TLR owners/users (If you dare admit if)

TLR owners/users (If you dare admit if)

  • Do own a TLR?

    Votes: 45 7.1%

  • If so, do you use it a lot?

    Votes: 134 21.2%

  • If so, do you use it some?

    Votes: 266 42.0%

  • If so, do you seldom use it?

    Votes: 116 18.3%

  • Does it sit on a shelf looking longingly at RF's

    Votes: 47 7.4%

  • Wouldn't dirty my hands on one and handle my RF's

    Votes: 5 0.8%

  • What is a TLR?

    Votes: 20 3.2%
  • Total voters
    633
bought a rolleiflex old standard with tessar 3.8 (year 1932 model). it will be exciting to try out this when it arrives. I don't even have a 120 film yet :(
 
Congratulations, tomasis, should be fun, though it may need a bit of a CLA. Try using Ilford FP5 as that's a pretty slow lens. You will be amazed at the results you will get from a 6X6 negative.
 
I have a Yashica Mat LM; larger in size than the YashicaMat 124G, but seems to be built a bit better. Also, the meter works and seems to be accurate.

It's a not-easy-to-conceal shooter when slung around the neck, though, so like most strap-mounted cameras I tend to wear it 'bandolero' style, with the strap slung across my chest at an angle, and under my arm. That way I can slip the camera under my jacket for some degree of concealment while trying to look stealthy.

I just finished another roll of FP4 last week; I need to get it souped and scanned, then print the good ones in the darkroom.

~Joe
 
All I have is my Yashica-Mat 124G and i think the lens is ok. :) Granted i do wish I had a 2.8 at times but oh well.

No cash for an expensive rolleiflex. :D
 
I am now the owner of a Rolleicord. I bought it cheap from eBay with a few filters, 2 light meters and some other odds and ends. I've only had about 5 minutes with it so can only report that the shutter seems to work, but sounds very slow. The film advance knob is stiff (but moves quite freely when the centre of the knob is pressed in - is this how it's supposed to work?) and all the other little knobs and doo-dads seem to move freely enough. The lenses look OK from the outside, but the viewing screen is as dark as a dark thing but may be OK in normal daylight. So it seems that a professional CLA may get me up & running.

Now the embarrassing bit... I can't get it out of it's leather case to investigate further/identify the model/start searching for a manual. There must be a knack to it/something to unscrew/a catch to move/a knob to twiddle. Can anyone help?

Cheers.
 
Got this last week.

2302646579_3d76f2ce7b.jpg
 
I have a Rolleiflex New Standard (1939) which I've owned for about 8 years. Uncoated f3.5 Tessar. Did a CLA last year and am pleased with the results. It is fine for a 69 year old camera. I find the thing is great in open shade, sharp and low contrast. Flare creeps in with open sun, with or without lens shade.

One week ago I purchased a Rolleiflex MX (1954) and have overhauled it. Coated f 3.5 Tessar with a few small "cleaning" marks on the taking lens. The leather is ugly I am considering new leather.
Last night I put a fresh roll of film in it and have taken two shots so far. I'll finish the roll this week and consider the results.

These cameras are so quiet and so compact I wonder why they aren't more popular. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

I wish someone would make a nice strap for these things, as well a good everready case would certainly help.
 
Mick Holland:

You have to release the strap from the strap lugs, and probably unscrew a knob on the bottom that screws into the tripod mount. That's as I recall it. Oh, and then work the sides of the case (pull them out) so they clear the knobs.

Hope this helps.

Ted
 
literiter said:
I wish someone would make a nice strap for these things, as well a good everready case would certainly help.
Click to expand...

I'm currently using one of gordy's straps on mine with the neck pad. It looks great on it. A brown leather with red threading and a tan leather neckpad on it. Looks like it belongs on it. :D
 
Ted, Thanks very much. There is no knob on the base, it was simply fitted very snugly in the case which I did manage to loosen. The camera looks OK.

$80 got me a Rolleicord in need of CLA with case, a box brownie in decent nick - but I think it's taken its last photograph, 2 x working Weston Master light meters and an assortment of filters and stuff. I think I did alright.

I have no manual for the camera (Ser. No. 886959) which I think makes it a war-time model. Can anyone suggest a source?

Cheers.
 
MickH said:
Ted, Thanks very much. There is no knob on the base, it was simply fitted very snugly in the case which I did manage to loosen. The camera looks OK.

$80 got me a Rolleicord in need of CLA with case, a box brownie in decent nick - but I think it's taken its last photograph, 2 x working Weston Master light meters and an assortment of filters and stuff. I think I did alright.

I have no manual for the camera (Ser. No. 886959) which I think makes it a war-time model. Can anyone suggest a source?

Cheers.
Click to expand...

Mick:

You might want to start here. It's the Butkus people. If you like the free manual, they ask that you donate. There were a number of Rolleicord links there. Good luck!
 
Just used the Rolleicord VB and husband has the Yashica LM. Weird to gettingused to left - right focusing. Comes out alright in the end, though. : )

Awaiting my Bessa T.
 
Rollei 2.8 E Planar, Rollei 2.8F 12/24 Planar, Rolleiwide (with the coveted lens hood and lens cap), and just picked up a Contaflex TLR. Stand back....
 
IDorsey:

If you focus first and then flip up the sportsfinder frame you can follow fast moving action. Lots of fun. I covered a few races for Cycle World magazine using an old Rolleicord that way, panning motorcycles flashing by at 100mph in a corner. Works fine.
 
I just won an auction for an early model Yashica D, $45 shipped (my sniping software apparantly went on the fritz and set my max bid at $1441 instead of $41, could have been tragic).
It's in unknown mechanical condition (estate find I assume), but looks to be in decent condition. How should I test it upon arrival, and where can I get it CLA'd if need be?
 
First of all, and before you run a roll through it, check to see if the aperture works as it should, then cycle through all the shutter speeds to see if there is any sticking or malfunction, then shoot a test roll trying to use most shutter speeds and aperture settings. Make notes so when you get the prints back you can see whether there is a problem.

If not, why bother with a CLA?

Good luck,

Ted
 
Shutter speeds:
1 second seems to stick, and 1/2 seems dodgy, but the rest sound alright.
Aperture seems fine.
I think it's time to run a test roll through it.
 
Just got my first test roll back from my "new to me" Minolta Autocord (ebay bargain at $75). Very pleased with the lens, but I am going to need a lenshood as most of the frames show flare (overall loss of contrast throughout the frame) whenever pointed even in the general direction of the sun. Can't wait to shoot more with it!

Two test images both shot in the backyard:

2617230760_411a456bd4.jpg


2616406759_51dafd0249.jpg
 
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YashicaMat LM




Lubitel 2

I'm enjoying using both. The YashicaMat was won on eBay for $75, and after a Mark Hama CLA-job it is working great. The Lubie was given to me by a kind friend. It's fun and light to carry.

rt :)
 
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