Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness?

alternatve · 24th August 2007

Hello all,

I'm thinking of starting out in MF photography with a TLR. Don't want something that'll break down or is unreliable, but can't afford a Rolleiflex, so I'm looking into a Rolleicord. Just some questions for the seniors here.

1) Is there a recommended model of Rolleicord to get? I've read that the Rolleicord III is a good sturdy model, so I'm aiming for that now.

2) Is there any other makes and models of TLRs do you recommend? I've heard about a Ikoflex that seems to be pretty good. Has anyone have any first hand experience of one?

3) Any tricks of the trade to learn while using a TLR?

4) I've found it hard to get a Rolleicord in Singapore. Anyone has any contacts, know where to get one or better yet, is willing to part with one? My budget is $200 - $300, low, but it's all I have.

Thanks.

Samuel

dreamseeker · 24th August 2007

Hi samuel,

Move into MF n you will never look back.

1. I think any Rolleicord III, IV or Va or Vb is a good choice. Personally i have the Vb. I chose the Vb cos easier to change the screen.

2. Probably you would like to try the Seagulls or the Yashicas.

3. Tricks.... its a slower process compare to SLR.

4. Maybe see any one selling in B&S or the 2nd hand shops in peninsula area. Or try to pick up a used Seagull to try try 1st.

CHeers.

boochap · 24th August 2007

Originally Posted by alternatve

Hello all,

I'm thinking of starting out in MF photography with a TLR. Don't want something that'll break down or is unreliable, but can't afford a Rolleiflex, so I'm looking into a Rolleicord. Just some questions for the seniors here.

1) Is there a recommended model of Rolleicord to get? I've read that the Rolleicord III is a good sturdy model, so I'm aiming for that now.

2) Is there any other makes and models of TLRs do you recommend? I've heard about a Ikoflex that seems to be pretty good. Has anyone have any first hand experience of one?

3) Any tricks of the trade to learn while using a TLR?

4) I've found it hard to get a Rolleicord in Singapore. Anyone has any contacts, know where to get one or better yet, is willing to part with one? My budget is $200 - $300, low, but it's all I have.

Thanks.

Samuel

Ayo, don't need to think so hard, just do it.

U need a lot more patience for old cameras.. if u r so used to digital bang bang bang, don't know how to shot without preview or AE.. then u better forget abt it.

I bought a Rolleiflex 2.8F last weekend.. wonderful camera...

hacknet · 24th August 2007

i got a seagull a while back too.. the square frame is quite different in terms of composition. and because there's no prism, framing is alittle tricky.

alternatve · 25th August 2007

Originally Posted by boochap

Ayo, don't need to think so hard, just do it.

U need a lot more patience for old cameras.. if u r so used to digital bang bang bang, don't know how to shot without preview or AE.. then u better forget abt it.

I bought a Rolleiflex 2.8F last weekend.. wonderful camera...

I sold my digital SLR for a Leica IIIc, if it means anything.

Where did you get your Rolleiflex from?

boochap · 25th August 2007

Originally Posted by alternatve

I sold my digital SLR for a Leica IIIc, if it means anything.

Where did you get your Rolleiflex from?

i never own any digital. Got my rolleiflex and hasselblad from ebay..almost mint .. now looking for assessory to keep them busy. hahaha

Leica IIIc..?! where u got it? can afford leica cannot rollei.. u must be joking. how about meet up for kopi to showoff these cameras?

hacknet · 25th August 2007

can i join you guys for coffee?

thanks!

alternatve · 25th August 2007

Originally Posted by boochap

i never own any digital. Got my rolleiflex and hasselblad from ebay..almost mint .. now looking for assessory to keep them busy. hahaha

Leica IIIc..?! where u got it? can afford leica cannot rollei.. u must be joking. how about meet up for kopi to showoff these cameras?

Off the net as well. It's much cheaper then the ones found in singapore.

That's why I don't have the cash to get a Rollei after a Leica. Else I can splurge on a 2.8 C or D. All overseas of course.

Samuel

woyap · 25th August 2007

Get a rollei and never look back......I have both 2.8F and 2.8GX mint.

obscure · 26th August 2007

1) Is there a recommended model of Rolleicord to get? I've read that the Rolleicord III is a good sturdy model, so I'm aiming for that now.

Personally i am using a Rolleicord Va which i got from a shop at penin next to the coffeeshop/food court. Dont remember the shop name it cost me 450 SGD( which is the street price in 2005)

For the most part of it really seemed to be sturdy as hell, i exposed more than 70-80 rolls since late 2005 and it still going strong. Considering my model is made in 1957 it is impressive.

2) Is there any other makes and models of TLRs do you recommend? I've heard about a Ikoflex that seems to be pretty good. Has anyone have any first hand experience of one?

I used to have a SEAGULL 4a which i bought new from MS color but it only last about 2 years before the winding crank started 'slipping'. Repairing aint worth it so i gave it to my repair man.

Other TLR is the MAMIYA C330 is use when i was in school, it belonged to a friend but the only thing i remember is you can focus really really close( thanks to the bellows focusing) and it is a big as a loaf of gardenia bread. Yes you can change lens with that thing, but my friend only have one back then.

Rolleicord is a better bet then the above 2 as it is a lot smaller and more reliable. For the most part of it it is no bigger than a AF SLR and slips in to bags easily.

3) Any tricks of the trade to learn while using a TLR?

Left is right, right is left. The focusing screen is mirror image. but you will get use to it. First time i use a digital point and shoot i struggled quite a bit. lol.

straighten out the pics by tilting the camera sideways. You will learn to hold the camera level after a roll or 2.

Dont be afraid to zone focus and use the sports finder to shoot fast. it can be quite fun.

Using a TLR for the most part of it means slowing down quite a bit and shooting less but it doesn't mean you cant do fast candid. No meter but If you are adept with your screw mount leica i think you can pull it off.

4) I've found it hard to get a Rolleicord in Singapore. Anyone has any contacts, know where to get one or better yet, is willing to part with one? My budget is $200 - $300, low, but it's all I have.

Try the internet.

Obscure

detriment · 29th August 2007

do u guys know where can i find a pretty mint rollei 2.8gx at reasonable pricing?

Ansel · 30th August 2007

Originally Posted by detriment

do u guys know where can i find a pretty mint rollei 2.8gx at reasonable pricing?

There is a contradiction of terms in your statement: Mint and Reasonable pricing.

These two are mutually exclusive as far Rolleiflexes are concerned.

Well, go around the peninsula/adephi area in town and there are at least 3 shops that have Rolleiflexes/cords for sale.

Ansel · 30th August 2007

Samuel, you are better off getting the Rolleicords off the bay. For a start, why not try a good yashica or minolta? They are much cheaper. Pic quality not that far off from Rolleis.

LENS · 20th November 2007

Originally Posted by Ansel

Samuel, you are better off getting the Rolleicords off the bay. For a start, why not try a good yashica or minolta? They are much cheaper. Pic quality not that far off from Rolleis.

hi do you mean yashica MAT? any idea what is the price range? i heard some feedback that rolleicord is low cost product beside rolleiflex, and the glass isn't even same with rolleiflex, wonder how is the quality.

Ansel · 20th November 2007

Originally Posted by LENS

hi do you mean yashica MAT? any idea what is the price range? i heard some feedback that rolleicord is low cost product beside rolleiflex, and the glass isn't even same with rolleiflex, wonder how is the quality.

For the Yashica's S$200-300 or even less can get you a good working set. Just be patient because they do appear once in a while on B&S.

No, the rolleicords are cheaper than the flexes mainly because because they are simpler to build due to the lack of the complex autosensing loading and crank-winding cum shutter recharge mechanism and also they came with cheaper (not necessarily inferior) Schneider optics rather than the Zeiss ones on the flexes.

For easier maintenance, I think the "cheaper" cords make more sense. The cords used a straighforward press and turn knob which are less likely to fail especially on used sets on the Bay.

alternatve · 20th November 2007

Quite a old thread now, But I'm happy to report that I have a Minolta Autocord! Now, to test the sharpness of the legendary rokkor lens!

Samuel

Ansel · 21st November 2007

Originally Posted by alternatve

Quite a old thread now, But I'm happy to report that I have a Minolta Autocord! Now, to test the sharpness of the legendary rokkor lens!

Samuel

I believe you will not be disappointed. TLR lenses are usually good. Even the very cheap ones, just close down to f/5.6 or smaller and you are OK. The Rokkor of course can do better.

enivre · 21st November 2007

Originally Posted by Ansel

I believe you will not be disappointed. TLR lenses are usually good. Even the very cheap ones, just close down to f/5.6 or smaller and you are OK. The Rokkor of course can do better.

Yup, my old yashicamat (which I regretably sold) had a stellar lens.. uber sharp.

alternatve · 21st November 2007

Originally Posted by Ansel

I believe you will not be disappointed. TLR lenses are usually good. Even the very cheap ones, just close down to f/5.6 or smaller and you are OK. The Rokkor of course can do better.

Indeed. I only hope I'm up to the calibre of the Minolta.

Samuel

Neo · 21st November 2007

Get the Rolleicords instead of the Seagull... the Seagull does not deliver images that are consistently sharp... under a loupe u can see the edges are slightly blurred... Not to mention that Seagull prices have been on the rise, and if you get a Rolleicord at a reasonable price you can probably sell off for the same amount later!

24th August 2007	#1
alternatve Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,311	Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? Hello all, I'm thinking of starting out in MF photography with a TLR. Don't want something that'll break down or is unreliable, but can't afford a Rolleiflex, so I'm looking into a Rolleicord. Just some questions for the seniors here. 1) Is there a recommended model of Rolleicord to get? I've read that the Rolleicord III is a good sturdy model, so I'm aiming for that now. 2) Is there any other makes and models of TLRs do you recommend? I've heard about a Ikoflex that seems to be pretty good. Has anyone have any first hand experience of one? 3) Any tricks of the trade to learn while using a TLR? 4) I've found it hard to get a Rolleicord in Singapore. Anyone has any contacts, know where to get one or better yet, is willing to part with one? My budget is $200 - $300, low, but it's all I have. Thanks. Samuel Last edited by alternatve; 24th August 2007 at 02:19 AM.

24th August 2007	#2
dreamseeker Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 354	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? Hi samuel, Move into MF n you will never look back. 1. I think any Rolleicord III, IV or Va or Vb is a good choice. Personally i have the Vb. I chose the Vb cos easier to change the screen. 2. Probably you would like to try the Seagulls or the Yashicas. 3. Tricks.... its a slower process compare to SLR. 4. Maybe see any one selling in B&S or the 2nd hand shops in peninsula area. Or try to pick up a used Seagull to try try 1st. CHeers.

24th August 2007	#4
hacknet Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,090	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? i got a seagull a while back too.. the square frame is quite different in terms of composition. and because there's no prism, framing is alittle tricky.

25th August 2007	#7
hacknet Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,090	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? can i join you guys for coffee? thanks!

25th August 2007	#9
woyap Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 71	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? Get a rollei and never look back......I have both 2.8F and 2.8GX mint.

26th August 2007	#10
obscure New Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 5	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? 1) Is there a recommended model of Rolleicord to get? I've read that the Rolleicord III is a good sturdy model, so I'm aiming for that now. Personally i am using a Rolleicord Va which i got from a shop at penin next to the coffeeshop/food court. Dont remember the shop name it cost me 450 SGD( which is the street price in 2005) For the most part of it really seemed to be sturdy as hell, i exposed more than 70-80 rolls since late 2005 and it still going strong. Considering my model is made in 1957 it is impressive. 2) Is there any other makes and models of TLRs do you recommend? I've heard about a Ikoflex that seems to be pretty good. Has anyone have any first hand experience of one? I used to have a SEAGULL 4a which i bought new from MS color but it only last about 2 years before the winding crank started 'slipping'. Repairing aint worth it so i gave it to my repair man. Other TLR is the MAMIYA C330 is use when i was in school, it belonged to a friend but the only thing i remember is you can focus really really close( thanks to the bellows focusing) and it is a big as a loaf of gardenia bread. Yes you can change lens with that thing, but my friend only have one back then. Rolleicord is a better bet then the above 2 as it is a lot smaller and more reliable. For the most part of it it is no bigger than a AF SLR and slips in to bags easily. 3) Any tricks of the trade to learn while using a TLR? Left is right, right is left. The focusing screen is mirror image. but you will get use to it. First time i use a digital point and shoot i struggled quite a bit. lol. straighten out the pics by tilting the camera sideways. You will learn to hold the camera level after a roll or 2. Dont be afraid to zone focus and use the sports finder to shoot fast. it can be quite fun. Using a TLR for the most part of it means slowing down quite a bit and shooting less but it doesn't mean you cant do fast candid. No meter but If you are adept with your screw mount leica i think you can pull it off. 4) I've found it hard to get a Rolleicord in Singapore. Anyone has any contacts, know where to get one or better yet, is willing to part with one? My budget is $200 - $300, low, but it's all I have. Try the internet. Obscure

29th August 2007	#11
detriment New Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 32	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? do u guys know where can i find a pretty mint rollei 2.8gx at reasonable pricing?

30th August 2007	#13
Ansel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Land Downunder Posts: 2,069	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? Samuel, you are better off getting the Rolleicords off the bay. For a start, why not try a good yashica or minolta? They are much cheaper. Pic quality not that far off from Rolleis.

20th November 2007	#16
alternatve Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,311	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? Quite a old thread now, But I'm happy to report that I have a Minolta Autocord! Now, to test the sharpness of the legendary rokkor lens! Samuel

21st November 2007	#20
Neo Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 947	Re: Rolleicord - The first step to MF madness? Get the Rolleicords instead of the Seagull... the Seagull does not deliver images that are consistently sharp... under a loupe u can see the edges are slightly blurred... Not to mention that Seagull prices have been on the rise, and if you get a Rolleicord at a reasonable price you can probably sell off for the same amount later!