Isolette. Worth repairing? Check photo...

kafrf · 08-01-2005

I picked up an Agfa Isolette, for next to nothing. The body is nearly pristine, all functions working nicely, except for the typical frozen focus. Here's a photo shot with it, as is, unrretouched. In your collective opinions, is it worth repairing? Also, can any of you tech gurus out there tell me where the lens is focused, at this point?

TIA, Ken

Richard Black · 08-01-2005

Do you like it? Will it travel with you frequently? Value can only be ascribed by you and how it fits into your photography. I had one CLA'd by a well known folder repairman for more than the camera cost me. Am I displeased? NO. It is worth it to me to be able to use the camera as it was intended to be used. It is a joy to take on the road. As you can see the photos are more than acceptable and in color with Fuji Reala, the prints just snap. Do I lke me, definitely and it was worth the money to get it CLA'd. Investment wise, I doubt it.

XAos · 08-01-2005

Worthless. I'll take it off your hands for a small disposal fee

Seriously, I'd like to find one, but can't say I've been "looking". I'd like a 120 folder to use, but I'd be happy to find one (and a TLR) even in "bookshelf" grade (ie, only worth sticking on the bookshelf to look at.) Pawn shops around here wont take film cameras, (like digital cameras are pawnable? I can understand not wanting to sell new merchandise film cameras for someone like that, but digital cameras become next to worthless very very fast.) I've never found a flea market with anything more than a solitary polaroid.

wlewisiii · 08-01-2005

A bit of lighter fluid can sometimes clean out the Agfa green cement if you're patient. I've done it with a Karat 36 and while it takes a bit of time, it's well worth the effort.

William

JoeFriday · 08-01-2005

I can attest that William's Karat 36 is sweet... I'd be happy to take it off his hands

P C Headland · 08-01-2005

Yes, it is worth it.

The stiff / frozen focus can be sorted by almost anyone who is patient and not too ham-fisted and often doesn't require any real disassembly.

Folders are capable of great results, and many are smaller or weigh less than 35mm cameras.

Paul

fotosniper · 08-01-2005

http://www.rolandandcaroline.co.uk/r...frozenfix.html

check this out..should help you..I've done same job on similar folder..aint too much trouble if you got patience and steady hands!..

good luck!

kafrf · 08-01-2005

OK, folks. Thanks for the feedback. I scanned some more negatives from the one roll I shot...considering that the focus is frozen, the photos are very, very good. So, I'm going to try to unstick the focus, and I'm going to have some questions. But, right now, I've got to get back to work. More later.

Ken