Debusti Paolo
Well-known
I agree with Dexter: you'd try a bronica rf645!😀
The Rolleiflex isn't my cup of tea...
- Thread starter johnny9fingers
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Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I think MF cameras generally are harder to get used to than your average 35mm rangefinder or SLR. It's a different style of photography ... maybe it's just not you?
It's far too easy to see images on this forum that make you go 'wow' and start convincing yourself that you need an MF camera. My first real experience wih MF was with an Iskra ... I was amazed at what a pain in the arse piece of crap it was compared to my 35mm gear. Then I got an RF645 and realised it didn't actually need to be that difficult! 😛
It's far too easy to see images on this forum that make you go 'wow' and start convincing yourself that you need an MF camera. My first real experience wih MF was with an Iskra ... I was amazed at what a pain in the arse piece of crap it was compared to my 35mm gear. Then I got an RF645 and realised it didn't actually need to be that difficult! 😛
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Certainly, you either get 'em or you don't -- and I don't. I know it's unusual, heresy even; I know they deliver excellent results; but I just don't like the handing. I much prefer SLRs (I have Kowa and Praktisix, and have had Hasselblad and Mamiya RB67 as well as trying Contax 645 and more) or better still rangefinder or viewfinder cameras (I have Alpa, Linhof, Graflex and a Polaroid 600SE with roll-fim adapter)
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Ljós
Well-known
Please everybody take a look at the photo linked by Sanders
Please everybody take a look at the photo linked by Sanders
What a brilliant photo. Thanks Sanders for the link!
Please everybody take a look at the photo linked by Sanders
What a brilliant photo. Thanks Sanders for the link!
MCTuomey
Veteran
yes, thanks to sanders as well for sharing Ms Maier photographic "bequest." brilliant!
Wahoo
Washing on Siegfried Line
I used Rolleis regularly between the early '70's and 1990 and never really had any problems.
Here's one handed photo taken whilst riding my 753 martrac cycle - sorry, it's been posted before.
oftheherd
Veteran
I wonder if it is just the Rolleiflex itself as well. As I have posted before, I used to have a yashica 124 MAT G that I really enjoyed using. I got a Super Press 23 to replace it and later acquired a Rolleiflex. I never really cottened to it. I always thought it was because of having the 6x7 Super Press. But maybe not. I kind of enjoy using my Welta Perfekta, but that is probably because it is kind of retro. I just don't think I enjoy the 6x6 negative size as much. That may be just me, and not the OP's concern.
johnny9fingers
Well-known
I seem to have either wasted space or a lot of clutter in pictures taken in the square format. I know I can crop, but why??? I will keep plugging away and try to learn how to use the camera and its square results.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
After struggling with the square myself for quite a while I now find it very liberating and would never contemplate cropping!
Faffing around with a scene/subject trying to decide whether to frame it as landscape or portrait can be frustrating at times ... with 6x6, no problem!
johnny9fingers
Well-known
Hi Keith, You may be right that MF isn't a good format for me, but I'd like to give it a fair shake and keep working at it a while. I've looked at a the RF645 but they are out of my price range, so it's the Rollei or nothing for now....
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I find looking down at that 6x6 screen in the waist level viewfinder fascinating. Aside from the reversal of the image, you're actually looking at the photograph you're about to take before you take it ... a good composition can leap out at you occasionally. It's not the same with an SLR and a rangefinder shows you nothing really! 😛
johnny9fingers
Well-known
You hit that one right on the head, looking down into the waist level finder is so cool I have missed a great shot because I was enjoying the view too much 😀.
W
Way
Guest
I too, coming from a Hasselblad, felt that the Rolleiflex was awkward and wondered what all the fuss was about. But there is a method to the Rolleiflex madness and after using it for a while it has become a fun camera and one of my favorite to shoot with. In fact I have sort of fallen for these TLR cameras and now have a Rolleiflex 3.5f (currenty being CLA'd by Harry Fleenor), Mamiya C330 and a Minolta Autocord (probably arriving today after being CLA'd by Karl Bryan).
I would say keep using the Rollei and try getting used to the its quirks. Give it a chance, especially if you like the images coming from it. If it sill doesn't grab you, like 35mmdelux wrote, the Mamiya 6/7 or similar MF rangefinder-style camera might be more to your liking.
I would say keep using the Rollei and try getting used to the its quirks. Give it a chance, especially if you like the images coming from it. If it sill doesn't grab you, like 35mmdelux wrote, the Mamiya 6/7 or similar MF rangefinder-style camera might be more to your liking.
charjohncarter
Veteran
Just the same with me, I thought I wanted new GEAR, back then. Now I want big negative, solid quality, and the easiness of the Rollei T, and the ability to choose between the nuances of the final product (different films).
Steve M.
Veteran
I have difficulty w/ one thing on TLR's. Can't seem to get the camera level. Always seems to be pointing up or down and buildings either lean toward you or away in the pics. Sure are sharp though.
Before you give up on MF I might suggest a Welta Weltur. 6x6 w/ 120 film. You have to use a red window and a light meter, but the rangefinder/viewfinder is coupled and bright, and the lens focuses by moving the entire lens/shutter assy like a LF camera w/ a knob. I love mine and it's the easiest and quickest to use MF camera that I've used.
If that doesn't work there's always the AF Fuji 6x4.5 cameras. Just point it and shoot.
Before you give up on MF I might suggest a Welta Weltur. 6x6 w/ 120 film. You have to use a red window and a light meter, but the rangefinder/viewfinder is coupled and bright, and the lens focuses by moving the entire lens/shutter assy like a LF camera w/ a knob. I love mine and it's the easiest and quickest to use MF camera that I've used.
If that doesn't work there's always the AF Fuji 6x4.5 cameras. Just point it and shoot.
Platinum RF
Well-known
for 3.5 Tessar I use rolleiflex or rolleicord
for 3.5 planar I use Mymiya 6 (three lenses)
for 2.8 planar I use Hass
Mymiya is a beeter street camera
for 3.5 planar I use Mymiya 6 (three lenses)
for 2.8 planar I use Hass
Mymiya is a beeter street camera
johnny9fingers
Well-known
Got a Domke Gripper strap this morning and it makes a world of difference in handling the camera. So I ordered 20 rolls of Porta NC, 20 of Tri-X, and figure by the time I shoot 40 rolls of film I will know if the Rolleiflex and I make a good team. I would like to post pictures showing my progress but haven't been able to in the past. Is there some trick to posting pictures???
andredossantos
Well-known
From the moment I picked up a TLR, it just clicked. I prefer to compose at the waist and in square format. It is just more how I "see". last week I got my hands on a rollei mx-evs and I'm seriously loving it. Agree 100% with Sanders. Give it a chance and try to get used to the controls. If you don't like it in a couple weeks you can unload it being sure it's not the right tool for you.
chut
Luceat Lux Vestra
Sanders, Vivian's photos are remarkable and your story of discovering them is quite fascinating. It's apparent that she had a great eye and a lifelong dedication to photography. How wonderful to see such compelling work from a non-professional photographer.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
I was just thinking how I like using a TLR compared to folders when it comes to vintage MF cameras.
The folders are nice, but their handling is not different than 35mm. TLR on the other hand allows you to try different stuff.
After you get over the "growing pain" with your Rolleiflex, you'll realize how versatile the TLR is, it even can be used for "street" because of its natural position (somewhere in front of your chest).
Example:
* Not a Rolleiflex, but a Ricohflex. Super Ricohflex to be exact.
Stick with it, you'll get it.
The folders are nice, but their handling is not different than 35mm. TLR on the other hand allows you to try different stuff.
After you get over the "growing pain" with your Rolleiflex, you'll realize how versatile the TLR is, it even can be used for "street" because of its natural position (somewhere in front of your chest).
Example:
* Not a Rolleiflex, but a Ricohflex. Super Ricohflex to be exact.
Stick with it, you'll get it.
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