River Dog
Always looking
I own around 20 film cameras of all kinds but I am thinking of selling them all to keep the Rolleiflex 2.8e Planar (and maybe a mint Bessa II).
The reason is this holiday snap. The wife loves the portrait and wonders why her decent enough Canon 550D can't come close. At least now she understands all my fussing in the kitchen.
I hate selling cameras, but the Rollei is so sweet. Anyone else made this kind of decision?
The reason is this holiday snap. The wife loves the portrait and wonders why her decent enough Canon 550D can't come close. At least now she understands all my fussing in the kitchen.
I hate selling cameras, but the Rollei is so sweet. Anyone else made this kind of decision?
Neopan 100, exposed at 200. Rodinal for 8 mins. Epson V500 scan.
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T
Todd.Hanz
Guest
"With a Rolleiflex do you really need anything else?"
doubt it, but I will inevitably want something else...eventually
Todd
doubt it, but I will inevitably want something else...eventually
Todd
healyzh
Well-known
It all depends on your style of photography. Think of it this way, you're limited to 80mm and 6x6. Do you ever need a different focal length, precise framing, macro, or auto focus? My M6, and now my M9 are my main camera, but there are times I still need my Nikon D300, or even a Canon G11. For me I shoot 6x6 mainly for the love of the format.
froyd
Veteran
I love the Rolleiflex and TLRs in general, but I find myself using it to take portraits most of the time. Not always, of course, but when I walk about with it, I tend to take posed shots similar to the one you posted as well as landscapes (albeit "urban landscapes").
With a 35 camera I somehow feel more inclined to take other types of images. The limitation is my own, more than the camera's, but there's something to the Rolleiflex that invites a certain type of shooting.
Still, if I had to just keep one camera, I think that it would be it.
Unless you have financial reasons to do so, keep a variety of cameras. I like to limit myself to one camera for a few months at the time. It forces me to be more creative with he tool I have at hand and get to know my equipment better.
With a 35 camera I somehow feel more inclined to take other types of images. The limitation is my own, more than the camera's, but there's something to the Rolleiflex that invites a certain type of shooting.
Still, if I had to just keep one camera, I think that it would be it.
Unless you have financial reasons to do so, keep a variety of cameras. I like to limit myself to one camera for a few months at the time. It forces me to be more creative with he tool I have at hand and get to know my equipment better.
mrisney
Well-known
I went in on a 2.8F 3 months ago, I thought that my Mamiya 6 was too 'harsh, contrasty'. The reality, was that hunching over a TLR, and not having AE slowed me down. There is no difference in images, and thats scanning with an Imacon. I decided that one 6x6 was enough, and sold it off. Went in on a Horseman SW612. TLR's are nice, but I wonder if it's driven by gear lust, what an exquisite little machine ... I am not into collectible cameras. I am aiming for killer imagery - with a signature. I didn't see enough of a difference with the Rolleiflex, to justify keeping it. I tried to drink the kool aid, but it didn't do it for me.
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Koni Kowa
Well-known
Need ?! Only pleasure.
I own the same Rollei and it's not as good as my Autocord for example, but it would not be easy to sell the Rollei. Like for the Leica M, it's unreasonable, it's a feeling when you have your hands on the Rollei. Weird but true.
I own the same Rollei and it's not as good as my Autocord for example, but it would not be easy to sell the Rollei. Like for the Leica M, it's unreasonable, it's a feeling when you have your hands on the Rollei. Weird but true.
rlouzan
Well-known
Always have a backup camera handy (another Rolleiflex).
).Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I really like composing on a Rollei's ground glass, and I enjoy owning a 3.5F and a Tele Rolleiflex for different focal lengths/signitures. They make a great pair to go out shooting with. Two Rollie's are better than one in my case.
For wide I use a Plaubel 69W for the ultrawide (47/5.6), the ability to have shifts for perspective control, and for the 6x9 negative.
Just got rid of my Mamiya 6 with 50/4.0. I have a herd of old Fuji's (see signature) that I could do without, but I'll likely keep. In a big cull down it would be the two Rollei's and the PLaubel.
Cal
For wide I use a Plaubel 69W for the ultrawide (47/5.6), the ability to have shifts for perspective control, and for the 6x9 negative.
Just got rid of my Mamiya 6 with 50/4.0. I have a herd of old Fuji's (see signature) that I could do without, but I'll likely keep. In a big cull down it would be the two Rollei's and the PLaubel.
Cal
peter_n
Veteran
I'm a recent convert to the Rolleiflex but still use my Leica M and 617 panoramic bodies. Apart from the small size and big negative, what I like about the Rolleiflex is the square negative and the quiet shutter. I have a long-term project in classical music and a quiet shutter is imperative. But it's also great to have these very different formats as they provide so many different compositional possibilities.
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
I believe if I could only have one camera it would be my Rolkeiflex.
Matus
Well-known
I would say, in principle you can not do EVERYTHING with a Rolleiflex, but since I have sold mine 'T' I keep missing it ever since (even though the Mamiya 6 I got instead is a great camera too). The Rolleiflex is just ... different. I will get one eventually and would not mind it to be my only medium format camera - in particular as a camera to be used "on the go" (that is a lovely image). I would say - do not sell your Rollei - you will miss it soon. Sell some of those XYZ SLRs you have (I guess) that are all so similar and you actually do not use them anyhow ...
dogberryjr
[Pithy phrase]
Well, shooting sports might be a problem. But I know what you are saying; every time I process a roll of 120, I wonder why I shoot 35mm at all.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
What else do you need? Nothing except ergonomics, interchangeable lenses and a sensible format...
Rolleis (and TLRs in general) either suit you or they don't. Most of the people I know adore Rolleis. Unfortunately, I'm one of those who, despite numerous attempts over many years, can't seem to get them.Beatitufully made, superb lenses, brilliant technical quality, and... well, for me, nothing.
Just a message of support for others who don't get them either...
Cheers,
R.
Rolleis (and TLRs in general) either suit you or they don't. Most of the people I know adore Rolleis. Unfortunately, I'm one of those who, despite numerous attempts over many years, can't seem to get them.Beatitufully made, superb lenses, brilliant technical quality, and... well, for me, nothing.
Just a message of support for others who don't get them either...
Cheers,
R.
Field
Well-known
The lens are as good as most modern medium format cameras.
http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html
However problems with it.
1. Hard to do street photography and shoots that require lots of convincing the person to move around, laugh, make faces, etc. Just not enough shots on medium format without being able to swap backs on in 5 seconds as opposed to loading for awhile.
2. No available sheet backs for doing zone system work, use it all on one or two shots or sacrifice the rest of the roll.
3. Doesn't fit in most pockets.
Grab a P&S to go with it, something good... or anything that does 35mm, or go digital.
Your wife's 550D has a 22.3 × 14.9 mm sensor (and crop factor), the 6x6 is 60 x 60 mm. That is over twice the resolution. Plus in between pixels there is information if you use slow film. Not much surprise in quality difference... oh plus your lens is better unless she has one of the very expensive $2300+ ones.
http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html
However problems with it.
1. Hard to do street photography and shoots that require lots of convincing the person to move around, laugh, make faces, etc. Just not enough shots on medium format without being able to swap backs on in 5 seconds as opposed to loading for awhile.
2. No available sheet backs for doing zone system work, use it all on one or two shots or sacrifice the rest of the roll.
3. Doesn't fit in most pockets.
Grab a P&S to go with it, something good... or anything that does 35mm, or go digital.
Your wife's 550D has a 22.3 × 14.9 mm sensor (and crop factor), the 6x6 is 60 x 60 mm. That is over twice the resolution. Plus in between pixels there is information if you use slow film. Not much surprise in quality difference... oh plus your lens is better unless she has one of the very expensive $2300+ ones.
Dave Jenkins
Loose Canon
In the early 60s, Rolleiflex ads read "Just a Rollei and a roll of film. That's all you need."
Really cool to see someone else say pretty much the same thing after 50 years.
Really cool to see someone else say pretty much the same thing after 50 years.
Dave Jenkins
Loose Canon
Roger, I know exactly what you mean. I struggled for 40 years to work with rangefinders and just couldn't seem to get them. I gave up just a year ago and sold my last Leica M3.
Dan Daniel
Well-known
If a TLR works for you, then a Rollei is a great choice. And if a TlR is simply not your style of camera, well, ain't no amount of quality or lens resolution is going to make a difference- sell it to someone who wants it. And then some people have different ways of shooting and need different cameras for best results.
Cameras are so particular. reminds of what I heard was said by a man who ran a 'magic' shop. The guy dressed in a wizard robe and had all sorts of animals parts and crystals and potions and tons of anything you might imagine in a magician/wizard/etc. store. Someone came in and asked him, 'What does this herb do?' His response: 'That herb does NOTHING. It just gives you something to focus on while *you* make things happen.'
That's what cameras are- magic charms that give us something to focus on while *we* make the real magic happen.
And oh yeah, a TLR is the camera that does it best for me, and a Rolleiflex 2.8 Xenotar is my 'most powerful charm' these days. I don't need anything else.
Cameras are so particular. reminds of what I heard was said by a man who ran a 'magic' shop. The guy dressed in a wizard robe and had all sorts of animals parts and crystals and potions and tons of anything you might imagine in a magician/wizard/etc. store. Someone came in and asked him, 'What does this herb do?' His response: 'That herb does NOTHING. It just gives you something to focus on while *you* make things happen.'
That's what cameras are- magic charms that give us something to focus on while *we* make the real magic happen.
And oh yeah, a TLR is the camera that does it best for me, and a Rolleiflex 2.8 Xenotar is my 'most powerful charm' these days. I don't need anything else.
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Lflex
Lflex
Take a brief look at Vivian Maier's body of work and you'll have your answer.
froyd
Veteran
Sounds like the OP is already sold on teh Rolleiflex and is just wondering if he could get by if he sold his 20 (!!!) film cameras.
I think he could probably get by, but if you have 20 film cameras and want to thin out the ranks why not keep a couple other models, especially in smaller or larger formats, just to stretch your vision and break out of the routine every now and then.
I think he could probably get by, but if you have 20 film cameras and want to thin out the ranks why not keep a couple other models, especially in smaller or larger formats, just to stretch your vision and break out of the routine every now and then.
froyd
Veteran
Sounds like the OP is already sold on the Rolleiflex and is just wondering if he could get by if he sold his 20 (!!!) film cameras.
I think he could probably get by, but if you have 20 film cameras and want to thin out the ranks why not keep a couple other models, especially in smaller or larger formats, just to stretch your vision and break out of the routine every now and then.
I think he could probably get by, but if you have 20 film cameras and want to thin out the ranks why not keep a couple other models, especially in smaller or larger formats, just to stretch your vision and break out of the routine every now and then.