Which is the better shooter - R-flex or R-Cord ?

[Luddite Frank]

Assuming we're comparing same basic lens / shutter

(f: 3.5 / 75mm Tessar; Compur shutter, etc)

It seems that a Cord should be capable of most things that a 'Flex can do, except for the knob-wind / red-window busniess when you advance the film...

It would also seem there's a lot less to break/ wear-out with the Cord's knob-wind...

But, this sounds a little too good to be true... what am I missing ?



Luddite Frank

[Pherdinand]

the cord does not necessarily use red windows.
Don't know exactly which series started to use the automatic counter but the rolleicord V does.
You only have to line up the arrow on the film backing with the dots on the film gate and close the door and wind on. Stops automatically at every frame.

The lever wind and the fact that you cock the shutter with the same lever makes using a 'flex a bit quicker.

Cords are quite good and if you compare them to same age and lens/shutter rolleiflexes there indeed is not much difference.

[ClaremontPhoto]

I've used both and they're both great cameras, with not a great deal to choose between in real life.

[Jerevan]

In real life situations, I find the 'flex easier to work with. The lever wind and the window above the lenses where you can see what shutter speed and f/stop you've chosen makes it a bit faster. But if you're using the camera on a tripod, the difference is no big deal. The condition of the camera is the most important factor, I think.