Excellent review, I would just like to comment that another advantage of this model is the possibility of changing the format to 6X4.5 with the Rolleiflex 16 accessory, which is very easy to install and changes the counter to 16. The advantage of having 4 more shots with the same quality, very useful for traveling and adapts perfectly to the 8X10 paper format.
"Why not!" - yup, I've been saying that far too often of late. I suddenly have a selection of pre and post war rangefinders. Won't be parting with my Mamiya C3 though: 120 and 6x6 - pure love.
Matt, nice video on the 3.5T. I have one in grey. From my perspective, I would consider the T to be somewhere between an entry level Rolleiflex and the top of the line 3.5F / 2.8F. One might consider Rollei's entry level to be the Rolleicord, or the Rolleiflex Automat MX K4A. While the T doesn't have the two aperture/shutter wheels, it does have a collapsible and removable hood same as the high end 3.5F and 2.8F models. The strap lugs are also the same as with the higher end Rolleiflexes, unlike the more economy Rolleicords or Rolleiflex Automats. And, I am assuming that the internal mechanisms (shutter, film advance, etc.) of the T and F models are similar. Maybe someone with more knowledge can jump in here. Overall it's a lovely camera and should command prices just below the 3.5F (in my opinion). P.S. I've also owned a YashicaMat 124G. I don't wish to dump on the YashicaMat, but it has a "toy-like" build quality compared with any of the Rolleiflex models.
I have my uncles old Rolleiflex 2.8 and it’s truly a beautiful camera and one that I haven’t been using so much but this video has got me thinking that I should dust it off and use it again. I think I need a brighter screen though as I do find it hard to get critical focus
I picked up a Rolleiflex T in the early days of Internet commerce…no eBay then but lotsa people selling stuff via their own websites. Lovely 75mm Tessar lens. Been awhile now since I’ve used it, but I do cycle through the shutter speeds every so often to keep it limber.
I noticed when you loaded film you never put the film under the first roller, then load your film. Do you not have to do that in this model, do you know? Thanks, no matter what Rollei, they are great!
Had a friend sell me his for almost nothing after seeing it on his shelf with a broken shutter back in like 2012. Shout out to Oceanside Camera Repair for getting it up and running. Something about those negatives that have always been very striking out of this camera. Also just such a cool camera to look at outside of shooting experience.
Hey Matt, I have a rolleiflex c 3.5, its an old lady, but i bought it in a shop in vienna because it came fresh out of a repair and works perfect. The downside is quite a dark focus screen without any focus help (prism). Would be nice to get some information about the screen in the "T".
Really awesome camera! Although, I believe it’s Rolleiflex T2. Also, there are a bunch of accessories available - I picked up Maskensatz-16 for about $20 - which enables you to shoot 6x4.5, thus having 16 frames instead of 12.
While I agree these are great little cameras, I think the reason they aren't the first choice for most people is they are roughly the same cost as a tidy F3.5, however because they were made a little differently the parts are a nightmare. Having personally serviced quite a few Rolleiflexs the only ones I've had to give up on have been T's. I know of probably three now that are missing the left hand side bottom knob and broke the ribbon for the aperture/shutter speed value display and have become display pieces. Whereas with any of the other Rolleiflexes those parts can't really break because they don't exist, and the different parts on those are interchangeable. Excellent cameras if they are all together though, the shutters and whatnot are all the same and easily serviceable.
Hi there! I just bought one Rolleiflex T and I just can't figure out how to change the ASA settings. The dial is there but i can't turn it alone without changing the EV. Can anyone give me some tips? Thanks!!
The EV numbers will change when you change the ASA. What is EV12 for a 100 ASA film would be EV14 for a 400 ASA film. The selenium meter is old and might not give correct readings anymore, so use a hand held lightmeter or a lightmeter app on your phone.
The only problem I have with the Rolleiflex T is that they seem to be overpriced. A 3.5 automat with Tessar or Xenar is a better made camera and currently sells for less. Which is not to say that they aren't better cameras than most other TLRs.
@@Guairenito A rolliecord v yes, great little camera. Takes amazing photos for a camera that’s almost 4x my age. Certainly worth getting used to shooting with. Hope you enjoy yours!
The 2,8 models are somewhat overrated. They aren't any sharper than the 3,5 versions, but just a little faster (and heavier). My Rolleiflex 3,5F with Planar is a little sharper than the 2,8F with Planar. The Tessar and Xenar are excellent lenses. Their optimum aperture might be f:11 compared to f:8 for the Planars/Xenotars, but it isn't often that matters, unless you look at your photos with a loupe all the time. I personally think the Tessar/Xenar have more character than the Planar/Xenotar and look less clinical. The three element Zeiss 4,5 and 3,5 Triotar on early Rolleicords are also fine lenses, a little swirly background fully open, and very sharp stopped down, especially in the center.
The Tessar was after the triplets the first main-lens on Rolleiflexes, because lenscoating was invented much later. Coating was very nescessary for the 5-lensers (flare)... The Tessar is a crisp and contrasty lens.
@@rewahl Yes, pretty much. And the 3,5 Tessar was compact. The first Rolleiflexes had a 3,8 Tessar that was actually a 3,5 but limited to fit in the shutter. Schneider had an uncoated five element Xenar 2,8/75 ("Super-Xenar") introduced before the war, but I don't think they made many of them, and F&H bought their lenses from Zeiss anyway.
I've moved away from 120 entirely since there really isn't anything consumer level for medium format. Nothing equivalent to a minolta SR-T 101 that gets the job done, mostly everything feels like a "professional" camera with a huge investment
Entry level TLR that isn’t absolute garbage. These are priced similarly to Mamiya C330/C220, and is certainly affordable compared to other Rolleis or Hasselblads.
@@areallyrealisticguyd4333GA645 is the closest thing to a fun and simple medium format camera. However, the professional grade stuff offers extreme value for money compared to quality 35mm equipment. A good minolta TLR is way cheaper than a good minolta SLR
I've been shooting a grey Rolleiflex T for years now.
I've shot some of my best photographs with it.
I just love it and it keeps me inspired.
I have a T and I love it so much so easy to use and always gets people talking when you are out with it
Excellent review, I would just like to comment that another advantage of this model is the possibility of changing the format to 6X4.5 with the Rolleiflex 16 accessory, which is very easy to install and changes the counter to 16. The advantage of having 4 more shots with the same quality, very useful for traveling and adapts perfectly to the 8X10 paper format.
"Why not!" - yup, I've been saying that far too often of late. I suddenly have a selection of pre and post war rangefinders. Won't be parting with my Mamiya C3 though: 120 and 6x6 - pure love.
I inherited the same model from my grandad who used it for his job. It kickstarted my journey in toshooting film. Great to see one in your hands!
Matt, nice video on the 3.5T. I have one in grey. From my perspective, I would consider the T to be somewhere between an entry level Rolleiflex and the top of the line 3.5F / 2.8F. One might consider Rollei's entry level to be the Rolleicord, or the Rolleiflex Automat MX K4A. While the T doesn't have the two aperture/shutter wheels, it does have a collapsible and removable hood same as the high end 3.5F and 2.8F models. The strap lugs are also the same as with the higher end Rolleiflexes, unlike the more economy Rolleicords or Rolleiflex Automats. And, I am assuming that the internal mechanisms (shutter, film advance, etc.) of the T and F models are similar. Maybe someone with more knowledge can jump in here. Overall it's a lovely camera and should command prices just below the 3.5F (in my opinion). P.S. I've also owned a YashicaMat 124G. I don't wish to dump on the YashicaMat, but it has a "toy-like" build quality compared with any of the Rolleiflex models.
I have my uncles old Rolleiflex 2.8 and it’s truly a beautiful camera and one that I haven’t been using so much but this video has got me thinking that I should dust it off and use it again. I think I need a brighter screen though as I do find it hard to get critical focus
I picked up a Rolleiflex T in the early days of Internet commerce…no eBay then but lotsa people selling stuff via their own websites. Lovely 75mm Tessar lens. Been awhile now since I’ve used it, but I do cycle through the shutter speeds every so often to keep it limber.
I noticed when you loaded film you never put the film under the first roller, then load your film. Do you not have to do that in this model, do you know? Thanks, no matter what Rollei, they are great!
Had a friend sell me his for almost nothing after seeing it on his shelf with a broken shutter back in like 2012. Shout out to Oceanside Camera Repair for getting it up and running. Something about those negatives that have always been very striking out of this camera. Also just such a cool camera to look at outside of shooting experience.
Hi, is there much difference between the T and the Baby Grey, kind regards John Moore
Hey Matt, I have a rolleiflex c 3.5, its an old lady, but i bought it in a shop in vienna because it came fresh out of a repair and works perfect. The downside is quite a dark focus screen without any focus help (prism). Would be nice to get some information about the screen in the "T".
Really awesome camera! Although, I believe it’s Rolleiflex T2. Also, there are a bunch of accessories available - I picked up Maskensatz-16 for about $20 - which enables you to shoot 6x4.5, thus having 16 frames instead of 12.
I own too many TLR's and usually reach for my Rolleiflex T (grey).
While I agree these are great little cameras, I think the reason they aren't the first choice for most people is they are roughly the same cost as a tidy F3.5, however because they were made a little differently the parts are a nightmare. Having personally serviced quite a few Rolleiflexs the only ones I've had to give up on have been T's.
I know of probably three now that are missing the left hand side bottom knob and broke the ribbon for the aperture/shutter speed value display and have become display pieces. Whereas with any of the other Rolleiflexes those parts can't really break because they don't exist, and the different parts on those are interchangeable.
Excellent cameras if they are all together though, the shutters and whatnot are all the same and easily serviceable.
Results from my T have me wondering why I keep my Hasselblad.
Thanks Matt ...
Hi there! I just bought one Rolleiflex T and I just can't figure out how to change the ASA settings. The dial is there but i can't turn it alone without changing the EV. Can anyone give me some tips? Thanks!!
The EV numbers will change when you change the ASA. What is EV12 for a 100 ASA film would be EV14 for a 400 ASA film. The selenium meter is old and might not give correct readings anymore, so use a hand held lightmeter or a lightmeter app on your phone.
take care on the filmload. The film must be between the thickness-rolls (= adjusts the filmcounter) !
The only problem I have with the Rolleiflex T is that they seem to be overpriced. A 3.5 automat with Tessar or Xenar is a better made camera and currently sells for less. Which is not to say that they aren't better cameras than most other TLRs.
This is very similar to the Rolleicord Vb and the Rolleicord is even cheaper in price than this Rolleiflex.
I have one too and love it to death
@@cheetoproscheetopros a Rolleicord? I recently got one, still getting used to it but I am liking it so far.
@@Guairenito A rolliecord v yes, great little camera. Takes amazing photos for a camera that’s almost 4x my age. Certainly worth getting used to shooting with. Hope you enjoy yours!
I'd never refer to any Rolleiflex as entry level. Maybe a Yashica 635 or something like that.
The 2,8 models are somewhat overrated. They aren't any sharper than the 3,5 versions, but just a little faster (and heavier). My Rolleiflex 3,5F with Planar is a little sharper than the 2,8F with Planar. The Tessar and Xenar are excellent lenses. Their optimum aperture might be f:11 compared to f:8 for the Planars/Xenotars, but it isn't often that matters, unless you look at your photos with a loupe all the time. I personally think the Tessar/Xenar have more character than the Planar/Xenotar and look less clinical. The three element Zeiss 4,5 and 3,5 Triotar on early Rolleicords are also fine lenses, a little swirly background fully open, and very sharp stopped down, especially in the center.
The Tessar was after the triplets the first main-lens on Rolleiflexes, because lenscoating was invented much later. Coating was very nescessary for the 5-lensers (flare)... The Tessar is a crisp and contrasty lens.
@@rewahl Yes, pretty much. And the 3,5 Tessar was compact. The first Rolleiflexes had a 3,8 Tessar that was actually a 3,5 but limited to fit in the shutter. Schneider had an uncoated five element Xenar 2,8/75 ("Super-Xenar") introduced before the war, but I don't think they made many of them, and F&H bought their lenses from Zeiss anyway.
Entry level? That shit is expensive
I've moved away from 120 entirely since there really isn't anything consumer level for medium format. Nothing equivalent to a minolta SR-T 101 that gets the job done, mostly everything feels like a "professional" camera with a huge investment
Entry level TLR that isn’t absolute garbage. These are priced similarly to Mamiya C330/C220, and is certainly affordable compared to other Rolleis or Hasselblads.
@@areallyrealisticguyd4333GA645 is the closest thing to a fun and simple medium format camera.
However, the professional grade stuff offers extreme value for money compared to quality 35mm equipment. A good minolta TLR is way cheaper than a good minolta SLR