Phantomas
Well-known
I'm so freakin "chuffed" (as our brothers from across the pond would say). Just got back from meeting a guy and taking over his Rolleiflex 3.5F. Why is it so dark outside? Can't wait to use it, will have to carry it to work to take some quick shots en route, otherwise weekend is still far away and it's getting dark too early, thanks to clock changes.
It's a beautiful camera in great condition. The guy didn't mention all of them, so it was like xmass when he opened the bag and started pulling out all the accessories: Rolleikin, 3 sets of 6x9 cassettes with extra back for those, couple of Rolleinars, couple of filters, hood, original shutter release, etc. Even the meter seems to work.
Nice guy and the camera exceeded initial expectations and his modest description, so I bought him a dinner.
Initial observations: I kept cocking the shutter, releasing, looking puzzled. It actually isn't broken, it really sounds THAT QUITE!
Getting used to shutter/aperture combo setting will be a challenge.
The native screen seems alright in the indoors moderate light so I don't think I'll be dropping $$$ for the maxwell or whatever is that's recommended (unless someone wants to make me a present).
Questions: the 1sec and slower are just time indications, right? They don't release automatically and you have to keep count and release yourself?
Does the handle rotate just one frame or keeps going round like when the film's not in? (I guess I'll find out once I load it tomorrow).
Does the lens flare crazy like Hassie's 80 so the hood always on?
Any tips what breaks easy (except shutter) and parts I should go easy on?
Well, looking forward to the first roll. Having seen the results, knowing the character and having right appreciation for MF I think Rollei and I will get along just fine
PS. What a piece of art camera!
It's a beautiful camera in great condition. The guy didn't mention all of them, so it was like xmass when he opened the bag and started pulling out all the accessories: Rolleikin, 3 sets of 6x9 cassettes with extra back for those, couple of Rolleinars, couple of filters, hood, original shutter release, etc. Even the meter seems to work.
Nice guy and the camera exceeded initial expectations and his modest description, so I bought him a dinner.Initial observations: I kept cocking the shutter, releasing, looking puzzled. It actually isn't broken, it really sounds THAT QUITE!
Getting used to shutter/aperture combo setting will be a challenge.
The native screen seems alright in the indoors moderate light so I don't think I'll be dropping $$$ for the maxwell or whatever is that's recommended (unless someone wants to make me a present).
Questions: the 1sec and slower are just time indications, right? They don't release automatically and you have to keep count and release yourself?
Does the handle rotate just one frame or keeps going round like when the film's not in? (I guess I'll find out once I load it tomorrow).
Does the lens flare crazy like Hassie's 80 so the hood always on?
Any tips what breaks easy (except shutter) and parts I should go easy on?
Well, looking forward to the first roll. Having seen the results, knowing the character and having right appreciation for MF I think Rollei and I will get along just fine
PS. What a piece of art camera!
ZeissFan
Veteran
The times from 2 sec and on are really just B. It's just to give you an indication of the appropriate time.
The Rolleiflex TLRs are very durable cameras. Many were used as press cameras.
One of my work colleagues used to shoot high school basketball with a Rolleiflex TLR and a flash. He didn't have to get close to the action. Just make sure they were in the frame and -- POW!
In general, a Rolleiflex will need to have its mirror and viewfinder screen cleaned, its shutter serviced and the focusing mechanism cleaned and relubricated. Occasionally, it might need the film advance cleaned and relubricated.
There should be no foam seals (it's a European camera).
It sounds like you have a great camera. I think that you'll enjoy it quite a bit. Congratulations.
The Rolleiflex TLRs are very durable cameras. Many were used as press cameras.
One of my work colleagues used to shoot high school basketball with a Rolleiflex TLR and a flash. He didn't have to get close to the action. Just make sure they were in the frame and -- POW!
In general, a Rolleiflex will need to have its mirror and viewfinder screen cleaned, its shutter serviced and the focusing mechanism cleaned and relubricated. Occasionally, it might need the film advance cleaned and relubricated.
There should be no foam seals (it's a European camera).
It sounds like you have a great camera. I think that you'll enjoy it quite a bit. Congratulations.
Jerevan
Recycled User
Congratulations on the Rolleiflex! From your description it seems to be a nice camera in good condition. If it is clean with no dings or warped back, the only thing I can think of to pay attention to is when putting the camera on a tripod, don't overtighten the tripod plate. My experience is that the back is the weakest part of the camera. Just take a little care and you'll be fine.
Here's to a long life together! Show us some photos of it and with it!
Here's to a long life together!
Show us some photos of it and with it!
Phantomas
Well-known
Thanks guys. Good to hear it's a strong camera because while I'm not planning to abuse it, I do plan to put it to work. Took few exposures this morning and was consequently late for work
The quite shutter really is something else. After every shot I look puzzled if it actually fired or not.
The quite shutter really is something else. After every shot I look puzzled if it actually fired or not.
nksyoon
Well-known
Many people recommend the use of the Rolleifix tripod plate which prevents straining of the camera bottom/back piece. You can find these secondhand.
mmmel
Member
congrats on your buy! it's one heck of a camera and i'm hoping to get my hands on one too.
KEH
Well-known
Can't resist stoking demand:
A store window in Ginza, Tokyo.
Cheers,
Kirk
A store window in Ginza, Tokyo.
Cheers,
Kirk
Phantomas
Well-known
Sometimes I'm glad I don't live in Japan. Goodbye money hello shopaholicism!
(Oh the sweet Mecca)
(Oh the sweet Mecca)
FrankS
Registered User
congrats, and i second the rolleifix advice for tripod use.
oftheherd
Veteran
You are going to love using the camera, and the negatives you get with it. Just take it out and enjoy.
Phantomas
Well-known
Thanks. I've already shot a few rolls with it. Problem is, I have so much back log that developing rolls sit in a long queue. Means I shoot a lot though, so not a bad thing, no procrastinating. Still can't wait to see the results!
uhligfd
Well-known
You will need to find a Rolleifix, period!
The "green" longer than 1 sec shutter speeds are - maybe for the 3.5F also - coupled to the range of apertures I can use on my 2.8F: Weird, but on 2 sec green I can dial in all apertures, expose as if it were B (remote cord) and get done. Now to get back to the red speeds, I seem to need to go to the smallest aperture f/22. Then I can get back to the Syncro Compur red speeds. Try not to get too frustrated when you work with long times!
Enjoy! And do check that meter. It may be ok in sunshine (f/16 rule) but useless otherwise ... Mine is that way ... Selenium is no perpetuum mobile, it peters out after 40 years or so, some are more lucky than I was with mine.
The "green" longer than 1 sec shutter speeds are - maybe for the 3.5F also - coupled to the range of apertures I can use on my 2.8F: Weird, but on 2 sec green I can dial in all apertures, expose as if it were B (remote cord) and get done. Now to get back to the red speeds, I seem to need to go to the smallest aperture f/22. Then I can get back to the Syncro Compur red speeds. Try not to get too frustrated when you work with long times!
Enjoy! And do check that meter. It may be ok in sunshine (f/16 rule) but useless otherwise ... Mine is that way ... Selenium is no perpetuum mobile, it peters out after 40 years or so, some are more lucky than I was with mine.
Phantomas
Well-known
Thank you for the advice and I'll pick up that Rolleifix if I ever come across one, but not gonna run out to get one because I hardly ever use tripod, really. I'm aware of the benefits, but that's just not the way I shoot.
And I would certainly not trust any meter on any old camera If I'm really concerned I use my external one, if I'm on the move I'll reference once and keep adjusting by guessometer.
And I would certainly not trust any meter on any old camera
If I'm really concerned I use my external one, if I'm on the move I'll reference once and keep adjusting by guessometer.
jeanba3000
squareLover
Congrats' and welcome to the Club !
Before you insert a film, be aware that the F has an automatic film counter with a feeler roler just after the first spool, the backing paper of the film needs to go under this roler. Then it will feel the start of the film when advancing and will automatically stop at the first frame and the next frames.
Here you'll find a usefull manual of the F.
The camera's lenses aren't multicoated, I suggest permanent use of the lens hood. If you don't have one for the moment, try to avoid direct sun light on the lens.
The 3.5 F uses bayonett II accessories.
About the built-in light meter, I had the chance that my 2.8 F's meter was accurate enough to use with black or color negatives, not enough for color positives, and my other Rolleiflex's meter are totally out of order. Compare the meter with another camera's, and you'll see if it's usable or not. If you need an external meter, the Gossen Digisix is the nicest modern companion to the Rolleiflex, efficient and easy to use
Before you insert a film, be aware that the F has an automatic film counter with a feeler roler just after the first spool, the backing paper of the film needs to go under this roler. Then it will feel the start of the film when advancing and will automatically stop at the first frame and the next frames.
Here you'll find a usefull manual of the F.
The camera's lenses aren't multicoated, I suggest permanent use of the lens hood. If you don't have one for the moment, try to avoid direct sun light on the lens.
The 3.5 F uses bayonett II accessories.
About the built-in light meter, I had the chance that my 2.8 F's meter was accurate enough to use with black or color negatives, not enough for color positives, and my other Rolleiflex's meter are totally out of order. Compare the meter with another camera's, and you'll see if it's usable or not. If you need an external meter, the Gossen Digisix is the nicest modern companion to the Rolleiflex, efficient and easy to use
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robklurfield
eclipse
what would all you experienced folks recommend as a first rolleiflex for a life-long rf user with a limited TLR budget? cheap, easy to use and not likely to cost a fortune in CLA/repairs, etc? I hear that the magic and automat are to be avoided. what can I get for a modest sum that won't make me curse? I'd also like to join the fold. Phantomas got me all chuffed with his story. also, any advice on a reliable source from who I can pick up a rolleiflex. lots of what I see on ebay seems to be in rather ratty condition (when you can see the fungus in an out-of-focus, blurred pic of the camera, I get nervous). thanks!
FrankS
Registered User
there's a rolleiflex in our rff ads right now that's a pretty good deal imo, given its recent harry fleenor overhaul , maxwell screen upgrade, and accessories included. no connection to seller, etc.
harry fleenor repairs and sells rolleis. http://www.rolleirepairs.com/
harry fleenor repairs and sells rolleis. http://www.rolleirepairs.com/
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jeanba3000
squareLover
Rolleicord Vb or Rolleiflex T, both very good, affordable, and probably the best quality/price ratio in Rollei TLR.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
If it were looking myself, I'd go straight to Rolleiflex with Planar or Xenotar. Plus I'd spring for a complete CLA. No small investment, but worthwhile ones seldom are.
If on the other hand I was looking for value, then the Diacord is enough for me, unless you can find a good CLA'd Rolleicord for under $90.
To the OP, good deal, it's always a thrill to meet other photographers, exchanging stories etc.
If on the other hand I was looking for value, then the Diacord is enough for me, unless you can find a good CLA'd Rolleicord for under $90.
To the OP, good deal, it's always a thrill to meet other photographers, exchanging stories etc.
Mablo
Well-known
Rollei copies are also good cameras and their price is much lower. A clean YashicaMat 124 is a very good choice for a first TLR. Price typically hovers around 150-200$. If you can find a nice Minolta Autocord it could be all you ever need. Its lens is astonishingly sharp. Unfortunately Autocords are very rare. I have a Ricoh Diacord which I love to use.
Nothing beats a real Rollei though. All models are good, there is none that should be avoided in my opinion.
Nothing beats a real Rollei though. All models are good, there is none that should be avoided in my opinion.
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robklurfield
eclipse
everyone, thanks for the suggestions.
I'm curious: what about a Baby 4X4? Are there issues arguing against one of these? My biggest worry is continuing availability of 127 film. Any thoughts?
I'm curious: what about a Baby 4X4? Are there issues arguing against one of these? My biggest worry is continuing availability of 127 film. Any thoughts?