The Film Retriever

This camera was my birthday present a few years ago but since developing 120 film format in this area is something of a science fiction, i didn't have the chance to test this camera for a long time. But now I've got everything i need to develop and scan my pictures so here is a short review about this wonderful camera. This is a very well build camera. The moment you hold it in your hands, you know that the engineers in Zeiss did not save on metal. The viewfinder is reasonably bright and all the controls are smooth in my sample. A common problem with this camera is the focusing knob that can become stiff because of the dry lubricants. I am lucky, mine focuses smoothly and the wheel to set the speeds rotates without any resistance. Before you start using the camera, you need to read the manual. Really, there is no way you will manage to figure out how to load the film is you don't read the manual. After you practice it a couple of times, it becomes sort of obvious b...

Searching on the internet, i was surprised to see how few resources you can find about the Zeiss Ikon 518/16 which has been such a popular model during the '50s. After working for almost half a year with my Zeiss, i thought that maybe it would be a good idea to write my own personal review about this great performer. I got this one as part of an exchange deal in a price that i feel ashamed to write. The guy sold me a Agfa Box camera which didn't work properly and since it was still in warranty i decided to give a couple of pounds extra and go for it. And i am glad i did. The camera seems to be in a very good condition. Size wise it is in the same league with the Zenit 12XP when unfolded but fold it up and you can put it in your coat's pocket. And that's not all. I am not exactly sure about the difference in weight, but it does feel much less heavy that the mighty Zenit. And remember, this is a 6X6 medium format camera. The lens on the camera is a 75mm - f/4.5 Nettar c...