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View Full Version : To get or not to get...


alternatve
08-24-2007, 10:01
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

wlewisiii
08-24-2007, 10:05
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

wlewisiii
08-24-2007, 10:06
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

wlewisiii
08-24-2007, 10:07
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

wlewisiii
08-24-2007, 10:12
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

Kristopher
08-24-2007, 10:15
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!

shadowfox
08-24-2007, 10:27
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?

rogue_designer
08-24-2007, 10:30
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.

alternatve
08-24-2007, 10:37
"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

John Bragg
08-24-2007, 10:39
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.

shadowfox
08-24-2007, 10:52
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?

alternatve
08-24-2007, 20:21
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... ;)

Vics
08-25-2007, 07:13
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.