Not a Toy Camera, after all...

<p>Terrific simply terrific pictures. </p>

<p>I'm another Goldeck user. It's similar to the Isola in that it has the collapible lens tube. I think the shutter and lens on the Goldeck gives a bit more control, however-- full range of apertures and five shutter speeds.</p>

<p>When I've used it in bright daylight, I do get a circular light leak. The outside of the tube is shiny chrome, which doesn't help. Often wondered why it is not flat black, like the inside. But at night, or on cloudy days, I get pretty good results. I think the more the lens tube gets pulled in and out, the more light leaks in. If I shoot a whole roll with the lens kept in shooting position, then I get no leaks. Your Isola appears to have a somewhat wider flange at the back of the lens tube than my Goldeck.</p>

<p><a title="Untitled by Scott Cog, on Flickr" href=" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2626/3819848786_d428176cfe.jpg" alt="Untitled" width="500" height="484" /></a> </p>

<p>Taipei, WanHua dstrict, 鹵味 (lu-wei) vendor. <br /> Goldeck (6x6, collasping lens tube, Steiner Bayreuth 1:2.9/75mm lens, Pronto 5-speed shutter)</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses. It's good the read members' views on these more unusual old cameras that I tend to feature, and I never expect the kind of reaction one might get to a post featuring a better-known camera such as a Spotmatic or Yashica Electro, about which many members have a tale to tell.</p>

<p>Thanks, <strong>Rick</strong>; grab an Isola if you see another; they're cheap enough and, as <strong>Uncle Goose</strong> pointed out, they're an easy camera to fix. I cleaned the lens on my copy and the job was simplicity personified. That sounds like an interesting camera, <strong>Helge</strong>; how about some pictures both of and with? I have a Steiner-Bayreuth 105mm f/3.5 on an old Braun Norca, but I've not tried it out. You're pretty close regarding the dairy, <strong>Ralf</strong>: it's on Fitzherbert Street, (better known as State Highway 2), about a block from Lyons Street. Fine photograph, <strong>John C.</strong>; I've not come across this camera, but I live in hope.</p>

<p>Thanks, <strong>Tony</strong>; coming from an Aussie, that's high praise indeed! And we <em>need</em> all the encouragement we can get...And thank you <strong>SP</strong>, <strong>JDM</strong>, <strong>Kozma</strong>, <strong>John</strong>, <strong>Andy</strong>, <strong>Harvey</strong>, <strong>Steve</strong>, <strong>Mark</strong> and <strong>Frank</strong> for your kind comments.</p>

<p>Always late to the party!! Great find that Isola.. but as one said .. itS' the person behind the camera that counts most!! ! usually enjoy your B&W and while it'S not always butI know you sometimes take otherwise color and present them as B&W. Here I find the color work so neat! I loved Dairy and Hole in the Wall for theri ... um .. umm PAstel colors?? I also thing Railways crossing is great. ere is a nice sharp picture with great and detailed contrast. How can such a simple camera delvier a ..still blue sky, and a great white in the sign. I will look around for this because a collapsible 120 camera seems very cool! M luck; I'll find one, but it will leak light so badly I will get excitement only from the LOMO crowd! </p>

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Nice find, Rick and great images. I've never seen one of these. Thanks for posting.

<p>You're right about the colour, <strong>Chuck</strong>, but I think it's the good ol' Ektacolor as much as the camera that gives that sort of punch. I don't know that I could have achieved quite that same depth of colour and contrast, while still retaining detail, on a digital capture. Thanks, <strong>Mike</strong>; sometimes I wonder if these old oddballs are of general interest, and responses such as yours are reassuring.</p>