Rollei shooters?

[Gary R. Smith]

Part of me feels like I ought to own a Rollei. Last week I took an un-used in years Lumix 100-400 zoom and sent it off to MPB for $600. My local Blue Moon happens to have several Rolleiflex cameras (one for $600). I don't think the $600 one is going to be one that I want. UsedPhotoPro also has a few. My copy of McKeown's has quite a bit of info on various models but I picked up a copy of John Phillips "The Classic Rollei" which I just rec'd. I'd be interested to hear comments from any Rollei shooters!

 

[Pete Askew]

I am a Rollei TLR owner (3), but have not used them for some years. They handle very well though and can be surprisingly discreet.

 

[Gary R. Smith]

Thanks for your reply Pete! Which versions do you have and of the three is one favored more over the others?

Unless you have three of these (in which case...)

 

[Tony Warren]

I don't need to repeat how much I like the TLR and of course Rollei were the first to manufacture and market this type, much copied since. It will be interesting to see how you get on with one. As to which one to go for, it depends what you want. For the ultimate in every respect I would have thought the final iterations would be the choice. From my experience any of the "f" models are reallygood performers with super lenses, the f2.8s probably the best. I had an Automat with a 3.5 Tessar which gave me god results and didn't break the bank so I would say any post WWII model could suffice at whatever price level you want to stretch to.

 

[Gary R. Smith]

Thanks Tony. I also have a copy of The Collector's Guide by Arthur G. Evans on the way. The Phillips book has a very interesting section discussing lenses. The differences between the designs used and the situation at Zeiss before the war and after the war. Depending on how old and the specific s/n you can get a good idea of the lens provenance. I guess I'll have to decide how important a meter would be as it is likely that it won't be accurate if it works at all. So far I have been lucky with my purchases of old film cameras - they've all worked. Should I factor in a $500 CLA? I don't think I need a 2.8 if that's going to bump the cost by a lot when I finally get around to looking at specific available cameras.

 

[Wes Hall]

I’ve acquired a Rolleicord 2a and although only shot one roll through it, have become aware of the charm these cameras are capable of rendering.

I’m a TLR fan, shooting a Maniya C3 as well, and each is unique in use and style of rendering from their lenses. My friend got me curious as he bought a Rolleicord Va and then a Rolleicord Model 1. They’ve all got their own look we’ve discovered, and that’s just the cords.

Like Pete and Tony said, lots to consider, and I’ll share a couple of pics too.

 

[Gary R. Smith]

Thanks Wes! I've been captivated by the discussion of the lens evolution as described in Phillips' book.

 

[Wes Hall]

Rolleicord 2a:







Rolleicord Model 1:

 

[Pete Askew]

This is a link to one of them. I quickly took some snaps of it and the 80th Anniversary version earlier today. I’ll post them later. The third is also a 2,8 FX, but earlier. That’s the one that gets used. However, it is in the imaging suite at work at the moment and the wrong country!

 

[Gary R. Smith]

This is a link

Did you mean to include a link Pete?

 

[Gary R. Smith]

What color film were you using Wes?

I don't remember if you process your own film or if you send out to a lab. Also curious if you fiddle with the lab scans of your film shots?

 

[Wes Hall]

What color film were you using Wes?

I don't remember if you process your own film or if you send out to a lab. Also curious if you fiddle with the lab scans of your film shots?

I send colour to lab Gary and process BW at home in pyro 510.

I do adjust my scans, usually for some contrast and shadow/highlight adjustments. Rarely WB.

Film scans I don’t touch sharpness or other settings.

The colour is Ektar 100, the BW is Shanghai GP3