XA vs Rollei

[puderse]

I have 3 XAs that I use (XA, XA2, XA4 macro) and all work great. The XA4 is my favorite, both WA and close.

Looking hard at a 35S and wish to hear, from someone who has used both, how the image from the Sonnar compares to that from the XA or XA4. I know the 35S is viewfinder only.

Does the Rollei bring a premium simply from the name?

 

[David Hughes]

Sorry, but I can't resist it; do you really live in the RGO?

Regards, David

 

[puderse]

XA vs mini-Rollei

XA vs mini-Rollei

The Rollei auctioned for $171US so it was a mute point!

David,

By RGO I assume you are refering to that ancient naval facility, that houses some good clocks, in that quaint old city, on a small island off of the coast of France and Scandinavia.

No.

 

[RanceEric]

I have an XA and a 35 and the only draw back to the Rollei is, as you said, it's VF only, but the size is perfect and the lens is sharper than that on the XA. I would definitely recommend getting one. I keep mine in the glove box of my car so I always have a camera with me.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I have an XA and a 35 and the only drawback to the Rollei is, as you said, it's VF only

You forgot to mention ergonomics. The XA is poor but the Rolleis are horrendous.

Chris

 

[ZeissFan]

If you're used to shooting one way and only one way, you won't enjoy the Rollei 35.

For sure, it requires some adjustments, but it's not a big deal. The shutter release is just where you expect, as is the viewfinder.

The film advance is operated with the left hand. And the shutter and aperture dials are reminiscent of a Rolleiflex TLR -- you view them from above and adjust using both hands in conjunction with the match-needle meter system.

The frame counter is on the bottom, as is the rewind crank, tripod post and hot shoe.

When I bought my first Rollei 35T back in 1979, it took me about 10 minutes to become comfortable using the camera. Up to that point, I had used only SLRs.

But I do understand that not everyone is comfortable with this camera. However, it's a far cry from the Voigtlander Prominent -- the camera with the worst ergonomics ever released to the unsuspecting public.

Comparing the lenses, I would go for the Tessar over the Sonnar. I feel the Tessar is an all-around sharper lens, and it's just 1/2 stop slower than the Sonnar.

 

[RanceEric]

You forgot to mention ergonomics. The XA is poor but the Rolleis are horrendous.

Chris

I have to disagree, Chris. I like the set up for the Rollei. The controls on the 35 are in the same place as those on a Rollei TLR.. Now, it's definitely not a camera I would or do use regularly, but is nice to have for photo "emergencies" when no other camera is available.

 

[KoNickon]

Well, I've got a few Rollei 35s. They're great. But the XA has a superb lens, a very accurate meter, and a rangefinder. It fits comfortably in a pocket. And its meter takes common batteries. Not sure I understand what's so terrible about the XA's ergonomics -- very intuitive.

 

[bayusuputra]

the only problem with my XA is its aperture lever, which needs quite a force to move it up pass the f/5.6 mark (i'm still able to push it up, but it needs some force) and i don't really know what went wrong.. my usual repairman suspected it is due to rust.. but other than that, even wide open, i still love it.. ergonomic-wise, my only problem is i can't really change the aperture easily..

and, yeah, i agree with KoNickon, superb lens and very accurate meter (well, at least for my copy..)

 

[David Hughes]

David,

By RGO I assume you are refering to that ancient naval facility, that houses some good clocks, in that quaint old city, on a small island off of the coast of France and Scandinavia.

No.

Hi,

Saying "quaint" when referring to the Rollei 35 in the same post, is a bit over the top! ;-)

Regards, David

PS The RGO is near that RN place...

 

[puderse]

XA 4 dies

XA 4 dies

Finishing a roll on granmas flowers my XA4 died!!!

Seems that winding on, at the end when the tension is let off of the film advance wheel, there is a click (not the shutter) and the shutter won't fire. Wind on again, same thing. Randomly it doesn't happen and a pix can be made.

Should I get the camera tools and give it a clean?

Where are idiot proof drawings and instructions for dissassembly?

I've an XA2 that should provide spare parts. My XA that I bought new for the wife in the 80s is still tying every bundle. She uses it on the grandkids.

Buying the Rollei was way to expensive. I've $4 in the XA4. It's the A16 that was dear!

Any advice?