This is an epic video. The reason I say this is that these are the best cameras in existence that I have used and I have used hundreds, especially for those today looking to get into great photography on the the cheap. Folding medium format cameras are, in my opinion, the best cameras ever made. They should have never stopped making them. I bought a Bower x the other day (A Franklin Rolfix JR re-badge) for 10 dollars that looked brand new. I have already sold 5 prints from that camera and I loved using it. My Voigtlander Bessa II and RF are my favorites but there are so many others that are just as good if you do not mind shooting without a rangefinder. I do not understand why people have not caught on to these hidden gems. I own 42 cameras, most of them are 35mm German cameras and many of them are Leicas, but my folders..... nothing is better. They are the perfect camera. BTW, I liked your options of measuring distance....a string with knots....nice.
Hello there, I certainly agree with you that these cameras are really fun IF they work. I’ve bought several of them over the years and almost every copy of them shared the same problems. First of all: stuck front element. The green grease has become more like concrete over the decades and is tricky to loosen up. Usually the ring for distance has to be removed ( three tiny worm screws ) and than one can apply isopropyl alcohol to the stuck element. Heat can help too ! Second issue is light leaks in the corners of the bellows. Unlike real leather bellows of older cameras, these plastic bellows are prone to cracking. Otherwise they are pretty solid cameras and will reward you with good results. Last but not least: stay away from the self timer, when fitted. Most of them will not work properly, due to hardening. Thanks for sharing your experience and pictures!
I have a similar camera made by Ansco. It’s the Ansco Record from about the same time period. I believe Agfa Billy and Ansco Record are the same camera. I had the bellows replaced because the original has too many light leaks. I love the photos it took. Watching your video inspired me to start using it, again, this coming summer.
Nettars are great - and of course you get Zeiss lenses. I have a fascinating folder arriving in the post (hopefully today) that is 6x4.5, 6x6 and 6x9 all in one camera with a Schneider lens ... more of that on the channel shortly 🙂
I've owned an Agfa Billy but didn't use it for the focus element was unfortunately stuck... I sold it as a deco piece and bought a Zeiss ikon nettar 6x9 format camera. After I sold the Zeiss I bought a different 6x9 Zeiss; an Ikonta model with the umcoupled rangefinder, very eager to use it! The huge 6x9cm would contain so much information It's very intriguing as it is the same form factor as 135mm.
Lovely stuff! Makes me want to try to load my 620 Hawkeye Kodak and see if I can get photos...Now how to load my the film or I can try to use my Ricoh Ricolet again
@@AlexCruceruPhotography There are a lot of them out there - if you aim to get one, take your time and wait for a good one. The Billy 1 has much nicer focusing than the earlier Billy Record, and make sure you examine the bellows carefully for pinholes. There's also a black, string light seal on the hinge side of the film door - that is easy to replace, but will cause leaks if it's not in good condition 🙂
I've always thought these would be good to put 35mm through with adapters for cheap panoramic cameras. My workflow (and wallet) means I'm content with sticking to 35mm for now. I would like to experiment with a proper folder or a small 9x12 plate camera (voigtlander avus and it's rebrands are very affordable)
![เจ็บที่ยังฮัก - ม่อน วรวิทย์ [ Official Mv ] จอนนี่มิวสิค](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KALIGSRSjFs/mqdefault.jpg)
This is an epic video. The reason I say this is that these are the best cameras in existence that I have used and I have used hundreds, especially for those today looking to get into great photography on the the cheap. Folding medium format cameras are, in my opinion, the best cameras ever made. They should have never stopped making them. I bought a Bower x the other day (A Franklin Rolfix JR re-badge) for 10 dollars that looked brand new. I have already sold 5 prints from that camera and I loved using it. My Voigtlander Bessa II and RF are my favorites but there are so many others that are just as good if you do not mind shooting without a rangefinder. I do not understand why people have not caught on to these hidden gems. I own 42 cameras, most of them are 35mm German cameras and many of them are Leicas, but my folders..... nothing is better. They are the perfect camera. BTW, I liked your options of measuring distance....a string with knots....nice.
Hello there, I certainly agree with you that these cameras are really fun IF they work. I’ve bought several of them over the years and almost every copy of them shared the same problems. First of all: stuck front element. The green grease has become more like concrete over the decades and is tricky to loosen up. Usually the ring for distance has to be removed ( three tiny worm screws ) and than one can apply isopropyl alcohol to the stuck element. Heat can help too ! Second issue is light leaks in the corners of the bellows. Unlike real leather bellows of older cameras, these plastic bellows are prone to cracking. Otherwise they are pretty solid cameras and will reward you with good results. Last but not least: stay away from the self timer, when fitted. Most of them will not work properly, due to hardening. Thanks for sharing your experience and pictures!
I have a similar camera made by Ansco. It’s the Ansco Record from about the same time period. I believe Agfa Billy and Ansco Record are the same camera. I had the bellows replaced because the original has too many light leaks. I love the photos it took. Watching your video inspired me to start using it, again, this coming summer.
There was some tie up between Agfa and Ansco ... so I think you are right ... enjoy!
Great video. The Zeiss Ikon Nettar is a favorite of mine and can be found in 6x6 and 6x9.
Nettars are great - and of course you get Zeiss lenses. I have a fascinating folder arriving in the post (hopefully today) that is 6x4.5, 6x6 and 6x9 all in one camera with a Schneider lens ... more of that on the channel shortly 🙂
I've owned an Agfa Billy but didn't use it for the focus element was unfortunately stuck... I sold it as a deco piece and bought a Zeiss ikon nettar 6x9 format camera. After I sold the Zeiss I bought a different 6x9 Zeiss; an Ikonta model with the umcoupled rangefinder, very eager to use it! The huge 6x9cm would contain so much information
It's very intriguing as it is the same form factor as 135mm.
These folders are massively underrated - and as you say - the 6x9 ones are 35mm aspect ratio. 🙂
Lovely stuff! Makes me want to try to load my 620 Hawkeye Kodak and see if I can get photos...Now how to load my the film or I can try to use my Ricoh Ricolet again
I believe there are various hacks that enable you to use 120 roll film in a 620 camera - perhaps a good use of cheap Harman Kentmere roll film 🙂
Great video, thanks. I love these old camera's. Just restored an Ensign Cupid so looking forward to putting a film through it :)
Had to look the Cupid up! What a cool looking camera from that old maker Houghton-Butcher 🙂
Great camera bid!
Thanks for the comment! Yep Alex I was very pleased at getting the Billy 1 at that price 🙂
@@ashsphotolounge and you bid for it! :)) Great photos taken with it. They make me want to buy one.
@@AlexCruceruPhotography There are a lot of them out there - if you aim to get one, take your time and wait for a good one. The Billy 1 has much nicer focusing than the earlier Billy Record, and make sure you examine the bellows carefully for pinholes. There's also a black, string light seal on the hinge side of the film door - that is easy to replace, but will cause leaks if it's not in good condition 🙂
I've always thought these would be good to put 35mm through with adapters for cheap panoramic cameras. My workflow (and wallet) means I'm content with sticking to 35mm for now. I would like to experiment with a proper folder or a small 9x12 plate camera (voigtlander avus and it's rebrands are very affordable)
I am going to try the Billy with some 35mm - perhaps some way-slow Adox 25iso for mega detail in panoramas at some point.
I have been flying by the seat of my pants for 66 years.
😁