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All Help Desired and Welcomed for a Rolleicord

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boltonj

Member
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Joined
Nov 17, 2009
Messages
21
Location
England
Format
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New to this -
Have just received my new/old Rolleicord (no not a Rolleiflex owner yet)
I've done some research, here and on other sites including You Tube
I've loaded my film and now......
I'm stuck/scared/ to use it...
Help please....anyone and everyone.
No message too short, no message too long...
Thanks
Jenn
 
Concentrate on focus/composition/exposure and have some frickin' fun. It's like swimming... just jump in and do it... and as the great Pink Floyd said, "You can't have any pudding if you don't kick your feet!!"
 
Am a bit scared to handle the cam too much - it's old etc.
But you're right, I am probably daft to ask for tips etc.
Thanks
Jenn
 
Thanks Mike!
Need a subject, which might in fact end up being my office desk for now!
 
Where abouts are you ? Easiest way to learn is go out and about with another photographer local to you.

TLR's are easy & fun to use I've just returned to using a Rollei & A Yashicamat after 25+ years.

Ian
 
Hi Jenn. Welcome!

All that can happen is that you need to put more film in that camera. The tips and tricks happen after you get shooting. Just pick your best exposure and go for it! The camera will be happy to be used.
 
Shooting outside will probably work better. Do you know how to set the exposure?
My oldest camera is over 100 years old, the newest is about 30. No reason to be nervous about handling it simply because it's old.
It has probably seen worse than you will give it.
 
That camera is just begging, "Oh, use me please. Yes, use me but don't abuse me. We'll make beautiful images together!"
 
Am a bit scared to handle the cam too much - it's old etc.
But you're right, I am probably daft to ask for tips etc.
Thanks
Jenn

Just remember, Jenn, the camera is old because it is well made and was meant to be used. Look at the things around you without too much self-censorship and blow through a few rolls of film. The advice about shooting outside at first makes sense - Black and white film is pretty forgiving if you're close. Don't stop yourself to meter each shot until you're comfortable with the camera, use "sunny 16" and see what you get.

And no, you're not daft to ask for tips- not here. The folks here have gotten many, many people through many, many problems (I'm one of the people with more problems that solutions) and I've seen very few snide comments and no ill will. Ask anything you need to ask.

Good light
Whitey
 
My rolleiflex is 50 years old (and I'm not alone in this case) and works like a charm. It's become my favourite camera, after I put many films through it, so just use it and enjoy !
 
I have six (or seven?!) TLRs and they have travelled with me around the world, been banged up and knocked around and they are FINE. These old cameras were built to last. Do you have some way to meter? If not, try the sunny 16 rule (if you have some sun). This is a new camera for you, don't worry too much about what you are shooting. Just start to learn your camera...and the best way to do that is by using it. They are fun cameras to use.
 
Hi Jason
Watched your video on You Tube -
Was good...love your style and no the apron didn't make you look fat...HA HA HA
Am reading loads - have gone to the Ilford site per your suggestion....
Thanks for your support
Best
Jenn
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi Ian -
I'm just south of Bristol, American replanted in Britain -
Good thoughts, there's a local photography club here....they have lectures from professionals etc. so I'll be attending the my first meeting next Tuesday!
Thanks
Jenn
 
I've taken 4 shots this afternoon, sun's gone now though...
Nothing too spectacular, just some funky plant my neighbor has over the fence....so I was nosey...shoot me right?
 
Rolleicord Manual here:

http://www.neongreen.com/manuals_source/rolleicord/iv/

All 'cords are similar so don't worry if this manual is not for your particular model. It's a fantastic camera when you get to know it a bit better. Here's how I do it with my 'cord:

1) load the film, wind it until "Start" arrows match with the red indicator marks in the cam body, now shut the back door carefully. Wind the film until it stops and you see number 1. in the small exposure counter window.
2) You are ready now to make 12 very nice exposures.
3) Take a reading from your light meter or use sunny-16 rule to estimate exposure.
4) Move shutter speed lever and diaphram lever to match with the exposure.
5) Cock the shutter from the shutter tension lever underneath the lower lens.
6) Focus using the focusing knob. The viewfinder is a bit dim but don't be shy. You'll get used to it.
7) When you're ready, release the shutter using shutter release knob or moving the shutter tension lever to the left.
8) Wind the film immediately after you've taken the shot.

After you've shot 12 times wind the film so long that you can here the tail end of the film making flapping noise. Now open up the back door and take out the roll. Make sure it is tightly rolled. Move the empty film spool in the bottom part of the camera up so it serves as a take-up roll when you load a new roll.

That's about it.
 
Mablo -
You're an absolute star...
So a few of you have referenced the 'sunny 16 rule'
I had no flippin' idea what it was so I went away and googled it. http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/tips/054a_exposure_sunny_16.htm it was an enormous amount of help as were your instructions.
So as I'm on vacation for the next two weeks I'm going to head out tomorrow....with my cam and my dog and have some fun.
I'm sure we'll have a few giggles here at my pic's but what the heck right?
Thanks again
Best
Jenn
 
Jenn, don't expect too much, most camera clubs (in the UK) have very few film users in them these days :D

Ian
Hi Ian -
I'm not surprised at your comment....I'd found it extremely difficult to find a magazine or book which referenced 'film' camera's solely
Most were digital refrerences (don't be offended anyone...digi's are fine, but seem a bit 'too fine' if you know what I mean)
Anyway, I'll have a go on Tuesday...see what it's like. If it's mostly digital users I can either give up, or get good enough with the Rollei to convert them! HA HA HA
Thanks
Jenn
 
Okay - Last thing from me today on this subject...
You've all been great...

I've sorted something out though...
I don't give a flyin' rats rearend what the photo's come out like.
The beauty of that Rollei is just looking through the top and out into the world...

Jenn
 
Be careful, Rolleis are addictive ;-)
 
Hello Jenn, and welcome to APUG.

gene
 
Hi Jenn,

A year ago I acquired a 1947 Graflex RB Super D. This is a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 reflex camera with a focal plane shutter. It was filthy when I got my hands on it but it only took several hours to clean it up. A little tinkering to cut down some sheet film and I was in business. I am sure that I was the first person to use this camera in over 30 years!
Regards,
Dave
 
Hi Gene -

Thanks for the welcome...
Everyone has been really helpful here....
Gentle guidance and lots of laughs in the messages on my post.
I'm looking forward to getting to the point where I can also offer help and advice.
Fingers crossed I'll get there
Thanks
Jenn
 
I made the title a bit more descriptive and moved the thread in to the appropriate forum...
 
Laurent is dead right. Rolleis are truly addictive.
 
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