Classic Manual Cameras Someday #2

[JDMvW]

<p>As I said once before, the others have their something-or-other day posts, Nikon Wednesday, etc..<br /> So I will follow up with the "Someday #2" post. (#1= http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00YnBv )</p>

<p><br /> Let's make this one all camera P O R N, though. Not that the Antipodeans don't take super "product" shots as well; but, to have a little more even playing field, show us one of your favorite old Classic Manuals camera gear. ;)</p><div></div>

[SCL]

<p>OK JDM, you asked for it. Pictured is a 1957 version of the Ricoh 500, before they went with a more stylized configuration. The knurled film winding knob is redundant, as there is a fold out trigger film winding mechanism on the bottom of the camera. Lens is a f/2.8...not as contrasty as the one used on the 519 (f/1.9) luxury model but it does the job fine. Speeds from B to 1/500 (hence their designation of Ricoh 500). It usually attracts some attention when I'm out & about. Rangefinder is excellent & easy to adjust, focus is quick via the two protrusions on each side of the lens. Usually they are pretty battered when you find them, this one was in pretty good shape...didn't even need to replace the covering.</p><div></div>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>I have to keep with the GDR thing, and of course, being an Antipodean this is of cousre is "mine is bigger than yours" :)</p><div></div>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>The Praktinas are really interesting cameras but I have had no luck with them to date. The problem has been with the shutters...I will have to keep trying!<br>

The little Ricoh is a picture of simplicity and neatness.</p>

[paul_wheatland]

<p>I no longer have Praktina but if memory serves it did not work. I removed the top deck and cleaned the "gunk" out of everything that I could see, using naptha(rosonol<tm>) and a cotton bud(Q-tip<tm>). Camera then worked well, caution don't soil the mirror with cleaning fluids.</p>

[CoryAmmerman]

<p>Here's a quick snapshot of one of my most recent acquisitions, A Kodak Retina 1a. I try to take pictures of all my cameras when I get them, before any cleaning, repair, etc. Since the bellows on this one seem light tight and the shutter seeds above 1/10th are working, I plan to put a roll through it next week if I can.</p><div></div>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>Also JDM, I believe that there was some kind of funky motor drive for the Praktina, do you have one?</p>

[rod_larson]

<p>Here is an Aires Penta 35. It has a leaf shutter and it is said it led to the demise of the Aires<br>

company in 1961. It has a leaf shutter so it was already obsolete.</p>

[steve_mareno1]

<p>Great idea JDM. You're going to love the shots from your Retina Ia Cory. Hate to duplicate, but here's mine w/ the correct yellow filter. These are odd little folders with as many interlocks as a Hasselblad, but they take great photos and, unlike the 'blad, are quiet and teeny tiny.</p><div></div>

[chansonbleu]

<p>Easy choice for me as I have only one classic camera.</p><div></div>

[chuck_foreman1]

Not sure I understand the criteria other thna CMC porn.. I'm a simple guy!<div></div>

[JDMvW]

<blockquote>

<p>Also JDM, I believe that there was some kind of funky motor drive for the Praktina, do you have one?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Does the Pope have a mitre? </p><div></div>

[John Seaman]

<p>Heres my Super Baldax coupled rangefinder 6x6 folder. It has a Radionar f2.9 lens. The Achilles heel is the remarkably counter-intuitive film winding system.</p><div></div>

[rick_drawbridge]

<p>In my estimation. one of the most precisely-manufactured, solid, durable and glossy SLR's ever produced, and still a camera I delight in using. The Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super. I'll feature the system in a future post, when time allows...</p><div></div>

[User_4525289]

<p>My contribution</p>

[Andy Collins]

<p>The Yashica Lynx 1000 is one of my very favorite cameras for several reasons. First, it's pretty compact, fitting in between my QL17-GIII and Auto S2. Second, it has an aperture range of f/1.8 to f/22 and shutter speeds of 1s to 1/1000s, settings usually found on SLRs. Third, the 6-element f/1.8 lens is <em>very</em> sharp. Fourth, it just looks <em>good!</em></p><div></div>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>Miniature Speed Graphic</p><div></div>

[brett_rogers]

<p>Rick, I didn't know you used a Contaflex occasionally. I'll look forward to your report on your experiences with the Super with bated breath. My Contaflex of choice is usually a Super BC or S but the Super is a very capable model (and the most numerous lens shutter 35mm SLR produced).</p>

[tony_lockerbie]

<p>Love those early Contaflexes, and the it looks great with that 85mm Pro-Tessar out front. I have always had trouble finding the 85 without separation, look forward to some pics Rick.<br>

Andy, nearly forgot about the little Lynx,what a great camera. JDM, love that motor drive, wind up too...knew you would have one!<br>

Louis, have you taken any pics with that Mini Speed, looks in wonderful condition.</p>

[blumesan]

<p>Here's my contribution.<br>

This is the very first camera I owned (outright). Bought used in about 1945. Came with a few of the special Agfa cassettes and I had to buy film in 100 ft bulk rolls and load my own. Right now the camera is a bit age weary and probably not worth a good overhaul. But it's a great souvenir of my misspent youth.</p>

<p> </p><div></div>

[brett_rogers]

<p>Tony,<br>

good 85mm Pro Tessars are out there. I sympathise with your remarks though, because separation problems are so endemic with the 85mm, in particular, that it tends to be the exception to the rule if you can find one without the fault. Ebay usually has one or two good ones, I have a 85mm f/4 with a little separation that is quite usable but earlier this year I managed to find a pristine f/3.2 version for under AUD $40 posted. Just have to keep your eyes peeled and bide your time, at least it is usually easy to spot in any halfway decent listing images. Any of the extra lenses (except, maybe, the 1:1 Macro) can suffer from separation, but the 85mm is by far the worst afflicted.</p>

[Rick_van_Nooij]

<p>Just to annoy JDM,<br>

I just picked up another Signet 35, which also needed a major overhaul. New RF half-mirror, shutter needed cleaning after someone sprayed WD40 into it. But I am determined to tame that 44mm f/3.5 Ektar lens!<br>

<img src="http://www.flibweb.nl/flibweb/cpg143/albums/userpics/10001/Signets01.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="446" /><br>

Kodak Signet 35; Left 1951, Right 1956.</p>

<p> </p>

[h._p.]

<p>OK, here's some porn, going free to the first taker, provided they pay the postage. (I'm in the UK, so consider that before asking).</p>

<p>It's a Regula Cita III, somewhat uncommon in the UK. The local camera shop gave it to me. Everything is working, except that the shutter doesn't open, which is a bit of a liability, I agree.</p>

<p>So if someone wants it...</p>

<div></div>

[peter_de_waal]

<p>I'd be keen to take the Regular, it's winter down here and I like a challenge...<br /> Please send me a PM.</p>

[peter_de_waal]

<p>B.T.W. here's my chrome age beauty. I had another one years ago, but foolishly sold it. I won't be selling this one, ever.</p>