The Rolleiflex - What makes it special?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
- I finally tried a Rolleiflex to see what makes it unique. What's the difference compared to cheaper TLRs? What is it like for daily use or street photography?
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►CHAPTER MARKERS
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Street Photography
01:56 - Street portraits
02:12 - 3.5 or 2.8?
02:23 - Pros & Cons
03:35 - Sample images
04:22 - Compared to Yashica
06:18 - Why choose a Rolleiflex?
06:42 - More samples
06:57 - Dev and scanning
07:22 - My overall thoughts
08:09 - Outro
#rolleiflex #mediumformat #filmphotography - บันเทิง
About a month ago, I picked up a 3.5F for my travels. I wanted a med format camera to take with me to Asia. Long story short, and I totally didn't expect this, but I have absolutely fallen in love with it. I've shot about 20 rolls so far and I could honestly say it's the most motivating and inspirational camera I've ever used in my photographic career.
Nice! It would be a great medium format option for travel 😁
Gostaria muito de ter uma máquina dessa
I have several Rolleiflex ‘s and Rolleicords and use them on a daily base.
One day after some work with Helmut Newton (and his Rolleiflex) I stopped over in Paris to say hello to my friend/colleague Bernard Matussièrre. He had his home and studio in a house at Montparnasse, Paris which he inherited from photographer Emile Muller, who bought the house from Robert Capa (Magnum). And here the strange story starts.
Bernard found an old safe in his cellar, which he wanted to show to me. He had opened t before and inside of it were all the Rolleiflex cameras of Robert Capa (Endre Friedmann) and a suitcase fully packed with negatives and a suitcase with clothes. It was left behind by Capa just before he stepped on a landmine, which killed him.
Bernard contacted Robert’s brother Cornell, who came over, took the suitcase with his brother’s clothes and left, leaving the cameras and negatives behind.
The film material went to Magnum and Bernard nurtured the cameras.
I’ve never seen a larger collection of Rolleiflex’s, that made so many famous images, anymore.
I love my Rolleiflex! It hasn't let me down in 43 years. A true pleasure to shoot and own.
My friend from Adelaide owned and used a Rolleflex when they were new back in the day. He loved using that camera for fashion shoots.
Thanks for doing this awesome review Hashem! 😎✌️
I have the Rolleiflex 2.8C, I swore I wouldn't get into medium format but a mate needed money and he was slimming down his collection so I "helped" him out. I love the camera but don't shoot with it enough so focusing is difficult but I hope to keep it forever.
Beautiful classic camera. I wish I had one.
My Rolleiflex 2.8f is by far my favourite camera to shoot with. Especially for street portraits. It’s such a conversation starter!
People do not walk away , and they love the Art Deco design , and the Twin Lens is so attractive , you can get images with a ROLLEI you will never get on a DSLR or SLR camera. People love the Rollei !! ♥
It's true. I've never had anyone turn down a portrait with the Rolleiflex. It just seems intriguing and non-confrontational.
Both the 2.8 and 3.5 are great. I have one of each, and previously had a couple 124s. I love all TLRs but they will be expensive when they need service. Worth it IMO.
The Rolleflex camera is like the Ducati motorcycle. Both have tons of style and function. They may cost a tad more, but are well worth it. The ergonomics just make the photo experience just that little bit more rewarding. When the payment comes thru for that kidney I sold I'll get a Rollei!!!!
I have a rolleiflex 2.8e tlr camera from 1955 that was my grandfathers and my parents recently passed it down to me im just so excited to take photos with it and pass it down to my future generations!! 😁
Inspiring video! I have a Rolleicord V and the results that a get are always amazing
Had a Rolleiflex decades ago for a short time and sold it to fund a Hasselblad. 6 years ago I got a 3.5 Automat. Great camera. It’s pretty special using a TLR. Just got a Rolleicord Art Deco and that’s a horse I have to break. Or maybe it needs to break me. Either way, stunning camera.
I own 3 TLR.
A French Semflex which is quite basic but give interesting output. It is a bare minimum camera which use red windows for film advance.
A Yashica 635 which is basically the same as your with 135 film capability which is a nice addition when you want to have a longer lens (80mm on 135 is quite nice)
And a Rolleiflex T which is quite cheaper than the 3,5 or the 2,8 but give pretty good result. The controls are just a little bit more complicated to use.
I had some bad experience in general with the Yashica MAT 124G which has known reliability issue on the advance lever. Mine was able to advance, but the shutter was never cocked. I did get it fixed two times with two different shop before giving up and buying a Rolleiflex T which feel more solid.
We have a great photo collection at our MOMA museum here in San Francisco, including many images by Rollei. The combo of waist level shooting and those beautiful silver loaded papers from the 1940's and 50's is something to behold along with the great eye of the photographers. I used my father's Rollei as a table prop in my short film noir, Bum Rap Andre Hunt
When I heard Agfa Optima 100... such a great film!
I have a Rolleiflex 2.8C; late 50s. I got it when the opportunity presented itself a couple years ago; it had just been rebuilt. It has a ‘look’ that’s for sure; quite different from my other medium format cameras. I just had a cast removed from my right arm (broken wrist). I’ve only started using 35mm cameras again but this video is inspiring me to take the Rolleiflex out. Maybe after another week of OT I’ll be ready! Thanks for this.
Hope you have a smooth recovery and enjoy using the camera again!
My first medium format was a 1953 Rolleicord III, bought in 1989. For the age of this camera, currently still in use, its film image quality is quite remarkable.
Thank you very much for your fine video about the Rolleiflex. I myself have the Rolleiflex T3 "White Face" with the 75 mm f/3,5 Zeiss Tessar from about 1976. The "T" is a budget Rolleiflex, however, in fact almost as good as the professional one. It is easy to change the screen and I bought a new one from Oleson which is much brighter than the original. I am very pleased with my Rolleiflex and it is fun to use it. Kind regards from Sweden!
i have the old standard 622 (tessar 3.5) and it's my go to camera with all the flaws
Something about the Rolleiflex - people love it and often comment to me while I'm out shooting with it. The periscope design gives interest to pictures by having that low perspective, but can also be used upside down up high for a downward view (you must try if you haven't!!).
I just got my hands on a 2.8e that was originally sold by A. Leistenschneider in Dusseldorf. Can't wait to develop my first roll!
have the rolleiflex 3.5e and i love 6x6 format, just feel diffrent than what i used to, its feel more liberate no boundries when take the photo, and i think its a perfect camera for street photography, people doesn't feel offended or get intimidated when we take a picture of them on the street
Great camera, great shots! Glad to see the Agfa optima back ;)
Loved this review Hashem. Thanks for taking the time in reviewing the camera.
Much appreciated! Thanks for watching
I have a Yashica B. I love it and like the leaver to cock the clutter as it prevents me from accidentally taking a photo. I’ve worked out a system of winding the film forward after taking the shot. Then as I’m about to take the next shot I cock the shutter.
No way hahah, i litterly just finished scanning my first roll of 6x6 from my uncle's TLR just to see hashem post a new banger about rollei :) Going to make some popcorn for this one! merry xmas Hashem
Having 2 models of 3.5f, it's so enjoyable to shoot street photography with them. it's small, light, and quiet.
Own this exact same model. Sadly, I will probably never use it again. Had the screen upgraded and CLA'd years ago. Still seems really accurate by shutter speed sound. It's so expensive for each click of the shutter! The few times I've taken it out in public this camera is a magnet. People want to ask you about it. Despite that it's surprisingly non threatening to people. You have a great eye!
Hi! I've two 3.5F and love shooting with them . The Rolleiflex system is amazing and ingenious, the accessories are a lesson in design and use. I also love how compact the system is, specially compared to 35mm systems. The fact that it has a single lens is not a problem for me, I find this limitation forces me to move more to find the right composition, which results in better images.
One "accessory" I found a must is the Rollei P11 Universal slide projector, which can be found very cheaply. It projects 35, 4x4 (Baby Rolleiflex) and 6x6 slides. If you never saw a 6x6 slide projected, you never experienced how amazing this can be. In detail, sharpness, I was shocked when I first saw it!
Other accessories I find useful are the Rolleinar close-up lenses, the lens hood (a must), and a neck strap - doesn't have to be from Rolleiflex brand, which are thin for long use.
Compared to other non-TLR 8x8 systems, the Rolleiflex produces equivalent images on a very small and lighter package. For travel or street there's no comparision.
Before shooting with it, get to know the position of the controls and the feeling of each one, specially the shutter speeds "clicks". They act differently on every sample. With time and practice you'll know at what speed you're shooting without even looking. It's much more ergonomic than you'll find at first. But it's a different approach you have learn. After that, you will operate it with your eyes closed, everything is at a finger distance.
Great camera, great system, great results!
What a privilege it is to be featured in a photo on Pushing Film ❤❤❤ great video as always Hashem
Haha thanks for posing 😁
big fan of the TLR, don't currently have one at the minute but had a yashica mat 124g in the past and loved it.
Great vid Hashem! Been looking forward to this one.
I have a 3.5F, and between the paralax compensating finder mask, functional lightmeter, and character, it's quickly gone to the top of my favourite cameras to use.
Thanks man! That's good to hear
fun video, i my self own a yaschica 635 and never saw the need to pay way more for a collectors item, also glad you brought up vivian in your video!
As a proud owner of a 2.8f you hit the nail on the head. Shooting with the Rollei is a special occasion on many levels. The Rollinar's, Mutar extension lenses and viewfinder prism come highly recommended if you want to expand on this great system.
I have looked at the Mutar , and do find having one appealing , I have a set of Japanese extension lenses , that went to Vietnam with me , the Rollei D 75mm is an amazing Street and Travel camera.
cheers for the cool video. Very good amd i totally agree with all you said. can you tell me where to get the focus screens. The old one on my rolleiflex c is so dark so after 70 years an upgrade might be nice.
While I haven't used a Rolleiflex, I do really like my Olympus Flex B-II, which has a fabulous 2.8 F.Zuiko lens
Mate, watching this makes me want to pick one up. 🙌 Great review!
Thanks man!
I’d love to have one of these some day. Great photos, and another great video 👏👏
Thanks man! You should definitely try one some time
it really makes street photography easier. People spot you more often when you lift an slr or rangefinder to your eye
They spot you with the Rolleiflex as well but they just don't feel as disturbed by it.
Nice video! Thanks for sharing your Rolleiflex info.
Thanks for watching!
I own two, 2.8C and a 3.5F both with Xenotar lenses and i both sent them out for a CLA. The 2.8C has nicer bokeh due to the 10 bladed aperture. But the 3.5F is more user-friendly: 1/500 can be selected when the shutter is cocked and the viewfinder is nicer and it's brighter too.
I own two Rollieflex cameras and enjoy them both.
It takes time and patience to learn and use them but the results are amazing and rewarding. I don’t think there is any other camera that can replace my Rollieflex.
Thank you for your wonderful and informative review.
There is nothing , like a serviced and looked after ROLLEI for the joy of the moment , the immersion and delight. You get grand images too.
Thanks for watching!
I also own a 2.8c, hands on the best camera I’ve ever used. Now servicing by the best rolleiflex tech in Taiwan, can’t wait to have it back.
At the mean time, I’m using a Minolta autocord. The autocord is noticeably better than all other TLRs I tried other than rolleiflex, even better than the rolleicord. The sharpness and contrast is great, built quality is awesome and have the hefty weight just like the rolleiflex. Highly recommended if anyone want to shoot TLRs without breaking the bank but I believe every TLR shooters will eventually ended up with a rolleiflex
Love my Rolleiflex! Have the T version with the tessar lens and can I say this lens is just super sharp! Used to have the 2.8F and sold it due to the heftier weight and size, luckily I made a significant profit due to the prices and mine was in mint condition. The T has an interesting way of coupled f and shutter which you can quickly pull on the tab and change individually if you want. The build is just as good as the 2.8F and without the price tag! Anyone looking at Rolleiflex should look at this model! Thanks for the video!
Nice! Thanks for watching :-)
I have an 3.5E Planar and still love it. It's one of the cameras I will never sell in my life... It can also do great macros using the Rolleinar-Kit.
For sure! It's great that they can still be serviced
Thanks for this. I think I need to get out and use mine. I was given an almost mint F4 Wide version plus lots of accessories.I have put only one film through it and have not got to a lab with it yet.Good samples and comparison. This will be a new years resolution for me. cheers Geoff
Sounds like it's waiting for more use! Thanks for watching :-)
I have the 2.8F and 3.5F and a serious advantage is the brightness of the screen. The 2.8 viewfinder is much brighter than the 3.5 one. The primary difference between the Yashica and the Rolleiflex is the build quality. Rolleiflex is built to a much higher standard and will therefore cost less over time than fixing up a Yashica, presuming you can even find someone to service the Yashica.
My 3.5F gets more attention than my m4, (I also changed the focusing screen with a newer and brighter one), great video as always
Nice! Thanks mate 😁
I've used a Rolleiflex for a couple of decades for just about everything. I'd HIGHLY recommend donning a penta prism rather than the waist level finder whenever you're not required to be physically close to the ground. Getting the taking lens closer to one's eye line helps in a variety of ways, and using the prism also reverses the scene back to 'normal.'
That said, a quick tip for those of you new to waist level finders: think of moving the lens toward the subject rather than panning like mad to find the subject on the screen. The tactic has the added benefit of keeping you more engaged with the scene and not lost in a delightfully detached ground glass world.
Oh, and it's sometimes a good idea to flip the Rolleiflex above your head and focus looking up at the screen. Sort of like a periscope. It makes you look mental, but it also raises your perspective by quite a lot. Just remember that the 'taking' lens is now on top. You can see Fred Astaire (as Richard Avedon) doing the manoeuvre in Funny Face. ✌🏻
Nice video about a very special camera.
The Rolleiflex is very special to me. One of my favorite cameras and also Mediumformat camera i own. Its SO fun to use and it was one of the first cameras i wanted to get hold of once i returned to analog photography. The one i settled on was the Rolleiflex 75T, i liked the slightly wider lens and also the price was decent considering it was a newly serviced camera and a great range of accessories being a Bay 1 mount lens.
I have used mine a lot, and since i got it have several cool accessories for it i frequently use. Like the Rolinar 1 and 2, some filters and also looking to get a softfilter for it as well ( Rolleisoft) .
Funnily enough just a few days ago i was looking into getting another one, maybe this time an F model or a more expensive f2,8 E or C model. I heard the Xenotar lens is slightly more sharp and has even better character. But thus far i LOVE the images i get from my Tessar lens o nthe T. I have no lightmeter on mine but its fast to use and always give great exposures using the sunny 16 or a external light meter. No issues whatsoever.
The F2,8 also have a 80 mm lens, so that could be a great addition for even better portraits was my reasoning .
So yeh, i love the Rolleiflex and think i will always have one or two in my kit, its great for street, for landscape, for portraits, you name it. On the streets its like you say in the video an amazing conversation starter, and i never got any bad reactions thus far when i used it.
Nice 1 Hash :)
/regards Martin.
Glad to hear you enjoy the system too! Yeah I don't know how reliable those old meters would be anyway... Thanks as usual mate!
One thing not mentioned about Rolleis and TLRS in general. When you press the shutter you take the picture right , away. When I use an SLR many times the picture comes out with the persons eyes closed.
Great video Hashem. Those Rollei's are just so nice to use. I shoot a baby grey 127 Rollei and absolutely love it even though it means hand cutting film, it gets used more than my other TLR being a Mamiya C220 which is also a great camera but doesn't have that Rollei 'feel' when using it.
Nice! Not many people are still spooling 127 🙂
I do have a Rolleiflex with the 3.5/75 Xenar lens (a 4 elements in 3 groups lens design), and it performs quite similarly to my Yashica Mat-124 G. The Schneider Xenotar design has 5 elements (similar to Zeiss Biometar), so it is different to the cheaper 3.5 lenses (including the Xenar). The 3.5 Planar might be different, but maybe also 5 elements, while the 2.8 Planar should be 6 elements and differ in rendering. I found the 3.5 Xenar to be already a nice lens, even though not "perfect" at 3.5. TLRs have their strengths (a rather robust construction), but I'm a bit undecided if I prefer folding cameras (my Agfa Super Isolette is much more compact, but framing is better with a TLR, while a 6x9 folding camera is something completely different).
My camera shop just started developing 120 film in-house...now you've got me wondering if I should get a medium format camera that works :)
Loved the vid! I recently picked up my first TLR, the Airesflex Model U. The Rolleiflex is just too expensive for my budget right now. I definitely wanna try one now though.
Nice! Yeah they're worth trying, at least to see how they differ.
Great review on my trusty Rollei Hash!
Thanks for letting me use it! 😁
If still want some German lens on TLR, I will try Ikoflex I/II/III for alternative cheaper than Rolleiflex/Rolleicord. For sure the price pay for quality from Rollei but not for me
Going to take some photos at a play My daughter is in it and hope to get some fine images at their rehearsal. then the performance as the lights of the stage should be able to shot at a higher aputure and speed thanks for your reveiw
Good luck!
I inherited one from my dad. He bought it around 1955 while he was stationed in Germany during the US -Korean War. Haven't yet tried it. What is a good source for 120 film these days? And processing?
in the meantime the prizes for 3.5 and 2.8 have completely reached the same level at least over here in Germany on ebay
Take a look at the Mamiya C330 , you can change lenses and view finders options , cheap. I bought one new in 1978, still using it today.
Yeah, great camera!
rolleiflex looks so nice.. I am not a fan of rolleiflex due to fixed lens, but the look of its camera is just beautiful..Thanks for the video!
Thanks Ryan!
Tried a rollei but prefer my Yashiva 635 / D setups. The usability is better and the images have more soul. Beautiful photos dude!
Thank you!
Another 6x6 TLR that's worth looking into is the Minolta Autocord.
Better lens than the Yashica, easier loading than the Rolleiflex.
But slightly harder to find.
Ikoflex serie from Carl Zeiss is better choice if you still want the German lens quality and slightly expensive than minolta but not like Rolleiflex/Rolleicord or Yashica
Curious where you found/what are your lens attachments? Been having such a hard timing finding some
Hey, I'm not too sure since I borrowed the camera... But I think he got them on ebay
@@pushingfilm aw ok thanks! Great videos!
No one commenting on that perfectly kept Agfa Optima? Sometimes I wish I could have gotten to try Agfa Color film but it's about a lost cause nowadays.
Also absolutely beautiful shots. I particularly like those of your partner/wife, and a lot of the Medium format look with smoother tonality and DoF
I delved into TLRs with a Rolleicord, which might be a better comparison to the Rolleiflex as it's their own "Amateur" model. Actually quite interesting shootout with the Yashica, as I haven't had (to my eyes) that good luck with older 6x6 cameras with Tessar Types. WLF is nice, but my style of shooting is easier with a RF VF.
Thanks! Yeah that Agfa is quite rare now.
The 500th max really holds me back
The only difference between the Rolleiflex 2,8 and 3,5. is the lens. I have never understood why especially in the USA, people are willing to pay so much more for the 2,8, less than one stop faster. Is it that the taking lens is larger, making the camera look better? The 2,8 is also heavier, because of the bigger lens.
silly question, but does it fit in the Ona Bowery bag?
and How were you carrying it while not using?
Yeah it fits if you lay it down. I usually just carried it with the strap, but sometimes in the Brevite Jumper or Ona Bowery bag
Just shot a roll on Thanksgiving with my Rollei 3.5 which I used to shoot weddings with in the 1970’s
Awesome!
What coffee mug was that? The white one with black specks?
Hey, I don't know sorry! It was at a rental place. Nice mug though.
Hashem ; : I have a Rollei Distgon 55mm F4 Wide , and the 75mm F3.5 . My 55mm W is new to me , and I am still learning its strengths and being a bit wider than the 75mm you can do amazing images. I like the E Model with light meter , though the dual range Light Meter is a new thing to me. The 55mm is superbly magical being solid , well built and a joy in the hands as well as pure design art. The 75mm 3.5 D has no light meter , so I use the phone metering , and I have taken many inspiring and amazing images with my D Model.
I have all 3 Rollenair close focus lenses , the #2 is mounted on the strap in the case , using the close focus lenses you can leap into another realm and expand the usefulness and it is sheer delight .... when your imaging with a 75mm Tessar lens. These are amazing cameras and are a joy to use compose with and just feel so good in hand. Nothing compares , even my M Leica's cannot compare to the 55mm F4 Distagon in terms of the feel of use. I love my Leica's and they are film , but for sheer delight and immersion in your Art ... it is ROLLEI all the way.
Sounds like a great setup!
The ONLY difference between a Rolleiflex 3.5 and 2.8 is the max aperture and thus the size of the taking lens. Obviously, for many that is worth the price difference. Yashicas are great. For me, a Rolleiflex is just mechanically more refined, especially with fast winding, etc. Feels durable and solid. I often use the wide angle lens adapter, giving me the equivalent of 35mm in ¨standard¨ film. I don't think this exists for Yashica. If the above is not important, buy a Yashica and spend the money you saved on film and coffee when you go out shooting.
The max aperture size doesn't tell the whole story. The 2.8 viewfinder is much much brighter than the 3.5. The 3.5 is almost a struggle to use in the corners.
I really like the Rolleiflex, a lot!! Until I can get one, I am making do with a cool old Ricohflex.
Nothing wrong with that!
While they’re comparable in many ways, my yashica 635 did something a Rollie could never, it cost $35
Checked Ebay, not anymore.
Hie there, i have a yashica 635 with all its accessories . I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Nice! I've heard only good things about that model
Tlr best for street. Its very discreet system. More discreet than even rangefinder.
One, use the best finest film for a test! You want to see what it does? It shoots a large negative, 6x6 21/4 x 2 1/4". That's big! It's 3,5 x larger than 35mm film. Using camera is PLAIN Horrible! Looking at your navel, what's on left is really on right! Wonderful. One copes! If old screen, it's a dark as a mountain cave.. Noise! If you can hear it you are a mouse! Loading thru rollers, it's auto! Hence name! Tessar lenses are very sharp and contrasty. Years of usage. You learn why you should never have gone 35mm! I get more successful images per roll than any other camera. Yes, I took 18 months to shoot 24exp roll! 23 Perfect! I mean able to print 16x16"! or bigger. They are small by modern standards. A yellow filter, lens shade, a wide strap. You need a strap on any camera, crettins! Mine built 1954~55. Color I give to real pro Lab, In Toronto, Downtown Camera, Queen St. A talking piece! Yes! young ladies want their images done! I add phone image as quicker. I used another lab who fluffed many rolls. Recommended. Takes a year or more to be familiar! Mamiya C series highly advised of you want lenses, body building, strengthening muscles! I used them Professionally. Don't get crazy about the f2.8 Planar. Please! It's a 1/2 stop faster. Period! Tessars were good enough for Avedon and esp. Penn. Note built in shutters @ 1/500th on f11, f16 are slower! 375th tops! It's physics. ENJOY!
Anyone else think TLR is an.. umm... awkward concept? You want a silent camera, but at the cost of making the camera bigger (two lenses instead of one). My reasoning is:
- Want a compact, silent camera? Get a rangefinder instead. Of course, no WLF. It also shares the same problem: parallax error. And rangefinder is not the suitable tool for certain photography genre, like macro or landscape using long tele lens.
- SLR can practically do everything, but obviously not the the most compact/silent setup. And very likely a bit difficult for handheld shooting on certain lower shutter speeds.
But hey, I don't shoot much street scene nowadays. After years of using various TLRs, I still think composing through WLF handheld is kinda gimmickish (e.g hard to get lines straight they way they are). No issue on tripod, though. Sure, WLF is very handy for low angle shooting, and for street shooters who prefer to be low-key.
Yes the Rolleiflex is built to better standards than Yashica. But Yashica Mat 124 and Rolleicord images are really indistinguishable from Rolleiflex. The Rolleiflex just has more panache and collectibility. Ok.
These days, its mostly ragging rights, and who has the deeper bank account. Like the Leica, where its about the price of a down payment on a car.