Incredible level of curiosity being experienced.

G

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Guest
I have had Hasselblads and Leicas for many years and very few times have I had someone recognize or even question my 500, 503CW or even my SWC/M cameras. So recently I can literally not go anywhere with my Rolleiflex without someone asking or commenting on the camera. It is incredible the amount of attention I have experienced walking around with this camera. It has got to the stage that my wife has become annoyed with the attention that this camera has produced, because I end up communicating and explaining the camera and the history it has.
I am surely not the only one with this attention. Tonight during dinner a gentleman came up and asked me if I would let his daughter of fifteen years take a peek at the camera, she was interested in old time photography, so she made my evening and in turn made my wife displeased again with me.
So, do I file for divorce or sell the cameras, I have three of them.
I have to admit that I would have thought a Hasselblad would have started many more conversations but sadly they have not.............
 
I frequently get approving nods and interesting conversations when I am out shooting with a vintage film camera. Whether it be with my Mamiya C330, a Hasselblad or my rangefinder Fuji's, there is a fascination and appreciation for vintage film cameras.
 
The Rollie definitely attracts good attention/curiosity from the public..it was always known to be one of the least intimidating cameras..
 
Nothing attracts attention quite like a Rolleiflex. I've been out with my Hasselblad, my Pentax 67, my Kodak Medalist... Whenever I'm out with my Rolleiflex I get way more people come up and ask about it.
 
I find a similar high level of interest with my 124G. In my experience it's TLRs that generate more interest than any other, followed at a long length by folders (Bessa II in particular, due to its size) and Barnacks.

The interest generated by TLRs is disproportionate to any other of my cameras. People stop and want to talk about it as soon as they notice it.
 
jmpgino said:
I have had Hasselblads and Leicas for many years and very few times have I had someone recognize or even question my 500, 503CW or even my SWC/M cameras. So recently I can literally not go anywhere with my Rolleiflex without someone asking or commenting on the camera. It is incredible the amount of attention I have experienced walking around with this camera. It has got to the stage that my wife has become annoyed with the attention that this camera has produced, because I end up communicating and explaining the camera and the history it has.
I am surely not the only one with this attention. Tonight during dinner a gentleman came up and asked me if I would let his daughter of fifteen years take a peek at the camera, she was interested in old time photography, so she made my evening and in turn made my wife displeased again with me.
So, do I file for divorce or sell the cameras, I have three of them.
I have to admit that I would have thought a Hasselblad would have started many more conversations but sadly they have not.............
Click to expand...
Oh goodies!

I am heading in this direction and I love talking to people so I cannot waittttt!
 
The only cameras I have ever found to cause more interest and attention*than a Rolleiflex are my Minox subminiatures and my Polaroid SX-70. 🙂

It is often quite fun; all three incite people to ask me to take a photo of them.

G
 
Dave Jenkins said:
I will do you the favor of accepting one of your Rolleis as a gift. That will reduce your wife's displeasure by one-third.
Click to expand...
Add me to the list as well, so the second Rollei has a nice home. The third you can keep for shooting in quiet areas.

I just received my first TLR, a Rolleicord, and plan to do some shooting in the city this weekend. I see its allure.
 
lynnb said:
I find a similar high level of interest with my 124G. In my experience it's TLRs that generate more interest than any other, followed at a long length by folders (Bessa II in particular, due to its size) and Barnacks.

The interest generated by TLRs is disproportionate to any other of my cameras. People stop and want to talk about it as soon as they notice it.
Click to expand...

+1.
I have made always the same experience. TLRs are the most "attractive" cameras.

As to the OP:
Don't get divorced, neither from your wife nor from your Rolleiflexes.....😉 .
I think the best solution for you and your wife is:
- when you are out alone, take the Rolleiflex
- when you are out with your wife, take the Hassie or the other cameras 🙂.

Cheers, Jan
 
I just got the same reaction on Sunday with my Lubitel 166. A girl yelled out 'I love your camera!".
It must have been because it was the Olympic edition...

Walking in San Francisco, these kids freaked out when they saw me taking pictures with my Rolleiflex. They came up to me and asked if I would take their pic! Never got that reaction with a Leica, Nikon, Blad etc etc
A TLR is the ultimate ice breaker.

July4KidsSanFranS-5_zpsvpwfp41r.jpg

(note the one guy who wasn't happy that I was stealing his attention!)
 
I was goofing around with Rolleicord and others TLR cameras. Had press camera and folders on public. Have bunch of Leica cameras regularly on me.
But I was never asked so eagerly as I'm getting asked with M8.
 
I actually had the same thing happen at the shoreline with my Wisner 7x17..people couldn't get enough of it..I was totally surprised..even the teenagers loved it...go figure..
I let all of them have a good look thru the GG...good vibes all around..
 
One can't underestimate the cool factor of old film gear. Of course, in the matter of film gear, there is a thin line between cool and geek ...

Me, I would not bring my cooler gear on spousal excursions. Surprised you haven't learned: NEVER out-accessorize your beloved.
 
giganova said:
This is such a good picture, Huss! Did you get their email address so you can send them the scan?
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yeah I gave one of the kids my business card and told him to email me for a copy. They were really happy when I followed through.
This wasn't a one off, these cameras get this reaction everywhere.
 
jmpgino said:
...Tonight during dinner a gentleman came up and asked me if I would let his daughter of fifteen years take a peek at the camera, she was interested in old time photography, so she made my evening and in turn made my wife displeased again with me.
So, do I file for divorce or sell the cameras, I have three of them...
Click to expand...

Divorce this wife.

I am serious.
 
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