You've hit the nail on the head with that comment. I find using the Rolleiflex an immersive experience. It always feels special when I take it out. The viewing screen, the focus, the shutter and the film advance all just seem so natural.
I have had my Rollei 3.5F for just over a month now. I hear your passion, as mine is the same. Such a wonderful experience shooting film on this iconic camera.
Todd : My ROLLEI TLR is the 75mm 3.5 D from 1956 , I took it to Vietnam 5 years ago , and everyone that saw it , loved it , and even had to look through the screen and giggle and smile ... People love the classic charming ROLLEI . Thew pictures ware stunning and straight out of the Vintage Clarity .. so much charm , and " timelessness " in them. The Rollei is good for Street Photography , once you master it. Again , the people of Vietnam ...especially in the country , loved the camera ... it was like magic to them. Chris .
The circle is now complete Finally found my Dad's Rollei, after 50 years got the manual and the 135 adapter still works, took some photos, beautiful Sent it to be restored, the guy used to work for Rollei in Singapore. He Loved it too. I am eager to use it. So happy..to share the joy
Welcome to the Rollei family. I've been shooting Rollei TLRs for close to 30 years, starting with a 1940s 3.5 Tessar and then going through various iterations of the 2.8 until I finally hit the pinnacle with a 2.8F Planar, though I have to say that the Xenotar lens is also a beauty. You won't go wrong with either. While I love my Leica and my Hasselblad as well, the Rollei, as you discovered on your trip, is an amazing camera for travel when you want to shoot medium format. The quiet shutter is fabulous for surreptitious street shots but it's also a great ice-breaker if you ask someone for a portrait. Enjoy the new experience. No doubt you'll be very inspired by using it, following in the footsteps of some of the greats that you listed off. Looking forward to videos of further adventures. Now I just need to take a page out of your book and finally buy that large format I've been meaning to get for decades!
I have a small collection of Rollie's, with some experience I centered on the f3.5 being my overall favorite. In my judgement the f2.8 has a little softer edge focus, but not actually a deal breaker, still quite excellent. I have Xenotar and Planar lenses, the Schneider's seem slightly better suited for B&W, Planar's for color, but that's just my perception, others may find no difference. Eyes of the beholder. When well serviced and carefully handled the line is such a joy to use, I never met a Rollie TLR I didn't like. My oldest "D" is about 70 years, the newest are E-2's at just over 60. I'm 82, these beauties have served my photography needs for decades, and will no doubt soldier on as long as I need them. Thanks for the info about lensmedic, I'll check with them and maybe have them do a CLA to see how they do. Seems they did well for you, my last one was Fleenor and it was fine, but the camera was out of my hands for several months.
Thanks that’s really useful information. I have been seriously looking at a F/2.8. I do a lot of work in really low light and that little bit extra would help me out. I am now a very big fan of these cameras. ✌️
I bumped into an old guy outside of the supermarket who commented on my Linhof t-shirt. After we talked Linhof, Leica and old Mercedes to death he said: “The one camera I wish I’d held onto more than any other, was my Rolleiflex.” Props to the videographer. Good work there.
His comment about memorials is very important. Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s The Viet Nam war was the dominant international event and spilled over into every aspect of our culture. As I walked along the memorial a few years ago I located the names of two of my friends, one who I played little league baseball with in the ‘60’s, And another who was my colleague roommate in the ‘70’s. To see them among the 58,000 on the wall was reassurance that their names will live on.
I was having a discussion with a fellow photographer the other day and mentioned to him that I had used dozens, possibly even more than a hundred cameras in my life now. Of those, only a precious few bring me complete joy when I'm using them and when I see the results from them. My Rolleiflex is one of those rare cameras. Magnificent work around DC, Todd. I hope you get the chance to take your American road trip with the Rollei. I know I would love seeing the results from that trip. If you ever find yourself around Chicagoland and would like a tour guide, let me know and I'd be happy to show you around Chicago and around northern Illinois.
Great video! Love my rollie 2.8e given to my by a family member who bought it new many years ago and was just put in the attic. Henry Flennor CLA'ed it and it's been functioning flawlessly every since. I just handed it down to my now 23 y/o son as a graduation present who is an avid photographer and was ecstatic. In preparation, I consigned Alex at MagicFlex in Germany for a 2.8F and holy cow, it's about as new in the box or better as they come. I can't recommend him more highly. The Rollieflex is just a joy to use; strangers love to talk to you about it and are never threatened to have a photo taken by it. A road trip of that magnitude with one camera/lens would provide a focused vision to not get hung up with options, no paralysis by analysis. Can't wait to see your images from the adventure.
Very nice presentation. I love this camera, which I was lucky enough to buy CLA'ed. I mostly shoot B/W, and one "hidden" feature you did not mention, comes in handy when you use and change filters: The button, where also the ASA setting is located, can be turned to set the filter factor (e.g. 1.5 for dark yellow or 2 for light orange etc.), and the light meter is then adjusted "automatically". Close to overengineering, but still useful.
Great to see you out with the Rollei Todd. I am fortunate to have the 2.8f, a wonderful camera. I bought it from a friend whose father had passed away. It was in great condition but I sent it to Harry Fleenor for a full CLA and I have to say it’s the greatest camera I’ve ever owned and not one I will ever let go of. My favorite ever photo is one I took near San Clemente using tri-x, an amazing amount of detail and the tones are amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing you out with it in the future.
I am glad to hear you are keeping that running. I’m sure your friend’s father would be smiling seeing you use it. Going to roll some tri-x through it next week. Shooting colour with it this week to see how that looks. Cheers
Hi Todd, Just watched your video on the Rolleiflex camera. I thought I’d better respond now or I might never do it. I own a Rolleiflex 3.5B, serial number 1718128 which I bought around 1955 in South Ruislip, England while stationed there with the USAF. I’m going to pop it out of storage and start shooting with it. Thanks for the encouragement. Jerry Devereaux
That’s amazing, I am glad you still have it. They are wonderful cameras. I have been using mine all year and simply love it. Traveling Thailand right now and I have it with me. Another UA-cam video coming of me using it here. Thanks for watching. Cheers
Since I bought my first 3.5F, on 2003, I fell in love withe Rolleiflex system, a compact quality 6x6 great to take out and shoot. I picked a second one last year, it just returned from a CLA. What a joy!
i recently got this model from my grandfather, i do need to get film for it. i dont know much about tlr cameras so this video helped me figure out how to really use it to its best abilities!
Im big fans of TLR Rolleiflex, i own some of the Rolleis and 3.5 F is my fave because it's smaller and lighter than 2.8 F. The optic is sharper too. Thanks for sharing and review one of the best camera ever.
Bought my 2.8 F (Schneider 75mm Xenotar) in the early 1970s and have been using it ever since - love it. Over the years I've added both mutars, pentaprism, a hand full of filters and shades. It is the most ergonomic medium format camera ever made using the neck strap. Just wish I still had the slanted "L" grip that got sold with my even older Rollei T. Ps: Hasselblad to me is a studio camera and the Rollie is a field/studio camera. Please don't forget Peter Gowland as a user, He even built 8x10 TLRs and I still have one of his 4x5 TLRs. - Keep up your great work.
Wonderful video! I have both rollieflex 2.8f and 3.5f. I took the 2.8 to Prague, and the 3.5 came to Colorado with me last month. I printed the result from both of them in the darkroom, and love the results from both of them! Enjoy yours! You got me wanting to go to Washington DC :-)
Thanks. Great overview. I'm just now, after 30 years of making photos trying MF...starting with a Holga and developing my own film. A Rollei or Yashimat is the next step in the evolution.
How cool…a monument to Daguerre. Seems like a very appropriate thing to photograph. As always, great video. Rolleiflexes are pretty tough to beat when it comes to cameras, as you’ve shown so well here.
Thank you for this inspiring and educational presentation. I love the square format. Some years ago I was fortunate to be gifted a 2.8E with a working, accurate meter, box, case, papers and accessories. The meter is indeed very accurate. I was able to shoot several rolls of Velvia without a single miss on exposure! I replaced the original rather dim focusing screen with a cut-down screen from a Mamiya RB67. This made focusing easier and also brightened up the corners a bit. Your plan to tour the US with just a Rolleiflex sounds exciting... please do follow through on that and share your experiences with your subscribers!
Great video! I have the Rolleiflex MX-EVS with 75mm Tessar lens and a complete Hasselblad outfit. I totally agree with your comments regarding how enjoyable it is to shoot with the Rollei. I always have the Hasselblad on a tripod, but shoot the Rollei mostly handheld; it just feels so good cradled in the hands, and then there's that simple "tick" of the shutter. Just LOVE it!
Todd : I got a Rollei , for my 63rd birthday. I was born in 1960 , in 1960 there was a new Rollei being developed , and it was finished , but released in 1961 ... to shops. Long did I lust for this from a few rare images I had seen in Flickr. Well Setadel Studios , had it again after a long years or more , from a collection. I got it , and it is heavier than my beloved 75mm D 3.5 , and by a measure too. I have to send her in to Harry Fleanor , to get the adjustment and lube as she is dry , but the body and lenses are excellent. What is this Beast .... well Todd I have to tell you , not to brag , no. I consider the fact I was able to float the purchase a blessing. The model is very rare , Wikipedia in 2010 said only 300 were still surviving world wide. I do not know. My new baby , I hold and cannot wait ( After careful lubrication and tuning ) is the Rollei Wide 55mm DISTAGON F4 model. I have the light meter , came with case , case is remarkably preserved , in fact beautiful and I procured a new in box Bay IV Rollei hood for her. Todd ; these Rollei's are so special , the finish the fitment , the feel , holding the camera you know it is an intuitive instrument. I look at this Rollei Wide , and am amazed at the craftsmanship that is emanating , a person anyone I believe would by tactile connection , photographer or not , know in their hands rests an amazing piece of Art , and Machine Technology , my M3 that I love ( the little camera ) is smooth solid and iconic , yes it has wax seal and operates perfection !! , however , there is another , feel to these Rollei's They were icon's and beloved " Tools of Light " . Ah I have rambled ... Mm well Todd enjoy Vietnam , get to Monkey Mountain , and HI VAN PASS .. photograph from there at night , walk into the Old Citadel up ...by the gates. I did that. Street in Saigon is wonderful PASTURE Street , and then , the Fishing Village North of Natrang , I took the 75mm 3.5 Rollie and it's Tessar lens , and a digital camera with one lens , the Voightlander Classic 45mm 1.4 , with two simple tools , I adventured out. Go , and get away , go see where the people are ...live. I love Vietnam. 🇻🇳
As always, a lovely bit of video. Beautiful shots of DC too. I really like the idea you mentioned, almost as a throwaway, of writing down words about a place and then looking for scenes to illustrate them. It's brilliant. I'd love it if you did a video of these non-technical tips/work habits that help you organize or motivate your work.
Thanks for sharing, great images. I have the Rolleiflex Automat 3.5 with the 75mm Tessar lens and the Rolleiflex 2.8 D with the 80mm Xenotar lens. I don’t think anyone can go wrong with any Rolleiflex. I have had both CLA’ed, and I recommend that anyone that buys one that it be CLA’ed. a CLA is good for the camera and they will run as smooth as butter.
Todd, always thoughtful videos. Thanks for sharing your trip. I live in the DC area. A very photographable city. Glad you enjoyed it. I also have a Rollei, and it's my all time favorite camera. It's always in my kit alongside my pinhole camera. I find the Rollei to be an excellent 'intimate' camera. It can do many things. But it really sings and middle to shortish distances. It helps me create a lot more intimacy with the scene/people, without being overly fussy.
i have a ricoh diacord. that has issues that i am amending . after seeing this video i have no plobrem going out and getting one of these thank you from grass valley california
Great video and excellent images. I have my dad's 3.5F that he purchased new in the late 1950s in Europe when he was a young aerospace technician working in England and traveling Europe. Mine has the Schneider Xenotar 75mm lens. I also have boxes of family photos that dad took with this camera. I have to say he had a pretty good eye for composition. The exposure is also very consistent through years and years of images. The Rollei seems to have a very good meter. Something about B&W and the square format really catches my eye. The shutter was balky when I finally started looking at using it. I took it in to an exclusive Rollei repair shop in So Cal and got a very detailed CLA done. That was not cheap but the camera works like a dream. One tip, the back is easily removable. For anybody who finds film loading a bit awkward as I do with the back swinging around, try removing the back. The book "Rollei Photography, Handbook of the Rolleiflex and Rolleicord Cameras" by Jacob Deschin, 1953, Camera Craft Publishing Company, San Francisco is a great companion to the camera and contains many excellent photos by professional Rollei photographers of the day. Last time I looked, many copies were available on Ebay.
Great video, I think you'll be a natural with that Rollei. I've had a 3.5 MX-EVS since the mid 70's, it's been refurbished only once and performs wonderfully. I love Rollei's, there operation and results.
I own the 2.8 D model. Its really nice to shoot too the Yashica 124 G Mat I use too because its nice to swap out cameras as one for color and one for B/W.
I want to make an additional comment because there is one more characteristic trait of the Rolleiflex: It gets very positive reactions out on the streets. It has the right vibes. People spot it from quite a distance and are really attractex in a positive way, my Rolleiflex was a real conversation starter on my trip to the UK west country last summer. A quiet, polite (waist level finder makes you bow to everybody ☺️) and friendly machine. ❤️
The profile shot of Lincoln is ubiquitous. Everyone takes that photo yet few get it right. You nailed it Todd. It stuck out as one of my favorites. Glad you got the camera and glad you showed that it doesn’t have to be the 2.8 to make great photos. Some people act like a 3.5 is beneath them. It’s a Rolleiflex for crying out loud!! 2.8, 3.5? They are the cameras of princes and kings. And Todd K.
Wonderful to see you enthuse about the Rolleiflex, Todd. I've had several since 1974 and never been without one since that time. My current 2.8f is like new and the lens is fabulous. For square images the 80mm is comparable to a 34mm 135 lens, so 56mm plays 24mm square. For lenses between 35mm and 135mm on a 35mm camera, the lens cannot compete with the Rolleiflex, when both shot from the same tripod position. No match at all. Enjoy it.
The Rollei 3.5F is so nice to hold and use. A Swiss watch of cameras. DC is photo heaven, even under gray skies. Please show some Canada. The Rollei Wide is also a good travel camera.
Great video as usual, my father had a Tessar 75mm F3.5 Rolleiflex so we’re lucky to have a load of family photos taken with it. I’ve got that camera now, it’s very beaten up but I would never part with it.
@@toddkorolphoto Just a silly follow up question for you. Hasselblad or RolleiFlex - which is your favorite. I have done some research that say that the RolleiFlex has sharper lenses. Overall what are your thoughts?
@@sbills I’m not sure it’s sharper, but using the two cameras is way different. The Hasselblad is great if I’m traveling in my car and need to switch up lenses and backs for different film. The Rollei is great to travel with and just walk around with. I’m also not much of a guy that is obsessed with sharpness and such, but I do notice a certain “look” that the Rollei gives me that I really like a lot. Also using the Rollei with just one lens forces you to work a certain way which I really like.
I currently own a Rolleiflex 3.fF Type 3. If you believe the various serial number references it was built sometime between 1960-65. Probably earlier in that timeframe. It's a wonderful camera and an absolute favorite of mine. I've owned a couple of other TLR's (YashicaMat 124G and a Minolta Autocord) but neither compared to the jewel-like quality of the Rolleiflex. My light meter doesn't work so good on you for finding one that does. I had mine gone through by Harry Fleenor at Oceanside Camera Repair and I highly recommend his work. Great video!
Great video. I've really gotten interested in the Rolleiflex lately. I love tlr's. Wonderful images of D.C.. If you want a place to stay in North Florida when you take your USA road trip, you'd be very welcome.
Richard Avidon did the cross country trip with a TLR Rollei. He hung up a simple backdrop and photographed interesting people in their niche. The set of photos of Rodeo cowboys is worth looking up.
Fabulous camera and a joy to service. I’ve repaired a few in my time unfortunately my fingers aren’t what they used to be. I had one a regret selling it but I’ll find another. I expect you know but others might not know about the sports finder in the screen hood. Useful as well. I enjoy your quiet style of video. I’m all for the youngsters make and using cameras but tone it down a little. Guess I’m getting old😂
Unfortunately my sports finder is not working, I actually really need a new waist level finder for this camera, that is the only thing that doesn't work. Thanks for the kind words for the video, I'm glad you like my style. ;-)
Beautiful camera, I've owned the 3.5 and enjoyed it. The size is really great for travel and walking around. Ultimately I ended up moving to a mamiya C330 for the lens options and the brightness of the viewfinder but it's significantly larger than the Rolleiflex.
A road trip video, or series, featuring the Rolleiflex would be brilliant! I’ve owned three, all stupidly traded or sold, but coming to my senses(?) or wanting a return your video just helped me out… … couldn’t help a look at Ebay and found a 3.5 Tesssar that has been fully(!) disassembled and cleaned to perfection. Can’t afford it but couldn’t resist do the Fuji digital is going on sale in lieu. Now back, again, to film only, my first love 😊
@@toddkorolphoto That’s good to hear. Yes, that lens is great - sharp and with character - despite being less regarded than the Planar (which I had on a 2.8) or the Schneider alternative.
Great video Todd. I had the 2.8f Planar version many years ago and made the mistake of selling it. It took a while to find another and it is definitely one I will not part with. The images you get from a Rolleiflex always seem to be excellent. I haven't used mine in a while if I am honest but when I was out and about taking photos people would always want to stop and ask what kind of camera you were using, a great conversation starter. Enjoy it Todd, I don't think you will regret buying it.
Just got a Rolleiflex 3.5 Automatic without the meter. Think mebbe a b? Love it. Mine is in mint condition and I can't wait to take it out in America (I live in Kentucky)
Thanks Todd for your great video sir. I too have the same 3.5 f with the Planar and absolutely love ❤️ it. Also a 3. 5 Tessar and they are all great. Also in regards to the expensive Rollei filters I use an adapter for my 52mm filters and tha works great. Cheers from USA 🇺🇸
Enjoyed this thoroughly, owning Rolleiflexes myself. I would point out that most pre-F versions have mechanically fixed finders. Although some late-E versions have the F capability to easily switch finders. I’m quite fond of my late 3.5E for travel. Best
Awesome video on a lovely camera and great photos!!! Making me want to visit more of the Southern neighbors someday. Something like 2 years back, I picked up a Rolleiflex 3.5T in a bidding war. I knew nothing about them then so only realized I had overpaid later, oops. Also the wind just didn't work so it had to get serviced. Ooops. Kinda makes sense why you'd want to see it in person haha..It was a pricey repair, but I really liked the photos I got from it. Took a lot of lovely family photos with that 75mm f/3.5 Tessar lens. It still works but the aperture ring fell off a bit and doesn't let you use smaller apertures now (slightly more wonky ev system than the 3.5F's more elegant dials) so I started looking around for another one. I always wanted the 2.8 or 3.5f but managed to grab a more affordable 2.8D (which the seller had assumed was a 2.8C which is tbh slightly more desirable because of the aperture blades but not a biggy). It is a really lovely camera. It doesn't have a meter like the 2.8F/3.5F and a few small things like your auto adjusting zone focus scale, but is still a mechanical marvel (I had to get this out of my system the moment i noticed lol ua-cam.com/video/wJY7BPeFMHM/v-deo.html). I suppose the biggest drawback is the lack of removable viewfinder so you can't easily change the focus screen. Thankfully you still can, it is just a bit more work and theoretically might need shims (I bought one from Rick Olsen and need to install it soon). I haven't done a head to head, but I assume the Planar lens here is very competitive with the Hassy 80mm planar. I could be wrong but I have heard the 75mm f/3.5 is actually sharper than the 80 f/2.8 (but some might like the increased bokeh). A huge advantage of these small no moving mirror cameras over say the Hasselblad or Bronica is you can almost certainly hand hold far slower shutter speeds. I would not trust myself to handhold an 80mm lens on a medium format SLR at 1/15 or even 1/30, but might here. I really do love the tlr form factor. I think it is the perfect introduction to medium format or at least 6x6. They really you teach you what it means to be SQUARE (I love my old 6x6 folders but it is so hard to compose you really don't get an idea of how to shoot square). And while Rollei's are a bit pricey, thankfully there are a lot of much more affordable TLRs from Yashica and other brands curious folk can play with. I think the biggest drawback to the Rollei's after the price is that it is not always easy to get filters. There are third party makers now, but even the 3rd party bayonet 3 filters (for the 80mm lens) are pricey. Another nuisance about the bayonets are you can't use a filter and a hood (unless you get a bayonet to screw adapter which are readily available). I do really like the industrial design of the original Rollei filters though. They look so classy. edit: btw since you mentioned Reveni, they make little hoods for Rolleiflex'es that come with a little cold shoe. I grabbed one. It is cute! Oh and I have had a fair few cameras/lenses repaired by Lens Medic. Awesome service. I live in Ontario but I still send em stuff lol.
Thanks for the note. I have a set of filters coming my way with a lens hood, looking forward to that. Gary at Lens Medic is great, I am super happy with his work.
Have a 1950 Rolleicord in near perfect condition. Made an L-shaped handgrip that makes handling even easier. Make 4x4 prints that group nicely in an album.
Absolutely agree regarding the character of that lens, Todd. Have shot square with late-model Fujis (razor sharp and contrasty) and the 80 Planar on the Hasselblad--all good, but that Rollei Planar has a look all its own. Your photos make it shine. Am jealous of your working light meter. My only caution is that the lens can be tricky if pointed close to the sun. A lens hood helps. Great vid. Thanks.
I have the exact same camera. It’s my favorite camera too, even if the light meter is broken on mine 🥲 Great photos in this episode, the look is really nostalgic too… I’m really looking forward to what you can do with a Rollei, they’re really the best
Enjoyed this video immensely! Never owned a Rollei, but did own a slew of twin lens cameras over the film decades - three Yashica 124 Mats as well as five Mamiya C330's. To me, they were so aesthetically beautiful just to look at, let alone shoot. In fact, the Yashica 124 was my very first medium format camera. Purchased in 1971 from K-Mart for $95. My film of choice was Kodak's Verichrome Pan 120 b&w, ASA 125, souped in D-76. Even from the first roll of 120 I ever developed, there was such an incredible difference in my 8x10 print quality, compared to all my 35mm prints. I was hooked! In early 1972 I borrowed $620 from my bank, and bought my first Hasselblad - a brand new 500CM with A12 back & a chrome Zeiss 80mm Planar. An interesting observation was that I noticed little if any difference between 8x10's taken with the Yashica compared to the Hasselblad.
That's a great story thanks for sharing. I love medium format and really love the square format. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference from all of the systems with great film developed properly. They are all just a little different to use. Thanks!
Rolleis have been my go-to MF cameras for 15+ years now. I started with a Rolleicord V, owned many 3.5 versions afterward, and now my daily carry set-up is a 2.8C in a small Billingham. It’s the perfect walk around camera 👍
I currently shoot with my grandfathers old graflex 22 which has the same problem with the slow speed shutter timing mechanism, and I'm thinking of taking it in to get it fixed but with no light meter, I've been having a fun enough time using the sunny 16 rule and keeping it at 1/400. At it's core it's kinda amazing how simple these cameras are and yet how great images they can take!
@@toddkorolphoto I share your passion for this camera. I bought Gary's 2.8D several months ago and can not put it down. I like it so much I sent it to Harry Fleener in Manhattan Beach, CA for a complete overhaul. I will never be without this camera. My nephew will inherit it.
Always wanted to play with a Rollei Todd, I'll be headed through the borderlands of Sask and Alberta again this spring, no Rollei but definitely my Hassy and Linhof and a lotta film. Maybe we can cross paths.
Yes for sure. I’ll be spending more time in the grasslands in south Saskatchewan we should try and time it. The Rollei really is great, I can’t believe I went this long without one.
Thank you very much for this video and for all the others! Very interesting! I myself have a Rolleiflex which I like very much and I have changed the screen. I bought a new one from Oleson i USA and the new screen is great! Much brighter than Rolleis original! King regards, Wolfgang (in Sweden).
I had a 1940s Rolleiflex Automat, which was in pretty awful condition, but I had the lenses cleaned and a new mirror installed. It was wonderful. I put a few rolls of Velvia through it whilst in Jamaica last year and the results were spectacular. I eventually sold it to fund my large format set up and I replaced it with a Leica M5 and a 35mm ZM biogon. I do regret selling it, but what can you do. I missed the square format so I got a super ikonta BX with the 80mm f2.8 Tessar!
Certainly wish I had one, maybe someday! I think a "Discover America" roadtrip or series of trips would be great! I will certainly be looking forward to seeing the images and videos that would produce! Thinks for the insights as well on the camera. If I ever get the chance to get my hands on a nice copy I will remember the items to look for. Cheers!
Fantastic video and thanks for mentioning the Schneider lenses, few people do. I have the Rollieflex 2.8F with the 80 mm Schneider lens, it’s actually pretty light compared to my Pentax 6 x 7 and I love them both.
Fantastic review of this timeless masterpiece. Only thing I wish is you could have included some more portraits which showed its depth of field while using large aperture. Thanks.
Thanks, yes it was not very busy, and most times I have been there in January it's not super busy. But locals tell me it has been much quieter these past months for a whole host of reasons.
Thanks for another gem of a time-travel video. Like others below, I have the Rollei-the 2.8 version-a fairly late model in the series that came from my grandfather. It needed a tune-up, and it's dependable. I have used it extensively and love the look B&W (with Ilford Delta, Lomo Potsdam) and color with Portra 400. It is a different vibe than my Hasselblad 500, and one could argue it's more limited with no modularity (film backs and lens swaps), but it's easier to carry around and totally classy. A piece of history that creates art. A lens shade does help a bit with potential flare. A US road trip sounds magical, and (bias here) Boston/Cambridge would not disappoint.
That sounds great. I have a lens hood coming should be here in the next two weeks. I think a lens hood is important and will increase the contrast a bit. I love Boston too!
Just a brief plug - the Rollei copy - the Yashica MAT124G is a fine way to get access to much younger camera bodies in good condition at a much cheaper price. Sure you aren’t looking at a Zeiss or Schneider Krueznach lens but the Yashinon f3.5 was quite nice
Great video Todd. I have lived in or near DC for over 30 years and it is always great to see the city through another set of eyes. My Rollei is blessed. I purchased it from a priest who was bringing the church into the digital age. He had used it to photograph many events through several decades. He showed me a few albums before selling me the camera. It is a Rolleiflex 2.8D with the 80mm Xenotar lens. A little used but after a CLA everything works as it should. I almost exclusively shoot tri-x in the camera. It is a bit difficult to focus but the images always have incredible tones, depth and character. I do miss having high silver content papers to print on to showcase the quality of the images. Your plan to travel across the U.S. is admirable though I would like to have a smaller digital camera (Leica/Fuji) to complement the film images from the Rollei.
Hi Todd, great video. Actually my wife and I (along with our 2 dauschund dogs) are going to take a road trip from Texas to California on the old route 66. Of course, i have TOO MUCH camera gear (including a Rolleicord, RolleiFlex, Hassey, and other stuff) But we are both excited. And i totally get the part where you say "not spending the night staring at a computer screen" after a day of shooting.. YES! I will try my best to minimize the gear on this trip. Thank you again for great content and providing new ideas.
Dauschunds'!!! My son and I Love those dogs! Sounds great, just take a few things and spend your time exploring and just seeing within that range, trust me way better. ;-)
I'm a TLR-shooter. I rarely use 35mm film now, I almost exclusively shoot 120, when I'm not shooting large format, and my camera of choice is a TLR. I have around 15 of them, of 7 or 8 different brands. In my opinion, the Rolleiflex 3.5 F is the best Rolleiflex of them all, even better than the 2.8 F. It hasn't any downside of significance - its only problem is, that there are better TLRs around, in my opinion. Thus I don't use my Rolleiflexes anymore. My favorite TLRs are the Voigtländer Brillant S for b&w film (the version with the exquisite 5-element Heliar lens and the Compur-Rapid shutter -> the smallest and lightest 120 film TLR of them all, and the brightest viewfinder of them all), and for color film the Koniflex with its exquisite Heliar-type lens and the second best viewfinder after the Voigtländer, and sometimes the Olympusflex with its f 2.8 6-element lens. If I would have to decide for just one TLR, it would be a very difficult decision between the Voigtländer and the Koniflex, and I can't say which one I would choose. The Voigtländer has its quirks and is not exactly easy to use, but I love its size factor and the viewfinder, and how the lens renders b&w pictures. The Koniflex is mechanically definitely the better camera and the lens is sharper and coated, but it is much larger and heavier. When you shoot b&w, the light meter is not that important, you can live very well with Sunny 16. When using color, though, I find the Rolleiflex light meters not accurate enough, I rather use an external one. I almost always use hyperfocal distance settings on my TLRs. In this regard, the Flexaret VII is the best, since its focus lever has stops for different hyperfocal distances.
Whoa! Thank you very much for those recommendations, I will start looking at some of those cameras, they sound great. I was traveling with my son on this trip and I was guessing the exposures all the time, then doing a light meter, I can't tell you how many times I was virtually right on the money or just a little off. B&W film has the latitude to handle it as well. And I'm not so concerned with the "sharpest" lens there is, I am after a "look" in the image. And the 3.5 I have has a great look. Cheers
@@toddkorolphoto If you're after "the Look", you should definitely look out for a Voigtländer Brillant. This camera was produced for 20 years from the early 30s to the early 50s in quite a few different versions. You need to find a post-war S-version made from Bakelite with the Heliar lens, the Compur-Rapid shutter and the focusing mechanism (this works similar to the more known Lubitel cameras, which are Russian copies of the Brillant S). Be aware, that a working copy of a Voigtländer Brillant S with that configuration can easily cost more than 300 USD (sometimes double that amount), but with some luck (and since many people don't know what a jewel that camera is), you can find them for a fraction of that price. Just a few months ago I could buy such a camera for 80 € at an auction house. Also, more often than not you have to make a stuck focusing ring and/or shutter working again, and look out for the silvering on the mirror being still intact. Replacing that is not that easy. Last but not least: these cameras do have an accessory compartment on the side of the body - nice if the accessories (normally a yellow filter and quirky version of a light meter, which I've replaced with an orange filter) are still in it.
Hi Todd, Great vid about the Rollei. As a proud owner of a 2.8F I can highly suggest the rollei pistol grip, rubber lens hood and the two Mutar extension lenses 0.7 and 1.5 (with hoods and leather cases) The Mutars are great way to extend the capabilities of an already great camera without too much weight or selling a kidney for a rollei wide/tele. The pistol grip made the camera so comfortable to use with either prizm or waist level viewfinder aiding very slow shutter speeds.
I really love listening to you, and I love your beautiful photographs. Your images have a classic, nostalgic feel to them. I, too, have a Rolleiflex, but it has a Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar 80mm f/2.8 lens, and it has a working light meter. I have a few questions: 1. How did you protect your film from the airport scanners? 2. Of these three developers, Kodak HC-110, Kodak D-76, and Pyrocat-HD, which one would you choose for Ilford HP5+? For the images in the video, you used Kodak HC-110, which is no longer available.
Thank you. They are such wonderful cameras. Well you can’t go wrong with D76, it’s a classic developer. I have not used Pyro, but, friends of mine have and they love it. It is also hard to find D76 now as well.
Some impressive photos there, Todd. Pushing the film one stop really made a difference. I have a 2.8e but have never thought the 80 mm lens that much better than the 75. (Surprised at the weight difference, though.) I would certainly like to be able to replace the screen for a brighter one. (Can't on the 2.8e.) I think the road trip is a great idea, but I don't agree with restrict ing yourself to one camera. In fact, I'd like to see a 4 x 5 or an 8 x 10 stowed away in the trunk. And the M6 in the glove compartment ...
Thanks, well pushing the film gave me an extra stop in shutter speeds, but bumped the contrast up on a bunch of grey days. Yes tough to take just one camera ;-)
You can't go wrong with a Rolleiflex - it's a very satisfying experience
That's for sure, really like this camera.
You've hit the nail on the head with that comment. I find using the Rolleiflex an immersive experience. It always feels special when I take it out. The viewing screen, the focus, the shutter and the film advance all just seem so natural.
These are Good Quality photos!
Thank you very much!
I have had my Rollei 3.5F for just over a month now. I hear your passion, as mine is the same. Such a wonderful experience shooting film on this iconic camera.
@@ponymoore6140 they are wonderful, look after it and it will last a lifetime.
Todd : My ROLLEI TLR is the 75mm 3.5 D from 1956 , I took it to Vietnam 5 years ago , and everyone that saw it , loved it , and even had to look through the screen and giggle and smile ... People love the classic charming ROLLEI . Thew pictures ware stunning and straight out of the Vintage Clarity .. so much charm , and " timelessness " in them.
The Rollei is good for Street Photography , once you master it. Again , the people of Vietnam ...especially in the country , loved the camera ... it was like magic to them. Chris .
Thank you, that sounds wonderful. My wife and I are planning a trip to Vietnam in the next year, it will be coming with me.
The circle is now complete
Finally found my Dad's Rollei, after 50 years got the manual and the 135 adapter
still works, took some photos, beautiful
Sent it to be restored, the guy used to work for Rollei in Singapore.
He Loved it too. I am eager to use it.
So happy..to share the joy
Oh that sounds great. Congrats!
Welcome to the Rollei family. I've been shooting Rollei TLRs for close to 30 years, starting with a 1940s 3.5 Tessar and then going through various iterations of the 2.8 until I finally hit the pinnacle with a 2.8F Planar, though I have to say that the Xenotar lens is also a beauty. You won't go wrong with either. While I love my Leica and my Hasselblad as well, the Rollei, as you discovered on your trip, is an amazing camera for travel when you want to shoot medium format. The quiet shutter is fabulous for surreptitious street shots but it's also a great ice-breaker if you ask someone for a portrait. Enjoy the new experience. No doubt you'll be very inspired by using it, following in the footsteps of some of the greats that you listed off. Looking forward to videos of further adventures. Now I just need to take a page out of your book and finally buy that large format I've been meaning to get for decades!
Do it, Large format is also loads of fun, and the results are so great ;-)
I have a small collection of Rollie's, with some experience I centered on the f3.5 being my overall favorite. In my judgement the f2.8 has a little softer edge focus, but not actually a deal breaker, still quite excellent. I have Xenotar and Planar lenses, the Schneider's seem slightly better suited for B&W, Planar's for color, but that's just my perception, others may find no difference. Eyes of the beholder.
When well serviced and carefully handled the line is such a joy to use, I never met a Rollie TLR I didn't like. My oldest "D" is about 70 years, the newest are E-2's at just over 60. I'm 82, these beauties have served my photography needs for decades, and will no doubt soldier on as long as I need them.
Thanks for the info about lensmedic, I'll check with them and maybe have them do a CLA to see how they do. Seems they did well for you, my last one was Fleenor and it was fine, but the camera was out of my hands for several months.
Thanks that’s really useful information. I have been seriously looking at a F/2.8. I do a lot of work in really low light and that little bit extra would help me out. I am now a very big fan of these cameras. ✌️
I bumped into an old guy outside of the supermarket who commented on my Linhof t-shirt. After we talked Linhof, Leica and old Mercedes to death he said: “The one camera I wish I’d held onto more than any other, was my Rolleiflex.”
Props to the videographer. Good work there.
Nice!!!
His comment about memorials is very important. Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s The Viet Nam war was the dominant international event and spilled over into every aspect of our culture. As I walked along the memorial a few years ago I located the names of two of my friends, one who I played little league baseball with in the ‘60’s, And another who was my colleague roommate in the ‘70’s. To see them among the 58,000 on the wall was reassurance that their names will live on.
I was having a discussion with a fellow photographer the other day and mentioned to him that I had used dozens, possibly even more than a hundred cameras in my life now. Of those, only a precious few bring me complete joy when I'm using them and when I see the results from them. My Rolleiflex is one of those rare cameras.
Magnificent work around DC, Todd. I hope you get the chance to take your American road trip with the Rollei. I know I would love seeing the results from that trip. If you ever find yourself around Chicagoland and would like a tour guide, let me know and I'd be happy to show you around Chicago and around northern Illinois.
Yes those camera are special and thanks for the offer. Haven’t been to Chicago for a few years but it’s a good town!
Beautiful photos! My dream camera
@@germancreatives88 It is a wonderful camera.
Great video! Love my rollie 2.8e given to my by a family member who bought it new many years ago and was just put in the attic. Henry Flennor CLA'ed it and it's been functioning flawlessly every since. I just handed it down to my now 23 y/o son as a graduation present who is an avid photographer and was ecstatic. In preparation, I consigned Alex at MagicFlex in Germany for a 2.8F and holy cow, it's about as new in the box or better as they come. I can't recommend him more highly. The Rollieflex is just a joy to use; strangers love to talk to you about it and are never threatened to have a photo taken by it. A road trip of that magnitude with one camera/lens would provide a focused vision to not get hung up with options, no paralysis by analysis. Can't wait to see your images from the adventure.
Thank you. That’s a great gift for him. I will check MagicFlex out. Thanks for watching you’ll see more from it soon.
Very nice presentation. I love this camera, which I was lucky enough to buy CLA'ed. I mostly shoot B/W, and one "hidden" feature you did not mention, comes in handy when you use and change filters: The button, where also the ASA setting is located, can be turned to set the filter factor (e.g. 1.5 for dark yellow or 2 for light orange etc.), and the light meter is then adjusted "automatically". Close to overengineering, but still useful.
@@buyaport Indeed a great filter. I am actually working on a full how the camera works video. Stays tuned.
They´re wonderful machines! Historical, beautiful, well made and they take magnificent pictures!
Yes they sure do!
Great to see you out with the Rollei Todd. I am fortunate to have the 2.8f, a wonderful camera. I bought it from a friend whose father had passed away. It was in great condition but I sent it to Harry Fleenor for a full CLA and I have to say it’s the greatest camera I’ve ever owned and not one I will ever let go of. My favorite ever photo is one I took near San Clemente using tri-x, an amazing amount of detail and the tones are amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing you out with it in the future.
I am glad to hear you are keeping that running. I’m sure your friend’s father would be smiling seeing you use it. Going to roll some tri-x through it next week. Shooting colour with it this week to see how that looks. Cheers
Hi Todd,
Just watched your video on the Rolleiflex camera. I thought I’d better respond now or I might never do it. I own a Rolleiflex 3.5B, serial number 1718128 which I bought around 1955 in South Ruislip, England while stationed there with the USAF. I’m going to pop it out of storage and start shooting with it. Thanks for the encouragement.
Jerry Devereaux
That’s amazing, I am glad you still have it. They are wonderful cameras. I have been using mine all year and simply love it. Traveling Thailand right now and I have it with me. Another UA-cam video coming of me using it here. Thanks for watching. Cheers
Since I bought my first 3.5F, on 2003, I fell in love withe Rolleiflex system, a compact quality 6x6 great to take out and shoot. I picked a second one last year, it just returned from a CLA. What a joy!
Such a great little camera!
i recently got this model from my grandfather, i do need to get film for it. i dont know much about tlr cameras so this video helped me figure out how to really use it to its best abilities!
Great to hear b
Im big fans of TLR Rolleiflex, i own some of the Rolleis and 3.5 F is my fave because it's smaller and lighter than 2.8 F. The optic is sharper too.
Thanks for sharing and review one of the best camera ever.
Thanks, yes it's definitely lighter which I think over a day of carrying around walking will make a difference.
Bought my 2.8 F (Schneider 75mm Xenotar) in the early 1970s and have been using it ever since - love it. Over the years I've added both mutars, pentaprism, a hand full of filters and shades. It is the most ergonomic medium format camera ever made using the neck strap. Just wish I still had the slanted "L" grip that got sold with my even older Rollei T. Ps: Hasselblad to me is a studio camera and the Rollie is a field/studio camera. Please don't forget Peter Gowland as a user, He even built 8x10 TLRs and I still have one of his 4x5 TLRs. - Keep up your great work.
Thanks. Yes Gotland made some really great little cameras!
A beautiful camera and one of my favorite formats.
Yes love the format.
Wonderful video! I have both rollieflex 2.8f and 3.5f. I took the 2.8 to Prague, and the 3.5 came to Colorado with me last month. I printed the result from both of them in the darkroom, and love the results from both of them! Enjoy yours! You got me wanting to go to Washington DC :-)
Sounds like a great combo!!
Recently picked up a Rollei 2.8 f for next to nothing. Had it serviced. Love this camera for street portraits. Can easily see it being my daily carry.
That sounds great, I hope to get one one day.
Thanks. Great overview. I'm just now, after 30 years of making photos trying MF...starting with a Holga and developing my own film. A Rollei or Yashimat is the next step in the evolution.
Get a great cheap Yashika and see how you like it. They’re great cameras b
How cool…a monument to Daguerre. Seems like a very appropriate thing to photograph. As always, great video. Rolleiflexes are pretty tough to beat when it comes to cameras, as you’ve shown so well here.
@@chriscorey5164 yes I sure love mine!
Thank you for this inspiring and educational presentation. I love the square format. Some years ago I was fortunate to be gifted a 2.8E with a working, accurate meter, box, case, papers and accessories. The meter is indeed very accurate. I was able to shoot several rolls of Velvia without a single miss on exposure! I replaced the original rather dim focusing screen with a cut-down screen from a Mamiya RB67. This made focusing easier and also brightened up the corners a bit. Your plan to tour the US with just a Rolleiflex sounds exciting... please do follow through on that and share your experiences with your subscribers!
Thanks, that’s a great idea with the cut down focusing screen from the Mamiya. I definitely need a new screen, I think it would help. Stay tuned.
That was a very cool video for someone who is shopping for a Rolleiflex, thanks for sharing!
You’ll love it, great camera.
Great video! I have the Rolleiflex MX-EVS with 75mm Tessar lens and a complete Hasselblad outfit. I totally agree with your comments regarding how enjoyable it is to shoot with the Rollei. I always have the Hasselblad on a tripod, but shoot the Rollei mostly handheld; it just feels so good cradled in the hands, and then there's that simple "tick" of the shutter. Just LOVE it!
Thanks, hitting the shutter is very satisfying indeed!
look at you two flaunting your fancy expensive cameras the majority of us can't afford lol
The 3.5 is not horrible, a good 2.8 is pricey for sure.
Todd : I got a Rollei , for my 63rd birthday. I was born in 1960 , in 1960 there was a new Rollei being developed , and it was finished , but released in 1961 ... to shops.
Long did I lust for this from a few rare images I had seen in Flickr. Well Setadel Studios , had it again after a long years or more , from a collection. I got it , and it is heavier than my beloved 75mm D 3.5 , and by a measure too. I have to send her in to Harry Fleanor , to get the adjustment and lube as she is dry , but the body and lenses are excellent.
What is this Beast .... well Todd I have to tell you , not to brag , no. I consider the fact I was able to float the purchase a blessing.
The model is very rare , Wikipedia in 2010 said only 300 were still surviving world wide. I do not know.
My new baby , I hold and cannot wait ( After careful lubrication and tuning ) is the Rollei Wide 55mm DISTAGON F4 model. I have the light meter , came with case , case is remarkably preserved , in fact beautiful and I procured a new in box Bay IV Rollei hood for her.
Todd ; these Rollei's are so special , the finish the fitment , the feel , holding the camera you know it is an intuitive instrument. I look at this Rollei Wide , and am amazed at the craftsmanship that is emanating , a person anyone I believe would by tactile connection , photographer or not , know in their hands rests an amazing piece of Art , and Machine Technology , my M3 that I love ( the little camera ) is smooth solid and iconic , yes it has wax seal and operates perfection !! , however , there is another , feel to these Rollei's
They were icon's and beloved " Tools of Light " . Ah I have rambled ... Mm well Todd enjoy Vietnam , get to Monkey Mountain , and HI VAN PASS .. photograph from there at night , walk into the Old Citadel up ...by the gates. I did that. Street in Saigon is wonderful PASTURE Street , and then , the Fishing Village North of Natrang , I took the 75mm 3.5 Rollie and it's Tessar lens , and a digital camera with one lens , the Voightlander Classic 45mm 1.4 , with two simple tools , I adventured out. Go , and get away , go see where the people are ...live.
I love Vietnam. 🇻🇳
That sounds great, so wonderful to hear your excitement about these cameras and photography!
As always, a lovely bit of video. Beautiful shots of DC too. I really like the idea you mentioned, almost as a throwaway, of writing down words about a place and then looking for scenes to illustrate them. It's brilliant. I'd love it if you did a video of these non-technical tips/work habits that help you organize or motivate your work.
Cool great idea. I just might do that. Thanks
Thanks for sharing, great images. I have the Rolleiflex Automat 3.5 with the 75mm Tessar lens and the Rolleiflex 2.8 D with the 80mm Xenotar lens. I don’t think anyone can go wrong with any Rolleiflex.
I have had both CLA’ed, and I recommend that anyone that buys one that it be CLA’ed. a CLA is good for the camera and they will run as smooth as butter.
Yes that’s for sure, they all work great and make a great image.
Todd, always thoughtful videos. Thanks for sharing your trip. I live in the DC area. A very photographable city. Glad you enjoyed it. I also have a Rollei, and it's my all time favorite camera. It's always in my kit alongside my pinhole camera. I find the Rollei to be an excellent 'intimate' camera. It can do many things. But it really sings and middle to shortish distances. It helps me create a lot more intimacy with the scene/people, without being overly fussy.
Thanks, I've always enjoyed my trips down there. Rollei is fast becoming a fav of mine. Thanks for watching!
i have a ricoh diacord. that has issues that i am amending . after seeing this video i have no plobrem going out and getting one of these
thank you from grass valley california
Thanks for watching.
Beautiful collection. Could not believe this camera can produce such stunning images. TFS.❤❤❤❤
Thanks, yes the camera is great!
Great video and excellent images. I have my dad's 3.5F that he purchased new in the late 1950s in Europe when he was a young aerospace technician working in England and traveling Europe. Mine has the Schneider Xenotar 75mm lens. I also have boxes of family photos that dad took with this camera. I have to say he had a pretty good eye for composition. The exposure is also very consistent through years and years of images. The Rollei seems to have a very good meter. Something about B&W and the square format really catches my eye. The shutter was balky when I finally started looking at using it. I took it in to an exclusive Rollei repair shop in So Cal and got a very detailed CLA done. That was not cheap but the camera works like a dream.
One tip, the back is easily removable. For anybody who finds film loading a bit awkward as I do with the back swinging around, try removing the back.
The book "Rollei Photography, Handbook of the Rolleiflex and Rolleicord Cameras" by Jacob Deschin, 1953, Camera Craft Publishing Company, San Francisco is a great companion to the camera and contains many excellent photos by professional Rollei photographers of the day. Last time I looked, many copies were available on Ebay.
Thanks, good tip on the Roller book, I will be hunting for a few of those.
You cannot beat the enthusiasm you get with a new camera :-)
For sure. 😉
Great video, I think you'll be a natural with that Rollei. I've had a 3.5 MX-EVS since the mid 70's, it's been refurbished only once and performs wonderfully. I love Rollei's, there operation and results.
My only regret is not getting one sooner!
Now you have it, have at it !@@toddkorolphoto
I like the enthusiasm you have about the camera ... enjoyed to watch the video
Thank you very much, it's a great camera!
I own the 2.8 D model. Its really nice to shoot too the Yashica 124 G Mat I use too because its nice to swap out cameras as one for color and one for B/W.
I have to try a 124G out at some point. I hear some good things about it.
Im going to use the word technique. I like that. It keeps you focused on what you're trying to capture.
You bet, thanks for coming along!
I want to make an additional comment because there is one more characteristic trait of the Rolleiflex: It gets very positive reactions out on the streets. It has the right vibes. People spot it from quite a distance and are really attractex in a positive way, my Rolleiflex was a real conversation starter on my trip to the UK west country last summer. A quiet, polite (waist level finder makes you bow to everybody ☺️) and friendly machine. ❤️
Indeed it does, I found out this past week, I had two people come up to me and chat about my camera, its a great tool that way.
@@toddkorolphoto And my wife was really surprised by this, she'd been a bit reluctant when I announced to bring "that huge thing" along 😄
Got this camera a few months back and really needed some more help with it. This video answered so many of my questions. Thank you.
Perfect. I am actually going to do a full how to use this camera and it’s features video soon. 😉
As always Todd, great engaging film, and a Rolleiflex!!!
Thank you.
Cool video and welcome to the Rolleiflex family. I love my 3.5f, it's a workhorse of a camera in a small package
Thanks, I love it.
The profile shot of Lincoln is ubiquitous. Everyone takes that photo yet few get it right. You nailed it Todd. It stuck out as one of my favorites.
Glad you got the camera and glad you showed that it doesn’t have to be the 2.8 to make great photos. Some people act like a 3.5 is beneath them. It’s a Rolleiflex for crying out loud!! 2.8, 3.5? They are the cameras of princes and kings. And Todd K.
Many thanks, the Lincoln memorial is amazing there. And totally agree, the 3.5 can shoot anything any other Rollei can.
Wonderful to see you enthuse about the Rolleiflex, Todd. I've had several since 1974 and never been without one since that time. My current 2.8f is like new and the lens is fabulous. For square images the 80mm is comparable to a 34mm 135 lens, so 56mm plays 24mm square. For lenses between 35mm and 135mm on a 35mm camera, the lens cannot compete with the Rolleiflex, when both shot from the same tripod position. No match at all.
Enjoy it.
Cool that's great to hear, one day I will get the 2.8 as well!
@@toddkorolphoto I thought you might. :-).
The Rollei 3.5F is so nice to hold and use. A Swiss watch of cameras. DC is photo heaven, even under gray skies. Please show some Canada. The Rollei Wide is also a good travel camera.
Working on Canada right now. 😉
the depth of field scale is my fave toy for hyperfocal
Yes it works great!
Great video as usual, my father had a Tessar 75mm F3.5 Rolleiflex so we’re lucky to have a load of family photos taken with it. I’ve got that camera now, it’s very beaten up but I would never part with it.
It’s great how it becomes something more than a mechanical piece of equipment.
The photographs from the Vietnam Memorial were stunningly beautiful! The portrait at the end is also fantastic.
Thank you so much. It was important to show my son these sites. We can’t forget about history.
@@toddkorolphoto Just a silly follow up question for you. Hasselblad or RolleiFlex - which is your favorite. I have done some research that say that the RolleiFlex has sharper lenses. Overall what are your thoughts?
@@sbills I’m not sure it’s sharper, but using the two cameras is way different. The Hasselblad is great if I’m traveling in my car and need to switch up lenses and backs for different film. The Rollei is great to travel with and just walk around with. I’m also not much of a guy that is obsessed with sharpness and such, but I do notice a certain “look” that the Rollei gives me that I really like a lot. Also using the Rollei with just one lens forces you to work a certain way which I really like.
I currently own a Rolleiflex 3.fF Type 3. If you believe the various serial number references it was built sometime between 1960-65. Probably earlier in that timeframe. It's a wonderful camera and an absolute favorite of mine. I've owned a couple of other TLR's (YashicaMat 124G and a Minolta Autocord) but neither compared to the jewel-like quality of the Rolleiflex. My light meter doesn't work so good on you for finding one that does. I had mine gone through by Harry Fleenor at Oceanside Camera Repair and I highly recommend his work. Great video!
Thanks, I hear Harry is very good. I’m glad there are people out there fixing these.
I read that if you make a note of the serial number you can establish exactly the date of manufacture online. Worth a try.
Great video. I've really gotten interested in the Rolleiflex lately. I love tlr's. Wonderful images of D.C.. If you want a place to stay in North Florida when you take your USA road trip, you'd be very welcome.
Thank you, and that is very kind of you!
Todd, appreciate your videos; I’ve had the Rolleiflex for a few years now and probably would be the last camera I’d part with
I know how you feel. This will will never leave the stable.
Richard Avidon did the cross country trip with a TLR Rollei. He hung up a simple backdrop and photographed interesting people in their niche. The set of photos of Rodeo cowboys is worth looking up.
@@ucprof2008 yeah that was great, most of that was shot with an 8x10, I went and saw that show at The Whitney in New York in 1994, it was amazing!!
Fabulous camera and a joy to service. I’ve repaired a few in my time unfortunately my fingers aren’t what they used to be. I had one a regret selling it but I’ll find another. I expect you know but others might not know about the sports finder in the screen hood. Useful as well.
I enjoy your quiet style of video. I’m all for the youngsters make and using cameras but tone it down a little. Guess I’m getting old😂
Unfortunately my sports finder is not working, I actually really need a new waist level finder for this camera, that is the only thing that doesn't work. Thanks for the kind words for the video, I'm glad you like my style. ;-)
Beautiful camera, I've owned the 3.5 and enjoyed it. The size is really great for travel and walking around. Ultimately I ended up moving to a mamiya C330 for the lens options and the brightness of the viewfinder but it's significantly larger than the Rolleiflex.
A friend has a C330, great camera, but yes, a lot larger and heavier.
Phenomenal video! Looking forward to seeing more content with the Rollei. Thanks again for the advice on my audio setup!
Thank man. Glad your stuff is going well. Cheers
A road trip video, or series, featuring the Rolleiflex would be brilliant!
I’ve owned three, all stupidly traded or sold, but coming to my senses(?) or wanting a return your video just helped me out…
… couldn’t help a look at Ebay and found a 3.5 Tesssar that has been fully(!) disassembled and cleaned to perfection. Can’t afford it but couldn’t resist do the Fuji digital is going on sale in lieu. Now back, again, to film only, my first love 😊
I am doing a deeper dive into the Rollei's, the Tessar I hear is wonderful!
@@toddkorolphoto That’s good to hear. Yes, that lens is great - sharp and with character - despite being less regarded than the Planar (which I had on a 2.8) or the Schneider alternative.
Great video Todd. I had the 2.8f Planar version many years ago and made the mistake of selling it. It took a while to find another and it is definitely one I will not part with. The images you get from a Rolleiflex always seem to be excellent. I haven't used mine in a while if I am honest but when I was out and about taking photos people would always want to stop and ask what kind of camera you were using, a great conversation starter. Enjoy it Todd, I don't think you will regret buying it.
Thanks, that's what I have found too, people stop and ask you about it. It's a great looking camera.
Look forward! I terms of economy, 120 6x6 is very reasonable! My success rate is way higher than 35mm, and 120 the 12 exposures are used well.
@@jasongold6751 Agreed.
Just got a Rolleiflex 3.5 Automatic without the meter. Think mebbe a b? Love it. Mine is in mint condition and I can't wait to take it out in America (I live in Kentucky)
That sounds great. You’ll love it.
Thanks Todd for your great video sir. I too have the same 3.5 f with the Planar and absolutely love ❤️ it. Also a 3. 5 Tessar and they are all great. Also in regards to the expensive Rollei filters I use an adapter for my 52mm filters and tha works great. Cheers from USA 🇺🇸
Thanks for the note. That’s a great idea on the filters, I will check that out! Cheers from 🇨🇦
Enjoyed this thoroughly, owning Rolleiflexes myself.
I would point out that most pre-F versions have mechanically fixed finders. Although some late-E versions have the F capability to easily switch finders.
I’m quite fond of my late 3.5E for travel.
Best
Good to know, I know they kept on refining these cameras until the end.
I used to own the Rolleiflex F2.8. I got it in 1972 and sold it in 1981.
Awesome video on a lovely camera and great photos!!! Making me want to visit more of the Southern neighbors someday.
Something like 2 years back, I picked up a Rolleiflex 3.5T in a bidding war. I knew nothing about them then so only realized I had overpaid later, oops. Also the wind just didn't work so it had to get serviced. Ooops. Kinda makes sense why you'd want to see it in person haha..It was a pricey repair, but I really liked the photos I got from it. Took a lot of lovely family photos with that 75mm f/3.5 Tessar lens. It still works but the aperture ring fell off a bit and doesn't let you use smaller apertures now (slightly more wonky ev system than the 3.5F's more elegant dials) so I started looking around for another one.
I always wanted the 2.8 or 3.5f but managed to grab a more affordable 2.8D (which the seller had assumed was a 2.8C which is tbh slightly more desirable because of the aperture blades but not a biggy). It is a really lovely camera. It doesn't have a meter like the 2.8F/3.5F and a few small things like your auto adjusting zone focus scale, but is still a mechanical marvel (I had to get this out of my system the moment i noticed lol ua-cam.com/video/wJY7BPeFMHM/v-deo.html). I suppose the biggest drawback is the lack of removable viewfinder so you can't easily change the focus screen. Thankfully you still can, it is just a bit more work and theoretically might need shims (I bought one from Rick Olsen and need to install it soon).
I haven't done a head to head, but I assume the Planar lens here is very competitive with the Hassy 80mm planar. I could be wrong but I have heard the 75mm f/3.5 is actually sharper than the 80 f/2.8 (but some might like the increased bokeh). A huge advantage of these small no moving mirror cameras over say the Hasselblad or Bronica is you can almost certainly hand hold far slower shutter speeds. I would not trust myself to handhold an 80mm lens on a medium format SLR at 1/15 or even 1/30, but might here.
I really do love the tlr form factor. I think it is the perfect introduction to medium format or at least 6x6. They really you teach you what it means to be SQUARE (I love my old 6x6 folders but it is so hard to compose you really don't get an idea of how to shoot square). And while Rollei's are a bit pricey, thankfully there are a lot of much more affordable TLRs from Yashica and other brands curious folk can play with.
I think the biggest drawback to the Rollei's after the price is that it is not always easy to get filters. There are third party makers now, but even the 3rd party bayonet 3 filters (for the 80mm lens) are pricey. Another nuisance about the bayonets are you can't use a filter and a hood (unless you get a bayonet to screw adapter which are readily available). I do really like the industrial design of the original Rollei filters though. They look so classy.
edit: btw since you mentioned Reveni, they make little hoods for Rolleiflex'es that come with a little cold shoe. I grabbed one. It is cute! Oh and I have had a fair few cameras/lenses repaired by Lens Medic. Awesome service. I live in Ontario but I still send em stuff lol.
Thanks for the note. I have a set of filters coming my way with a lens hood, looking forward to that. Gary at Lens Medic is great, I am super happy with his work.
Another recommendation for Gary, AKA Lens Medic YYC for camera repairs in Canada 👍🏻
Yeah he's good!
Have a 1950 Rolleicord in near perfect condition. Made an L-shaped handgrip that makes handling even easier. Make 4x4 prints that group nicely in an album.
Nice. That sounds great.
Absolutely agree regarding the character of that lens, Todd. Have shot square with late-model Fujis (razor sharp and contrasty) and the 80 Planar on the Hasselblad--all good, but that Rollei Planar has a look all its own. Your photos make it shine. Am jealous of your working light meter. My only caution is that the lens can be tricky if pointed close to the sun. A lens hood helps. Great vid. Thanks.
Yes the meter is great. I have a lens hood coming in, just don’t have it yet.
Nothing like the Rollei look ... Great shot of Bill.
That’s for sure. Thanks, he’s great.
I have the exact same camera. It’s my favorite camera too, even if the light meter is broken on mine 🥲 Great photos in this episode, the look is really nostalgic too… I’m really looking forward to what you can do with a Rollei, they’re really the best
Thanks. Yes super cool camera.
The selenium light meters have a lifespan and will degrade with age. I would typically go with a Sekonic, or the sunny F16 rule in a pinch.
Enjoyed this video immensely! Never owned a Rollei, but did own a slew of twin lens cameras over the film decades - three Yashica 124 Mats as well as five Mamiya C330's. To me, they were so aesthetically beautiful just to look at, let alone shoot. In fact, the Yashica 124 was my very first medium format camera. Purchased in 1971 from K-Mart for $95. My film of choice was Kodak's Verichrome Pan 120 b&w, ASA 125, souped in D-76.
Even from the first roll of 120 I ever developed, there was such an incredible difference in my 8x10 print quality, compared to all my 35mm prints. I was hooked! In early 1972 I borrowed $620 from my bank, and bought my first Hasselblad - a brand new 500CM with A12 back & a chrome Zeiss 80mm Planar.
An interesting observation was that I noticed little if any difference between 8x10's taken with the Yashica compared to the Hasselblad.
That's a great story thanks for sharing. I love medium format and really love the square format. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference from all of the systems with great film developed properly. They are all just a little different to use. Thanks!
Great video Todd, picked one up for a song recently and am excited to get to work with it once it comes back from a CLA..
Hope you enjoy it!
Rolleis have been my go-to MF cameras for 15+ years now. I started with a Rolleicord V, owned many 3.5 versions afterward, and now my daily carry set-up is a 2.8C in a small Billingham. It’s the perfect walk around camera 👍
The 2.8 c keeps coming up, need to check that out 😉
@@toddkorolphoto the shutter is a little funkier to set than other models, but the 10 aperture blades make for great bokeh 🔥
I currently shoot with my grandfathers old graflex 22 which has the same problem with the slow speed shutter timing mechanism, and I'm thinking of taking it in to get it fixed but with no light meter, I've been having a fun enough time using the sunny 16 rule and keeping it at 1/400. At it's core it's kinda amazing how simple these cameras are and yet how great images they can take!
For sure, to fix the lens is only about $200, worth it.
A beautiful camera for sure. Looks like you had a great trip and thanks for the shout out!
Great job getting it back up and running, love this camera!
@@toddkorolphoto I share your passion for this camera. I bought Gary's 2.8D several months ago and can not put it down. I like it so much I sent it to Harry Fleener in Manhattan Beach, CA for a complete overhaul. I will never be without this camera. My nephew will inherit it.
@@SteveMillerhuntingforfood That’s great to hear. In the end I would rather have a great camera than a little bit of cash. You can’t replace these.
Always wanted to play with a Rollei Todd, I'll be headed through the borderlands of Sask and Alberta again this spring, no Rollei but definitely my Hassy and Linhof and a lotta film. Maybe we can cross paths.
Yes for sure. I’ll be spending more time in the grasslands in south Saskatchewan we should try and time it. The Rollei really is great, I can’t believe I went this long without one.
Thank you very much for this video and for all the others! Very interesting! I myself have a Rolleiflex which I like very much and I have changed the screen. I bought a new one from Oleson i USA and the new screen is great! Much brighter than Rolleis original! King regards, Wolfgang (in Sweden).
Thanks good to know. I am getting a new brighter screen as well.
I had a 1940s Rolleiflex Automat, which was in pretty awful condition, but I had the lenses cleaned and a new mirror installed. It was wonderful. I put a few rolls of Velvia through it whilst in Jamaica last year and the results were spectacular. I eventually sold it to fund my large format set up and I replaced it with a Leica M5 and a 35mm ZM biogon. I do regret selling it, but what can you do.
I missed the square format so I got a super ikonta BX with the 80mm f2.8 Tessar!
At this point these cameras are to valuable for me to sell, I'll be keeping this one.
A true gem! I love my Rolleiflex camera.
Me too. ;-)
Certainly wish I had one, maybe someday! I think a "Discover America" roadtrip or series of trips would be great! I will certainly be looking forward to seeing the images and videos that would produce! Thinks for the insights as well on the camera. If I ever get the chance to get my hands on a nice copy I will remember the items to look for. Cheers!
Thanks. They really are a special camera.
A lovely video. Welcome to the Guild of the Twin Eyed 🏁
Many thanks, I do love this camera!
Thanks a lot Todd, great and informative video
Glad you liked it.
Fantastic video and thanks for mentioning the Schneider lenses, few people do. I have the Rollieflex 2.8F with the 80 mm Schneider lens, it’s actually pretty light compared to my Pentax 6 x 7 and I love them both.
Thank you, both great lenses.
Fantastic review of this timeless masterpiece. Only thing I wish is you could have included some more portraits which showed its depth of field while using large aperture. Thanks.
Yes indeed. I have been shooting some, they look great. Will do another video soon!
10.34 , my favorite photograph :) Awesome Video & Thanks :)
Thank you, one of mine too!
Nice video looks like DC was empty. Every time I have been there it has been very busy and full. Good work.
Thanks, yes it was not very busy, and most times I have been there in January it's not super busy. But locals tell me it has been much quieter these past months for a whole host of reasons.
Thanks for another gem of a time-travel video. Like others below, I have the Rollei-the 2.8 version-a fairly late model in the series that came from my grandfather. It needed a tune-up, and it's dependable. I have used it extensively and love the look B&W (with Ilford Delta, Lomo Potsdam) and color with Portra 400. It is a different vibe than my Hasselblad 500, and one could argue it's more limited with no modularity (film backs and lens swaps), but it's easier to carry around and totally classy. A piece of history that creates art. A lens shade does help a bit with potential flare. A US road trip sounds magical, and (bias here) Boston/Cambridge would not disappoint.
That sounds great. I have a lens hood coming should be here in the next two weeks. I think a lens hood is important and will increase the contrast a bit. I love Boston too!
Just a brief plug - the Rollei copy - the Yashica MAT124G is a fine way to get access to much younger camera bodies in good condition at a much cheaper price. Sure you aren’t looking at a Zeiss or Schneider Krueznach lens but the Yashinon f3.5 was quite nice
@@johnpeterson7264 I’ve seen many wonderful pictures from the Yashica Mat for sure! Great little camera.
Great video Todd. I have lived in or near DC for over 30 years and it is always great to see the city through another set of eyes. My Rollei is blessed. I purchased it from a priest who was bringing the church into the digital age. He had used it to photograph many events through several decades. He showed me a few albums before selling me the camera. It is a Rolleiflex 2.8D with the 80mm Xenotar lens. A little used but after a CLA everything works as it should. I almost exclusively shoot tri-x in the camera. It is a bit difficult to focus but the images always have incredible tones, depth and character. I do miss having high silver content papers to print on to showcase the quality of the images. Your plan to travel across the U.S. is admirable though I would like to have a smaller digital camera (Leica/Fuji) to complement the film images from the Rollei.
I’ve been coming there in January for a long time. It’s a cool city for sure. Your 2.8D sounds great. I love tri-x as well.
Hi Todd, great video. Actually my wife and I (along with our 2 dauschund dogs) are going to take a road trip from Texas to California on the old route 66. Of course, i have TOO MUCH camera gear (including a Rolleicord, RolleiFlex, Hassey, and other stuff) But we are both excited. And i totally get the part where you say "not spending the night staring at a computer screen" after a day of shooting.. YES! I will try my best to minimize the gear on this trip. Thank you again for great content and providing new ideas.
Dauschunds'!!! My son and I Love those dogs! Sounds great, just take a few things and spend your time exploring and just seeing within that range, trust me way better. ;-)
Nice review Todd. I don’t have a Rolleiflex, but I think it’s only a matter of time.
I'm a TLR-shooter. I rarely use 35mm film now, I almost exclusively shoot 120, when I'm not shooting large format, and my camera of choice is a TLR. I have around 15 of them, of 7 or 8 different brands. In my opinion, the Rolleiflex 3.5 F is the best Rolleiflex of them all, even better than the 2.8 F. It hasn't any downside of significance - its only problem is, that there are better TLRs around, in my opinion.
Thus I don't use my Rolleiflexes anymore. My favorite TLRs are the Voigtländer Brillant S for b&w film (the version with the exquisite 5-element Heliar lens and the Compur-Rapid shutter -> the smallest and lightest 120 film TLR of them all, and the brightest viewfinder of them all), and for color film the Koniflex with its exquisite Heliar-type lens and the second best viewfinder after the Voigtländer, and sometimes the Olympusflex with its f 2.8 6-element lens.
If I would have to decide for just one TLR, it would be a very difficult decision between the Voigtländer and the Koniflex, and I can't say which one I would choose. The Voigtländer has its quirks and is not exactly easy to use, but I love its size factor and the viewfinder, and how the lens renders b&w pictures. The Koniflex is mechanically definitely the better camera and the lens is sharper and coated, but it is much larger and heavier.
When you shoot b&w, the light meter is not that important, you can live very well with Sunny 16. When using color, though, I find the Rolleiflex light meters not accurate enough, I rather use an external one. I almost always use hyperfocal distance settings on my TLRs. In this regard, the Flexaret VII is the best, since its focus lever has stops for different hyperfocal distances.
Whoa! Thank you very much for those recommendations, I will start looking at some of those cameras, they sound great. I was traveling with my son on this trip and I was guessing the exposures all the time, then doing a light meter, I can't tell you how many times I was virtually right on the money or just a little off. B&W film has the latitude to handle it as well. And I'm not so concerned with the "sharpest" lens there is, I am after a "look" in the image. And the 3.5 I have has a great look. Cheers
@@toddkorolphoto If you're after "the Look", you should definitely look out for a Voigtländer Brillant. This camera was produced for 20 years from the early 30s to the early 50s in quite a few different versions. You need to find a post-war S-version made from Bakelite with the Heliar lens, the Compur-Rapid shutter and the focusing mechanism (this works similar to the more known Lubitel cameras, which are Russian copies of the Brillant S).
Be aware, that a working copy of a Voigtländer Brillant S with that configuration can easily cost more than 300 USD (sometimes double that amount), but with some luck (and since many people don't know what a jewel that camera is), you can find them for a fraction of that price. Just a few months ago I could buy such a camera for 80 € at an auction house. Also, more often than not you have to make a stuck focusing ring and/or shutter working again, and look out for the silvering on the mirror being still intact. Replacing that is not that easy. Last but not least: these cameras do have an accessory compartment on the side of the body - nice if the accessories (normally a yellow filter and quirky version of a light meter, which I've replaced with an orange filter) are still in it.
@@Dahrenhorst thanks for all the great info. I will look into those for sure!👍
Hi Todd, Great vid about the Rollei. As a proud owner of a 2.8F I can highly suggest the rollei pistol grip, rubber lens hood and the two Mutar extension lenses 0.7 and 1.5 (with hoods and leather cases) The Mutars are great way to extend the capabilities of an already great camera without too much weight or selling a kidney for a rollei wide/tele. The pistol grip made the camera so comfortable to use with either prizm or waist level viewfinder aiding very slow shutter speeds.
Thanks for the tips. I will check them out. Yes the cameras are great!
I really love listening to you, and I love your beautiful photographs. Your images have a classic, nostalgic feel to them. I, too, have a Rolleiflex, but it has a Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar 80mm f/2.8 lens, and it has a working light meter. I have a few questions:
1. How did you protect your film from the airport scanners?
2. Of these three developers, Kodak HC-110, Kodak D-76, and Pyrocat-HD, which one would you choose for Ilford HP5+? For the images in the video, you used Kodak HC-110, which is no longer available.
Thank you. They are such wonderful cameras. Well you can’t go wrong with D76, it’s a classic developer. I have not used Pyro, but, friends of mine have and they love it. It is also hard to find D76 now as well.
Some impressive photos there, Todd. Pushing the film one stop really made a difference. I have a 2.8e but have never thought the 80 mm lens that much better than the 75. (Surprised at the weight difference, though.) I would certainly like to be able to replace the screen for a brighter one. (Can't on the 2.8e.) I think the road trip is a great idea, but I don't agree with restrict ing yourself to one camera. In fact, I'd like to see a 4 x 5 or an 8 x 10 stowed away in the trunk. And the M6 in the glove compartment ...
Thanks, well pushing the film gave me an extra stop in shutter speeds, but bumped the contrast up on a bunch of grey days. Yes tough to take just one camera ;-)
Can’t wait to see more images and what you photograph in U.S., thanks for videos!
Thank you, the ideas are flowing already as is planning the next trip, you'll see some new work by the spring from down there.
A grail camera for me; this did NOT help alleviate my desire, LOL. Gorgeous images, and a wonderful review/tour of the Rolleiflex.
It kinda was for me too, I don't regret it. Sorry to make your choice harder. ;-)
A great video and beautiful pictures. I have the “poor man’s” version, a YashicaMat, a wonderful camera two. 😂
It really comes down to just getting out and making photos, no matter what you use. I have seen many great photos from the 124!
Great master class… thanks. 🥳
Thanks so much!!
Another great video, and great content.
Much appreciated!
Great video, Todd, thanks. That was Bill Allard at the end of the clip, wasn’t he?
Indeed it was, right after our lunch there ;-)