Advice for a first-timer?

[lazarza]

After a lot of reading threads about the pros/cons of different tlrs and being outbid a number of times on ebay I recently bought a Zenobiaflex II, which I've just started using (first two rolls developed and scanned, third roll sent in to be developed today). It's a huge learning curve, especially for someone with no spacial awareness, as the whole back to front thing makes framing an image a bit of a minefield. And I didn't figure out how to make the magnifier pop up until after the first two rolls. I figured it was stuck and didn't want to force it...duh! So precise focusing was also tricky. And, even more stupidly, because the camera came with instructions and I even read them, I wasn't lining the start arrow up on the film and camera while loading film, so I was losing my first three shots.....aaagh. Talk about live and learn.

But, I am now officially addicted to the big negative and the big viewfinder (my husband says it looks like the screen on a digicam!).

So do you have any advice that will help me get the most out of my new baby? What is the most important thing to remember when using a tlr?

 

[sweathog]

Most important rule: have fun.

Over distance it is not so important, but closer up don't forget that the taking lens is lower than the viewing lens and compensate for this.
Also, try to learn where things are on the camera so that you can spend more time looking through the viewfinder than at the front of the camera.

Have loads of fun, and welcome to the world of beautifully large negatives.

 

[mfogiel]

The great thing of the WLF TLR's is the possibility to look at the image from a distance before you shoot. Take your time, look at things close up or distant, take your camera down to earth or capsize it, and look over your head for finding interesting compositions. Shoot some frames wide open from a small distance, try some portraits at different apertures to find the "right" DOF. Have fun !

Rolleiflex 2.8 F

 

[AgentX]

When using a WLF in a dynamic situation, keep your attention on the actual subject, not the image. Track the subject with the camera...don't track the image in the finder. (Easier when dealing with a racetrack or other predictable subject than a kid running around the yard, mind you.) Use the finder to make sure everything's focused (preferably pre-focused) and composed as you want.

 

[Way]

I always forget that I can use the sports finder to compose the picture, as long as the subject is not close.

 

[Allan Reade]

Second most important rule after having fun is sharing your pictures here 🙂 Looking forward to seeing some.

Allan

 

[wlewisiii]

IF you really want one, I have a Yashica Mat 124G that I'd be happy to sell you if we can come to terms. Drop me a PM if you're interested.

I'll promise that the price will be fair - not necessarily the cheapest, mind, as I need the income. But it will be fair...

😉

William

 

[lazarza]

Thanks for the advice - I'm already having fun, so that one's easy to comply with.

Mfogiel, I will indeed try to experiment with apertures - your picture is a good incentive - and with pointing in different directions, if I fall and break my neck while pointing the camera at a passing aeroplane I promise not to bear a grudge.

Sweathog, good advice - at the moment my right index finger unerringly finds the shutter speed selector rather than the shutter release.

Way - thanks, didn't know I had a sports finder, but I do!

Agent X, yes indeed, I get mesmerised by the image in the viewfinder far more than with other cameras.

William - thanks for the offer, I think the Zenobiaflex is probably enough for me at the moment, but who knows....

I'm posting a picture of the camera and my very first shot taken with it. Thanks again for the encouragement, it's much appreciated.

 

[FallisPhoto]

So do you have any advice that will help me get the most out of my new baby? What is the most important thing to remember when using a tlr?

Practice framing a moving object, and practice a lot. Pointing the camera where it looks like the thing in the viewfinder is coming from instead of where it looks like it is going takes some getting used to, but you can do it with practice. The sportsfinder is there for longer distances, but you need to be able to do it with the viewfinder too, if you are going to shoot close-up moving objects.