a next medium format camera, something like a Rolleicord Vb, I have one and its great.
Want to delve in to the world of medium format, create quality images and not break the bank? Minolta Autocord! Twin lens reflex, 6x6, amazing lens, reasonable price.
Shoot Film Like a Boss seems that the rangefinder is not helping you much! Is it not more practical just to guess the distance and have an aperture closed enough to give a good depth of field?
Say you are shooting with slower film ... the sun is going down, or the sky is clouding. Maybe shadows are lengthening with lighted areas becoming less bright ... blah blah. A range finder is a blessing. I did zone/guessing for years using old Zeiss amateur cameras (marvelous as they they are). So gone done did that. The rangefinders I own now would have saved a lot of wasted film. Every old camera deserves a rangefinder, or alternatively, deeper pockets considering what processing and scanning one's results cost these days. If you are using the 'sunny 16' factors in your head for aperture setting, the rangefinder just leaves you with less of a headache -- and more fun.
Wait till you shoot large format 4x5 or 5x7's ... very cheap bodies and lenses for large format are like jewelries.. very special.. the photos very amazing . I'm a big fan of your videos you helped me a lot too on my darkroom concerns ..I cant wait your video about shooting large format .. my Instagram is fujiguynyc.. leo
at 2:23 you mention the one second and the two second shutter speed. The "2" means half a second . But, unfortunately, longer shutter speed on old cameras is always prone to malfunctioning
Ha ha did I say 2 seconds? . Rambling on! Yes I saw a few reviews saying this. Thanks.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss no big deal...(Beginner might get a bit confused :-) :-)
@@fotosaurier35 not now I've pinned your comment 😉
All you have to do is clean the shutter .. take out the front and back elements/group the you will have access to the shutter blades. Cleaning them usually fixes the problem
@@leoalejandrolive6020 with lighter fluid?
I really like all of my Franka cameras, and the Solidas with Schneider lens are quite nice!
Great reviews, and you have a good eye.
I also appreciate that you do your own processing, and don’t digitally alter the prints, so we see what film can really do!
Thank you!
Thanks Donald.
I feel the same way as you do about your vest pocket 6x6 folders as I do about my Yashica A twin lens. Love the square format and the TLR is light weight and makes lovely images.
Roger -- you are so lucky you can bend down LOW as you do not have a Stoma Bag to contend with -- low angles are now just a 'Distant Memory' for me ! Keep Snapping ! --- Peter
Hi Pete! I'm aching today though ha ha
@Peter Elgar good to have you back on commenting! Hopefully you're getting better...
@@fotolookconde Keeping Everything 'Crossed' -- SO FAR no Symptoms ------ XXXXXXXX
@@theoldfilmbloke that is good! Keep yourself safe
Bronica is nice Hasselblad alternative. Same picture quality but much cheaper. I do have ETRS (6X4.5) and GS-1 (6x7) and i love them. SQ series are 6x6.
The pale skies remind me of the old black and white films from the 1930s and 40s. Lots of examples on Talking Pictures which is on freeview. It's interesting to se how they dealt with different lighting conditions.
Thanx from Italy.
Max
Very entertaining report of a day in the landscape. The LR is the best proof for "always have a (film) camera at hand!"
I've been using Ultrafine almost exclusively for awhile in the states. I love it... especially the fact that it doesn't curl up when I'm trying to handle it after development. I bulk load it in 35mm - $40 for 100 feet!
I'd never heard of it before Arisron. Quality results
I love it also...
Good to see George again
He's doing well, thanks Socrates.
I've got a few folding cameras, Voigtlander Bessa 1, Zeis Ikon Nettar and a Agfa Isolette II. The Voigtlander being my favourite. Nice video as always, keep up the good work.
"Landscape is land everywhere!!!" LOL
Hi Roger looks great as usual. I look forward to the next movies. Regards
I shoot a lot of Ultrafine and like it, however I fine it can be a bit of a pain loading onto a reel. It just seems to be flimsy and hard to get started on the reel, I avoid the 36 exposure roles as they have can jam the reel after loading the film about half way. So I stick to 24 35mm exposure and 120 film.
Nice to see these lovely old cameras in action. You produced some great photos - particularly liked the Land Rover one.
Lovely camera!!! I adore my little Voigtlander Perkeo II, so I know what you mean about the little folders.
Years ago (I have been at this since 1981) there was an article in a photographic magazine where they tested the Bronica PE 75mm f2.8 against the Hasselblad 80mm Planar f2.8 and for all practical use there was no difference. The Bronica is a joy to focus but the Hasselblad is a pain (I do not wear glasses).
i just got a Zeiss icon nettar, and so far I love it
Looks like you’ve got a really good lens on that.
I have three of the smaller medium format cameras, and shoot both 120 and 35 mm with film adapter out of my cameras, I enjoy your videos, "Royal Enfield" your natural sense of humor is ideal in all photographers. And if you use 35mm make sure you cover the back red window with black electrical tape, although the smaller cameras have a metal slide cover. That is why I love this old foldable medium format cameras they can dual film cameras with interesting results depending on the film you feed it.
What a great video! It left me with a whole bunch of questions but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks.
That Rowi Range finder was one i zoomed in on and bought one for my Two Zeiss Ikon cameras ... one is a 6x6 and the other is a 6x9. glad i saw thia on your videos.
Those folding cameras are great. Nice, small size yet big, beautiful negatives....and cheap too- for now. I picked up a Foldex 30 camera for $40 and love it. The only drawback is the tiny viewfinder. I'll have to look into the wowi wange uh....lol.
You get used to the viewfinder. But they are fun.
Ahhh....Love those old cameras...have one myself but no enlarger for it yet so it sits on the shelf...but one day i get it out...Great video as always thank's.
You can still contact print them. They'll end up being the same size as Instax Square
Got me a yashica d on a budget the other day, $100 off ebay! lookin forward to putting a 10 stop on and try long exposures at sea
Amazingly sharp! You did really well with the range finder Roger. Enjoyed the video. Thankyou.
Thanks J
Very lovely for a triplet lens I do declare! :)
I have an Agfa Isolette that I bought as shelf decor a couple of years ago, but after watching your videos with bellows cameras, I'm now tempted to try the camera out (if it still works and isn't too dusty!). If it does work, it could be one of my most compact cameras.
I also got a chuckle out of your comment about there being just land everywhere in landscapes.
You should put some life back into the old beast. 😊
I have a Solida I. Looking forward to trying it out. Looks like fun
Great cameras
Great choice of camera Roger, you will drive up prices, LOL, love a folder.....
I have a Franka Solida III I inherited from my Dad. He must have owned it from new since he still had everything it came with: the case, the light meter, and the manuals (one for the body and one for the shutter lens mechanism). I use it from time to time but I have not got a dark room.
That a amazing to have all the original bundle!
Great video: your enthusiasm comes across in spades! Excellent photos too: many thanks!
Many thanks!
I bought the same Zeiss Ikon Nettar like yours, a 6x6 medium format, love it, after that I bought a Super Ikonta, but Its a 6x4.5, It has rangefinder built in, but, I like the 6x6 better, got a watameter rangefinder that I couple on top and have a blast.
I have a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 517/16 and it's great, the lens is so sharp! I've taken some of my favourite images with it.
Great video Roger thanks
Cheers Marcel!
Nice video as always. Great to see the channel evolve. Where I live we are on lock down. Fortunately I have three packs of darkroom paper and fresh chemical to keep me busy. I am going back to your in house videos to get some ideas. Maybe I can find a flower around here...my dog won't sit as still as yours.
All the best Patrick
Thats a great looking camera you got there, and good price too. you can find some real bargains in medium format cameras as they seem to be one of those that are somewhat unloved, but I have a Zeiss exactly the same as yours that in only paid 50$ AUD for in mint condition and it produces wonderful shots as well. I have another Zeiss folder that seems to be fairly rare that shoots 6x4.5 with a Tessar and it takes wonderful shots. you dont need to spend a huge amount to get into medium format .
After the last video I was waiting for these first results with this camera, very nice! I like the photo of the bench a lot.
By fluke I just managed to squeeze the bench in the frame. Lucky
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Sometimes, luck is also an ingredient of a photo :-)
A couple of years ago I mentioned on a forum that I wish I could get Kentmere 400 in 120 size in the UK and was told that Harman do sell it abroad in 120 format under the Ultrafine brand, so as far as I know it's Kentmere 400, probably won't sell it in the UK because of the HP5 and other pricey120 Ilford film sales may be hit. Abroad I suppose Harman want to undercut Kodak and get a chunk of the foreign market with a low cost film.
Interesting Harry. It was sent to me by Robert in USA.
What is it with companies and the UK pricing? We are not that well off. When are they gonna get the message? Its the same with hardware as with software, cameras, films, chemicals. No wonder its called ' rip off ' Britain.
because of your videos, well… thanks to them i should say, i'm always looking for folding medium format camera (6x6 and 6x9)
I very much prefer TLRs over folders. But I collect - and use - both, as long as they have at least a 4-element lens. I don't look that much at max opening, since I usually use a hyper-focal distance (which also eliminates the need of a rangefinder in case of the folders), meaning shooting with an aperture between f11 and f22, if the weather cooperates.
Nice work. I'm a big fan of 6x6 as well. My main camera for medium format is a 1950s Mamiya Six. It's great to use, and unlike the other lower-end Mamiya folders, it has an automatic frame advance so there's no need to look through the red window to see the numbers on the backing paper.
If anyone is looking to get into medium format and wants to try a step up, I'd highly recommend getting hold of a Rolleicord. It won't break the bank and as far as I'm concerned, it has a lens that rivals the more premium cameras like Hasselblad, Bronica, etc. Rolleiflexes tend to be very expensive, but there are a number of other TLRs that give outstanding results for not much money.. I think I paid less than 100 quid for my Rolleicord V a few years back. The thing is that they were generally aimed at amateur enthusiasts, so they tend to be in immaculate condition, unlike vintage Rolleiflexes that are often quite beaten up from years of professional use.
Good comment. I lost out on a mint rollei cord at a local auction house. It went for just over £150. 😔
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss That would have been great. I think the prices might be creeping up a little as people realise just how good they are. Same with the Minolta Autocord. They usually went for under £100 a few years back, but it seems word got around about how good the lens was and they're now selling for over £300
@@snapsnappist4529 I'm just wondering with all the camera prices now higher than ever before will it sway anyone starting to shoot film.
I have the Nettar haven’t shot it much but what I did I was impressed. Got it for $25 with the original leather case . It quickly fell apart , all the threads were rotted .
I take the leather cases off and box them.
Oh my word, I have one...I thought I'd try and convert it into a wetplate camera, but you've got me thinking, specially that the shutter gets stuck at speeds below 1/25th.
You might want to try tinkering with some TLR cameras. I have a Yashica D which shoots 6x6, and I absolutely love it. Also, box cameras like the Kodak brownie or Ansco Sure-Shot are pretty cheap and fun medium format options as well. 🙂
I'd love the rolleiflex but £££. I know there are cheaper options like the yashicas.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I would love a Rollei as well, but like you mentioned- I'd like to still be able to afford my house and some food haha.
My only complaint about Ilford's films is the faintness of the print on the backing paper. This seems to be a recent change, because I've used expired films on which the frame numbers are printed solid, whereas now they are in pecked lines. These are very difficult to see through the red window on the back of a folding camera, and some red windows are darker than others. I've quite often overshot the frame number when winding on with an Agfa Isolette, for instance.
Exactly what I noticed. I was struggling to see the frame numbers. And that number 10 I went past it!
( A bit of trivia ) I may be wrong but the rangefinder works similar to the Dambuster setup where they brought two light beams together to set the hight for the bouncing bomb.
Interesting
Kreuz rhymes with quoits and nach with Bach, e.g. J.S. Bach. I believe the Radionar is a three element lens and that the name is just a trendy brand name and not because it is radioactive, as some lenses have been. I think we are lucky to be able to buy and use such beautiful old cameras that can be bought for a fraction of the price of our digital marvels. Next stop Super Ikonta?
I was looking at the super the other day. Maybe 😁
Nice one Roger! Maybe you could stick a little conversion chart the back of the Franka for meters to feet?
I did think that Michael. May have to. By the time I'm metered up and got my phone out to convert it'll be dark
Roger, check out the bronica s2a or ec series. They're great cameras designed to be japanese hasselblads, their lenses were all made by nikon and are amazingly good. You can still pick up a good s2a with the 80/2.8 nikkor lens for around $350 shipped, it's one of the last good deals that seem to be left for medium format film cameras. I sold mine to fund a mamiya 6 and I'm looking to pick up another one now to compliment my rangefinder.
Thanks Kelvin.
I second the EC! I had one and it was an absolute beast! As for the Nikkor glass, totally awesome glass! Of course, if you're lucky, you can also get one with Carl Zeiss glass :D I didn't believe it until I saw it too! The idea of it being a Japanese Hasselblad, compared to the 1000F (not the V series) is fairly accurate. The coolest feature of the Bronica, tho... The split mirror! It really cuts down on camera shake, by a lot! Instead of a huge mirror slapping upward, the mirror splits, with 2/3 sliding upward to cover the viewfinder, while the other 1/3 rotates downward
Or if you want something a bit more modern, check out the Bronica SQ (Avoid the SQ-B and SQ-M).
I have the SQ-Ai and it is just incredible!
I have a Rolfix Franka that seems to be a very similar design, but it is a 6x9 negative camera. You can also use it as a 6x6 with a mask.
The aperture sliding thing is indeed pretty fiddly in the cold :-)
6x9 are huge! I can't enlarge that format don't have the enlarger
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Yeah, it's difficult to get a hold of enlargers that big these days. For a reasonable price, at least. I mostly use it with the 6x6 mask. Wonderful camera, but it has sadly developed a bit of a tilt/shift effect. Needs some adjustment!
@@thedondeluxe6941 I've printed 6x9 before in a 6x6 carrier. Just miss the edges.
I just bought one of these! Had to fork out 12 quid, but mine has a built in rangefinder. Not coupled, but still pretty handy. Can't wait to give it a try! Love those old Schneider lenses.
Very nice! That was a bargain!
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Yeah, very happy with that one :-)
Have a try with a Voightlaender Baby Bessa with a Color Skopar.
Can you send me a link Steve
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss www.butkus.org/chinon/voigtlander_pdf/voigtlander_baby_bessa_66/voigtlander_baby_bessa_66.htm Lovely little machine, small, light, the Skopar is pin sharp, supposed to have been the best in its price range of the day. Mine is a little beaten up, but still works a treat.
Nice video usual thanks. For the people using glasses as me, which one of these folding cameras would be better? Thanks
Brilliant as always. Learnt a lot over the last year! I have a few folders as well but also like TLR’s. There are many good and relatively cheap options beyond Rolleiflex and Mamiya 124. Keep it up!
🤭 Yashica of course...
Enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing. I have seen some comments that suggest Ultrafine Extreme is somehow related to Ilford. What is attractive for folks in the USA is that it is $3.79/roll.
The consensus on the net seems to be that this film is manufactured by Harman, the maker of Ilford films. But Ilford stated that they do not sell the Ilford-branded emulsions (delta, hp, fp...) to re-branders, so it is unlikely to be one of those.
On the other hand, there are other films manufactured by Harman, for example Kentmere-branded ones, so it might be one of those. Or even some custom formulation made specifically for Ultrafine.
All we know is that Ultrafine Xtreme comes out of the same factory. Which is a good thing, because other than the recent problems with backing paper, they are pretty good with their quality control.
Thanks Robert. Still got. The 100 120 to try 😊
The larger glass on the Franka is the result of its faster f2.9 aperture. For a simple conventional lens design f1 is equivalent to the focal length. For example a 50mm f1 lens would have an effective front element diameter of 50mm. For the Franka @ f2.9 the effective lens diameter would be 80/2.9=27.58 mm and for the Nettar 75/4.5= 16.66. This is just a simple explanation as the more precise term in the equation is actuallysize of the Enterance Pupil rather than the lens ( front element ) diameter.
I'll take your word for it! Thanks for the contribution.
50 years of owning all sorts of antique and (now) vintage glass and wondering this and that about front element diameter ... and now I am better educated cuz of you. THANKS! ... even though I feel a bit sheepishly stupid. :0
hahaha I sympathise with the lack of landscape features we have the same problem here in Kent... nice pictures
I’m feeling like you when I go out for some landscape photos... I live in the same type of area, south Brittany in France, just near the sea, and i’ve no problem with seascape but mate, I struggle much with pure landscape work 😅
maybe our eyes are so trained to see sand, water and rocks than it's difficult to find somethings to look at when we are in an open field aera
Phew. Thought it was just me!
Shoot Film Like a Boss you’re not alone lol When I’ve some luck, I produce some decent images, but it was never with a wide angle or normal focal lens most always with a telephoto, isolating a portion of a big wista or a subject
I am in the same process as you. Only a large format is a real advantage over digital, but that is expensive. 6*7 is not that bad, but the cameras are expensive. 35mm is a loose of time and money over digital.
Leaving the frame counter window open might be your light leak. I understood it was only to be opened long enough to get the next frame into position, but I could be wrong.
Backing paper should stop that but it's all now ilimination process. Thanks for the tip.
Exactly my thought.
Especially in direct sunlight.
Great video, really enjoyed it.
Thanks Simon.
Got a mint early 60s Agfa Isolette III here donated by a friend. Used to be her dads camera, its absolutely like new. I think you've given me the confidence to go out and shoot with it. I dont have facilities to develop/scan medium format at home. Anyone able to recommend a good online service that I can send my films to?
Great vid, many thx
Hi Roger, great video. Inspired me to get one off of Ebay. Can you tell me do you rewind the film or do you just wind it off the original spool?
You wind it back by hand using the crank on the camera. 👍
Congrats on the (not so) new camera...
I'm considering a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 6x9 (105mm - f4.5) for about 40 GBP
Loved the Bench shot although the print was a bit too tightly cropped compared to the contact. I have some good bench shots myself (who doesn't).
I can't print 6x9, need an enlarger upgrade. One day! Enjoy the nettar Richard
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I shoot with an Intrepid 4x5 - they have an enlarger kit for it and you could make a 4x5 enlarger for less that 500 GBP.
I'm certainly thinking about this.
intrepidcamera.co.uk/
Schneider Radionar 2.9 80mm is a very good lens.
Schneider lenses are the best in my experience
Yes I was impressed with the sharpness Neil.
11:50 😂😂😂 perfect.
I recently acquired a zeiss ikon nettar 6x9 with a 105mm 6.3 lens (have yet to test it). But I think I should have gone for a 6x6. For me, the square aspect ratio has that typical medium format look/feel and I can get 1.5 times the amount of shots for the same money
I reckon amazing detail portraits with a 6x9. I like square format
What did you deveop the Ultrafine film in? I don't think I caught that if you said.Nice camera. With a Schneider Kreuznatch, you're in Carl Zeiss glass territory.
Thanks Brett. It was XTOL, its in the description. But who reads that lol
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Ah, I missed it, though in my own defense, I watched the video twice and read all the comments before asking! :) Anyways, thanks.
@@brett1354 I forget to say on video sometimes so put it in the comments. I don't script anything so prone to missing something 😏
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Well, now I know where to look. Thanks. Only reason I'm interested is I'm considering getting 100 feet of the 100 ISO. I already have the roll-your-own gear, the Ultrafine goes for only 40USD for 100 feet. And I'm hearing people like the film. So why not?
"The sun's come out, what an arse!" Nearly spat my curry over the computer ;-)
Lol.
Great video!
F2.9 in MF and in that era is like f1.2 now!
No, it's f1.6. 6x6 has the factor 0,55 to 35mm.
I do wish manufacturers would print more legible numbers on the film backing paper. The darkest print is on Fomapan film. Easier to see and saves wasting shots.
I use an Ensign 16 on 120 on which I mount my Prazisa accessory rangefinder which is calibrated in Feet. I meter with a Leningrad 4 meter.
Where did you track down the cold shoe range focus?
Ebay is a great source. You can easily find them there... Or you can get a handheld one.
I'd recommend having a couple. The reason, you might ask... simple. Some cameras are in meters some in feet. Same with the rangefinder.
You get one in feet and one in meters, unless you're really good at making conversions.
They're known as 'auxiliary rangefinders' or 'cold show rangefinder'... but that's usually the best source... or camera shows.
I have one, it's in meters, mostly because most of the cameras I use with no rangefinder built in, are in meters. That said, I'm also very good at making the conversion. One way to easily make the conversion, is multiple the meters by 3... 1m = 3' 2m = 6' 3=10' 4m = 15' and finally.... INFINITY is... INFINITY lol (yes I know the 3 and 4 meters are not by 3, but 1m = 3' 3"
That one was gifted to the channel
I would imagine a radionar is radioactive like the old takumars 😉😱👍👍👍
🙄😂
How’s it wide open? Great shots. Thanks
I'm not sure I've tried it wide open yet.. I may have done.
Funny how when I was about 12 years old (in the 1960's) I thought nothing of loading a 620 film in my cheap plastic camera, referring to that slip of paper that came with the film (F11 for cloudy bright etc) and doing everything manually. I recently got a medium format and had to look up on TH-cam to see how it's done - and think it's all very complicated
I'd highly recommend a TLR one day. You'll absolutely love it, but chances are your Frank and Nettar will end up shelved. LOL
Great content as always!
An excellent TLR (inexpensive) is the Yashica 635, Diacord, or even an ArgusFlex (not the snapshot version) but the one with the geared focus... or a Lubitel II
My expensive medium format is the Mamiya 645 the cheapest you can get a full working first gen even is $550-600 USD because the waistlevel finders are so rare as to be $150-200 on their own.
@@pilsplease7561 yes, Bronica cameras are less $$$ 😁
I have all of the models.. except the rangefinder. 645/66/67.. love my Bronnies! Used to have a Bronica EC, sold it, also had a Hasselblad.. sold that too lol
Still have my newer Bronnies! Absolutely love them!!
TLRs are not anywhere near as portable as folders.
Folders are very elegant and versatile.
Good triplet lenses are more than just good.
You never have to worry about separation, and cleaning if necessary, is possible without the risk of starting separation.
@@demcomp I would love to get a Bronica and try it out, but its just not in my budget being a college student I do a lot of trading to obtain cameras.
I have several Argus C3 and C4 model cameras that I shoot the most, Followed by a nikon N50, I am planning to get a canon A1 or AE-1 for a backup 35mm.
@@pilsplease7561 oof ya, i hear ya. I got my SQai for free, the GS1 I got for a song and the ETRs was my first mf slr kit waaaaayyy back in 2011..
They are such awesome cameras.. I've gotten several people hooked on Bronnies hahahaha!
6:30 LOOK BEHIND YOU!
I just recently purchased this camera. Not able to find a viewfinder to attach to it, any other suggestions to get those focus on point shots? Thanks.
Use Zone Focusing. I have a video on it recently called Focusing without Focusing.
I bought an Ikon Messa, for $350. How did you get a working camera for $40
Yep, the views FROM the IOW Downs are great, but the Downs themselves are pretty boring photographically speaking....Maybe try a TLR as a next medium format camera, something like a Rolleicord Vb, I have one and its great.
Just followed you on Instagram too
Thanks David.
I don't want to disappoint you, but if 1s and 1/2s speeds are not working/sticky, then most likely faster speeds are way off too.
Time will tell. Another comment suggested it's common for slower speeds to be out. Thanks for the heads up
Want to delve in to the world of medium format, create quality images and not break the bank?
Minolta Autocord! Twin lens reflex, 6x6, amazing lens, reasonable price.
Hello, the quality is like the Nettar?
I've not put them side to side but pretty much similar
Wowi wange finder!! :-D
Cwacking vid m8..... As always :-)
That had me laughing more than I showed.
@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss You did stwuggle :-D
Shoot Film Like a Boss seems that the rangefinder is not helping you much! Is it not more practical just to guess the distance and have an aperture closed enough to give a good depth of field?
Depends if you want a shallow DOF... I used to close the aperture down like you say before I had the rangefinder.
Say you are shooting with slower film ... the sun is going down, or the sky is clouding. Maybe shadows are lengthening with lighted areas becoming less bright ... blah blah. A range finder is a blessing. I did zone/guessing for years using old Zeiss amateur cameras (marvelous as they they are). So gone done did that. The rangefinders I own now would have saved a lot of wasted film. Every old camera deserves a rangefinder, or alternatively, deeper pockets considering what processing and scanning one's results cost these days. If you are using the 'sunny 16' factors in your head for aperture setting, the rangefinder just leaves you with less of a headache -- and more fun.
HA!,f2.9 on 6x6,80mm,you won a watch!.
those accessory rangefinders can cost as much as the camera itself
Very true
Get yourself a Bronica ETRS
Wait till you shoot large format 4x5 or 5x7's ... very cheap bodies and lenses for large format are like jewelries.. very special.. the photos very amazing . I'm a big fan of your videos you helped me a lot too on my darkroom concerns ..I cant wait your video about shooting large format .. my Instagram is fujiguynyc.. leo
I may start my large format experience with 5x4 pinhole and contact print. It's about £200 spend up with film, camera and carriers.
Dont fold this camera back unless you have the lens set at infinity....
兄弟，我注意到你胳膊上的汉字“卓茜嘉”，我猜是女生的名字？:-D