To get or not to get...

alternatve

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that is the question...

I decided to take a walk in the local camera district in my area to window shop for a Rolleicord. As expected, the prices were over the top of my pitiful budget, so I didn't give it too much though.

But then, I went into a store and found a Rolleiflex 2.8 C/D (don't know which model!) going for $490, that's around $312 USD, half the price of the other Rolleiflex on display!

To be fair, it isn't in the best of condition, but not overly used too. Just the way I like them. ;)

The trouble is, it is still rather expensive for my pitiful budget... (After getting a Leica, you don't have much money left at all)

But, I can't look at another TLR without imagining that twin pair of gilttering eyes staring back at me, and I know anything else is only a second to that.

So, should I splurge on something that is as lasting and well made as a Rollei or to save the money for a rainy day?

Any comments is welcomed. Thanks in advance. :)

Samuel
 
Couple of questions for you:
Which 2.8 lens is it? How are the shutter speeds? Can you test the functionality of the camera? Run a fast test roll through to make sure that it's functional? If it needs a CLA, can you afford it or will it be a shelf queen until you can afford it?

Just some thoughts,

William
 
Couple of questions for you:
Which 2.8 lens is it? How are the shutter speeds? Can you test the functionality of the camera? Run a fast test roll through to make sure that it's functional? If it needs a CLA, can you afford it or will it be a shelf queen until you can afford it?

Just some thoughts,

William
 
Couple of questions for you:
Which 2.8 lens is it? How are the shutter speeds? Can you test the functionality of the camera? Run a fast test roll through to make sure that it's functional? If it needs a CLA, can you afford it or will it be a shelf queen until you can afford it?

Just some thoughts,

William
 
Couple of questions for you:
Which 2.8 lens is it? How are the shutter speeds? Can you test the functionality of the camera? Run a fast test roll through to make sure that it's functional? If it needs a CLA, can you afford it or will it be a shelf queen until you can afford it?

Just some thoughts,

William
 
Go for it

Go for it

Grab the Rolleiflex. Theses are the BEST camera ever made. Theses are such great cameras to use, you won't go back to anything else ;)

Composing with a Rollei i easy and efficient. And, most important of all, you can crop! A lot of photog miss the point of the advantage of medium format for cropping!
 
Samuel, I know your heart says otherwise, but just walk away.

There will *be* another Rolleiflex another time, when you have replenished your money.

Meanwhile, use your Leica :)
BTW, which leica and which lens?
 
will you use it?

I happen to love my Rolleiflex, but I was shooting Yashicamat 124G's as daily carry cameras for a dozen years, it made sense to go with it.

390 USD is a great price for a 2.8. regardless of model. If it works, I'd probably buy it.

But only if you'll use it.
 
"From: wlewisiii

Couple of questions for you:
Which 2.8 lens is it? How are the shutter speeds? Can you test the functionality of the camera? Run a fast test roll through to make sure that it's functional? If it needs a CLA, can you afford it or will it be a shelf queen until you can afford it?

Just some thoughts,

William"

Hmm,

It's a planer 2.8. A six element lens? I haven't touched the camera yet, save gawking at it. I will though, before I actually buy it. Don't want to take back a faulty camera. I have this limit in my bank account I don't want to exceed, so I have some spare cash on hand. If my camera spoils, I usually dip into my reserves to get it fixed asap. Shelf queens get sold.

Samuel
 
Having had a Rollei, lovely as it was, I traded it for my M6. I would save the cash and get more glass for the leica.

Regards, John.
 
Splurging is usually bad for you. There will be other Rolleiflexes some other time.

Just walk away.

Btw, which leica did you just get? what lens?
 
RFF was a mess yesterday. It was like navigating through molasses. I've deleted my repeated posts.

And I sadly have to agree with shadowfox. Splurging is bad for me. When I get this Rollei, then I want a M, and so on and so forth... And I'm not too sure that I'll take my Rollei everywhere or leave it at home.

Strange how a good night's sleep and a peek at your bank account statement helps sober you up... ;)
 
I have two Rolleis and a Leica (and a bunch of other stuff.) I do love those Rolleis, but I hate the camera angst that comes with so many choices. I used to use them a lot, then I got my M3 and the Rolleis gather dust.I too would walk away if I were you, OR sell the Leica and then buy the Rollei. Concentrate on shooting and making the best PICTURES you can and becoming VERY comfortable with what you have.
 
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