Format Dilemma or WWYD

SolaresLarrave

SolaresLarrave

My M5s need red dots!
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Besides my 35mm gear, I'm also a Mamiya TLR user, and among my tools there's a Zeiss Ikon Nettar camera.

Now, yesterday I came across a Rolleiflex for a very good price (Rolleicord IV, running for $175). Also saw a Baby Rollei for a bit of a less reasonable price, but in incredibly pristine condition.

What are the advantages of Rollei over Mamiya? I know the Rollei cameras can be adapted to use 35mm film but, aside that, is there a good reason to take the plunge? Just wondering what you would do... :confused:

Thanks a big lot!!! :D
 
How often do you use your Mamiya? Would you use the Rollei more? The Rollei's you are looking at are Tessar models correct? So there would not be a great increase in lens performance compared to your Mamiya. It is smaller than the 220, doesn't have a removable screen though right? Is it in good shape? Hmmm, offer the shop owner $150 and walk out with a new toy happy as can be.
 
I have several examples of each, Mamiya C33 and C330 plus a Rolleicord III, Rolleiflex Automat and a what I think is a Rolleiflex Standard (circa 1936). I like the more modern of the two Rolleiflexs and the 'Cord a lot, but I end up using the Mamiya C330 more than any of the others. Even though the Mamiya is massive, it is a lot more versatile and adaptable. Interchangeable lenses, interchangeable finders, close focusing, and 120/220 film capability. I have no complaints about any of the Mamiya lenses. From the 65mm to the 180mm they are all terrific. It's hard to leave any of those features at home even for as smooth a camera as a Rollei.

-Paul
 
I'd keep the Mamiya too- the only time I've ever had any complaints about the lenses were the look of the 105mm wide open which reminded me too much of a Tessar (circular background blur in leafy and bright environments).

The C330 is just about the most useable TLR I have ever owned.

OR you could trade up to a Rangefinder, like the Universal...
 
I like the Mamiya for the same reasons every body else does but mainly for the fact that lens performance is similar and interchangeability.

Todd
 
Hmmm... would this be a lighter body than my Mamiya C220?

Now... granted, my Mamiya is not my walkabout camera, and the fact that it's heavy adds to it. I use it mainly for landscapes and macros (gasp here if you want, but the 65mm lens I have can focus pretty close). The Rollei appeals to me for the price and size, but then, again, it only has a Tessar 80/3.5 (rather slow when compared to the 80/2.8 Mamiya glass I have)...

I'll make an offer and let's see what happens.

There was also a nice Baby Rollei in the store, but this was an overpriced specimen. However... though the temptation was huge, I managed to resist! :(
 
The older I get, the less weight I want to carry into the field. I've used a Mamiya C220 -- wonderful camera but weighs a tonne. I put up with the non-interchangeable lens on my Rollei 3.5F simply because it's so much lighter and easier to carry around.

Gene
 
I've had only brief experience with Rolleiflex, Baby Rollei, and a Mamiyaflex C1 long long ago. I rather liked the Mamiya, remembering that the size and weight made it easier to handle. I recall disliking the cute Baby Rollei as too small.

But I think it must take more time for full familiarization before these are comfortable for use, and I didn't give them that time. I've never gotten comfy with waist-level viewing, either, and liked the Porroprism on the Mamiya.
 
Hi, there! I saw the light! :) And it said: "don't do anything stupid."

Hence, I won't buy more gear. Sure, a Rollei may look interesting in my camera shelf, but it probably won't get around much, given as I am to wide angle lenses and to the 65mm glass I have almost permanently on my Mamiya C220.

Hmmm... Maybe a second Mamiya body, but an entirely new system?

Eventually, and mostly due to the cuteness factor or the "cutie curse", I may get a Baby Rollei if the price is right. They are delightful, little creatures! :)
 
I was going to make a comment on how you would be limited in a Baby Rollei to B&W Efke film, but decided to verify that first. It looks like you can once again actually buy color transparency film in 127 size. That might explain why the prices on 4X4 TLR's have not come down very much recently.

I have a pair of Yashica 44's and that size TLR is very nice. I only wish I had the ability to convert one of them to 35mm film. The Baby Roillei is quite a jewel.

-Paul
 
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