Help me choose a folder for portraits

[ZeissFan]

With medium format folders, you tend to frame a bit loose and then crop later. A big issue with most folders is parallax.

Most older folding cameras don't have framelines and certainly don't have parallax marks, so you must remember to make your own adjustment.

For tight portraits, a folder probably isn't the best tool. I think they're fine for environmental portraits as Frank stated.

Here's one that I snapped quickly, using a Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta 532/16 (with the coated Tessar). This is a front-cell focusing lens, by the way. This was Agfapan APX 100:

[wlewisiii]

If it's portraits you really want to do, then the only real folder to get is a Century Graphic with a Mamiya RB67 roll film holder and a 127/4.7 Ektar. It'll fold up semi-compact, you should be able to get the RF to handle the 5" rather than the standard 4" and get the slightly longer focal length useful for portraiture.

William

[GaryLH]

Your typical folders such as the bessa ii, ziess ikonta c, etc.. Can give you great portraits as Chippy and others have shown. If u are looking for more precise framing with a folder then u should consider folders that have a ground glass back. Examples in 2x3 ((120 film) would be 2x3 Linhof Super Technica, Crown Graphic mentioned above. Of course u would now be using a tripod...

Focus and compose on the gg and then use the roll film back. More work and cameras tend to be heavier than your typical 120 folder.

[GaryLH]

Forgot to mention.

Most of the 6x9 folder I have come across, the shutter release is a left side one... So it takes some getting used to... All of the 6x6 folders I have come across are normal right side shutter release.

My favorite folders are
Ziess ikonta c, super ikonta b, ikonta iii w/ tessar.
Bessa ii w/ heliar or perkeo ii w/ skopar
Franka solida ii w/ Ernagon

The 2x3 linhof is a rf folder built like a tank. Usually comes as a 3 lens kit and match rf cam. Typically a 53 or 65 for the wide angle. A 105 for the normal and a 180 for the tele. The cam has the marking for each lens plus their serial numbers and the serial number for the body that the cam belongs to. It is their 4x5 technical camera shrunk down to 120 size but still weights a significant amount when compared to a folder like the bessa ii...

Good luck
Gary

[goo0h]

I wonder how the Bessa III / Fuji GF670 would work for portraits? At least the cropping factor might be handled a bit better? Though, I imagine it too would be more suited for "environmental portraits" than tight face shots, huh?