Ikonta A or Nettax or?

[Mike Kovacs]

Ikontas are also red window cameras.  My 6x6 Super Ikonta has a frame counter.

[melek]

The Super Ikonta B was unique for that time among medium format folding cameras to have two features: Automatic frame spacing and a frame counter. Of course, you lost one frame (later rectified in the BX). Great camera too.

Now, getting back to compact cameras, I forgot to metion the dimensions of the Nagel Duo 620, compared with the Duo 620 and an Ikonta C.

Ikonta A: 4.5 inches x 3 inches (11.8cm x 7.8cm)

Duo 620: 4.75 in x 3.25 (12 cm x 8 cm)

Ikonta C (6x9): 6 in x 3 in (16.5 x 7.8)

If you've done respooling, the Duo 620 could be a good deal, because they tend to go for a bit less than the Ikontas. Same great German construction, and the designer, Dr. August Nagel, had a hand in designing many of the Zeiss Ikon cameras. And the Kodak Anastigmat is pretty much a rebadged Xenar, which is comparable to a Tessar and should be a better performer than a Novar. And the lenses always (almost always) are in a Compur shutter, which gives you a wider range of speeds.

[Mike Kovacs]

Mike, have you tried the 6x6 Voigtlander Perkeo II?  I have one here and I am shocked how much smaller, thinner and lighter it is than my Ikonta 6x6.

The coated Skopar ought to be a nice lens too.

[melek]

I was getting ready to banish the Voigtlanders from the shelves because of my disasppointment with the Prominent. And then someone gave me a Vito III. Unfortunately, the shutter has turned into a horror show, and it's currently in 15 unassemblable (is that a word???) pieces.

I have a Compur shutter guide -- can't find it right now.

Plus, every time I looked at Perkeos, $$$$. So short answer: No, haven't tried one yet.

[Lili]

Thanks so much for all the good advice, decided to go with a Perkeo from one of the guys here.
Color Skopar lens....Velvia..........Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
 :lol:

[Mike Kovacs]

For folks that haven't used one, the Perkeo II has a frame counter, which is pretty unique among guess focus, compact folders. (i.e. not huge Super Ikontas)  Lili has got herself one super camera!



photo courtesy of George B

[Peter Evans]

I was getting ready to banish the Voigtlanders from the shelves because of my disasppointment with the Prominent.

Is that the little 35mm Prominent or the prewar monster 120 Prominent with all the fascinating doodads attached (rangefinder on the side that looks like a torpedo launcher or similar, etc.)? These old Prominents generally cost a bundle, but a local shop has one for a halfway imaginable price. I have a strong hunch, however, that they're finicky and that fixing them takes great skill, a lot of money, or both.

I think I'm in love with the old Prominent just for its knobs, actually. And a little way down the shelf from the Prominent is an Inos II http://www.collection-appareils.com/voigtlander/html/voigtlander_inos_II.php , which has the same spectacular knobs, costs a small fraction of what's asked for the Prominent, and seems a much simpler camera with fewer potential problems. I have absolutely no sensible reason to acquire this camera. Argh, it's a bit irresistible.....

Er what, this thread is about compact folders? Sorry!

[connealy]

I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures from that Perkeo.  Looks like a scaled-up Vito II which also has the amazing Color Skopar.

[melek]

I'm really thinking of this camera:



It's a bit large and ungainly. However, I think I will try to locate it today and see what I can do about that focusing mechanism. Then I'll run some more film through it.

For how I like to shoot, it's not the ideal camera.

[Lili]

Mike,
Looking very forward to getting this little jewel!!
Conneally, Skopars have a great reputation. I have never handled a Vito II, how do they compare in size to the Minox 35s?
I know have to be quite a bit heavier but I have not been able to find their dimensions.

[connealy]

The Vito II measures 2.75" x 4.75".  It has a very nice, rounded form which slips easily in a pocket.  A wrote up a little review of the camera some time ago.  I think the Vito is the ideal travel camera, which is what led me to choose it is my main shooter on my recent trip to Greece.

[Lili]

Mike C,
Thanks!
Those dimensions make it just 1/4" taller and 3/4" wider than my 35GL.
The Vito looks...well jewel like is the best I can describe it. Your pics from the Vito are all great. You definitley have the focusing and exposure down pat.  I like the 3rd shot in Athens with the very elaborate grafitti (I take a lot pics of creative stuff like that). Scale focusing folders are simple, reliable and compact...far less to go wrong. Oh, and they are addictive too.
Heh.
What film(s) did you use on your trip?
I tend to use color negative film like Portra VC in my Minox and am planning to load the Perkeo with Tri-X. Although Velvia in medium format is soooo lovely....

[connealy]

I mostly shoot b&w in medium format cameras.  The Vito II gets loaded with Fuji Reala and rides along in a pocket to be ready for anything that really demands a color response.  I took a couple other cameras on the Greece trip, but sunny Spring weather and the Aegean colors kept the Vito in action most of the time.

[Lili]

Mike C,
Fuji makes some really good film and the shots from your trip show that it suited the light there admirably.
I may have to try something other than Velvia now, LOL.