Any reason to get a newer MF camera?

[Sausage]

I'm interested to try shooting in MF, and am eyeing an old 1950s Rolleiflex or Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex. I understand the reason people use these is because of the glass quality. They're pretty cheap too.. around $300 or less. Suppose I can get one that is still working with accurate shutter speed and ease of focusing..now what I'm wondering is, do newer MF cameras offer a lot more than these? Their price tags are really steep; a Mamiya 6 costs about the price of a finger.

[sabrewolf]

Rolleiflex and Ikoflex are not SLR like the Mamiya 6 or 7.

[Sausage]

Yes, I know they're TLRs.

[legionnaire]

think you meant rolleicord. if rolleiflex is less than $300.... or even $350, long gone. if you have time to ponder and ask for opinions here, and even wait for feedback, i think most likely a rolleicord

[Sausage]

depends.. if you're lucky on ebay you can find very good deals sometimes.

[boochap]

mamiya 6 or 7 are great cameras. too convience to use, meaning u could run out of film very easily. they are much like conventional cameras, better classified as RF... but lack the bigger screen and waist level finder that allow u look down to shoot.

go for the light and easy to carry around rollei TLR or hasseblad SLR.. better enjoy MF and not start complaining about the weight and size.

Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex? i hope to try the 6x9 too.

[sabrewolf]

Be wary of the good deals Rolleiflex, some of them are really old, even if the shutters are accurate the viewing mirror might be really dirty or vignette. In fact I have a Rolleiflex 2.8B that cost me S$150, but internals are shot, now its for show only.

[clubgrit]

Good advice, that is the catch when buying used old stuff ...

I have sent one of my older Rolleiflex for check up and installation of a screen as well in the USA at Oceanside, and they diagnosed some problems which are not easily seen by normal users - 1/15 speed wrong and others slightly after testing using the Rollei shutter tester, so in need of shutter overhaul, minor fungus (not seen easily), needs realignment of lenses, re-lubricate with Rollei oil, etc. Even a small dent is going to be fixed ! It costs for good and reliable experienced service, but will ensure another decade of confident use :-)

So it's good to buy a model or brand where one knows there is reliable service available.

Originally Posted by sabrewolf Be wary of the good deals Rolleiflex, some of them are really old, even if the shutters are accurate the viewing mirror might be really dirty or vignette. In fact I have a Rolleiflex 2.8B that cost me S$150, but internals are shot, now its for show only.

[jonathan_wong]

I used to really sing about the Seagull range of TLRs.

http://www.camerachina.com/

For $100, you can get the 3 element 4B-1 series. They are really good and can shoot 645.

If you are willing to pay a little more, the Seagull 4A-105 and 4A-107 are worth it. I have about 10 of them sitting at home. They have sample to sample to variations in terms of finishing and handling, but the lens quality is ok. Shooting at F8, sometimes people cannot tell whether was it done a Japanese high end camera on slides.

4A105 still has the old sliding type control on the aperture/shuttle. 4A107 is the copy of Rolleiflex but in plastic. I used one to shoot many pictures, winter down to -30oC still ok.

Mine were bought pre 2004/05. The newer ones should have better quality.

These are better bets than the old TLR bought from the net.

I have about 3 Rolleicords. 2 are not usable. 1 is MINT becuase I bought from a collector, with full 100% accessories including 645 3x3 mask, filters, hoods. A lot of money to pay but a pain to use.

I alsp have the Rolleiflex F2.8 D G and a worry to carry around to shoot. Seagull is the best. Drop also never mind. Especially the 4B

[Sausage]

Can any of the seagulls shoot in 6x6?

[jonathan_wong]

Certainly, they are all the Rolleiflex 3.5 copies.

[triotary]

ever consider a KOWA?

[jamesong]

Hi Sausage,

If you are really interested in MF TLR camera, why not come over to my place/shop with songster69 and play with my TLR cameras and decide if you like to go into medium format.