My 1st Rolleicord!

[raydm6]

Hi Folks, I just recently picked up my 1st Rollei: a very lightly used Rolleicord Vb Type 2 w/original leather case. What a beautiful machine! It's practically in new condition. I'm guessing this is a very late production unit as it has a Rollei/Honeywell hood?

I went back and forth between getting a 'Flex or 'Cord but decided on the simplicity of the 'Cord and figured if I get the bug bad enough, can get a 'Flex (perhaps a 2,8E) at another time. 🙂

I haven't shot MF since I owned a Hasselblad years ago and am getting used to the Vb's ergonomics (basically holding it, focusing, and cocking and firing the shutter). To be honest, the Hasselblad felt more natural in my hands and am trying to adjust to the 'Cord.

Some very basic questions:

1. I believe V's take Bay 1 filters: do you put protective filters on both the viewing and taking lens? Should I bother?
2. Any strap recommendations? (It did come with the original case and the strap is in good condition but am looking to use the camera sans case at times)
3. Does the Xenar need a hood for improved performance?

Appreciate any other tips you can give me!

I'm going to practice with some expired (over 10 years) Tri-X, Provia 100F, and Scala film I've had in the fridge and have them scanned by Precision.

Any film recommendations?

Thanks!!

 

[Mablo]

Nice 'Cord. I hope you'll enjoy it.

1. Bay-1 filters (Rollei, Yashica, No-name...) will fit. In case you have a stack of 52mm filters (like I do) you can buy a Bay-1 - 52mm step-up adapter.
2. I'm happy with Gordy's neck strap with the string mount.
3. Lens hood is definitely recommended.

I like to shoot b&w with my 'Cord but Ektar would perhaps be my first choice for color film.

 

[froyd]

Any film recommendations?

Thanks!!

Like many people here, I like Portra 400. Wonderful colors and great flexibility for indoor shots. If you plan to use 400 film in f16 light, you might find yourself limited by the shutter speed of the cord, so a ND filter for Bay 1 would be a good thing to throw in your bag. That way you'll be able to keed a shallow DOF even in bright light.

Forsilver emulsions, you might like Delta if you like smooth tones an sharpness without much grain. In general, however, if you are a fan of grain bombs, you'll be somewhat hampered by the 6x6 neg unless you crop tight or enlarge really big.

 

[jwicaksana]

Neat looking 'Cord! Congrats.
I myself have just bought a Rolleicord III and contemplating to buy a Barton 1972 strap.
Anybody can recommend their strap for TLRs?

 

[Dan Daniel]

Concerning a strap, be careful of an old leather strap. The leather dries out and can break. I know, having lost my first Rolleicord to a drop to the sidewalk when its case strap snapped.

I like the Op/tech pro loop straps. It takes a bit to get the connector through the strap lugs but it can be done. I like how the connectors drop away from the hood when you lift up the camera, something a standard flat webbing strap doesn't do as smoothly.

Yes, hood. A cheap one that works fine but DOES NOT allow filters as it takes the inner bayonet-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Lens-Ho...136?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ef3096f38
Patience and not being concerned with perfection can get a Rollei Bay I hood for $20-30 on Ebay.

Film? They still make film for these cameras??!!?? Well, while it is still being made, try some Fuji Neopan ACROS.

 

[JPD]

I recommend a nylon/neoprene loop strap. They are very strong and will not scratch the camera.

http://www.procameragear.com/catalog/images/jjc-strap-bk.jpg

I don't use a filter for protection, but it can be a good idea if you're taking pictures in locations with sand dust or other abrasive dust in the air, like on beaches and certain workplaces.

For black and white I use light yellow (Rolleifilter Gelb - Hell) as my standard filter. It's a weak filter, but it does make a difference in normal daylight. The sky darkens somewhat and the picture feels "warmer", even though it's black and white.