Decent Budget German TLR?

Forest_rain

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I've been lusting after a Rolleiflex recently, but It seems like the prices on eBay are rather high, maybe $200-300. I was also looking at Rolleicords, which I'm assuming would be cheaper, but I can't find one that's been tested. They seem to run maybe $150-200 on eBay.

Is there something I can find in the $100-150 range?

I have a Lubitel and it's absolute crap and I'd like to upgrade.

Some people have posted about Ikoflexes, which I assume are well made being Zeiss, but again I can't find a tested model.

There seem to be some other options - Welta made Reflekta (are these any good?), seem to be fairly cheap.

I'd like a German made model because I have mostly Japanese cameras and lenses and would like to try something different, and compare the functionality, but if I must, I would consider a Japanese made TLR if they are a really good value. I've heard Yashicas are considered reliable.

The reason I want a TLR is for the form factor and weight compared with an SLR, I was considering a folder because they are smaller but I've heard they sometimes don't hold up well with age. I would be willing to consider one if someone can recommend a good one. But I'm not good at doing my own repairs. A coupled rangefinder is a must, I can't do zone focusing.

Any suggestions?
 
You mention the Welta Reflekta. I have the "II" version. I like it because it is so simple that I was able to service it myself. Including a new mirror. But it has pretty basic functionality and may not be what you want.
 

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Forest rain. Rolleiflexes & Rolleicords are very cool. I love mine. But..... if you buy cheap (unless you're very lucky... see Vince Lupo's thread on the Rolleiflex standard).... you're buying problems. Like Leica they are older, mechanical cameras of excellent design and build....but they require upkeep every 50 yrs or so. If cheap is yor vision, your best bet is thrift shops, 2nd hand stores, yard sales. Barring that you won't find one for your $100-150. Pretty much for sure you won't find one 'tested' in your price range. A better way to look at it would be "I lust after a Rolleiflex/Rolleicord".......what's the least i can pay to get a reliable working one now?" Yashicamats and Minolta Autocords are very good cameras but you wont find one in a camera store or on Ebay for $100.
I had Rolleiflex 2.8 & 3.5 F..... but the one i use now is a '58 Rolleiflex T. I bought it on ebay for $230....(it was supposed to have a lens separation but doesn't) Spent $600 for a complete overhaul & a Maxwell screen. Good for another 50 years. Reliable. Great lens ....have printed up to 20"x24" Love it.
They're worth working with...best of luck I hope you find one....check accessory prices though hoods, filters & close-up devices cost.

47794289341_2549b66273_z.jpg
on Flickr

on Flickr
 
TLRs

TLRs

If you want a less costly German TLR, look at the Rolleicord. I think you have grossly underestimated the cost of Rolleiflex models. I would not recommend the Ikoflex as a user. They have a good Tessar lens, but the bodies are very old fashioned designs, slow and clumsy to use by comparison to the Japanese options and also priced as collectibles, not users. By reputation, The Favorit, the last of the Ikoflex models, is troublesome and costly to repair.

Japanese TLRs are numerous, and many of them are both cheaper and better than limited German options, except for the Rolleiflex. The Minolta Autocord is an excellent choice, but a bit pricey these days. The Ricoh Diacord models are interesting design with a good lens, cheaper but harder to find. The Yashica models' virtue is that they are numerous, thus available. But they are also the bottom of the barrel in terms of build quality and optics, really quit poor given the unfounded praise heaped on them in social media. Yashica stopped making them in 1986 but couldn't get them sold, so in 1989, they unloaded the lot to B&H, which took a few years to sell off the remainder for $79.95. That's a fair price for a decent 124G, but you won't find it.
 
I would go with a Japanese TLR for that budget amount that you want to spend...a Nice condition late made Yashica 124G is a great TLR.

A few years ago a medium condition Mamiya C220 could be had for those prices too, these are great pro level TLR cameras that have a great 80mm standard lens and are tough work horses and will survive any abuse.
 
If you go for a Yashica, the 635 and D models were top of the line when they were made and are basically the same with the 635 having the capacity to use 35mm film with an adapter kit. If you go with the D there are two lens options, the 3 element Yashikor, and 4 element Yashinon. The Yashicamat 124G is much newer than the 635 and D, but doesn't have the build quality.

The Walzflex is a very good Rolleiflex copy, but might be pricier due to its collectable status.

PF
 
There is also the Voigtländer Brillant, but they are getting rather old now. I have no experience with that camera. You could always consider crossing the border to Czechoslovakia (I know, it doesn't exist anymore) and have a look at the Meopta Flexaret TLR's. They are rather good and may be had at your preferred price level.
 
For budget priced TLRs I would go with something more modern and not too obscure...something in good shape and easily repairable by a good camera tech.

Old and odd and primitive TLRs I would leave for the camera collectors or for display queen duty.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions and perspectives, I will just have to keep my eye out on ebay. I may try for a Rolleicord since I really want a German one, but if I find a Yashica at a good price, I will just buy it. Thanks all!
 
One of the older Rolleicords with a rim set Compur shutter should be within budget. I prefer the ergonomics over the later all stick lever models.
 
Keep looking for a Rolleicord. Look for a III or IV with the Xenar; lower prices with the same quality. People lust after the V, Va, or Vb but any improvements in design are subjective. Maybe don't worry so much about getting tested camera. Rolleicords are quite robust.

Sometimes the Ricoh (extensive) series of TLRs can be had relatively inexpensively. Very good quality.
 
Working Rolleiflex Tessar or Xenar 3.5 models now start at about $500 and up. Basic working 2.8 B or C models, in average cosmetic, but working condition are more like $900 and up now. Any good working F model (2.8 or 3.5) will cost as much as a used car. Rolleiflex prices have been soaring since Franke & Heidecke went bankrupt for good now (apparently).

I agree with the sentiments above that the Yashica TLR is an economical and fine performing alternative for those on a budget - they take spectacular pictures frankly! If you need German though, the Rolleicord's are a little more sanely priced for the most part. They all are good performers too.
 
Ikoflex anyone?

Ikoflex anyone?

I've been lusting after a Rolleiflex recently, but It seems like the prices on eBay are rather high, maybe $200-300. I was also looking at Rolleicords, which I'm assuming would be cheaper, but I can't find one that's been tested. They seem to run maybe $150-200 on ebay.

Is there something I can find in the $100-150 range?

I have a Lubitel and it's absolute crap and I'd like to upgrade.

Some people have posted about Ikoflexes, which I assume are well made being Zeiss, but again I can't find a tested model.

There seem to be some other options - Welta made Reflekta (are these any good?), seem to be fairly cheap.

I'd like a German made model because I have mostly Japanese cameras and lenses and would like to try something different, and compare the functionality, but if I must, I would consider a Japanese made TLR if they are a really good value. I've heard Yashicas are considered reliable.

The reason I want a TLR is for the form factor and weight compared with an SLR, I was considering a folder because they are smaller but I've heard they sometimes don't hold up well with age. I would be willing to consider one if someone can recommend a good one. But I'm not good at doing my own repairs. A coupled rangefinder is a must, I can't do zone focusing.

Any suggestions?

There are a number of Zeiss-Ikon Ikoflex TLRs in your price range listed on eBay. Many have Zeiss Tessar lenses which are very good. These cameras are idiosyncratic and more prone to mechanical issues than Rolleis so make sure the seller accepts returns for any reason. Best of luck.
 
I had the Ikoflex Ib with the Tessar lens. It was a nice well made TLR.

ikoflex.jpg



The lens had a few cleaning marks but it performed remarkably well even wide open.


at f/8.0
5172934970_54e6be8542_z.jpg



and this one is taken wide open


Scan11879bl.JPG
 
Cheap Rollei TLRs do exist, but for a reason - often they have been beaten almost to death by working professional photographers, and they will inevitably break down with huge repair costs looming up. A lose-lose situation - take it from one who has been there and knows!

I suggest you bite a few economic bullets on this issue, and either save up for a good Rolleiflex or Rolleicord or find the money and buy now before prices go up, as they seem to be doing these days for all quality German film cameras.

Find a reputable dealer and buy from them. Ebay is full of junk cameras being touted by sellers who either don't know what they have (either resellers or the "I don't know anything about this" brigade) or are outright unscrupulous and out to get rid of garbage gear at a profit to suckers who buy sight unseen.

No need to go for the (much more expensive) professional 3.5 or 2.8 range. A good Rolleiflex T in working condition or a Rolleicord Vb will do everything the bigger and supposedly better models, with the added advantages that bayonet I accessories for these cameras (trust me on this, you'll be buying accessories when you really get into Rolleis) and the cameras are lighter and easier to work with.

This from one who has been down the same path, and learned the hard way... and who now owns two Ts and a Vb.
 
Some of the best 3D effect in photos that I seen came from the late 1930s Rolleicords with the Zeiss Triotar lens.

These TLR's might be worth buying if the price is right and they are not in too rough of a shape.
 
Cheap Rollei TLRs do exist, but for a reason - often they have been beaten almost to death by working professional photographers, and they will inevitably break down with huge repair costs looming up. A lose-lose situation - take it from one who has been there and knows!

I suggest you bite a few economic bullets on this issue, and either save up for a good Rolleiflex or Rolleicord or find the money and buy now before prices go up, as they seem to be doing these days for all quality German film cameras.

Find a reputable dealer and buy from them. Ebay is full of junk cameras being touted by sellers who either don't know what they have (either resellers or the "I don't know anything about this" brigade) or are outright unscrupulous and out to get rid of garbage gear at a profit to suckers who buy sight unseen.

No need to go for the (much more expensive) professional 3.5 or 2.8 range. A good Rolleiflex T in working condition or a Rolleicord Vb will do everything the bigger and supposedly better models, with the added advantages that bayonet I accessories for these cameras (trust me on this, you'll be buying accessories when you really get into Rolleis) and the cameras are lighter and easier to work with.

This from one who has been down the same path, and learned the hard way... and who now owns two Ts and a Vb.

Absolutely Oz..... 'working condition'.... That means it won't break down. A camera you can depend on. My thing lately is going unencumbered (1 camera) it gives me more freedom to photograph. Whether it's a Leica or Rolleiflex.... it's worth the cost for it not to be a trainwreck.

50176776251_77a994b432_c.jpg
Flickr
 
I would like a nice cheap tested Ferrari or Rolls Royce too.

All TLR except Rollie are junk. Had many.

That's not been my experience. I own two Rolleiflexes and a Yashica-Mat, they are all are excellent cameras. I've owned the Autocord and other Yashica models in the past as well - all fine. Most of these cameras, including Rolleiflex, need routine servicing today for reliable use.
 
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