TLRs are odd, klunky beasts.

I've been using my Autocord more and more. Yes, it is a bit quirky and ergonomics are odd but the quality of the shots are superb. I find focussing tricky at times, especially in bright light and think I might prefer the Rolleiflex knob as it would be easier to pre-focus or check distance so am looking for one now.

It's great in the street, looking down in viewfinder I find it easier to frame shots from the framing of my eye and am hardly aware of the reversed image. Although it's more bulky than my folders it is still light and portable.

In a way it is more unobtrusive, less intimidating and more friendly to your subject if taking people. And people will comment on it which is fine as I prefer to engage with anyone I shoot as part of the process even if it is just a smile.
 
film nut said:
The only TLR I have is a SuperRicohflex and I really like it. It seems small when compared to some of the others. The hardest thing was getting a routine for advancing the film to avoid double exposures. I guess you can get used to what ever you have.. If you only have one and use it alot, you can get pretty efficient with it.

MIke
Click to expand...


Wait...I just shelved a Super Richoflex because of double exposures (half the frame). I thought something was wrong with the camera. I found it in a box with some darkroom gear I bought, probably six or seven years ago. I never tried it out until about three weeks ago. I thought maybe it had something to do with the 35mm advance adapter.

What's the cure? Double advance for each frame?
 
jwc57 said:
Wait...I just shelved a Super Richoflex because of double exposures (half the frame). I thought something was wrong with the camera. I found it in a box with some darkroom gear I bought, probably six or seven years ago. I never tried it out until about three weeks ago. I thought maybe it had something to do with the 35mm advance adapter.

What's the cure? Double advance for each frame?
Click to expand...

You shouldn't have to do anything extra to advance the film if you're shooting 120 film, you only have to watch the red window on the back for the next frame number.

Of course, check the inside if the 35mm adapter is installed. I never bother using the 35mm adapter, the Super Ricohflex is a very good medium format camera.
 
I was guessing it had something to do with the 35mm advance assembly. The camera had been adapted for the 35mm insert, but insert wasn't in the box. I only advanced the film to the stop. I was thinking that maybe I should have hit the advance buttons a second time and advanced the film to the next stop. The double exposures on mine are about the width of a 35mm frame. I didn't even think to open the window and check the numbers. There was enough going on I guess that my brain overloaded...first time shooting a TLR since college (1976) and trying to figure out the controls, plus hold it steady.

I think I'll try the Voigtlander Superb next and go back to the Super Ricohflex later.

Thanks for the info.
 
In medium format, I actually use TLR most and tend to get more good shots out of a roll. They all have the strong composition possibility on a 6x6 ground glass, whisper quiet leaf shutter, and unassuming waist level finder. I used to own a Yashicamat 124G but never fell in love so sold it; now owns a Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar and Mamiya C330S; and soon will get an Autocord and Rolleicord with Triotar. They just grow on me.

Mamiya C330S probably has the best waist level finder and loupe combo that blocks out any stray light, making it the perfect composition machine for me. I got fantastic portraits out of the 105/3.5D and 180/4.5 Super lenses. I never take it with me on the road or a trip, due to its bulk and weight.

Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar is my ultimate choice if I want to take only one film camera/lens (in addition to digital P&S) with me for an important trip. It balances weight, size, usability, reliability and image quality. It has been to a few continent without any problem, but I do keep it in a padded lunch bag next to me most of the time.
 
The problem for me(ME) is that when i use my TLR, these days a Rollei Automat, i have a very high percentage of keepers..Rats! Usually out of 12 exposures it's like at least 8. I used a 220 film in my Rollei. Yes! It took me 18 months to shoot. 23 images are worth enlarging big! In 35mm i am lucky if i get 1 or 2 per roll.
The Mamiya C series were my mainstay when i had a studio. Truly a wonderful camera and lenses. If it were not for the weight, i'd have one again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom