Anyone out there using a Rollei 4.0FW?

[Corran]

Not that it matters, but my personal opinion is that $4k is much too much for what such a camera provides. The price reflects rarity and collectability. Hence why few people are "using" the camera (which to be fair is unfortunate!).

I have some cult/collectible cameras/lenses/etc. but only bought them because I found them at prices that I couldn't refuse. If you have the money and feel like spending it on such a camera, go for it. Personally I'd rather have a more common 6x6 camera with a medium wide and more money for lots of film.

 

[chasfreeland]

That's sound advice, Corran. I may take it.

 

[Rayt]

I have the old original version with the Zeiss Distagon. It makes an ideal two camera kit with the 3.5F and I have travelled all over the world with them. Indeed the price reflects it rarity but it is a tool I have come to enjoy. I had it CLA’d by Fleenor and a Maxwell screen put in. The more modern FW has a stock bright screen and likely won’t need a CLA so that’s money saved right there. I had the FW briefly before opting for the one I have now. The built in meter is nice but unnecessary I thought.

 

[Jerevan]

If one wants a wide angle camera, still 6x6, and can forego the Rollei, a Bronica SQ series or a Hasselblad with a 50 Distagon could be alternatives, for example.

If a TLR, Mamiya C series with a 55 or a 65 is also possible, of course.

 

[CMur12]

Just some random thoughts:


1. The FW would undoubtedly have multi-coated lenses.


2. I would prefer the wider 50mm focal length of the FW.


3. I don't like the film-feeler mechanism in older Rolleis. It seems an unnecessary complication to me and I don't trust it (though I have no real reason not to trust it). I feel safer lining up the arrows with the red dots.


- Murray

 

[Rayt]

Just some random thoughts:


1. The FW would undoubtedly have multi-coated lenses.


2. I would prefer the wider 50mm focal length of the FW.


3. I don't like the film-feeler mechanism in older Rolleis. It seems an unnecessary complication to me and I don't trust it (though I have no real reason not to trust it). I feel safer lining up the arrows with the red dots.


- Murray

The film feeler mechanism in the 3.5F failed on me while shooting in Taiwan last month. Good thing I always travel with two cameras. I do prefer matching dots loading for this reason. The newer Schneider 50mm is much higher in contrast and probably sharper if I recall. I prefer a lower contrast lens for b/w. The tonality of the Distagon is quite lovely.

 

[chasfreeland]

Thanks again for the additional comments. Our discussion hasn't brought any crippling criticisms of the camera itself to light, just the high price of admission. If you want to play Rollei wides, vintage or contemporary, it looks like 4K is the price of admission. I'm familiar with Rollei, but have never used the Bronica system. Anyway, none are available locally. Hasselblad is fine, but the mirror slap means that a tripod is a must for shutter speeds slower than 125th. Since it is a new camera, funds would indeed be saved not having to CLA or repair (let's hope). But, as I've found out, the requisite lens shade is expensive, about $200, and filters go for about $100. (Available through Leica-Lisse, in the Netherlands.) There's also a carrying pouch, which is pricey. Bay IV fittings means that I'd have to spend for these items because the Bay III stuff I already have won't work. So, that would be even more cash out of pocket. Still, it's a temptation.

 

[sepiareverb]

Zero focus issues for me, even with my aging eyes. I wore my reading glasses at first, but find the magnifier lens much simpler, and I can meter at the same time more reliably. The leather does find itself marked here and there, I wouldn’t go as far as scuffed tho. On the rear of the camera where it rubs against a zipper on my one jacket there are some marks, minor tho. The latest version, with the Rollei branded lens (Apogon?) has a black leather which may be different.

Another possible modern wide angle 6x6 camera is the Bessa iii/667W. Also a very good lens, modern coatings, meter onboard and Aperture Priority even. I work with that camera too, less comfortable in the hand, but fast. Has the option of going 6x7 as well. Some have reported problems with this camera as well, but mine has been completely faultless.

 

[Jerevan]

I'm familiar with Rollei, but have never used the Bronica system. Anyway, none are available locally. Hasselblad is fine, but the mirror slap means that a tripod is a must for shutter speeds slower than 125th.

What you gain is a through-the-lens viewing, but I do see the point of the Rollei when it comes to handholding a lower shutter speeds.

While sharpness might be an overrated idea, there are times when a tripod still comes in handy, and then it matters less what sort of camera one is using.

But if the temptation is there and the money is available ... get going and do some good work with the camera. 🙂 If you happen to find it not to your liking, you can probably sell it for close what you paid the first time.

 

[EdSawyer]

I considered this question too (old vs. new rolleiwide) and went with the older one. Better build quality, more features and functionality, no electronics to fail, basically the same price.