Gear P0rn - post it if you got it.

cooltouch · 11-28-2018, 03:59 AM

I've wanted an Autocord ever since I was informed that it was better optically than my Yashica Mat 124. Problem is, they're awfully spendy, so I've just muddled along with my Mat. It takes superlative pics, by the way. So the Autocords must really be incredible. Hard to say looking at Internet photos. I'd need to inspect slides or negatives probably to be able to see a difference. I think I'd rather save a few more dollars and get a clean Rolleiflex C or D with a 2.8 lens. I like the Schneider, but I'd certainly put up with the Zeiss.

Swift1 · 11-28-2018, 01:15 PM

Originally posted by cooltouch

I've wanted an Autocord ever since I was informed that it was better optically than my Yashica Mat 124. Problem is, they're awfully spendy, so I've just muddled along with my Mat. It takes superlative pics, by the way. So the Autocords must really be incredible. Hard to say looking at Internet photos. I'd need to inspect slides or negatives probably to be able to see a difference. I think I'd rather save a few more dollars and get a clean Rolleiflex C or D with a 2.8 lens. I like the Schneider, but I'd certainly put up with the Zeiss.

I have an Autocord, 3 Rolleiflex, and I have used a Yashicamat 126G. I would say the Yashinon and Rokkor are probably equal to each other, and both are superb. The Autocord is generally a much nicer camera compared to the Yashica.
If ultimate sharpness and build quality are what you're after, I recommend getting a Xenotar equipped Rolleiflex 3.5 E or F.

blan01 · 11-28-2018, 02:19 PM - **5 Likes**

My film cameras

cooltouch · 11-28-2018, 11:21 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Swift1

I have an Autocord, 3 Rolleiflex, and I have used a Yashicamat 126G. I would say the Yashinon and Rokkor are probably equal to each other, and both are superb. The Autocord is generally a much nicer camera compared to the Yashica.
If ultimate sharpness and build quality are what you're after, I recommend getting a Xenotar equipped Rolleiflex 3.5 E or F.

I'm not really into ultimate sharpness and build quality in this instance. When I mentioned my preference for a Rolleiflex C or D with a 2.8 lens, I did so because I love the "feel" these lenses had. I have one old photo I can show to illustrate what I mean. This is a photo of yours truly with my favorite cat, "Smokey" taken back in about 1990. I owned both a Rolleiflex C and D back then, both had f/2.8 lenses. One had the Schneider, and the other had the Zeiss. I don't recall which one was used for this photograph, but I considered them to be equivalent to each other.

nparsons13 · 11-29-2018, 12:56 PM - **6 Likes**

I got my first TLR recently, also a Minolta Autocord (I, from 1965), and in the same week I bought a Canon QL17 GIII--both from local dealers. The Autocord has the Rokkor 75mm f/3.5 and Citizen-MVL shutter, and when I got it the focus lever was frozen solid (don't force it!) and the shutter and aperture selection levers were stiff--a sure sign of stiff grease under the faceplate. So I sent it for a thorough CLA with TLR guru Karl Bryan, and now it works smooth as silk. It's loaded with Portra 400 NC. I put new light seals in the Canon, gave it a good cleaning myself, and it's ready to shoot with Superia X-TRA 400.

nickthetasmaniac · 11-30-2018, 01:28 AM

Originally posted by cooltouch

I've wanted an Autocord ever since I was informed that it was better optically than my Yashica Mat 124. Problem is, they're awfully spendy, so I've just muddled along with my Mat. It takes superlative pics, by the way. So the Autocords must really be incredible. Hard to say looking at Internet photos. I'd need to inspect slides or negatives probably to be able to see a difference. I think I'd rather save a few more dollars and get a clean Rolleiflex C or D with a 2.8 lens. I like the Schneider, but I'd certainly put up with the Zeiss.

A quick squiz through ebay sold listings suggests that Autocords don't go for much more than Mat 124's. You'll need quite a few more dollars if you want a f2.8 Rollei (3-4x the price of an Autocord)...

cooltouch · 11-30-2018, 08:39 AM

Yes, I've noticed this. Back when I bought my Mat -- several years ago now -- that wasn't the case. The Autocords were going for a real premium. It definitely seems that they've dropped down into the Mat 124G territory now. The C and D 2.8 Rolleiflexes are not nearly as expensive as their more recently made brethren, and I don't think they give up anything regarding image quality with the possible exception of improved coatings on the later models. But if one is paying attention to glare-causing light situations, they are just as good as the much more expensive later models. Now, when I'm talking about prices, I'm looking at the cheaper end of the spectrum of cameras found on eBay, for instance. For sure, there are Cs and Ds with extremely high asking prices, but there are also others with prices that are much lower and auctions that close at much lower prices. It is possible to find clean Cs and Ds in the $400-600 range if one is patient and shops around.

nickthetasmaniac · 11-30-2018, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by cooltouch

It is possible to find clean Cs and Ds in the $400-600 range if one is patient and shops around.

That would be tempting, I've always wanted an f2.8 Rollei

Jean Poitiers · 12-05-2018, 07:43 AM - **5 Likes**

A rapidly made image Xposted from the "Recent acquisition" thread ... I picked up this morning a faster 80mm for the Mamiya 645. This should be quite some fun to use and already loaded with some Fomapan 100 to be finished via Caffenol CH.

IgorZ · 12-06-2018, 06:35 PM

Originally posted by Jean Poitiers

A rapidly made image Xposted from the "Recent acquisition" thread ... I picked up this morning a faster 80mm for the Mamiya 645. This should be quite some fun to use and already load with some Fomapan 100 to be finished via Caffenol CH.

I'd really like to try this combo... Would like to finish my mamiya rb67 kit first though

wkraus · 12-07-2018, 12:53 PM - **7 Likes**

A new toy: an almost mint Voigtländer Bessa I with a Color-Skopar lens, built between 1950 and 1956.

And the fourth frame from the first roll of film I took with it (at f/4.7 on Fomapan 100 film, 6x9 format cropped to 4:3 ratio).

womble · 12-07-2018, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by wkraus

A new toy: an almost mint Voigtländer Bessa I with a Color-Skopar lens, built between 1950 and 1956.

And the fourth frame from the first roll of film I took with it (at f/4.7 on Fomapan 100 film, 6x9 format cropped to 4:3 ratio).

I love how good those simple folders are. I have a Agfa Isolette II and a Zeiss Ikon Nettar from about the same date and get some lovely images from them.

stevebrot · 12-10-2018, 01:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by wkraus

A new toy: an almost mint Voigtländer Bessa I with a Color-Skopar lens, built between 1950 and 1956.

And the fourth frame from the first roll of film I took with it (at f/4.7 on Fomapan 100 film, 6x9 format cropped to 4:3 ratio).

Just to show that one does not require a "modern" lens to generate that WOW factor.

Steve

wkraus · 12-10-2018, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by womble

I love how good those simple folders are. I have a Agfa Isolette II and a Zeiss Ikon Nettar from about the same date and get some lovely images from them.

Originally posted by stevebrot

Just to show that one does not require a "modern" lens to generate that WOW factor.

Steve

Thanks guys! I appreciate your comments.

Do any of you knowledgeable people out there know how one can adjust the front standard of these folders? Apparently the lens is a little out of alignment. As far as I can tell there are no visibly deformed parts.

womble · 12-11-2018, 10:44 AM

Originally posted by wkraus

Thanks guys! I appreciate your comments.

Do any of you knowledgeable people out there know how one can adjust the front standard of these folders? Apparently the lens is a little out of alignment. As far as I can tell there are no visibly deformed parts.

I'm afraid not (I'm not very "handy"). Luckily both of mine worked fine.

K.

12-05-2018, 07:43 AM - 5 Likes	#5859
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	A rapidly made image Xposted from the "Recent acquisition" thread ... I picked up this morning a faster 80mm for the Mamiya 645. This should be quite some fun to use and already loaded with some Fomapan 100 to be finished via Caffenol CH. Last edited by Jean Poitiers; 12-07-2018 at 01:37 AM. Reason: typoo

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11-28-2018, 03:59 AM	#5851
cooltouch Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 982	I've wanted an Autocord ever since I was informed that it was better optically than my Yashica Mat 124. Problem is, they're awfully spendy, so I've just muddled along with my Mat. It takes superlative pics, by the way. So the Autocords must really be incredible. Hard to say looking at Internet photos. I'd need to inspect slides or negatives probably to be able to see a difference. I think I'd rather save a few more dollars and get a clean Rolleiflex C or D with a 2.8 lens. I like the Schneider, but I'd certainly put up with the Zeiss.

11-28-2018, 01:15 PM	#5852
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by cooltouch I've wanted an Autocord ever since I was informed that it was better optically than my Yashica Mat 124. Problem is, they're awfully spendy, so I've just muddled along with my Mat. It takes superlative pics, by the way. So the Autocords must really be incredible. Hard to say looking at Internet photos. I'd need to inspect slides or negatives probably to be able to see a difference. I think I'd rather save a few more dollars and get a clean Rolleiflex C or D with a 2.8 lens. I like the Schneider, but I'd certainly put up with the Zeiss. I have an Autocord, 3 Rolleiflex, and I have used a Yashicamat 126G. I would say the Yashinon and Rokkor are probably equal to each other, and both are superb. The Autocord is generally a much nicer camera compared to the Yashica. If ultimate sharpness and build quality are what you're after, I recommend getting a Xenotar equipped Rolleiflex 3.5 E or F.

11-28-2018, 02:19 PM - 5 Likes	#5853
blan01 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Boston,MA Posts: 258	My film cameras

11-28-2018, 11:21 PM - 3 Likes	#5854
cooltouch Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 982	Originally posted by Swift1 I have an Autocord, 3 Rolleiflex, and I have used a Yashicamat 126G. I would say the Yashinon and Rokkor are probably equal to each other, and both are superb. The Autocord is generally a much nicer camera compared to the Yashica. If ultimate sharpness and build quality are what you're after, I recommend getting a Xenotar equipped Rolleiflex 3.5 E or F. I'm not really into ultimate sharpness and build quality in this instance. When I mentioned my preference for a Rolleiflex C or D with a 2.8 lens, I did so because I love the "feel" these lenses had. I have one old photo I can show to illustrate what I mean. This is a photo of yours truly with my favorite cat, "Smokey" taken back in about 1990. I owned both a Rolleiflex C and D back then, both had f/2.8 lenses. One had the Schneider, and the other had the Zeiss. I don't recall which one was used for this photograph, but I considered them to be equivalent to each other.

11-29-2018, 12:56 PM - 6 Likes	#5855
nparsons13 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 258	I got my first TLR recently, also a Minolta Autocord (I, from 1965), and in the same week I bought a Canon QL17 GIII--both from local dealers. The Autocord has the Rokkor 75mm f/3.5 and Citizen-MVL shutter, and when I got it the focus lever was frozen solid (don't force it!) and the shutter and aperture selection levers were stiff--a sure sign of stiff grease under the faceplate. So I sent it for a thorough CLA with TLR guru Karl Bryan, and now it works smooth as silk. It's loaded with Portra 400 NC. I put new light seals in the Canon, gave it a good cleaning myself, and it's ready to shoot with Superia X-TRA 400.

11-30-2018, 01:28 AM	#5856
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Originally posted by cooltouch I've wanted an Autocord ever since I was informed that it was better optically than my Yashica Mat 124. Problem is, they're awfully spendy, so I've just muddled along with my Mat. It takes superlative pics, by the way. So the Autocords must really be incredible. Hard to say looking at Internet photos. I'd need to inspect slides or negatives probably to be able to see a difference. I think I'd rather save a few more dollars and get a clean Rolleiflex C or D with a 2.8 lens. I like the Schneider, but I'd certainly put up with the Zeiss. A quick squiz through ebay sold listings suggests that Autocords don't go for much more than Mat 124's. You'll need quite a few more dollars if you want a f2.8 Rollei (3-4x the price of an Autocord)...

11-30-2018, 08:39 AM	#5857
cooltouch Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 982	Yes, I've noticed this. Back when I bought my Mat -- several years ago now -- that wasn't the case. The Autocords were going for a real premium. It definitely seems that they've dropped down into the Mat 124G territory now. The C and D 2.8 Rolleiflexes are not nearly as expensive as their more recently made brethren, and I don't think they give up anything regarding image quality with the possible exception of improved coatings on the later models. But if one is paying attention to glare-causing light situations, they are just as good as the much more expensive later models. Now, when I'm talking about prices, I'm looking at the cheaper end of the spectrum of cameras found on eBay, for instance. For sure, there are Cs and Ds with extremely high asking prices, but there are also others with prices that are much lower and auctions that close at much lower prices. It is possible to find clean Cs and Ds in the $400-600 range if one is patient and shops around.

11-30-2018, 02:29 PM	#5858
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Originally posted by cooltouch It is possible to find clean Cs and Ds in the $400-600 range if one is patient and shops around. That would be tempting, I've always wanted an f2.8 Rollei

12-06-2018, 06:35 PM	#5860
IgorZ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,735	Originally posted by Jean Poitiers A rapidly made image Xposted from the "Recent acquisition" thread ... I picked up this morning a faster 80mm for the Mamiya 645. This should be quite some fun to use and already load with some Fomapan 100 to be finished via Caffenol CH. I'd really like to try this combo... Would like to finish my mamiya rb67 kit first though

12-07-2018, 12:53 PM - 7 Likes	#5861
wkraus Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Near Vienna, Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,059	A new toy: an almost mint Voigtländer Bessa I with a Color-Skopar lens, built between 1950 and 1956. And the fourth frame from the first roll of film I took with it (at f/4.7 on Fomapan 100 film, 6x9 format cropped to 4:3 ratio).

12-07-2018, 03:34 PM	#5862
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324	Originally posted by wkraus A new toy: an almost mint Voigtländer Bessa I with a Color-Skopar lens, built between 1950 and 1956. And the fourth frame from the first roll of film I took with it (at f/4.7 on Fomapan 100 film, 6x9 format cropped to 4:3 ratio). I love how good those simple folders are. I have a Agfa Isolette II and a Zeiss Ikon Nettar from about the same date and get some lovely images from them.

12-10-2018, 01:07 PM - 1 Like	#5863
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by wkraus A new toy: an almost mint Voigtländer Bessa I with a Color-Skopar lens, built between 1950 and 1956. And the fourth frame from the first roll of film I took with it (at f/4.7 on Fomapan 100 film, 6x9 format cropped to 4:3 ratio). Just to show that one does not require a "modern" lens to generate that WOW factor. Steve

12-10-2018, 02:52 PM	#5864
wkraus Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Near Vienna, Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,059	Originally posted by womble I love how good those simple folders are. I have a Agfa Isolette II and a Zeiss Ikon Nettar from about the same date and get some lovely images from them. Originally posted by stevebrot Just to show that one does not require a "modern" lens to generate that WOW factor. Steve Thanks guys! I appreciate your comments. Do any of you knowledgeable people out there know how one can adjust the front standard of these folders? Apparently the lens is a little out of alignment. As far as I can tell there are no visibly deformed parts.

12-11-2018, 10:44 AM	#5865
womble Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hertfordshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,324	Originally posted by wkraus Thanks guys! I appreciate your comments. Do any of you knowledgeable people out there know how one can adjust the front standard of these folders? Apparently the lens is a little out of alignment. As far as I can tell there are no visibly deformed parts. I'm afraid not (I'm not very "handy"). Luckily both of mine worked fine. K.