Back to the TLR

[dave lackey]

Why do so many of my thread titles sound like a song? This one is like the Beatles "Back in the USSR"....

Okay, so the Leica event has come and gone and another Photokina will occur in a few months and life goes on.

I have a beautiful wallpaper photo on my computer. It is a TLR...simply one of the most beautiful designs for a camera, ever.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for learning more about TLR cameras? A good simple starting point would be nice.

[emmef2]

Hello Dave,
you can start from the page of this TLR collector:
http://www.tlr-cameras.com/

or if you are more interested to mamiya TLRs you can go here:
http://www.gapatterson.com/grahamp/

but of course we cannot ignore the queen of TLRs, Rolleiflex:
http://www.stutterheim.org/rolleigra...leigraphy.html


I love TLRs, I own four of them and of course I keep using all of them for taking pictures

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by emmef2

Hello Dave,
you can start from the page of this TLR collector:
http://www.tlr-cameras.com/

or if you are more interested to mamiya TLRs you can go here:
http://www.gapatterson.com/grahamp/

but of course we cannot ignore the queen of TLRs, Rolleiflex:
http://www.stutterheim.org/rolleigra...leigraphy.html


I love TLRs, I own four of them and of course I keep using all of them for taking pictures

Hey, thanks for those...I know absolutely nothing about TLRs except that I love the looks of them and have only held a Rolleiflex for about 10 minutes a few weeks ago...Weeks as in weak knees!

[Dan Daniel]

Centered on rollei, but gives a nice overview of aspects of TLR use-
http://rollei.org.uk/2011/07/the-rolleiflex-as-an-icon/

[buzzardkid]

Dave,

***SERIOUS GAS WARNING***

Click here when deciding to proceed to the Rolleiflex pages



Seriously, there's also a lot on older 'Flexes and real nice 'Cords there that often can be found for bargain prices. And the pricey stuff is just good to drool over


EDIT: one camera that I fancied before lucking into Rolleiflex was the USA-made Ciroflex, which has a 85/3.5 Wollensak lens, either called Velostigmat or Anastigmat. Same lens in fact.
These often are bargains and should be easy to find stateside. The lens on a good one is easily as nice as that on a Rolleiflex. Here is a real nice Flickr set of a collection, with extensive texts!

[hausen]

It is a slippery slope. I bought a Rolleicord Va 3 weeks ago and it blows me away. So much so that I put an offer on a Rolleiflex 3.5F this morning. Will have to keep this one quiet.

[PMCC]

Originally Posted by hausen

Will have to keep this one quiet.

The trick is to make them invisible.

[hausen]

Yip, might have to leave it at the office

[farlymac]

My first TLR was a brand new Yashica 124G. It cost me a third of a months pay, but was well worth it. I even had a Minolta Autopol filter for it. Sold it to a friend, and moved on.

Much later on, I got a Mamiya C330F Pro, and built a system around it, with the extra finders, and most of the lenses. Had to sell it some years back, and highly regretted it.

But after getting on RFf, I got the Rolleiflex bug, and purchased a well beat up Automat. I was into repairing cameras by then, but never got the nerve up to tear into it. Then I dropped it off the bench one day, caving in the faceplate, and traded it as a parts mule for a nice compact 35 rangefinder. I did keep all the filters and hood though.

Next up is a Super Ricohflex. It's a nice camera, has a few quirks, but works well. The lens isn't very outstanding, but a crop takes care of any image quality issues in the corners. I have a set of 36mm push-on filters for it, but I misplaced them for a long time, so I quit shooting the Ricoh out of frustration. Finally found the filters the other day.

I really had doubts that I would ever own another high quality TLR again, as my budget won't let me go crazy on something like that. So the other day, I get a box of cameras from a friend, and there are two Ikoflex IIa's with Opton Tessars in amongst the lot. Granted, they both need work, but if I can get one good one out if them, I'll be more than happy. But 35.5mm filters? I bought a Series VI adapter instead.

I haven't given up on rebuilding a C330 kit. Bought a Paramender for $5, and keep it where I can see it everyday to remind myself.

So, once the TLR bug hits, Dave, you never get over it. Might as well enjoy it!

PF

[shadowfox]

Lose yourself for a while visiting this flickr group in slideshow mode:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/tlr/

[Bob Michaels]

Dave: before you drop any coin on a TLR, check around for the price of developing 120 film. I think I remember that you do not process your own. Medium format film processing has become quite specialized (i.e. non competitive) and this is reflected in the developing / printing cost.

I must say that the prints from MF negs are something special. That is the reason I still shoot my Mamiya 7 at times and still own a MF film scanner. And it was a TLR, a Yashica 124, that got me started on medium format about 30 years ago.

[froyd]

Originally Posted by Bob Michaels

Dave: before you drop any coin on a TLR, check around for the price of developing 120 film. I think I remember that you do not process your own. Medium format film processing has become quite specialized (i.e. non competitive) and this is reflected in the developing / printing cost.

I must say that the prints from MF negs are something special. That is the reason I still shoot my Mamiya 7 at times and still own a MF film scanner. And it was a TLR, a Yashica 124, that got me started on medium format about 30 years ago.

Amen.

Precision Camera, one of the RFF sponsors, is among the cheaper options and provides a good service, but it's $15 x roll, including shipping to you (plus another $2 for shipping to them). Add $5 for a roll of Portra and things can add up quite quickly!

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by Bob Michaels

Dave: before you drop any coin on a TLR, check around for the price of developing 120 film. I think I remember that you do not process your own. Medium format film processing has become quite specialized (i.e. non competitive) and this is reflected in the developing / printing cost.

I must say that the prints from MF negs are something special. That is the reason I still shoot my Mamiya 7 at times and still own a MF film scanner. And it was a TLR, a Yashica 124, that got me started on medium format about 30 years ago.

Yes, Bob...that is certainly a huge consideration. Right now, I can only spend the next months researching and learning about these awesome cameras. There is no possibility of buying anything for quite some time so now is a great time to immerse myself in TLR-ness.

I do fear what you described as yet another slippery slope into medium format!

[robert blu]

Originally Posted by dave lackey

...as yet another slippery slope into medium format!

We are living in a dangerous world...so many slippery slopes...
robert

[farlymac]

Two things about TLR's.

Usually, you only need one, as most of the fixed lens models have the same focal length, and therefore give the same image perspective. And you can get close-up attachments.

But if you need different focal lengths, as you can get with an SLR, then the Mamiya line is the way to go. If you are a gearhead like some of us, the Mamiya also offers the greatest array of accessories in TLR's, and most won't break the bank. And with their great bellows extension, they will do close-ups with only one accessory, and that is the Paramender. It's an adjustable tripod mount that lets you focus on your subject, then lifts the camera so that the taking lens is in the proper position for the photo.

So much to think about.

PF

[easyrider]

Club Rollei. Not sure whether it's still active but an interesting page:

http://rollei.org.uk/wp-content/uplo...U_Issue_12.pdf

[PMCC]

FYI: http://thedarkroom.com/120-film-developing/

I soup my own film, so I've never tried them.

[D.O'K.]

The Mamiyas are great cameras but hellish to carry about for any length of time--particularly around the neck or on the shoulder. After c.20 minutes they feel like they weigh a ton.

With a Rollei, however, I find I hardly notice it, even after hours...

Regards,
D.

[peter_n]

I found The Classic Rollei: A Definitive Guide by John Phillips very good when I was researching Rolleiflexes.

[unixrevolution]

I own the Yashica 635 TLR and I find it to be a great little camera. Compact and easy to carry, for a Medium Format cam, and fun to use.

That, and people seem to love them. When, normally, people cringe when you point a camera at them, they jump into the frame when they see a TLR.

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by unixrevolution

I own the Yashica 635 TLR and I find it to be a great little camera. Compact and easy to carry, for a Medium Format cam, and fun to use.

That, and people seem to love them. When, normally, people cringe when you point a camera at them, they jump into the frame when they see a TLR.

Now THAT is interesting!

[KoNickon]

I haven't experienced that myself, but people definitely react positively to them -- "cool camera!" or words to that effect. I guess people get a kick out of the retro nature of TLRs, but would that make them want to pose for the camera? Maybe there's something psychological about it -- you aren't "looking at them" in the normal sense, so they're less inhibited?

Originally Posted by unixrevolution

I own the Yashica 635 TLR and I find it to be a great little camera. Compact and easy to carry, for a Medium Format cam, and fun to use.

That, and people seem to love them. When, normally, people cringe when you point a camera at them, they jump into the frame when they see a TLR.

[Ezzie]

Originally Posted by unixrevolution

I own the Yashica 635 TLR and I find it to be a great little camera. Compact and easy to carry, for a Medium Format cam, and fun to use.

That, and people seem to love them. When, normally, people cringe when you point a camera at them, they jump into the frame when they see a TLR.

Well, at least if not jump into the frame, they at least don't jump out of it. It seems that a TLR fits the perception of the quintessential classic camera, people don't fint them intimidating. I really like taking them about town.

[ray*j*gun]

The smallest and lightest (and not expensive) TLR I have found is my Ricohflex Super. Very simple camera but beautiful images. Next to my C220 it looks like dwarf. They are a bit hard to find I got lucky and found a mint one. I won't mention the price but it was quite a bargin.

[Crazy Fedya]

I will second Johan's suggestion about Ciro-Flex. Picked one up and was blown away. Sorry about the thumbnail, but I can't upload to Gallery today anymore.