Recommend me a project TLR

[buzzardkid]

Hi,

Some time ago I discussed the option of building a Rolleiflex Wide-like camera with some fellow members and although the project hardly even made it to the drawing board the idea has not left me yet.

The idea is to fix a Mamiya 55 or 65 lens to a much smaller, Rolleiflex-like body. The lenses are very nice in their construction and can be taken off their mounting plate rather easily. Not much trouble to be expected there.

For the camera body I am looking for a TLR with knob focus that moves the whole front of the camera and that front has to be flat, not receded to accomodate the current lens.

Anybody that can suggest me a camera that might fit the bill? I'll be going to the Fotografica Fair in the Netherlands this weekend so I might luck into one

[mfogiel]

I don't really know if this makes any sense - you will be left with lots of problems, like matching a viewing lens, making sure both are aligned, controlling the parallax, etc. Isn't it better, to leave this lens on a Mamiya 6 and go out shooting? ;-)

[Pherdinand]

here's another idea: Why not use a mamiya lens pair and make a stereo camera? since the lenses are exactly the same quality for viewing and taking, might be an easy thing to "hack"...
maybe some idea for myself, humm

I'm goin to the beach now but will think about this

[buzzardkid]

Sorry if my initial post was unclear. I want to use a Mamiya TLR 55 or 65 lens, not a lens from the Mamiya 6 or 7!

[Ezzie]

Hi Johan. Many TLR's have som sort of ridge around the lenses, even if the rest of the face is flat. Would that be a problem? If not a Yashica A might be a good place to start.

Completely flat faced cameras would include the older Ikoflexes, such as the Ikoflex I 850/16 (1939-1952 model).

Have a look here for information on(and pictures of) more than few classic TLRs: http://www.tlr-cameras.com

[Mablo]

Hmm... a 220f body isn't that much larger it would make much sense to transplant its lens to a Rollei. Maybe something like Ciroflex rather than a Rollei? that would be a cool camera.

[Spanik]

You got to keep an eye on the focus distance needed for a 65mm or 55mm. Not all standard TLRs are going to accomodate it.

[unixrevolution]

If you're using TLR lenses anyway, why not use the Mamiya TLR they are made for? Unless you want a smaller camera, in which case the Mamiya TLRs certainly aren't a help

I think the Mamiya TLR lenses may have a different registration distance than your average TLR body. May want to check into that first.

[buzzardkid]

Thanks Eirik,

that was a nice site to scour for the correct camera.

I guess I know when I see it, Sunday on the Fotografica Fair! Suppose I will need to find a basket case 55mm or 65mm Mamiya TLR lens first, so it's gonna be quite an endeavour. Fun!

Thanks all for your suggestions. Seems the Ikoflex might be best but I still take other suggestions!