Flexaret, or other inexpensive TLR?

[cmedin]

So I've been bitten by the TLR bug... :bang:

Used to own a 124G long ago, and loved it. However, these days they don't seem to be the bargains they used to; I think I paid $125 for mine in near-perfect condition and had Mark Hama tweak the meter for next to nothing.

Looking at alternatives, I came across the Flexaret mentioned in several places. I have zero experience with them, but the VI and VII I've seen online are absolutely gorgeous (I love the grey exterior) and they seem lke interesting cameras.

So I'm wondering if anybody here can comment on the various Flexaret models, especially which are problem prone if any. The 'automatic' versions are what really have me interested, but I'd not wan something that's unreliable...

Any other suggestions in the sub-$100 price range are more than welcome as well. The Autocords seem like lovely little beasts but I usually see them go for twice that...


Thanks!

[markinlondon]

Older Yashicas are good deals. The D with a Yashinon lens can be had much cheaper than the 124G. The link below has a rundown of the various models.

http://www.williamsphotographic.com/yashica.html

[Larry H-L]

I'm not familiar with the Flexaret cameras, but do find the Zeiss Ikoflex cameras to be a good value. In many cases you can find one for less than a Yashica. I've had an Ikoflex IIa, and currently use a Ic, both had/have Tessar lenses. A bit tricky to load the first few times, to get the frame counter started correctly, but otherwise very nice and well built. Good luck with the TLR quest....
Sample image: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2822431

[J J Kapsberger]

My buddy has a Flexaret. It showed a great weakness: the back opened mid-roll on its own. A Flexaret back doesn't lock like a Rolleiflex does, or if it does it certainly doesn't lock as securely.

[photodog]

Rolleicords (Model III) can be found for $50 to $100. The Xenar lens is actually pretty good even though most prefer Zeiss glass.

[fgianni]

I have heard good things about the Flexaret, but never owned one, another cheap options could be a Minolta Autocord, not as good as a Planar/Xenotar but pretty close, and the focusing lever is sooo much better than the round knob.

[cmedin]

I love the Autocords, but cannot seem to find one for less than $180-200. You know of any good sources? :)

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice, I will research the models mentioned.

[J J Kapsberger]

...even though most prefer Zeiss glass.

Yes, there are those who hold up Zeiss glass to be the best for the Rolleiflex/Rolleicord. I think they base their opinions simply on name preference. Such opinions should be discounted. When choosing a Rolleiflex or Rolleicord, don't worry about whether it has Zeiss or Schneider Kreuznach glass. Both houses made equally fine lenses for the Rollie TLR cameras. In terms of performance, Xenar = Tessar and Xenotar = Planar.

[TheHub]

I've got a Ricohflex, Primoflex and Walzflex - they're all good cameras. I get swirly bokeh at anything bigger than f5.6. I don't like it but others may.

[Joao]

Hello
I have a Flexaret IIA and I am quite happy with it. I think these cameras can be a good option. My suggestion for you is to look at Cupog Collectible Cameras (an ebay store) as they have Flexaret TLRs from 25.00 USD up. You can hardly find a g less expensive metal TLR. The owner has a good reputation both as a seller and as a repairman, and most of his cameras have been CLAed by him. Let me add that I have no connection wth this seller except as a buyer.
Regards
Joao

[darkkavenger]

One of the problems with users of Flexaret cameras is that once they load the rollfilm and close the back of the camera, they forget to screw in the push-button knob on the upper left side of the back of the camera. screwing this button will prevent from accidental opening of the back. It's a feature which is on all models of Flexaret, and I've had a few (Flexaret IIIa / IIIb / IV / V / VI / VII) ...

I've got one on sale on classifieds, price may be high, but it's definitely worth it. I made my finest photos with it.

[cmedin]

See my Ricohflex Diacord TLR Site....great cameras under $ 100

http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/tlr.htm


Dan

Wow, didn't know you were on this forum. I spent a lot of time browsing your pages earlier, and your Fuji 645 info was invaluable in making the decision to get the GA645 (brand spanking new!) I ended up with.

I'll take a look at these TLRs as well... and I appreciate everyone's input; good to know about the camera back lock issue on the Flexarets.

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

I have a Flexaret 111 with a Belar lens which I understand to be a 4 element lens.The camera produces great photographs.I particularly like the method of focussing by a lever under the lens rather than a knob,it just feels more comfortable.I can also recommend Cupog,or secondly Gold Camera as a source.

I have purchased one of Max's photos from his,now for sale, Flexaret to hang on my wall--- enough said,these are basic,but fine cameras.

Brian.

[bean_counter]

I'll put in another plug for a Yashica D with the Yashinon lens. Price wise, it seems to be a real sleeper. Might stretch that $100 budget, tho, folks seem to have caught on to it a bit.

[palec]

My buddy has a Flexaret. It showed a great weakness: the back opened mid-roll on its own. A Flexaret back doesn't lock like a Rolleiflex does, or if it does it certainly doesn't lock as securely.

It locks securely, but as darkavenger stated, user has to screw in (with fingers) the back-opening button. Flexaret, especially Automat VI and VII, is very nice camera for it's price (worth up to $40 here).

[John Robertson]

A Flexaret from cupog would be a good buy, particularly a late one, I've bought other cameras from him, and he is reliable. he also often also has filters for these cameras. Belar lenses are Tessar clones. The late one I had was a really nice camera to use I regret selling it!! It produced really nice images. Some models can take an adapter which allows you to use 35mm film in them. The focussing lever is particularly nice to use, and the shutter was nearly silent!!

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

One of the problems with users of Flexaret cameras is that once they load the rollfilm and close the back of the camera, they forget to screw in the push-button knob on the upper left side of the back of the camera. screwing this button will prevent from accidental opening of the back. It's a feature which is on all models of Flexaret, and I've had a few (Flexaret IIIa / IIIb / IV / V / VI / VII) ...

I've got one on sale on classifieds, price may be high, but it's definitely worth it. I made my finest photos with it.

Max,
I have had my Flexaret 111 since the Spring,but until reading this was unaware of the screw in facility on the back cover button:o
Cheers,
Brian.
PS your 111a in the classifieds looks really fine!

[iñaki]

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/3092/flexaretkj7.jpg

I have a Flexaret V from Cupog (very cheap and CLA´d). It works very well. You can see the nice focus lever in the photo.

Here you have a photo taken with it
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8374/carreradecarretillasru8.jpg

[darkkavenger]

Thanks Brian :-) Glad the info was useful ;)

[santino]

The "Start II" is a pretty nice camera but seems to be rare

http://mradamczyk.one.pl/polskie/startII.jpg

http://mradamczyk.one.pl/polskie/start-ang.htm

[funkydog]

One of the problems with users of Flexaret cameras is that once they load the rollfilm and close the back of the camera, they forget to screw in the push-button knob on the upper left side of the back of the camera.

(Bumping this old thread. )
I didn't even know the door release knob can be turned to lock the back. Good info.