jett
Well-known
I have a Rolleiflex. Well, I have several 
but I use all of mine at the waist/chest. However, I also want a 120 camera to use at eye-level, for portraits. I want a higher vantage point at times but I still want to use the camera fluidly without tripods and stools. I really enjoy both perspectives.
The way I see it, I have 3 options. I want to stay 6x6 and I'm not interested in RF's because of close-focus limitations.
1. Get a Rollei prism: The pros of this is that I have a camera that I'm already used to (ergonomically atleast) and the con of this is that I am limited to one focal length. Well, this isn't so straightforward because I have a T and I would opt for a 3.5E2/E3 because I prefer the other Rolleiflex ergonomics more. But i would try out the prism with the T first.
2. Get a Hasselblad & prism(s). Well there are a few reasons why I'd want a Hasselblad, like to have lenses that are wider and longer, but if I were to stick with a standard lens, then is this camera any "better". I don't care about the optical differences but more of the usability at eye-level. I view the Hasselblad as more of a tripod camera.
3. Stick with 35mm, go 645, go mamiya 6. In otherwords, make a compromise.
Any thoughts?
How does the Rolleiflex + Rollei prism compare with the Hasselblad + 90 prism? In terms of brightness, focusing, ergonomics, etc. Assuming stock and maxwell screens.
but I use all of mine at the waist/chest. However, I also want a 120 camera to use at eye-level, for portraits. I want a higher vantage point at times but I still want to use the camera fluidly without tripods and stools. I really enjoy both perspectives.The way I see it, I have 3 options. I want to stay 6x6 and I'm not interested in RF's because of close-focus limitations.
1. Get a Rollei prism: The pros of this is that I have a camera that I'm already used to (ergonomically atleast) and the con of this is that I am limited to one focal length. Well, this isn't so straightforward because I have a T and I would opt for a 3.5E2/E3 because I prefer the other Rolleiflex ergonomics more. But i would try out the prism with the T first.
2. Get a Hasselblad & prism(s). Well there are a few reasons why I'd want a Hasselblad, like to have lenses that are wider and longer, but if I were to stick with a standard lens, then is this camera any "better". I don't care about the optical differences but more of the usability at eye-level. I view the Hasselblad as more of a tripod camera.
3. Stick with 35mm, go 645, go mamiya 6. In otherwords, make a compromise.
Any thoughts?
How does the Rolleiflex + Rollei prism compare with the Hasselblad + 90 prism? In terms of brightness, focusing, ergonomics, etc. Assuming stock and maxwell screens.
ruby.monkey
Veteran
5. Hit the gym and then get an RZ-67 Pro II with eye-level finder. Best camera ever.
A TLR would probably require the addition of a pistol grip anyway, since they're hard to hold steady at face height, so the difference in Rollei ergonomics would be moot.
A TLR would probably require the addition of a pistol grip anyway, since they're hard to hold steady at face height, so the difference in Rollei ergonomics would be moot.
dabick42
Well-known
@ jett ----- I use a TeleRollei and standard Rollei with prism and pistol grip quite frequently.
The rig has its plus points in giving good mobility and stability, the only drawback being that one has to change hands on the pistol grip momentarily when winding on.
With practice, I've found it a good setup for general use, even for action shots.
Onlookers often mistake it for an old-fashioned cine camera, which can lead to interesting conversations.... !
The rig has its plus points in giving good mobility and stability, the only drawback being that one has to change hands on the pistol grip momentarily when winding on.
With practice, I've found it a good setup for general use, even for action shots.
Onlookers often mistake it for an old-fashioned cine camera, which can lead to interesting conversations.... !
Sejanus.Aelianus
Veteran
When I used a prism/grip on a Rollei, I used the "flip" technique: let the camera fall sideways, so the wind is uppermost and wind with the left hand. Doesn't half strengthen your right wrist!
This is why I prefer the Hasselblad for hand-held prism work. Your left hand holds the camera and you do everything with the right. I find that much more comfortable.
ray*j*gun
Veteran
5. Hit the gym and then get an RZ-67 Pro II with eye-level finder. Best camera ever.
Plus one for the RZ..... but god is it heavy. I have the un-metered prism for my Hassy and also find it very workable and not too heavy.
dabick42
Well-known
@ Sej Ael --- A strengthened right wrist would always come in useful for other pleasurable pursuits, I suppose... (!)
vitaly66
slightly tilted
What's the problem? Most Rolleiflex models offer an eye-level finder built in.
mfogiel
Veteran
For handheld portraits Rolleiflex surely trumps Hasselblad, unless you want some strange lens on, but with the 80 and 135 for Tele Rolleiflex, you can cover the portrait basics in an excellent manner.
A good compromise for shooting portraits with a Rollei is this attachment:
http://www.baierfoto.de/tlr_engl.html
which let's you use whatever type of Hasselblad finder, with the 45degree ones being the obvious choice.
You gain straight, non inverted image, and you are at a more natural level vis a vis the subject. The Rollei prism, while also good, particularly when combined with the pistol grip, forces you to be at face level of your subject, i.e. you tend to frame too high.
A good compromise for shooting portraits with a Rollei is this attachment:
http://www.baierfoto.de/tlr_engl.html
which let's you use whatever type of Hasselblad finder, with the 45degree ones being the obvious choice.
You gain straight, non inverted image, and you are at a more natural level vis a vis the subject. The Rollei prism, while also good, particularly when combined with the pistol grip, forces you to be at face level of your subject, i.e. you tend to frame too high.
Gumby
Veteran
...especially poker and bridge.
jett
Well-known
Thanks for the suggestions.
Is it "better" to use the 90 degree hasselblad prism with the adapter vs the Rollei prism? Well if I were to get the adapter, then I would probably get both prisms anyways but the main reason for me wanting an adapter is for the 90. I figured that the hasselblad prisms are brighter and maybe heavier but the Rollei's lighter and overall easier to use. Overall, I'd prefer shooting a little lower but I want to shoot with both perspectives. 2 cameras.
I guess hasselblad has the ergonomics (for prism shooting) but Rollei has everythng else. I don't shoot rapidly so I think Rollei will be fine.
I know Rollei has a sports finder but I'd prefer something more accurate.
Is it "better" to use the 90 degree hasselblad prism with the adapter vs the Rollei prism? Well if I were to get the adapter, then I would probably get both prisms anyways but the main reason for me wanting an adapter is for the 90. I figured that the hasselblad prisms are brighter and maybe heavier but the Rollei's lighter and overall easier to use. Overall, I'd prefer shooting a little lower but I want to shoot with both perspectives. 2 cameras.
I guess hasselblad has the ergonomics (for prism shooting) but Rollei has everythng else. I don't shoot rapidly so I think Rollei will be fine.
I know Rollei has a sports finder but I'd prefer something more accurate.
mfogiel
Veteran
The hasselblad 90deg prism, at least the old type that I have (HC 4), is pretty useless. I believe only the latest prisms would be acceptable (PM90), but they are quite, or very expensive, depending if you get the metered version or not. I have both the Rollei and Hasselblad PME 3 prisms, and to my eye, the brightness is comparable. If you believe the 90 deg vision suits you better, it makes more sense to get the original Rollei prism, particularly because of price, however make sure you find one in acceptable condition - they often suffer from separation.
Ronald M
Veteran
Tele Rollies are expensive and do not close focus, perhaps 8 feet, 5 with the impossible to find close up lens.
A 45 deg Hassy prism is a thing to behold. So is the RB with 45 deg if you can stand a 12 # camera. A 45 is vey easy to use compared to 90.
Buy the Hassy or Rollie SLR.
Or a D800E nikon and get the same image quality. I tied all this.
A 45 deg Hassy prism is a thing to behold. So is the RB with 45 deg if you can stand a 12 # camera. A 45 is vey easy to use compared to 90.
Buy the Hassy or Rollie SLR.
Or a D800E nikon and get the same image quality. I tied all this.
Monz
Monz
A Rolleiflex (with 80mm lens) with prism is fine for hand held portraits.
A Hasselblad with prism gets a bit heavy and balance does not feel good.
Mamiya 6 is, of course, fine at eye level.
A Hasselblad with prism gets a bit heavy and balance does not feel good.
Mamiya 6 is, of course, fine at eye level.
t.s.k.
Hooked on philm
About that Baier adapter...it changes the power of the Blad finder to +1 (actually 1.25 I believe); ergo you'll likely need a diopter. For older Blad prisms, this can be hard to find and expensive if you do. If you're already at +1, you're all set !
If you're intent on a 90* prism, I'd personally opt for the Rollei. Besides the aforementioned corrective lens, the Rollei is far lighter and more nimble.
With that said there's no comparison to a 45* PM-5 prism on a Rollei TLR. You really gain more shooting positions than any other type of finder, IMO...and you get a cold shoe to boot. The older NC-2 is also suitable but I find it's too heavy and has an uncomfortably high profile (and no cold shoe).
If you're intent on a 90* prism, I'd personally opt for the Rollei. Besides the aforementioned corrective lens, the Rollei is far lighter and more nimble.
With that said there's no comparison to a 45* PM-5 prism on a Rollei TLR. You really gain more shooting positions than any other type of finder, IMO...and you get a cold shoe to boot. The older NC-2 is also suitable but I find it's too heavy and has an uncomfortably high profile (and no cold shoe).
FrozenInTime
Well-known
I never got on with the Hasselblad PM-90 prism, the combination feeling awkward - perhaps it would be better with a 50CW and winder grip
The PM45 is all together a much better combination and handles very well with 110/120/150 lenses.
The PM45 is all together a much better combination and handles very well with 110/120/150 lenses.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-ROLL...55150893?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item2325a0ce2d
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolleinar-0...456?pt=US_Vintage_Cameras&hash=item3cc8d99140
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-Roll...649?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec29c2141
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLLEINAR-0...260?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27ccf981a4
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolleiflex-Rolleinar-0-35-/370553134533?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item5646b01dc5
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-Tele...346?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f1b681402
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolleiflex-...687?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2570011b5f
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-Roll...=DE_Foto_Camcorder_Filter&hash=item27cd84b2f5
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-Roll...=DE_Foto_Camcorder_Filter&hash=item27cb8ee91f
It's called ebay.
Standard Bay III Rolleinars can also be used on the Tele (and, for that matter, Tele Rolleinars can be used with 2.8s).
Regards,
Brett
venchka
Veteran
Oh good grief.
Pentax 6x7. Your choice of 105, 150 or 165 lenses and 2.4 or 2.8 apertures.
Next question?
Wayne
Pentax 6x7. Your choice of 105, 150 or 165 lenses and 2.4 or 2.8 apertures.
Next question?
Wayne
redisburning
Well-known
+1 on Pentax 67
FWIW I bought a 2.8 Planar rolleiflex and sent it back. I was, sadly, most unimpressed. Rather than try a Hasselblad, I bought a nice Thorens and a ton of records. YMMV.
FWIW I bought a 2.8 Planar rolleiflex and sent it back. I was, sadly, most unimpressed. Rather than try a Hasselblad, I bought a nice Thorens and a ton of records. YMMV.
