canetsbe
Well-known
Hey all,
I've got a bit of a dilemma. I've got three Rolleiflexes and I don't want to keep them all (well, I do, but don't NEED to).
Last year I bought a 2.8E Xenotar, my first Rollei, and then snagged a 3.5F Planar (with a broken meter) at a price too good to pass up. Both needed a CLA so I sent them off to Paul Ebel and both are working fine now. Then a couple weeks ago I got an MX automat Xenar which some of you may have seen posted about in recent threads here. It doesn't need a CLA. I'd say the 2.8E is in probably the worst cosmetic condition of all of them (though not horrible) and also probably gets the least amount of use because it's huge and heavy. I've been taking the MX automat with me everywhere lately because it's so light and unassuming. It makes me want to take walks and burn film all the time. The lenses on the 3.5F and 2.8E are perfect but the MX automat has what I suspect are some coating specks behind the front element which don't really affect anything.
I'm torn between which to sell but I really think I'm leaning toward the 2.8E. It's an amazing camera when you nail the focus though and is the only 2.8 lens on an MF camera that I have, which really makes me hesitate to sell it. I mostly use these cameras for shooting portaits and streetscenes. I guess I'm just looking for some suggestions from people to nudge me one way or another. Thanks for reading guys.
-Cole
I've got a bit of a dilemma. I've got three Rolleiflexes and I don't want to keep them all (well, I do, but don't NEED to).
Last year I bought a 2.8E Xenotar, my first Rollei, and then snagged a 3.5F Planar (with a broken meter) at a price too good to pass up. Both needed a CLA so I sent them off to Paul Ebel and both are working fine now. Then a couple weeks ago I got an MX automat Xenar which some of you may have seen posted about in recent threads here. It doesn't need a CLA. I'd say the 2.8E is in probably the worst cosmetic condition of all of them (though not horrible) and also probably gets the least amount of use because it's huge and heavy. I've been taking the MX automat with me everywhere lately because it's so light and unassuming. It makes me want to take walks and burn film all the time. The lenses on the 3.5F and 2.8E are perfect but the MX automat has what I suspect are some coating specks behind the front element which don't really affect anything.
I'm torn between which to sell but I really think I'm leaning toward the 2.8E. It's an amazing camera when you nail the focus though and is the only 2.8 lens on an MF camera that I have, which really makes me hesitate to sell it. I mostly use these cameras for shooting portaits and streetscenes. I guess I'm just looking for some suggestions from people to nudge me one way or another. Thanks for reading guys.
-Cole
peter_n
Veteran
So there's one to keep right there. My first Rolleiflex was an MX and it's a great little camera and I understand what you're saying.
I'm biased because I don't understand the interest in the 2.8 models, it's only half a stop faster than the 3.5 but it's so much bigger and heavier. To each his own but the 2.8s are popular and you would have no trouble selling it. I say keep the two 3.5s and buy some faster film for when you need that extra half stop.
jbielikowski
Jan Bielikowski
no need to sell= don't sell.
seakayaker1
Well-known
. . . . . if you can not make a decision.
Put all three up for sale with your asking prices and let everyone know after the first one is sold the sale is over.
Destiny, fate, luck of the draw . . . . . .
Good luck with your decision.
Put all three up for sale with your asking prices and let everyone know after the first one is sold the sale is over.
Destiny, fate, luck of the draw . . . . . .
Good luck with your decision.
thirtyfivefifty
Noctilust survivor
Great idea!
Robert Lai
Well-known
NO, don't put all 3 up for sale. The nicest looking one, I suspect the 3.5F will go first. If you're really hesitant, don't sell anything. Otherwise, I would say from your description that the 2.8E will probably be on the for sale list.
Acidic_Lemon
Established
IF you really have to sell, I think it would be fair for you to at least shoot with all 3 first (take turns) and then decide after film processing.
For sure if you post all 3 up, the one in the best condition will have more takers.
From what I read from your post, it seems you are leaning towards selling your 2.8E. Even if it is heavy and bulky, I wouldn't sell it as it also gives an option to branch into studio projects. You have a fine range of cameras to use.
For sure if you post all 3 up, the one in the best condition will have more takers.
From what I read from your post, it seems you are leaning towards selling your 2.8E. Even if it is heavy and bulky, I wouldn't sell it as it also gives an option to branch into studio projects. You have a fine range of cameras to use.
beyond
Jason Beyond
Keep all.. "seriously".
You will regret if you sell either one.
You will regret if you sell either one.
skipjack
Established
I would sell the MX. Then you have both a Xenotar and Planar - and you've covered both the 2.8 and 3.5 issues. My favorite is the 3.5, however the 2.8 does have it's place as a studio type camera, inho.
canetsbe
Well-known
I think you've got the right idea. However I almost never shoot in a studio. But there's no way I'm listing all 3 and leaving it up to chance....
Thanks for all your input. I don't HAVE to sell a camera but it would be nice to have some extra cash. And having three cameras that kind of all serve the same purpose makes me a little anxious for some reason. Like I don't know which to choose and one keeps getting left on the shelf. I think having two is justifiable because certain film types can be delegated to one or the other and I only shoot black and white or color negative. I like the Planar for color, since it has more modern coatings and perfect contrast. The Xenar/Xenotars are a little less contrasty and are really nice for black and whites.
I guess I'm not making it any easier on myself...
Acidic_Lemon
Established
If you really set on selling, sell the one that don't get used much. If it does not get used much, chances it will need a CLA sooner than the others.
The reason why I have not gone into 2.8s is simply that I know it is too heavy and bulky for me. I am already pushing my limits by carrying my 3.5F (which I have yet to use but know it will be a stay-on-shelf most of the time) but again, I must have planar lens for the same reasons as you mentioned.
In the perfect world setting, an ideal rollei (for me) will be one with modern coated planar lens (2.8 or 3.5 doesn't matter) and a never-dying and accurate light meter and weigh like an automat MX. Add a in-built flash that isn't bulky (installed on the viewfinder when viewfinder is opened). My imagination tend to have the better side of me.
thompsonks
Well-known
IMO Peter got it right in the first reply.
I'm in pretty much the same position as you are – more Rolleis than I need, but no need to sell them.
I find, though, that the 2.8C Xenotar is the one I use least of all, for the reason already mentioned: it's heavy/clumsy in comparison to 3.5s. And focusing a wide-open 80mm 2.8 taking lens with a 2.8 viewing lens isn't likely to be accurate unless you use a tripod (and a subject that holds still like one).
I keep it around because the bokeh is pretty. And then almost never use it.
Kirk
I'm in pretty much the same position as you are – more Rolleis than I need, but no need to sell them.
I find, though, that the 2.8C Xenotar is the one I use least of all, for the reason already mentioned: it's heavy/clumsy in comparison to 3.5s. And focusing a wide-open 80mm 2.8 taking lens with a 2.8 viewing lens isn't likely to be accurate unless you use a tripod (and a subject that holds still like one).
I keep it around because the bokeh is pretty. And then almost never use it.
Kirk
canetsbe
Well-known
At this point I'm pretty sure there's no way I can be convinced to sell either of the 3.5s but I also haven't convinced myself to sell the 2.8E.
Nobody has actually made a case for selling the MX other than basically just saying "sell the MX!!!" I already love the thing to death and it's so smooth/pretty/it begs to be used.
thompsonks: I totally feel you on the 2.8 focusing thing. It's always super hit-or-miss with the focus. I actually did a shoot the other day and noticed how often I missed the focus. And that was with pretty careful focusing through the magnifier. No bueno. But I too like the bokeh.
Acidic Lemon: Unfortunately we can't have everything... But I think the newest Rolleiflexes come pretty close if you've got $4500 to throw down for one
Nobody has actually made a case for selling the MX other than basically just saying "sell the MX!!!" I already love the thing to death and it's so smooth/pretty/it begs to be used.
thompsonks: I totally feel you on the 2.8 focusing thing. It's always super hit-or-miss with the focus. I actually did a shoot the other day and noticed how often I missed the focus. And that was with pretty careful focusing through the magnifier. No bueno. But I too like the bokeh.
Acidic Lemon: Unfortunately we can't have everything... But I think the newest Rolleiflexes come pretty close if you've got $4500 to throw down for one
raid
Dad Photographer
I would keep all three. I have a 2.8D (my only 2.8 TLR), plus a 3.5F (a great lens), plus an MX, so my cameras a similar to the ones that you own. I sold two "pretty" cameras in the past; a 2.8E and a 2.8F. No regrets. I have other ones.
nemo2
Established
Keep the one you use.
T
Todd.Hanz
Guest
Sell the 2.8...are you nuts? I have a 2.8E and I love it for portraits, and if thats your kinda thing then keep it and sell one of the 3.5's. Of course like the others here I would say don't sell any of them but I know sometimes life happens and you have to thin out the heard. Now if you were selling one to get a Tele Rollei, hmmm...
2.8E
Todd
2.8E
Todd
canetsbe
Well-known
Well... I went ahead and listed the 2.8E in the classifieds this morning in case anyone is interested. Thanks for the insights guys!
peter_n
Veteran
Good decision. Good luck with the sale!
Good luck with the sale!
vitaly66
slightly tilted
This is similar to my own Rolleiflex trajectory. My first Rolleiflex -- a 2.8E -- I found disappointing. Even though everyone sez 2.8 is the "best", the big lens made the body feel front-heavy and kludgy, and image quality just wasn't all that. So I returned it.
My first experience with a 4-element Rolleiflex -- an MX-EVS Xenar -- was a revelation. Ah hah, this is the true Rolleiflex experience! Great image quality and superb, perfect handling.
Since then I have picked up a couple more Rolleis, including a T and an MX. I never even think about getting a 2.8 anymore. I'm glad other folks tend to pimp them though, because it keeps prices on the other models more reasonable.
My first experience with a 4-element Rolleiflex -- an MX-EVS Xenar -- was a revelation. Ah hah, this is the true Rolleiflex experience! Great image quality and superb, perfect handling.
Since then I have picked up a couple more Rolleis, including a T and an MX. I never even think about getting a 2.8 anymore. I'm glad other folks tend to pimp them though, because it keeps prices on the other models more reasonable.