Oh, my, a TLR

[dave lackey]

This weekend I had to pick up our car from the shop after having some critical work done before we wound up on the 11:00 News. The shop is owned by a young man and his father and have become good friends over the past several years.

While there, a discussion of their Shenandoah Valley home ensued and I was treated to a lot of beautiful photos from last Fall. Gorgeous views!

And then...he pulled a factory box from the book shelf and inside was a MINT NIB Rolleiflex!

I finally was able to hold and check out a real Rolleiflex for the very first time. Wow!

What an epiphany... what a wonderful camera, that TLR. Any TLR! It not only looks cool, but fit my hands perfectly, something I did not expect...love it!

Just when I needed inspiration, I found it! So, a TLR of some make is now on my bucket list! Darned bucket list is getting longer by the week...

[rover]

The best thing is, you don't (really you don't) need a Rollei. They are awesome, but so are so many less expensive others. A TLR with a clean lens and bright screen is all you need. Could be pretty inexpensive too.

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by rover

The best thing is, you don't (really you don't) need a Rollei. They are awesome, but so are so many less expensive others. A TLR with a clean lens and bright screen is all you need. Could be pretty inexpensive too.

Exactly! They are all classic and beautiful to my eyes.

[Ezzie]

If you are anything like me, you'll end up with a Rolleiflex sooner or later. Sooner saves money, later means you've invested in a host of other TLRs beforehand. Not a bad thing per se, all TLRs have a certain charm, but not necessarily the cheapest route.

[Bobfrance]

You think that's good? Just wait 'til you start shooting one.






.

[shadowfox]

Dave, welcome to the charming world of TLR.
It's not just a different camera, it's a different way to see the world and making pictures.

Here's some fuel for the bonfire
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...d.php?t=118199

[boomguy57]

Never used a Rolleiflex, but my Mamiya C220 is a great TLR. Finally got that 'Blad I've been after though, so...not sure about her future

[mdx]

I have a Rolleiflex camera for one month, it works perfectly, it is a beautiful camera. A week ago I also took photos of butterflies in the botanical garden with my Rolleiflex ...

[robert blu]

i still use my father's Rolleiflex (see my avatar...) and I still remember when he was taking photo of me with that camera...
robert

[Brad Bireley]

The one camera that I will never sell is my Minolta Autocord!

[fuji645]

Ditto all of the above. I have a few MF cameras: 1 rangefinder, the rest SLR's including a Hasselblad 500c. My favorite medium format is my Mamiya C330. It might be old, and heavy but I love the images it produces. I have 4 lenses for it (65mm, 80mm 105mm and 135mm) and they're all gems. It's great having no mirror black out or vibration. Whether you get a Rolliei, Yashica, Mamiya or some other TLR, its a great way of shooting and seeing.

[jpa66]

Dave,

Once you get hooked, you're hooked for life. I started with a Yashica A, and liked it so much that I had to get a Rollei. Since I've gotten one, it's the camera that I use ( and love ) the most. TLR's are awesome!

Jan

[isoterica]

Dave, Yashica Mat 124G, battery for the meter and viola, easy medium format. I got one near mint for 40$ with case flea-marketing. Lots of places you can pick them up. Also have a Yashica Mat [the first gen] and a Voightlander Brilliant. Great cameras, the Voightlander is a lot smaller. If you like that Rolleiflex size but not the price look for a gently used Yashica. Also, street shooting with them if you do such, is a riot. People either don't notice you are old enough that they do and strike up conversations, it's great!

[huntjump]

this thread is really making me wanna try one...and yet i know i should not. my wallet can't take take any more (..or lose)

[maddoc]

A well-working Rolleiflex with clean glass and a bright screen is a joy to use. Add some filters for BW and if you want to take some close-up portraits also a Rolleinar 1 and you have everything you will ever need.

[PMCC]

Originally Posted by huntjump

this thread is really making me wanna try one...and yet i know i should not. my wallet can't take take any more (..or lose)

Provided your heart isn't set on a Rolleiflex alphabet model (e.g., C,D,E,F), it's not necessary to break the bank to get into a nice TLR. Lots of them around to choose from. On the other hand, a nice TLR has a tendency to lead eventually to interest in a Rollei.

[noeyedear]

I have an Autocord, I also have an Art Deco Rollei, I had a T and now have a 3.5F. The Rolleiflex 3.5f is a different league to the others. For me so much nicer to use. All you need is a Rolleiflex and a decent tripod. It will last you decades so not as expensive as buying a digital point and shoot or dslr. I'm very impressed with the 3.5 planar.
A real pleasure to use.

[farlymac]

I miss both my former TLR's, as they were such joys to use (YashicaMat 124G, and Mamiya C330F Pro outfit). I've got a Super Ricohflex now, but don't even think about using it. Something about the way it's too easy to make double exposures, and accidentally trip the shutter, or my propensity to use the film winder as a focusing knob. And the lens isn't that good all the way to the corners. So one day I'll get another quality TLR, but right now I'm trying to sort out my LTM gear. So do some research on your choice, Dave.

PF

[Lax Jought]

I have a question - what's the difference between the image taken with a decent TLR vs an image taken with a Hasselblad, assuming the same film is used? Would it come down to the quality of the lens?

(Putting aside minor issues like parallax.)

[Jamie Pillers]

I concur, Dave, regarding the Yashica Mat cameras. They are inexpensive have make fine images. Great way to get into a TLR to see if you really like the very different way of seeing/composing.

[damien.murphy]

Lovely cameras, wish I felt comfortable shooting them though..

[Leigh Youdale]

Rollei TLR's can be addictive Dave.
DSCF0184_3.jpg

[dotur]

www.ivanlozica.com

The eternal beauty of the white face 2.8F...


1566dot2010 by dotur, on Flickr

[Ezzie]

Originally Posted by Lax Jought

I have a question - what's the difference between the image taken with a decent TLR vs an image taken with a Hasselblad, assuming the same film is used? Would it come down to the quality of the lens?

(Putting aside minor issues like parallax.)

All else being equal, technical quality will depend on film flatness and lens performance. And there are TLR´s as good as the Hassy in both departments, have no fear. A TLR is just a different experience. Though you can use a Hassy, or Kowa or Bronica or Mamiya etc with a wait level finder, and there are prisms for TLR´s too. The feeling is not the same. It needs to be tried out first hand. Only then will you understand what a TLR does well.

Why I like TLR´s
Waist level finder. Big and at its best, very bright. 3D look, and just love when the subject snaps into focus.
No moving mirror, that and a leaf shutter make for a quiet, and vibration free picture taking experience, and no finder black out to boot. In many respects rather like a Rangefinder.
Compact for what they are. 6x6 is a pretty size for a negative, and most 6x6 SLR´s are bigger and heavier.
Many, if not most are just so d....d good looking.

4 TLRs in an instant by Eirik0304, on Flickr

[dave lackey]

Originally Posted by Leigh Youdale

Rollei TLR's can be addictive Dave.
Attachment 90536

Ha! I love honesty....

Thanks for the warning!