I love folding bellows cameras but, I have a soft spot for the Isolettes.
I was craving for a Isolette III, I found and bought this one quite cheap on the *Bay, about 20 Euro, including P&P.
Below you will understand why:
The bellows were completely covered with gaffer tape, due to the holes in it.
I kept on striping it and this was what I found:
It looked like a flood survivor. Inside the top plate, rangefinder, etc. everything was filled with what looked like dried mud.
So I had hard work ahead, remove the bellows and build a new one:
I have to thank to Roland and Caroline for the comprehensive tutorial.
Even with the tutorial, don't you think it was piece of cake, especially the folding part...
Then I had to clean it thoroughly including the shutter, that was close to frozen.
After that came the reassembly:
Here is the final result:
This model was produced by Agfa, from 1950 to 1960.
The lens is an Apotar 1:4.5/85mm on a eight speed Gauthier, AGC, Prontor-S shutter; 1-1/300 and B, with self-timer and flash sync.
It's a self erecting model with uncoupled rangefinder, double-exposure prevention and a DOF calculator.
i really salute you brother!
ReplyDeleteincreible amigo Raul, yo tengo una Isolette III idéntica (Apotar, no la fantástica Solinar) que le compre a J.Noir, un amigo que restaura fuelles y Isolettes. me ha encantado ver como la has "salvado", ahora mismo cuelgo en el foro de formatomedio.eu este maravilloso reportaje.
ReplyDeleteun abrazo
Nice work. I'm a Speedex guy myself...went through this process with a B2 Speedex. I also enjoy an unusual ADOX Sport dual format (6x6 or 6x9 on either 120 0r 220). Both are amazingly sharp and fun to shoot.
ReplyDeleteNice work,
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful camera
I just got one myself, Isolette III with the Apotar 1:4.5/85mm and Prontor-SV and I'm in the middle of restoring it
I hope you are using yours, if not, go shoot a roll ! :)
Dear All,
ReplyDeleteMy Dad sadly passed away in March of this year and he had a Agfa Isollette II L
6 0 3 6 Made in Germany with attachable distance metre.
It is in excellent working condition and I am looking to sell to someone who will find year's of enjoyment from it, as I do not have a clue as to how to operate it.
From what I can gather this particular camera has a collecable value.
If anyone is interested can you please contac me on my e-mail address, glenys.mills@sky.com
Kind Regards
Glenys