Which TLR for me?

[David Murphy]

The Minoltas are interesting cameras, pretty well made, easy on the eyes, but optically they are inferior to most post-war Rollei's, even Tessar Rollei's despite the fact that the Autocord is said to have a Tessar-type lens. No Autocord comes even close in image quality to a Rollei with a Planar taking lens.

The supposed stability gained by the film feeding mechanism in the Autocord (based on anecdotal evidence at best) is offset by their very unstable focusing control that is easily dislodged by bumping it slightly (FYI I have owned several Rollei's and Autocord's). I think the Minolta focusing lever can even drift if it is not adjusted correctly. My favorite characteristic of the Autocord is the screen -- it is pleasantly bright.

These facts are reflected in the prices of the respective cameras on the used market, although collectors are distorting the cost of both models in comparison to their value as judged by their actual picture taking ability.

 

[oftheherd]

What are you after? MF, or TLR specific? If the latter, then there are many as you see from the comments above. The only ones I have experience with are the Yashica 124 MAT G and the Rolleiflex f/3.5. I liked both as TLR's go. I think the Rolleiflex was a little heavier. It does have the ability to make double exposures but I don't recall if the Yashica did or not. I have never used that.

If it is MF you are looking for, consider some of the press cameras. I have the Super Press 23, which is a system camera with interchangable lenses and backs. You can really change from 120 to 220 on the fly with more than one back, or switch between color and b/w. Having that is why I don't get much use from my Rolleiflex.

 

[marcust101]

Kyle,

I'll vote for a Rollei, I have a 3.5F in user condition just in for a CLa at the moment, The lens are fantastic and they are very portable, I took mine hiking in the Alps last year

Marcus

 

[JCdeR]

I'm thinking of getting a TLR and I was wondering which model(s) would fit my requirements? Any help is greatly appreciated!

1) The faster the lens the better... maybe f/2.8? Not necessarily a requirement, though.

2) Easy film transportation. I had an old Yashica with fiddly knob, I want one with an easy to use crank.

3) Full range of speeds... the Yashica I had lacked slow speeds below 1/15 IIRC, and I don't think the fast speeds even went up to 1/500.

4) Looking to spend no more than $500. Willing to spend a little more if I were to get a fixer-upper for cheap and then have it CLA'd and then had a new Maxwell screen installed.

Thanks again!

If I were you I would look for something which can resell fast whilst not loosing to much money. Quality? who cares at the rate you buy and resell things..... Obviously quality is not your main issue...

 

[350D_user]

The supposed stability gained by the film feeding mechanism in the Autocord (based on anecdotal evidence at best) is offset by their very unstable focusing control that is easily dislodged by bumping it slightly (FYI I have owned several Rollei's and Autocord's). I think the Minolta focusing lever can even drift if it is not adjusted correctly. My favorite characteristic of the Autocord is the screen -- it is pleasantly bright.

Autocords can also suffer from stiff focussing levers, as well as the lever itself being snapped off (apparently due to a flimsy metal that Minolta used).

All that said, I'll not be parting with my Autocord easily. 🙂

 

[Kyle]

If I were you I would look for something which can resell fast whilst not loosing to much money. Quality? who cares at the rate you buy and resell things..... Obviously quality is not your main issue...

Its true that for a while I was buying and selling far too much and too quickly. I just liked trying new stuff and moving along. However, I simply don't have time for that anymore (I haven't even been logging on to RFF much lately). I want a good TLR that I can keep for the long haul. I had a nice Rolleiflex last year but sold off in favor of a Mamiya 6. It was a great camera and I'd like to get another one.

 

[KoNickon]

Autocords

Autocords

Autocords can also suffer from stiff focussing levers, as well as the lever itself being snapped off (apparently due to a flimsy metal that Minolta used).

All that said, I'll not be parting with my Autocord easily. 🙂

Yes, it's the Achilles heel of the Autocord. Karl Bryan (Autocord master repairer) is extremely reluctant to try bending one of these back to where it should be for fear of that happening. But a properly lubricated focusing lever is a joy to use.

There are a lot of fine TLRs with really good lenses out there. The things that mainly distinguish them are in the controls -- lever wind vs. knob wind, focusing knob vs. lever, location of the shutter button, etc. And one camera's setup may simply not work for you. But if you've used a Rolleiflex and like it, it may be best to stick with them.

 

[Bryce]

What are you planning to use it for?
Different models have different strengths and weaknesses. The Mamiya series, again the only one I'm really familiar with is probably at its best... as a studio camera(!).
It is capable of macro shots with the Paramender attachment, which brings the taking lens to the same position as the viewing lens was for close ups. Since it has bellows focusing, the lens can be racked out quite far.
All of which goes to make it less suitable for a carry camera.
Are these features and compromises worth their while to you? If not, a more typical TLR is probably better suited to your uses.

 

[maddoc]

Its true that for a while I was buying and selling far too much and too quickly. I just liked trying new stuff and moving along. However, I simply don't have time for that anymore (I haven't even been logging on to RFF much lately). I want a good TLR that I can keep for the long haul. I had a nice Rolleiflex last year but sold off in favor of a Mamiya 6. It was a great camera and I'd like to get another one.

... actually I am glad that you sold this nice lens to me ! 😉🙂 BTW... thanks to your thread I feel some G.A.S. .... 😀

Gabor

 

[terrycioni]

Hi Kyle,

I picked-up a mint Rolleiflex 2.8E with a lens hood and am really enjoying it. This E is mint - and a joy to use. I am told by those who should know that the 3.5E or F is also a good choice.

Best. Terry.

 

[Marc-A.]

Hello Kyle,
I've resisted a long time (lack of money is a good reason to resist), but this week I succumbed to a GAS attack! I bought this beauty, Rolleiflex 3.5 F. It's on the way, and soon in my mail box I hope!

I don't have any advice to give you, but that one: save money and buy a nice TLR, with good lens, Planar or Xenotar. Of course, Rolleicord, Automat etc. are pretty good cameras and the Xenar/Tessar is excellent, but my motto is: if (or when) you can afford it, take the best (in your opinion). And if you don't like it, you can eventually resell it at the same price. You can't loose this way.
Some prefer the 2.8, others the 3.5. I wanted the 3.5 Planar. The choice between the Planar or Xenotar was indifferent to me, they are of same quality. Why 3.5F and not 3.5E? Again, it was indifferent to me since they are very similar. Why the 3.5F and not the GX or FX? Because of money 🙄
Best,
Marc

 

[Kyle]

Thanks everyone! I was able to work out a deal for a recently CLA'd Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar in excellent condition. It should be on its way soon.

 

[JCdeR]

Try finding out it's qualities before selling it again, this will take time but it is a perfect camera only limited by the focal lenght

 

[KoNickon]

Yes, this is a camera to keep.

 

[Kyle]

Try finding out it's qualities before selling it again, this will take time but it is a perfect camera only limited by the focal lenght

As I already said before, I don't have time to buy and sell like I was doing before. I'm keeping this one. I was examining my old negs the other day and realized that the ones I was most happy with were my 6x6 shots. Owning the Leica gets me to shoot more and carry the camera with me all the time, but I think I just like slowing down and thinking more about what I'm going to shoot.

 

[maddoc]

I own a Rolleiflex 3.5E-3 with a Planar lens and I love the darn thing -- just a pleasure to use. It cost me a little over $400 and I put a Maxwell screen in it for another $150 --- nice and bright and I've been very happy with it .

I got it from a local store, Koh's Cameras. Jimmy is a nice guy, he restores them himself (does tons of Bronica repairs as well). The store is filled with Leicas and Rolleis --- makes my husband nervous everytime I go. I got a ugly-looking Rollei off ebay for $70 a few months ago-- turned out to be a Rolleicord Vb 😀 , Jimmy fixed the shutter for $90 and now it's my teenager's prized possession. You might consider on of the later 'Cords.

Here's one of Jimmy's current cameras for sale: http://www.kohscamera.com/product_images/rolleiflex/rolleiflex_3.5E_planar_images.htm

No connection, just a happy customer.

Good luck with your search,

JT

I had a look at Koh's Camera web-site and .... ordered it 😀 Now a Rolleiflex 3.5E Planar is on the way to me. JT, thanks for the link !

- Gabor