Rolleiflex 3.5f (Planar)

[Jodorowsky]

Hullo; I bought this lovely camera a couple of days ago from my local camera store. I'm totally new to TLR's- if you could give me a few tips on using it (getting used to the framing particularly), I'd be very grateful!

Many thanks.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

hi. pls check this url,

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleiflex_35-28/rolleiflex_35-28_splash.htm

this is the manual for your rolleiflex 3.5f

all the best.

raytoei

a newbie 2.8d user..

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Make sure you put the filmleader between the first rollers and not over the rollers. Otherwise, shoot and have fun.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkeam

 

[gdmcclintock]

This is my tip and make sure your horizon is level before you release the shutter. It always looks level to me and then I get the photos back. Level horizons take practice.

Some horizons are not level!

 

[Jodorowsky]

I think it's going to take a while to get used to the framing, but get used to it I will; now I'd like to get filters, rolleinar, a case, a hood and a cable release.....

 

[Ronald M]

View is flipped left to right which makes aiming hard, panning impossible.

Rollie made eye level prisms.

When you do everything right, they are great cameras.

Do not kink the film when putting on the reel. They manifest as crescent shaped high density areas.

 

[t.s.k.]

Save your pennies and be patient.
Bay II accessories are a bit more difficult (and expensive) to acquire than others.

And I wouldn't rely on a genuine rollei strap to hang around your neck.
It's thin and by now, most will have some stress points that will happily drop your expensive camera onto the concrete, or better yet, down a mountainside.

 

[ZeissFan]

I agree. No way would I ever use a leather strap. They're at least 30 years old and probably older.

Great camera. Heavy. Excellent quality of construction. While other TLRs are good, there's nothing like a Rolleiflex.

 

[filmfan]

I like to use the eye-level option of the viewfinder when shooting landscapes. I pre-focus on infinity/hyperfocal, push down the flap in the waist level viewfinder, and shoot. It makes it easier for horizons and whatnot as you are just looking through an empty window with a metal frame. This metal frame is only slightly accurate and only good for infinity focused photos.

 

[JPD]

View is flipped left to right which makes aiming hard, panning impossible.

Piece of cake. I'm used to the flipped viewfinder image and forget that it is. It's like tying a necktie in front of a mirror. It feels natural when you have done it a couple of times.

 

[Jodorowsky]

Thanks for this. Can anyone shed any light on the seeming problem of mounting a (this) Rolleiflex on a tripod. I use an old Gitzo Reporter. Thanks in advance!

 

[bwidjaja]

Hi Jodorowsky, i have a Rolleinar 2 bay II that I am not using much. Let me know if you are interested (your pm is disabled).

now I'd like to get filters, rolleinar, a case, a hood and a cable release.....

 

[bwidjaja]

Get a Rolleifix; usually cheaper if you get it as part of the pistol grip like this one:
http://www.rockycameras.com/rolleiflex-rolleifix-pistol-grip-2499-17588-p.asp

I do not recommend attaching the Rolleiflex directly on the tripod cause it is located on the film door which does not seem strong enough to hold the entire camera.

 

[skipjack]

Rolleiflex to tripod

Rolleiflex to tripod

To use the Rollieflex on the tripod you need to find/purchase a rolliefix. The bottom of the Rolleiflex will fit securely on the rolleifix - which then can be mounted on a tripod. Otherwise you'll bend the door of the Rolleiflex and you'll have some real problems. The most useful accessories are 1. hood - for flare 2. good strap - not the original 3. rolleifix for the tripod.

If you shooting black and white - then a yellow filter. That's it. Good luck, the Rollei great camera.

 

[nksyoon]

Cut the clips off a dried out original leather strap and get a leather worker to attach it to a new strap. Luigi of Leicatime does this. You might find someone local who can do it.

http://www.leicatime.com/

 

[Jodorowsky]

Hi Again,

I've been giving the camera a good going over, I've attached a photo of the tripod base/ back opening, which looks as though it has separated from the camera a little- not too much, a millimetre or so, but enough for it to ease back in when I press it. Is this a problem, do you think? Or am I too paranoid?

 

[wintoid]

My Rolleiflex advice is don't chase shots, wait for them to come to you

 

[filmfan]

My Rolleiflex advice is don't chase shots, wait for them to come to you

What is that supposed to mean?

 

[Jodorowsky]

Filmfan- while you're here, please can you do me a massive favour, and check to see if your tripod thing is completely flush all the way around.

Ta!

 

[skipjack]

Rolleiflex to tripod

Rolleiflex to tripod

I have several Rolleiflex 3.5's. No, there isn't a space between the door and the tripod piece. Don't attach your Rolleiflex to a tripod without getting the rolleifix. The situation you have may not be a problem yet. The bigger problem is bending the door - which is more costly to fix, and can create light leaks. As long as you get a rolleifix - you'll be OK on a tripod. Shoot some black and white film and check it out. The Rolleiflex is a terrific camera that is fun to use. Best of luck