Of course there are other TLR model cameras -- for me, they don't feel as good or invite my wanting to shoot with them as much. The lens that captures the images (the "taking lens") is a Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 75mm f3.5. Figure if I am going to , I'd best be doing it before its to late. 210000016464 Rolleiflex Rollei-Mutar 0.7 Wide Angle for 2.8 Rollie Bay III EXCELLENT $900.00 Rolleiflex 210000016246 ROLLEICORD II MODEL 3 W/7.5CM F3.5 TRIOTAR GOOD $225.00 Rolleiflex . Best of all, the Baier adapter cosmetically matches the Rolleiflex aesthetic. There is both a 2.8C . When replacing the leather, reuse the alligator clips that attach to strap lugs on either side of the camera. The Rollei Franke & Heidecke company was established in 1920 in Germany, and its cameras became a TLR standard. I can guess, but I thought I'd try asking someone who actually has one in hand! john smith laramie wife rolleiflex models to avoid. Maximum format: 35mm full frame. Very well cared for by its meticulous original owner who used it extensively. Heck, KC is only 3 hours away. The worst fate for any camera, let alone a Rolleiflex, is to become a dusty shelf queen. Lets talk about the viewfinder. Just buy a roll of suitable thread, some sturdy needles, and replace the old thread with new. No mirror slap, either. You will need to zone focus (guestimate the distance to the subject and dial it in on the focus wheel) and then push the shutter button. Because the design is mirrorless, the camera body is much simpler, smaller, and easier to carry. They differ from a single lens reflex camera (SLR) in several ways. When focused, everything seems to stand out from the background and appears even sharper than it does in real life. This Yashica Model A might be a basic camera, it's still a great performer in 2023. As you might imagine, the 2.8 models are even more expensive than the. :). Yet another vote for an E model. He was photographer on the ship and now works in the movie industry doing stills. However, make sure that any vintage finder with a prism is free of balsam separation. Mount and Flange focal distance: Interchangeable mount (T) Diagonal angle of view: 4.1. Brand: Rolleiflex Brand Model Format Color Condition Price Buying Format All Filters VINTAGE ROLLEIFKEX BOX FILM CAMERA 75MM FRANKE & HEIDECKE ZEISS HEIDOSMAT TESSAR $11.50 3 bids Free shipping 9d 12h Rolleiflex 3.5 German 1:3. It could be converted to use 120 or 620 film to produce the 12 frames we are familiar with today. prestel publishing submissions. Later variants allow for use of 220 film and have a 12/24 switch for the film transport/frame counter. I'd be curious to see the IQ. Bay I accessories are fairly plentiful and generally inexpensive, Bay II accessories are more expensive, and finally Bay III accessories can be hard to find and quite expensive. My experience with my 2.8C Planar and 3.5F Xenotar is that the 3.5 Xenotar is a sharper lens while the 2.8 Planar has better character. When considering where to have your Rolleiflex serviced, be sure to examine the repairmans reputation. In general (this is how I think of it anyway), there are 4 main groups of Rolleiflex models: Originally, there was one 6x6 model called the Rolleiflex Standard, then in the late 30s, the Rolleiflex Automat was introduced. By including the buckle hardware, straps with the same adjustability as the original can be ordered. As I said before, I am not a street photographer, but I try to challenge myself to do more street photography when I can, and my Rolleiflex is my favorite camera to use. The back was not hinged to the camera. With four little ones in mycare, I've been too busy to keep developing and processing my own film. Rolleiflex were made for nearly a century, and other than the very early models and some special models, they really didn't change in looks for the most part. I even use it with my old Vivitar 272 flash - that's right a 272! I think the 2.8E Type 2 and 3.5E Type 3 introduced the removable viewfinder. There are few TLR (twin lens reflex) cameras as iconic as the Rolleiflex (Vivian Maier, Diane Arbus, Cecil Beaton, Robert Capa, Imogen Cunningham all shot exclusively or at some point in their lives on the Rolleiflex) and the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex never reached those levels. And its this manufacturing skill that makes a 50-year-old Rolleiflex feel relevant and demand to be picked up, appreciated, and used. I found a twin lens Mamiya with a Porro (sp?) If I were in the look for a Rolleiflex today I would look for a model made from the mid 60's to 80's, that would be the time period that Rolleiflexes were most popular and would have the best coatings on the taking lenses. However, the downside will be that it will most likely only fit the intended wearer. If I have to be objective, I suppose I can come up with a list of pros and cons for Rolleiflex cameras, but I am pretty sure my list of cons will be minimal. Thanks! I say. We will not declare items of a lesser value to avoid taxes, fees or custom duties. I was using one of my favourite 35mm SLRs today, a Bessamatic model circa 195960 manufactured by Voigtlnder. I have to think a whole lot more than with the digital stuff. The most important consideration is the condition of the lenses, especially the lower taking lens. The Automat also came equipped with a self timer. These factors include the presence of oil on the aperture blades, transport mechanism gearing problems, alignment of metal bellows, shutter speed accuracy, and more. rolleiflex models to avoid blog. And while a TLR camera has a mirror, it is not like the mirror in an SLR camera. Its a good creative and personal challenge. 1. A couple in Des Moines, over a hour away and a few in the eastern part of the state. Please click for Part 2, Loading Film,and Part 3, Street Photography.. It accommodates the camera, with lens shade, and can be nicely configured to hold a light meter, extra film, cable release, filters, etc. I even put one in a portable beauty dish connected to a flexible arm -- what a contraption! The film door is L-shaped because it includes the bottom and back of the camera. Besides the Rolleiflex lineups, there is also a low cost camera series - Rolleicord - introduced . In the late 40s the first 2.8 was introduced, and in the mid 50s the Automat was replaced with what is generally referred to as the 3.5C or 3.5E. From 1992 to 1999, Rollei has been a part of the South Korean Samsung Group. But on Rolleiflexes, the film door fits so precisely that there is no need for foam linersthe metal-on-metal fabrication alone assures that the door remains light-tight. Turning 27 soon so decided to gift myself an early present besides some cameras: an extra collimator. I think your reply partly illustrates my point, Dennis. and a grey hardshell case and neckstrap. My (dad, aunt, grandfather) had one.. Those quotations really should be air quotes because this sports viewfinder really isnt more than a framing device. One of its niftiest tricks always I thought is to be used as a periscope to take pictures held (upside down) high over your head or unseen from around a corner. It is a pity that camera's shutter cocking lever broke beyond fixing and my repair person couldn't fix it. Speed: F/5.6. I can guesstimate the diameter of the lenses and the nameplate, but if you wouldn't mind measuring those too, I'd be grateful. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Rolleiflex cameras are iconic, beautifully designed, and solidly engineered cameras. For only $2.99, I think I'll give it a try. Whenever I am out with my Rollei, I almost always try to get a through-the-viewfinder shot, a portrait of a stranger, and a self-portrait. I know that when I first started looking at Rolleiflex, I couldn't make heads or tails of it. The great Brazilian songwriter Antnio Carlos Jobim used a Rolleiflex and its mentioned in his timeless bossa nova tune Desafinado (Slightly out of tune): que os desafinados tambm tm um corao You could think of the two lenses as being the same food dish (as an analogy) but made by two different chefs at different restaurants. Its important to note that they are not identical twin lenses. And for seasoned photographers, shooting from a new perspective can be liberating and inspiring. These cameras are now anywhere from 50-80+ years old, and time and use can take their toll. From what you've said about your Rolleiflex in this forum, perhaps this questioin is for you. Remember, if you need it, pop up the magnifier to fine tune your focus. Another advantage of Rolleiflexes with removable finders is the ability to clean the mirror behind the viewing lenseasily and quickly replace the focusing screen with a brighter one for improved focusing, especially under low-light conditions. I remember the first time my son looked through a waist level viewfinder and said, Mama! If you scan your film, then you can add star effects in image editing software. There is also an optional adapter called the PhotoPlug that you can buy on ebay which actually measures timing of the light through the shutter to an optical sensor that transfers timing via the microphone jack. Also, to make things simpler, this write up will focus primarily on 6x6 Rolleiflex, and not the Rolleicord which is a similar but different camera, or the Tele and Wide models. Details and photos easily provided. And this one even still has the Yashica branded silica packet . And because the camera body has been designed differently, the lenses for these . Rolleiflex SL35m - $350 . The reason a 2.8F (or any other model Rollei TLR, for that matter) has no mirror slap is *not* because it is has a lens shutter. The 2.8E was the first 2.8 model with a built in (uncoupled) light meter. Fortunately, when I was in LA in September I had Harry Fleenor check out my Rolleiflex speeds and meter for accuracy -- so I'm good for the time being. Many cameras have seen a lot of use and potentially have worn out film transport mechanisms. A major appeal of Rolleiflex TLR cameras is that they are so well made. The group exhibition that my overall installation will be in is slated for November 2016 at the California Women's Museum in San Diego. All subsequent 2.8 models use the larger Bay III filter mount. If you have a 3.5 taking lens, then it should be a Bay II size. The Rolleiflex is expensive because it was a well made camera with peerless optics for any given timeframe. All use lens shutters, and all have mirror-related vibrationthe latter more pronounced, obviously. Are user changeable focus screens a must have? I also have an f3.5 E2 with a Xenotar while a better camera it's worth considerably more but is also near mint so the Automat is my main user TLR here in the UK.. Ditto to what others have already said. Counter and rewind knobs not factory fitted. I loved my Autocord - no longer have it but wish I did. Thanks for the info. June 14, 2022 . I'm not sure what you mean by one of the mirrors - the one under the focusing screen can't be it. What makes a Rolleiflex TLR so special? He did a beautiful job and the Rolleiflex works wonderfully. Zeiss Ikoflex (models with Tessar, Compur-Rapid shutter, and from a dry climate). Rolleiflex 3.5B at 100 iso. This takes a bit of getting used to when first shooting with a TLR. Rolleiflex added features to its TLR camera such as a light meter and 35mm capabilities, but this was not enough to keep the brand profitable, and in 1981, the company filed for bankruptcy. Very complex, hard on batteries, difficult to repair. I could say the same about my Contaflex single lens reflexes for that matter. 1950c Societ POLLI Milano Ambros Mamie pubblicit Farmaceutica. Hi Anatol- in short, no, they are different lenses. Wish I was armed with such good info before buying my Rolleiflex 2.8c Planar. From 5.6 and on, I found it difficult to tell differences from my Planars and Tessars. I had a Rolleiclear screen (the first bright screenfound in most later "F" models) and a meter (which still works) installed by the importer in 1965. They have different physical designs, though, with the Hasselblad lens being designed as an SLR lens and the Rollei one being a TLR lens. The 2.8A is a bit of an oddity within the group of 2.8 models. Enjoyed the article very much. This is important for wide-open shooting, where depth of focus is at a minimum and fractions of an inch can make or break critical focus. Western Union), cashier checks, money . In 1982, after filing for bankruptcy, Rollei was bought by United Scientific Holding (UK). Finally, remove both lenses (still attached) from the camera all together. Find great local deals on used film, disposable & single-use cameras for sale in RM4 Shop hassle-free with Gumtree, your local buying & selling community. The original Rolleiflex had either a 75/4.5 or a 75/3.8 taking lens. Forgot to add that for some Rollei models, the 3.5 taking lens might be a Bay 1 size. Underneath that panel is a mirror, so when you look through the round magnifier, you can see what the viewing lens sees. I got a 2.8E2 because its what the Rolleiwide is based on. Beautiful condition wide-angle attachment to fit the 2.8 Bay III Rolleiflex cameras. The pop up finder magnifier helps as well. So, I use a handheld light meter. Finally, if a seller claims that their Rolleiflex TLR had a CLA, there should always be a sticker with the repairmans name in one of the film spool chambers. Unless your camera is equipped with a 12/24 switch, it will only accept 120 film. -. Personally, I would agree with what others have said about the 3.5e series. Great article, I was just looking on the web for a replacement WLF for my Rollei Magic and found this, the link to Harry Fleenor should help me get at least two of my Rolleis tuned up, my old Rolleicord III is not on the list of cameras he works on. I use the lens caps every time my camera isnt in use. This means that the Rollei can be shot at very low shutter speeds hand-held. It sold for $75about $1127 today. Vintage Rolleiflex camera - $500 (Upper West Side) Vintage Rolleiflex camera. The lens is the Carl Zeiss made in Germany 80mm planar 2.8f I believe. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. About 25 years ago I was the staff photographer for a Southern university. Rolleiflex 2.8 C Common Particulars: Bayonet III filter mount. Once again, the shutter installation involved is absolutely immaterial to the absence of a retracting reflex mirror. However, with the cases, it is the thread that often needs replacing, not the leather. First, on all the Rolleiflex models, you will find no light sealing foam. One must be very carefull when buying from ebay . Case options include: The Wonderful World of Rolleiflex TLR Photography is a three-part series. My Dad parst away larst year , and it is now time to look at he's camera's but the one thing he always talk about was the Rolleiflex , He said if i only had one camera this would be the one . Thanks for the link -- some great photos. The Rolleicord clocked in at 70$ (1,300$) and while the same basic shape and design as the Rolleiflex it lacked a leather covering going for a metal exterior with some art deco inspired aesthetic. Any leads woild be great. TLR style cameras had been around for about 30 years. And for searching -- sometimes you need to write Bay I, 11, 111 (cap letter i) as Bay 1, 2, 3, or even Bay i, ii, iii. Throughout the next few years, Heidecke and Franke improved on their design adding a hinged back, a crank lever film advance, and a frame counter, making the Rolleiflex of 1935 only minorly different from the Rolleiflex of 2015. NO BATTERY!) The 2.8B replaced the 2.8A, and so on. All of them, though, have a lens. It was also the last Rolleiflex to use a 10 bladed aperture. The process and features will be similar with other Rolleiflex models as well. A neck strap, case, hood and a few filters can easily add up to an additional expenditure of $300 or more. Its impossible to hear the shutter when shooting in a busy public space. Choose how many points and other parameters that appeal to you. And you canpick up a Rolleiflex TLR film camera for yourselfat KEH Cameraoron eBay! A spare take-up spool needs to be inserted in the compartment at the top of the camera, and the new roll of film will go in the bottom compartment. Hold the camera in both hands. :). I have had the urge for a long time of getting one, but never have. Can you still get film for that thing? One example of how well-designed these cameras are would be the fit of the removable film door. These questions invariably draw a large number of different answers, as well as a lively debate, but there is one interesting fact that emerges from them. I am not any kind of Rollei expert, but I have done some research into the cameras, and I own 3 Rolleiflex and have used more. The video below walks you through how to use the Rolleiflex 2.8F. Seller representations that inspire confidence are, I will supply paperwork for CLA performed on specific date, please e-mail for larger photos with additional details, and returns may be made within 14 days.. Its what the film sees. Brighter focusing screens, which generally cost more than two hundred dollars, are easily scratched, and should be handled only by the edges. I like to say that my Rollei has introduced me to some of the most interesting people because it is a great conversation starter. The chrome, paint, leather and other surfaces have almost no signs of real use. Its what the photographer sees when looking through the viewfinder. Other finders are available, such as 90-degree or 45-degree eye-level pentaprism, which are heavy but allow photographers to view subjects without the image appearing reversed horizontally. (Upper West Side) Model is MX-EVS. Robert Doisneau, Richard Avedon, Vivian Maier, Philippe Alsman, Robert Capa. FOR SALE! If you have a camera that's not on his list -- he may be able to recommend someone. Although I've never seen, owned or used one, experts say to stay clear of the Rolleimagic. Many things. This offers the option of shooting with a chimney finder, which is hard to come by unless one is using a Baier adapter with a Hasselblad or other third-party chimney. These lenses will be either built-in or removable. Part 01 Chris Sherlock 3.1K views 6 months ago Fix Old Cameras: Rollei TLR Mysterious Bumps Fix Old Cameras 10K views 7 years ago. rolleiflex models to avoid June 23, 2022/ It handles quickly, and has all the most important features for professional photography. Going from shooting square format with the Rolleiflex to a smaller square with the Instamatic was a fun experience. Before I had kiddos, I enjoyed using a Canon AE-1 my father gave me. Surgically sharp, beautiful out of focus areas and a great all round balance and compromise of a design that works well for everything and anything that I personally like shooting. This has *nothing* to do with the type of shutter fitted to it. I think I have only been refused once or twice. The advantages of shooting from the waist, or more accurately, the solar plexus, is that people will look more heroic as the horizon line and related background areas behind a subject will be shifted higher. Because the clips bend outward and away from the camera, when a photographer lifts the camera, the neck strap will fall to the sides instead of getting in the way. It really is a lot of fun, but ithis part isn't retro. I am a big fan of Vivian Maier, and while I dont have the talent she had in her little finger, I do find her work inspiring. A smaller company was created with former employees under the name DW Photo that produces the Rolleiflex HY6 mod2 digital and film SLR and services existing cameras. I don't have the experience or time for it. Connect with him on Flickr, Instagram, and Facebook. It directs the image projected on it through the lens up to the focus screen. In 1956, with the introduction of the 2.8E, Franke and Heidecke also replaced the Automat with the 3.5E. Another optional service is camera leather replacement. Even owners of pre-war Rolleiflex models with an uncoated Tessar or Xenar lens affirm the excellence of their cameras and claim complete satisfaction with them. Compur-Rapid MX CR0 shutter, 1/500s, M and X synchronisation. rolleiflex models to avoid. 2.8c -- that's a great model. The 2.8E2 replaced the 2.8E, and was available with or without the built in meter. Ive been complimented on my cool handbag and stylish necklace when Ive been out shooting with my Rollei. Rangefinder-type cameras are not cursed by mirror-induced vibration, either. Choice does not matter. Fortunately, there are superb Rolleiflex repairmen, such as Harry Fleenor, in California, andKrikor Maralian, whose service is called Krimar, in New Jersey, both of whom have websites describing their services. These tools are used to make sure lenses are properly focusing at infinity. It depends which model you have. Rolleiflex was founded in 1920 as an optical instrument manufacturing business by Reinhold Heidecke and Paule Franke, two German camera makers from Braunschweig. Does anyone have one in good condition? Agree entirely with the 3.5E2 assessment - I've owned one (a Planar model bought new) since 1966. Nobody would touch it (they do Flexes but not Cords). Many photographers say that they love shooting with film cameras because they slow down and take the time to really choose their shots, frame them carefully, and make sure they are in focus before pressing the shutter button. serial number on lens nr something. It is not my intention to misinform, and I apologize if I get some details incorrect. Thanks for mentioning the Rolleimeter. We've been selling used cameras . Guess what? Pre WWII models don't have a filter mount on the viewing lens, and only came with a Zeiss Tessar taking lens. finder in the gear locker. Prewar ROLLEIFLEX Model RF 111A, TESSAR 3.5 / 7.5 75 Carl Zeiss Jena 6x6 Rollei Rolleiflex 3.5F TLR Planar 75mm f/3.5 Rolleiflex Rollei 3.5E 3.5 E TLR Camera For Repair/Parts Thank you B&H! My Rolleiflex 2.8F has a built-in, coupled light meter. Whats nice about this method of exposure selection is that it gives a visual representation that makes adjusting for backlit, low lit, and other tricky situations fast, reliable, and easy to visualize and understand. Its also really challenging to know how much to wind the film before cocking the shutter. :). Then, attach it to the close-up filter on the taking lens. In the case of a Rolleiflex TLR, you look through the upper or viewing lens. There are distance markings on the edge. 220 film is roughly twice as long as 120 film and doubles the number of exposures to 24. If you have a 2.8 taking lens (lower lens), then it's probably a Bay III bayonet size. The lower lens, which is referred to as the taking lens, is situated in front of the film plane, and is the lens that captures the image. There are other more "exotic" models also, like the Rollei Magic (with automatic exposure control), Tele-Rolleiflex and Wide-Angle Rolleiflex. ultium cells llc stock symbol; a company's weighted average cost of capital quizlet Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 Model 1 (type K4C2) has the removeable finder hood too. The company went on to make the less expensive Rolleicord as well. I always do the old twist test -- hold the leather in your hands and twist it back and forth -- when the leather is no longer safe to use it will tear like a piece of cardboard. Richard Avedon used a Rollei for most of his fashion work. The 3.5E was available with or without the built in meter, and like the 2.8E, the meter is uncoupled. All else being equal, a camera that comes with a neck strap, case, hood, and other accessories is preferable to one that doesnt. If you had more $ to spend then look at a 70's E2-3 or F model with removeable view hood either the Planar or Xenotar lens will give stellar images. XF-35 - Repair Manual, Parts List, Diagrams and Assembling Charts Rollei XS Series User Manual XS-10 inTouch - U.M. Analog Workflow Forums (100% Analog/Traditional). Use it till this day for portraits and wedding photography. Needs some TLC such as dust removal and one little piece of the leather on case needs adhesive. Visit 285152173441 The 2.8B introduced the 5 element taking lens in the form of the Zeiss Biometar 80mm f/2.8, but it wasn't produced for very long, making it the rarest of the 2.8 cameras and therefore it is usually quite expensive.