Want a pocket camera...

[P. Lynn Miller]

I have been enamoured with the Leica O since I first seen one. Such a high quality, compact picture taking little package. There are a few things against such as the non-capping shutter and the 'gun-sight' though, and not to mention the price.

So I have been thinking is there a Leica out there like the Leica O but with a capping shutter, slow shutter speeds down to 1 sec, no finder, just an accessory shoe, and a good collapsible 50mm lens that can be had for a reasonable price, ie a couple hundred dollars.

I will admit I know nothing about Leica LTM cameras, nothing at all. I do not want a collectors item, I want to have a small, compact, quiet camera that I can load with Tri-X and carry with every where and know as long as I do my bit, I will get a good photograph. I know there are plenty of P&S camera out there, but they always argue with me about exposure details and etc. And I really hate camera that pretends to know more than me.

This camera does not even need to be a Leica, it could be a FSU LTM camera, which I really know absolutely nothing about.

Looking forward to your advice and comments,

[wlewisiii]

Best for what you want is a Canon screwmount body. The IVSb is a very good choice - lots made, reasonable price, great (for a barnack) combined VF/RF with magnification. Put a collapsible lens on it and you've got just about as small and usable a camera as you can get. The FSU collapsible Industars are great because they're cheap, good quality & collapse into a smaller package than the Canon or non-Elmar Leica ones. Now a collapsible screwmount 'cron would make a seriously high end pocket rocket though, too ;)

It can be fun to have something like that along all the time.

William

[P. Lynn Miller]

William,

If you think I know nothing about the FSU cameras, Canon has barely registered into my conscientious!

And I think someone gave a Canon away on that other thread...

What should I be looking for in FSU cameras?

And instead of a finder I would like to use this...

http://plynnmiller.com/rrf/leitz_finder_400.jpg
photo courtesy of eBay seller - rhona45th

If the Leica O came with this instead of the gun-sight, I would bite the bullet and pay the price for it.

[myequation]

olympus xa? best true pocket i know of.
and cheap

[wlewisiii]

Hmm, I know very little about the FSU's that would be good for your expressed desire. Perhaps a Zorki 5 with a collapsible Industar?

Love that finder.

I'll admit that the O seems like a fascinating camera that would make me to buy a Leica if I had the money for one.

William

[P. Lynn Miller]

Olympus XA, had one... yes, very pocketable, but not what I am looking for. It takes batteries and has a 35mm lens. Not that it is not a great little camera because it is.

[colyn]

So I have been thinking is there a Leica out there like the Leica O but with a capping shutter, slow shutter speeds down to 1 sec, no finder, just an accessory shoe, and a good collapsible 50mm lens that can be had for a reasonable price, ie a couple hundred dollars.

You won't find these specs/price in a Leica. Leica introduced the slow speeds with the model III which also has a built-in rangefinder.

You might try KEH for Leica rf cameras which are usually cheaper there than eBay..

This camera does not even need to be a Leica, it could be a FSU LTM camera, which I really know absolutely nothing about.

Looking forward to your advice and comments,

Nothing here fits the bill either however a Canon rf camera can be found close to your price range. The FSU's are cheaper but also can be troublesome...

[BTMarcais]

It has a finder, and doesn't have a great accessory shoe (on the bottom)... but maybe one of the Rollei 35 variants would work? I've always been thrilled w/ the shots I get off my 35T w/ the tessar lens...and the sonnar's should be even better (unit focusing instead of front element, so should be better at closer distances, and the extra 1/2 stop doesn't hurt), although I've never felt the urge to upgrade. Good lenses, compact body, a bit quirky...but hey...like the O isn't?

[BTMarcais]

er, re-read your specs. the Rollei 35s only go down to 1/2 sec, and have a 40mm lens. better than 35mm for you I guess...but not quite a 50 either.

If there was a perfect camera....
I wouldn't have so many.

(and my wife would be happier...)

[aizan]

the only zeiss ikon sw to sell recently on ebay went for $500.

anyhow, what about the bessa l or t?

[P. Lynn Miller]

If there was a perfect camera....
I wouldn't have so many.

(and my wife would be happier...)

You are not alone!

I have tried to replicate the Leica O with a Bessa T and the Collapsible Heliar 50mm f3.5 and 50mm finder which is a good kit with an amazing lens. But it is far from being a pocket camera, because the Bessa T is quite bulky and the Heliar actually does not collapse that small. In fact, my CV Color-Skopar 50mm f2.5 protrudes less than the Heliar and my Bessa R2 is more compact than the Bessa T with a finder.

So all this have sent me in the direction of a Leica LTM... and being able to play with one at the camera shop a few weeks back, which was a mistake, because now I am sure I need one!

[aizan]

maybe an olympus pen s, if half-frame is ok.

[FPjohn]

A Leica IC ? IF, IG ? I've no idea of availability or cost.

OTH why not a IIIC with your sportsfinder? It would fit easily in a coat pocket.

yours
FPJ

[P. Lynn Miller]

FPJ,

'Leica IC ? IF, IG'

I think you forgot about my lack of knowledge about Leica LTM cameras. I have no idea about these models...

As for a IIIc, since it has a 50mm finder built-in, I would not need the sportsfinder. Which is fine... I suppose a IIIc with its built-in viewfinder and rangefinder is not much bigger than a Leica O since the 'hump' finders is little higher than the wind and rewind knobs. But there would be abit more weight...

Someone brought the Voigtlander Vitessa to my attention...

[Goldorak]

It seems the One and Only logical choice is a Leica CL or Minolta CLE. Your decision and needs is exactly why those cameras we're made for, in the first place.

I would avoid FSU cameras and other cheapies. A CL can be had for 300$. It is a tiny, compact camera with all shutter speeds.

[Gary Sandhu]

just get a leica screw mount; i have a iiif with 50mm elmar 3.5 : tiny set up, and a viewfinder, too.

[ZeissFan]

If you're willing to leave Leicaland (and its neighboring territories), there are many cameras out there.

-- Etareta: A little Czech camera with a collapsible Etar. Very well made camera.

-- Folding prewar Retinas up to, but not including, the II and the "a" series and beyond: Small and pocketable. Not a collapsible lens but certainly as compact.

-- Postwar Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 35 and Contina II: Small compact folding cameras with either a Novar (triplet) or the Tessar (four elements). The Ikonta 35 is a viewfinder/zone-focus camera while the Contina II has an uncoupled rangefinder.

-- Folding Voigtlander Vito, Vito II and Vito IIa (but not the Vito III, which is a much larger camera): These had the Skopar or Color-Skopar (coated) lenses, which are Tessar-type and excellent.

-- Balda Jubilette: Tiny folding 35mm camera.

-- Welti: Another great German folding 35mm camera.

-- Agfa Optima-Parat: Excellent half-frame 35mm camera with a sharp Solinar (Tessar-type). I've gotten some outstanding photos with this camera. Lens doesn't collapse but it doesn't need to. Uses an accurate trap-jaw metering system, which might disqualify the camera. Too bad, because it's an excellent camera.

-- Agfa Solinette II and Super Solinette: Also sold as Ansco Regents and Super Regents. Great, lightweight folding camera with either the Apotar (triplet) or the Solinar.

-- Prewar Zeiss Ikon Tenax I and East German Zeiss Ikon Tenax and Taxona: These are all 24x24 cameras. The prewar camera has a Novar, while the postwar cameras can be had with a sharp Tessar. The lens isn't collapsible, but the body is so diminutive that it doesn't need to be.

-- Zeiss Ikon Nettax (35mm rangefinder): Uses a collapsible Tessar, but the camera's weight is considerable.

-- Zeiss Ikon Super Nettel: This is the folding version of the Nettax (above) and came with either a noncollapsible Triotar (a very good triplet) or a noncollapsible Tessar. Also somewhat heavy but not has heavy as the Nettax.

These are the ones that come to mind.

[sanmich]

just get a leica screw mount; i have a iiif with 50mm elmar 3.5 : tiny set up, and a viewfinder, too.
I second that..

[urban_alchemist]

I've just fallen - HARD - for an Olympus Pen FT. Small (about the same size as a Barnack Camera), ttl metering (though not lense-coupled) and built like a tank. I even like the half-frame format - allowing for quick, cool diptychs in one go.

A few hundred dollars buys a great one, and they're worth every penny and more IMHO...

[P. Lynn Miller]

Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions...

First, I do not want a 'half-frame', a 35mm negative a big enough step down in quality from medium-format...

Secondly, 'ZeissFan', thanks for the huge list of alternatives. I am not stuck in 'Leica Land' so I will definitely investigate the cameras on your list.

Thirdly, I should really quit complaining and just shoot what I have... the Bessa T is not that big!

http://plynnmiller.com/rrf/2008_12_06_001_700e.jpg

Not to mention a very capable kit.

But the lure of the Leica O is just so strong...

[ray*j*gun]

I have 3 Barnack Leicas and the III with a collapsible is tiny! And, with patience you will find a nice one in your price range. The one in our classifieds is nice (not mine).


Good Luck.

Ray

A Leica IC ? IF, IG ? I've no idea of availability or cost.

OTH why not a IIIC with your sportsfinder? It would fit easily in a coat pocket.

yours
FPJ

[akalai]

For a frame finder with a difference you could try the Ikodot.

Ikodot frame finder website;
http://www.ikodot.com/

Make sure you have a good read of the website ...these are very well made items and once you start to use them very intuitive. I also think they would be perfect for use with a Leica If Red Dial or if you can find one (and afford it) a Leica Ig which has slow speeds.

Here is an example of a Leica If, 50mm Elmar and 50mm Leica SBOOI view finder;
http://leica.boom.ru/Leica_IF-.JPG
(Image is from http://leica.boom.ru/Leica_IF-.JPG)

[FrankS]

If you don't need interchangeable lenses and can do with a 40mm, the Rollei 35 models are small, sturdy, mechanical, and have a built in meter as a bonus.

[FPjohn]

For a frame finder with a difference you could try the Ikodot.

Ikodot frame finder website;
http://www.ikodot.com/

Make sure you have a good read of the website ...these are very well made items and once you start to use them very intuitive. I also think they would be perfect for use with a Leica If Red Dial or if you can find one (and afford it) a Leica Ig which has slow speeds.

Here is an example of a Leica If, 50mm Elmar and 50mm Leica SBOOI view finder;
http://leica.boom.ru/Leica_IF-.JPG
(Image is from http://leica.boom.ru/Leica_IF-.JPG)

The Ikodot is elegant. I find it difficult to resist. Perhaps i will not.:)

yours
FPJ

[Ken Ford]

I've had the same desire for a pocketable camera. I used to carry a Retina Ia; I have a Leica If now. The Leica is the way to go if you can swing it - it's much lighter than a Retina.

[bmattock]

So I have been thinking is there a Leica out there like the Leica O but with a capping shutter, slow shutter speeds down to 1 sec, no finder, just an accessory shoe, and a good collapsible 50mm lens that can be had for a reasonable price, ie a couple hundred dollars.


There are no Leicas out there which are that reasonable in price, with the exception of the less-collectible I and II model screw-mount Leicas, which do not have speeds down to 1 second (that would make them III models). The addition of a collapsible lens would probably push you over your price point in any case.


I want to have a small, compact, quiet camera that I can load with Tri-X and carry with every where and know as long as I do my bit, I will get a good photograph.


Quiet can be achieved by use of a leaf shutter instead of a focal plane shutter. Additionally, leaf shutters generally allow flash sync at any speed. Few go to 1/1000 of a second, though, generally topping out at 1/500.


This camera does not even need to be a Leica, it could be a FSU LTM camera, which I really know absolutely nothing about.


You could easily obtain a Zorki or a FED LTM camera with collapsible lens for the price point you're looking for. Quality tends to vary, so budget a CLA at the minimum.

With respect to the Bessa T, the Bessa L is smaller yet (no rangefinder). Same trouble with collapsible lens, though, I presume.

I would second ZeissFan's recommendation regarding the Kodak Retina series, as well as the excellent (one of my personal favorites) the Agfa Karat IV:

http://www.growlery.com/agfa_karat_iv/

The Karat IV came with one of a variety of lenses, I am very fond of the f/2 Solagon. The lens doesn't collapse as much as the entire front of the camera does.

Minus the rangefinder, I like the size, weight, construction quality, lens, and extreme quietness of the Zeiss Ikon Contina. Available with 45mm 3.5 or 2.8 lenses, avoid the 'Pantar' replaceable front element versions.

I suppose I should not say this, but just FYI, I have found in my search for cameras similar to what you are describing, once one gets into the aspect of 'small' and 'folding', one must also consider 120 rollfilm folders in 6x4.5 or 6x6 - some of them were quite small, hardly bigger than some folding 35mms. And the difference in quality based on negative size...oh my.

[rbiemer]

How about something like this:
FED ZARYA (http://cgi.ebay.com/FED-ZARYA-Russian-35mm-Leica-copy-Camera_W0QQitemZ220307792114QQihZ012QQcategoryZ152 34QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262)
Not an exact match to your specs; shutter speeds aren't as you mentioned but not too pricey. OK seller as well.
Or, another idea, you might look for a FED or Zorki 1 in rough shape and strip off the RF/VF stuff on the top deck, leaving the shutter release,wind on, rewind, and speed selector. Add a cold shoe to hold your VF and you'd be set.
There are some good, inexpensive FSU techs that might be able to make something like this for you. Oleg at OK Vintage comes to mind and Eddy Smolov in the states as well.
I think some one here at RFF did this and posted about it in the FSU forum a while ago.
Rob

[Roger Hicks]

Retina IIa or later.

Cheers,

R.

[mh2000]

I have both and don't thing the weight difference is that big and the dimensions are just different. The Retina has a great 50 f2 lens vs. a 50 f3.5, and that is a pretty big difference in aperture... if you put even a collapsable 50/2 on the Leica it will bigger and heavier than the Retina IIa.

You will be hard pressed to get a nice Leica and lens for you price range, but the Retina will be well under $100 for a superb example.

I would also encourage you to look into the jewel-like Rollei 35's... they are very nice and the lenses are superb.

>>The Leica is the way to go if you can swing it - it's much lighter than a Retina.

[mh2000]

PS I know they aren't what you are directly asking about, but for a pocket take *everywhere* camare I think the only two real choices are the Minox 35's and Olypus XA. Granted they are aperture priority and manually focused 35mm FL, but they are ultra light weight and about the size of a pack of cigarettes. I am 50mm guy myself, but I use both of these cameras when I want something in my pocket (you can't really shove any of the others listed in the thread into a snug jeans pocket, but you can these). If you are flexible enough to accept full program (but with spotmetering) you can also add the Olympus stylus...

You can kina-sorta get a normal view from these if you shoot for a final crop (better than single focal length on a half frame IMO).

I have all these cameras and enjoy shooting...

[Roger Hicks]

I have both and don't thing the weight difference is that big . . . .

Leica IIIa with f/3.5 Elmar: 550g, 133mm x 67mm x 45mm, including lens cap but not strap lugs (141mm including strap lugs)

Retina IIa with f/2: 575g, 122 x 82 x 44mm between flats i.e. 11mm (or 19mm) shorter, a surprising 15mm higher, effectively identical in thickness. The extra 25g (about 0.9 oz.) seems a small price for an f/2 lens instead of f/3.5, combined range/viewfinder, no need to cut long film leaders, lever wind instead of knob, single-dial shutter speed setting, flash synch at all speeds, standard cable release fitting and $100 saved.

Leica advantages: 1/1000 (probable 1/650) top speed instead of 1/500 (probable 1/400), eyesight adjustment on rangefinder.

Cheers,

Roger

[mh2000]

I have both the Leica IIIc and Retina IIa... I like them both, but actually grab the Retina IIa more often. Being able to shoot "normal" film is more important than you may think... I've twice had to buy a $8 pair of scissors w/film just to load up in an emergency (sometimes you go out without enough film... shoot more than you expect...). The lever wind is also nice for shooting... VF's are kind of similar, I can use either, but the Retina is probably better. I'm guessing a LTM collapsible Summicron would be better than the Xenon, especially wide open but I don't own one... stopped down the Xenon probably at least matches the older Elmars at any aperture. I really like the look from my CV Color-Skopar 50/2.5, but the Leica is certainly not a pocket camera with that attached.

You have to like shooting old cameras to shoot either IMO... and they each have their own individual charm... I think most RF shooters would like to own a Barnack style camera, even if they only shoot it every so often.

The $25 Industar-22 (Russian coated Elmar clone) is a very good lens for use on a LTM.

[Ken Ford]

Leica IIIa with f/3.5 Elmar: 550g, 133mm x 67mm x 45mm, including lens cap but not strap lugs (141mm including strap lugs)

Retina IIa with f/2: 575g, 122 x 82 x 44mm between flats i.e. 11mm (or 19mm) shorter, a surprising 15mm higher, effectively identical in thickness. The extra 25g (about 0.9 oz.) seems a small price for an f/2 lens instead of f/3.5, combined range/viewfinder, no need to cut long film leaders, lever wind instead of knob, single-dial shutter speed setting, flash synch at all speeds, standard cable release fitting and $100 saved.

Leica advantages: 1/1000 (probable 1/650) top speed instead of 1/500 (probable 1/400), eyesight adjustment on rangefinder.

Cheers,

Roger

I'm very surprised by how similar the weights are! I have both Retina Ia and IIa and a Leica If, and the in-hand perception is that the Retinas are much, much heavier than the numbers would indicate.

Retinas are little gems! My Ia was a carry every day briefcase camera for almost ten years.

[P. Lynn Miller]

Wow! There is something like information over-load, you know!!!

Many, many thanks to one and all for your advice and comments, much appreciated. I will try to summarise...

To Bill Mattock,

Any suggestions on a small medium format folder... you are very right about the difference between 35mm and MF. One very big difference is that MF will allow you to torture the film more without it falling apart.

To everyone else,

In addition to not wanting a 'half-frame', I want no batteries involved except for a possible meter. But then I do not need a meter either. No auto-exposure, no automation... so that is why the Leica LTM camera's appeal to me.

Also I am not really looking for a camera that will fit in a pocket as such, but more a camera that is a complete unit without bits and pieces to snag or fall off. Not sure the made sense, but look at the Voigtländer Vitessa -

http://www.retrography.com/images/STP81486ee.jpg
photo courtesy of www.retrography.com (http://www.retrography.com/vitessa.htm)

A sleek unit that will slip in and out of a coat pocket or briefcase quickly and easily. Even a Leica LTM with one of Luigi's wonderful cases fit that description -

http://plynnmiller.com/rrf/BeltCaseBrownSdrFoldwIa_400.jpg
photo courtesy of www.leicatime.com (http://www.leicatime.com/index.htm)

Again thanks to everyone who contributed,

[Ken Ford]

Lynn, please check your email...

[bmattock]

Any suggestions on a small medium format folder... you are very right about the difference between 35mm and MF. One very big difference is that MF will allow you to torture the film more without it falling apart.

Modern? I'd consider a Fuji GS645, a folding 6x4.5 camera. One has to be careful to get a good one, I'm told some are prone to bellows problems from the factory, but once repaired, no problems. The lens is very well regarded.

Older - any number of folding MF cameras could do the job, a lot depends on what you want in one. RF? Or are you willing to guestimate distances and set the distance on the lens manually? If the former, a Zeiss Super Ikonta, I would think, or the Soviet equivalent. If the latter, any number of excellent folders would suffice. Agfa, Zeiss, Voigtlander, and so on. The Perkeo is nice, as is a basic Nettar. About as simple as they come, but of course, one must knob wind using red window, cock the shutter, and set focus distance before framing and taking the photo.

[elshaneo]

The Leica IIIf RD ST would be one of the best compact ones, I have two of them and I'm currently selling one of them:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=270314732012

[bean_counter]

I use a IIIf with an Elmar 50/3.5; with an SBOOI finder if the pocket is big enough.

Stopped down w/400 speed film, it's essentially a P&S in daylight. SBOOI is a GREAT finder.

[Dralowid]

One prob with the Leica I and standard that you may not be aware of. The original viewfinder prevents the biggest of the CV viewfinders (21 and wider, duuno about others) fitting the accesory shoe without a spacer to raise it up...if you are thinking of going down this route you need a later I with two shoes.

Michael

[Vince Lupo]

How about a Blackberry.....

[spysmart]

SBOOI is a GREAT finder.

Using the SBOOI is a magical experience - I can't imagine it's possible to make anything better.

[Leigh Youdale]

Lyn,
If you want to meet up I can let you see and handle the IIIf Leicas, Perkeo and Vitessa (and the fake Russian Leica II) so you can make your own assessment. I'm in Camden.

[wlewisiii]

Somewhat inspired by this thread, the other day I was surfing at KEH. Found a nice bgn condition Retina IIa for $39. Rangefinder, folds up small, lever advance & a 50/2 Xenon lens in a Syncro-Compur shutter. To be sure, I don't need another camera but I've always had a soft spot for the best of the little pocket cameras of the 1950's.

I've got a Voigtlander Vito IIa & an Agfa Karat 36 already, this arriving tomorrow :) & I'll just have to break down & buy another ZI Contessa 35 to have a very fine pocket camera collection.

William

[mcgrattan]

I find the photos from my Retina IIc easily match my Leica IIIc with Summitar. The finder is darker and squintier but the rangefinder patch more usable in very low light, I find. The bottom-mounted lever wind is the best I've ever used on any camera, it's ergonomically perfect for me.

None of these cameras matches some of the modern autofocus compacts for size, though. The Ricoh R1 and R10 cameras are tiny by comparison, as is the Olympus mju II. I have a Rollei AFM which is bigger than these but much lighter and more compact than the Retina or Leica [and it has manual control, too].

[le vrai rdu]

zorki 4 plus industar 22 is my pocket combo :)

[sepiareverb]

I think the little Rollei S's are well worth considering- the lens will not disappoint. The O has a shoe on top- not dead center, but there is a shoe to mount your viewer. In practice the 'gunsight' is easy enough to use- I get a kick out of holding the camera like a digital P&S to shoot it. The O is pretty heavy compared to a Rollei.

[P. Lynn Miller]

Thanks again to everyone who has contributed.

I suppose the thread is going to split from here and I should carry on this discussion in the appropriate forums...

Unless I come across a Leica in the right condition, configuration and price, that is a absolute beater/user but mechanically perfect that is in no way a collectors item and can be bought very inexpensively, a Leica LTM is off my list. This camera is going to live in my handbag, toolbelt, pannier, etc and could be dropped from a roof, be sat on, dropped on the ground, so I see no point in subjecting a collectable Leica to such abuse.

So I thinking that I will be getting a FED or Zorki LTM or get a folder such as the Retina or Vitessa.

I have this hunch that the FED or Zorki will stand up to the abuse better than folder and if the camera is stolen or damaged beyond repair, there are plenty more to be found where as the folders seem more fragile and dainty.

So I need to get crash course on FSU rangefinders...

FED or Zorki, which model or variation replicates the Leica IIIc the closest? As for a lens, well, I may just pick up an Elmar or similar. But from what I can read, the various FSU collapsible lenses when adjusted properly are good performers.

So I may enter that strange and addictive world of the FSU rangefinder...

Of course, a beat-up IIIc may just be the perfect solution.

[oftheherd]

I wouldn't give up on folders. I certainly would disagree that FSU cameras would stand up better than a Welti, Weltini (RF), or Retina. The Weltas are built like (and hence weigh like) tanks. In fact, I think some of the 6x6 folders may be no heavier, if not a little lighter than the Weltas. Again, Weltas, Fujis, Agfas and a host of other 6x6 folders have good lenses and hold up well. Certainly the folders will be easier to carry in a pocket or briefcase.

Sounds a little like you are looking for lens interchanagility even though you originally specified a 50mm? No matter what, I doubt anything suggested so far will disappoint you.

[Leigh Youdale]

[QUOTE=P. Lynn Miller;949669]Thanks again to everyone who has contributed.

So I thinking that I will be getting a FED or Zorki LTM or get a folder such as the Retina or Vitessa.

I have this hunch that the FED or Zorki will stand up to the abuse better than folder and if the camera is stolen or damaged beyond repair, there are plenty more to be found where as the folders seem more fragile and dainty.

Lyn,
I think you're right - the Perkeo or Vitessa need a little more love, simply because they're folders and have bellows, plus the shutter mechanisms are on the lens, not in the body, and require manual cocking before each frame.
I'll try to attach a photo of the fake Leica II I have. It's as represented by the seller and as it first arrived - looks 'bling' but it's dulled down considerably since then.
Leigh

[Leigh Youdale]

Whoops! :bang:
Try again!

[Leigh Youdale]

Sorry - forgot to make the pic a .jpg. Also just noticed I inferred that the Vitessa needs manual shutter cocking. it doesn't. The rapid-wind plunger film transport does that - the Perkeo needs cocking - but you do have to set both the speed and aperture on the Vitessa lens mount.

[Ken Ford]

Lynn, did you see my email? I sent it to the address in your signature.

[P. Lynn Miller]

Ken,

I did and I replied... as far as I know... but then I am getting old and forgetful!

Leigh,

I don't know... I guess I could paint it black... I will have a look at when we meet-up. Nice camera though, just not into the gold bling thing.

[Ken Ford]

Lynn, I didn't see anything from you in email or PM...

[Jerevan]

Lynn,

I've got a Retina 117, Retina 013 and a Balda 35 mm folder, which are going off my shelf. All of them quite pocketable but they all need more or less TLC. I have had good results from the Retinas earlier but the Balda is untested. It may not be interesting to you as I am located on the other side of the globe but I just thought I'd tell you... :)

[ContaxT]

Just typed out a long reply to this after joining using the name of the camera I recommend as my handle. Contax T. Love the little bugger. If you want some pros and cons shoot me an email.