Any Rolleiflex TLR users here?

[jshelly]

I want one of these SO bad.

I am trying to sell my Cambo Legend setup to buy a 2.8F.

PLEASE, anyone want to buy my Cambo? Or know someone who does?

Check it out on the auction site. Or message me and I'll point you to it.

My 2.8f is currently on Fleabay if you happen to sell the Cambo within the next two days.

(Seller name is cre8tor)

 

[TheHub]

Yep, just got an Automat MX 2 weeks ago. Mid to late 1950s model, I believe. Coming from a few Japanese TLRs to a German made-one, one notices differences in build quality and thoughtfulness ... not to mention much better glass. Thankfully I can now shoot wide-open without worrying about that terrible swirly-bokeh.


Only have one photo online so far, here: http://life-electronic.net/blog/?p=351 (I think my meter is acting up ... )

 

[sissonphoto]

Just found this thread -- really great!

I've been jonesin' to shoot with the Rollei again lately, so I picked-up some Ilford XP2 and did a bit of shooting this morning. I actually have 3 of these, a 2.8c, 2.8f and 3.5f.

Here's about 60 image samples from the 2.8c & 2.8f. I shot with these exclusively between before going to digital. All of these were scanned directly from the film on an old Isomet drum scanner: http://sisson.smugmug.com/gallery/938182

My dream is still to have one of these converted to digital. It would be so easy to mount a digital back on an old Rollei since the backs are designed to be removable for sheet film & polaroid holders. Sure the lenses weren't designed for digital, but with the raw & lens correction tools in PS3 it would be easy to fix defects in post-processing.

Having shot digital for a few years now, I'd say image quality of the Cannon 40d with some of the better quality lenses (50 1.4, 135 L) is at least equal to the image quality of a Rollei. But I really miss the working with a Rollei -- big ground glass image, 12 shots, no shutter blackout, whisper quiet.

Hopefully someday custom TLR to digital conversions will be available!

 

[clarence]

Yep, just got an Automat MX 2 weeks ago. Mid to late 1950s model, I believe. Coming from a few Japanese TLRs to a German made-one, one notices differences in build quality and thoughtfulness ... not to mention much better glass. Thankfully I can now shoot wide-open without worrying about that terrible swirly-bokeh.

The lenses for the Mamiya TLRs do not exhibit swirly bokeh; the camera designs are very well thought out and build quality is second to none, even in the C220 series.

Clarence

 

[ghostganz]

I got a Rolleiflex T last year, which I've put a few rolls through. Lovely thing to use, but you get a bit too much attention using it. 🙂
Under ideal conditions it can give really fine slides. Mine is a bit battered, so I'd like to replace it with something like a nice 3.5E one day.

 

[adietrich]

I got a Rolleiflex T last year, which I've put a few rolls through. Lovely thing to use, but you get a bit too much attention using it. 🙂
Under ideal conditions it can give really fine slides. Mine is a bit battered, so I'd like to replace it with something like a nice 3.5E one day.

On the positive side: Nobody expects you to be fast with this camera and nobody really knows when exactly you take the shot. After a while the guy fiddeling with that vinatage toy becomes just a part of the landscape.
-a

 

[tedwhite]

Clarence:

What do those C220's usually go for?

Ted

 

[raid]

I am exited to soon get back a repaired Rolleiflex 3.5F that I had forgotten about at home. There are many fans of this camera, and I am curious whether the lens is that good.

 

[terrafirmanada]

I have been looking for a used FX, GX or late model F without much luck lately. Anyon got one they want to unload send me a PM. Love all the shots posted here with the Rolleis!

 

[raid]

I have been looking for a used FX, GX or late model F without much luck lately. Anyon got one they want to unload send me a PM. Love all the shots posted here with the Rolleis!

There is nothing special about a late model; using a 2.8D or 2.8E would be equally good for me. I sold my F many years ago.

 

[terrafirmanada]

I think the new lense coatings sound desireable.

 

[raid]

I think the new lense coatings sound desireable.

If money is an issue, then the later models are not really needed at all. A late model F may be the best choice for ruggedness and having a meter, but any of the earlier 2.8 models with a lens hood have lenses that are amazingly sharp and contrasty.

 

[raid]

I carried my rollie to a major event this weekend where there weere all kinds of music writers and people that worked for various magazines --- got about an equal # of comments on the rollei as well as the leicas --- The rollei with the prism finder stands out in a world of dslr's as it looks different --- one lady asked if it was digital -- and then she followed with "It takes 35mm film?"

she said it was a beautiful camera

More importantly, was she beautiful? 😀

Rolleiflex TLR cameras are very beautiful, in my opinion.

 

[terrafirmanada]

I am going entirely by what images I have seen from these beauties, and it seems the newer glass just shines. A meter is not too important, but the ttl in the GX FX is a selling point. Other than that I would just as soon hand meter. Perhaps I will go with an older model, the hoods do seem to help. Can't wait to see the shot you got Memphis.

 

[terrafirmanada]

Any woman looking at a tlr has an inherent beauty.