Gambling on the Agfa Isolette 4.5 as the Perfect Medium Format Travel Camera

... in which I take this post war 6x6 medium format film camera to China, recording the sights of Shanghai's Century and Guangfulin Parks. But how does this relic of a photographer, using a relic of a camera, on the relics of Shanghai's ancient history fare? Is the Agfa Isolette a pocket medium format powerhouse, or does all that foldable faff just make for a failed photographic experience? See how blowing four rolls of film blows the wind out of my bellows as I try to make art out of Shanghai Parks.
Camera: Agfa Isolette 4.5
Lens: Agfa Solinar 8.5cm f/4.5
Films: Kodak Gold 200, Lomography CN 400, Harman Kentmere 100
Location: Century Park, Pudong, and Guangfulin Park, Songjiang, Shanghai China
Dates: 8 June & 21 May 2024
web: markmcmahon.me
instagram: @patternsinsand
For further information on Agfa Isolettes:
certo6.com
As a comparison between Solinar & Agnar lenses:
www.flickr.com...

[@blobbicus]

Thanks Mark. Your stuff is always fun to watch. I enjoyed the sights almost as much as the camera.

[@patternsinsand]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the sights of Shanghai parks as much as the photos!

[@TOReilly-n6b]

Another goodie of a camera. Mark. I've never shot 120 film. - like to . I've always been worried buying an old camera with bellows and possible light leaks. I should be braver and try. The pictures you captured are, as ever, lush!! - love the colours. very dreamy.

[@patternsinsand]

Thanks for the comment! I think they're worth the risk. I've heard the bellows can be replaced but I also managed a diy fix on another camera using liquid rubber on the inside of the bellows where there was a pin-prick light leak.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

These cameras are really for people who understand the manual camera. I have a Perkeo and a few others and enjoy using them casually. Portability and control are their major assets. You can get some really good photos with them. The only element that is needed is a little understanding and a little patience. Mark takes us on an interesting junket to Chinese parks which have been crafted with the utmost skill. Eye opening.

[@patternsinsand]

Glad you enjoyed it James. Yes, I think portability and control sum up the Isolette well. It's the person behind the camera that's the dangerous variable!

[@donball9777]

another camera i now want!

[@patternsinsand]

It's a gem and good value for what it delivers.

[@devroombagchus7460]

Thanks! I have experience with Zeiss and Voightländer folders with coupled range finders. 6x9, but closed still easy to carry along. Great lenses and still reliable and reasonably smooth, but then, they were top of the line. I have kept my Voightländer. The visibility of the range finder is OK under normal light conditions. That’s why I always use ISO 200-400. A higher f stop for more leeway. On longer trips, it is usually in my suitcase.

[@patternsinsand]

Thanks for the comment. I also have a very old 1930s Voigtlander Bessa that shoots 6x9. The viewfinder is just a frame, though it does have one of those brilliant finders too for helping to compose from above. Even more fiddly than the Isolette and not as sharp but produces some beautiful dreamy 6x9 pics. I agree about the benefits of shooting with faster film. With the Bessa, it's very easy to get blur on slower shutter speeds.

[@danienelphoto]

Lovely camera. Have not had the opportunity to use one, though. Really portable for a 120! I have recently again shot the Voigtlander Bessa 1 (circa 1929) to disastrous results and am about to release my video on a Retina 1a.... now that is a more manageable folding camera! However, the 120 of your Agfa is just preferable! Really cool images.

[@patternsinsand]

I have a Voigtlander Bess and I find the results are soft (uncoated lens) quite pleasantly dreamy in black and white, but the shutter button on the side of camera once opened means I tend to get a bit of shutter blur at low speeds. I think a tool like that might be best off with a cable release and a tripod. The Isolette is a nice portable solution. Never used a Retina 1a but I'll check out your video. Thanks for the comment.

[@bernardkealey6449]

Definitely a colt-45 in a purse but like any gun, you need to spend a fair amount of time practicing drawing, aiming, cocking and firing before having it in your purse is going to do you any good. I have a voigtlander Bessa i which while 6x9 does just fit into baggy jeans pockets which is awesome, but like all folders of the era managing the focus, aperture, speed dials - and even the red window winding - is “cumbersome” to say the least. Getting the best out of any of those beasts is a matter of “forgetting” what they don’t have, and mastering what they ask from us. Not usually a fan (because I suck at it) of the stitched pano, but you nailed that, and I particularly loved the stone arches. But again, the story you wove was definitely the winner. Love your work, it’s always informed and respectful, with a great balance of humour.

[@patternsinsand]

Thanks Bernard. My own aging Voigtlander Bessa doesn't get much use because it's too damn fiddly and difficult to get a sharp image with the large negative and awkward ergonomics at slow shutter speeds. I think I'll have to bring it out again and maybe try to see what I can get out of it with a cable release.

[@bernardkealey6449]

@@patternsinsand mine has to go back to the shop because trying to use cable release has borked the trigger mechanism… sigh. At least they’re not as expensive to maintain as vintage watches or cars

[@robdido]

The six final ones the best of the lot. Love that square format. Epic drone. They dont have many rules in china looks like. Lol😅

[@patternsinsand]

Lots of rules but lots of people breaking them. I wouldn't have dared fly my drown downtown though.

[@Martin_Siegel]

There is also a Super Isolette Rangefinder and is really expensive.

[@patternsinsand]

Thanks for watching. It would make focusing easier, for sure, but part of the fun is learning to guess focus just as much as exposure.

[@iainmc9859]

I hope that bunny wasn't some sort of 'offering' ?

[@patternsinsand]

Not sure if it was going to be a new pet or dinner but very cute.

[@arneheeringa96]

I have one and guess what? You can put BW film into it too and develop it yourself!

[@patternsinsand]

So good to know! I was thinking about buying the Monochrome version ;)

[@arneheeringa96]

@@patternsinsand 😂

[@vandytalk]

Another brit word salad.

[@patternsinsand]

Add your own dressing :)