Can anyone recommend a good Medium Format TLR?

snay1345 · Jan 30, 2011

Thank you everyone for your responses. After alot of looking and reading the last few days I am looking at getting a Mamiya c330. It looks like there are alot of accessories for it as well as the ability to change out lenses. I am going to go to Hiroshima next weekend to see if I can find one in one of the local mom and pop camera shops. If not I will just buy one online.

Jeff Kubach · Jan 30, 2011

I have a Rolleiflex 2.8F, a great camera worth every penny. There is a TLR group on this site, check them out.

Jeff

2F/2F · Jan 30, 2011

My earlier post was related only to Rolleis, since it seemed like that was what you really wanted. What I would actually purchase would be a Mamiya C-series camera. They are more versatile (7 focal lengths plus the benefits of bellows focusing), and the lenses are as excellent as any higher-end camera, at least to my eyes. The weight issue is not a big one IMO. It's true that if I only need a normal lens, I usually shoot my Rollei for the day, but for occasions in which I might want to use different lenses, the slightly greater weight of the Mamiya is well worth it to have that ability.

People also think that they are fiddly. I see what they mean; there are lots of switches and knobs and interlocks, and the f stops and shutter speeds must be set directly on the shutter, not with handy knobs like a Rollei. But IMO the fiddliness mostly relates to useful features, and does not detract from the camera in practical use. Some examples are: 1) lens lock/unlock knob (also activates flap inside the camera to cover the film when changing lenses), 2) single/multi exposure switch (actually just an interlock that prevents the shutter lever from being depressed more than once on the same frame; I always set it to "multi," even for normal shooting. If it is set to "single," you cannot press the shutter lever halfway, decide not to take your shot, and then press the shutter lever again without flipping the switch to "multi." After missing the right timing on a few shots by this interlock, I decided to always keep the thing on "multi.") 3) focal length setting for parallax indicator bar on "3" models, 4) manual shutter cocking on "2" models, 5) shutter speeds and apertures must be set on the shutter itself, like a large format camera.

One note on the Mamiyas is that I would consider a Paramender to be a necessary part of the camera if you plan on focusing on anything other than infinity or close to it. They can be around $100.

pgomena · Feb 1, 2011

The Mamiyas are excellent, versatile cameras. Good choice.

Peter Gomena

Jun.C · Feb 2, 2011

I used to have a working collection of these TLR's (more than twenty) but had gotten rid of most of it as I now have less time to play with these. I am now down to a Mamiya C330, a Rolleicord, and an MPP Microflex. I am planning to just hang on to the C330. The Rolleicord comes complete with auxiliary third party wide and tele lenses, Rolleiparkeil close focus lenses - see photo

. If you are interested, let me know I'll do you a good deal. I am in the UK but I think postage via Royal Mail is reasonable.

st3ve · Feb 3, 2011

In my opinion:

Best high-end: Rollei
Best industrial/workhorse: Mamiya
Best small, mid-range: Minolta Autocord series
Best small, usually quite cheap: Yashicamat etc, most of these from reputable brands over the years are great, I'd avoid anything Soviet or made of plastic.

You have several brands to choose from with distinct uses, and another large bunch of random brands of TLRs which were usually of good quality.

IloveTLRs · Feb 3, 2011

I, too, highly recommend Rolleiflex or Rolleicord. Unfortunately they are absurdly expensive in Japan when compared to the rest of the world (I have yet to see a 2.8 model priced lower than $1500.)

In my experience, Japanese TLRs are nice, but many (most? all?) exhibit "swirly bokeh" in out of focus areas (when compared to Rolleis.) That's really a matter of personal taste. Some people love it, I hated it.

Japanese TLRs are very affordable, however. Perhaps a nice Yashicaflex? I've seen them for about ¥15,000. Or if you want bargain-basement, the little Ricohflexes are nice (like the VII.) Mine was built like a soda can, with a dim little finder and only a few shutter speeds, but it produced quite nice photos.

hpulley · Feb 3, 2011

I like my old Yashicaflex (A) when I don't want/need to lug my RB67 around. Works very well, gives nice images, quite light.

Steve Smith · Feb 3, 2011

RPippin said:
I bought a Flexaret a long time ago for under $100,00, and the images were outstanding. Sharp as a tack.

I bought one about eight years ago (mine was closer to £10). When the shutter failed I managed to repair it by grafting on the shutter mechanism from an Agfa Isolette. A friend at work has had it on loan for many years now and it gets regular use.

These are good cameras and can be bought for a bargain price.

Steve.

elekm · Feb 3, 2011

Ric Trexell said:
You said Rollei's are expensive, but look at it this way. If you buy a $500 camera and use it for a few years, and then sell it for $450, you have had a top of the line camera for only $50. Others will pay $50 for a camera and not get the enjoyment out of it that they would from an expensive camera, and when it jams up in a few years, they will have a camera that is not worth repairing. Get what you want and don't worry about the money, unless ofcourse you can't afford it. This applies to most things in life, not just cameras. Ric.

This is pretty much what I was going to say. Simply put: Figure out which model you want. Save your money and buy one that's in excellent working condition.

Don't buy anyone's beat-up camera. A Rolleiflex isn't rare. They're always plentiful on eBay and elsewhere, so there's no reason to buy someone's piece of crap.

Buy a good one. Buy it once. Be done with it. Enjoy photography.

emmjee · Feb 3, 2011

I have several TLR's. The best by far is the Rolleicord Va+, which I purchased on ebay for $100. I am fortunate to live near the only Rollei "authorized" (by who, I must wonder, given the status of the company) US repairman in NJ and had it restored to new for and additional $200 and change. Except for expected paint loss, it operates as new! Besides the other brands mentioned here, don't overlook the Zeiss Ikoflex which you may be able to find for a decent price. I have a 1937 model with a CSJ Tessar that takes fantastic photos, also an ebay $150 purchase. Only the slow shutter speeds (below 25) are off. If I could find someone to service it, I would get that fixed too. I owned a Yashica Mat 124G that was stolen. It took great pictures, but the word has gotten out that they are "cool" and for some reason the prices on ebay are insane, especially when compared to what one can get in a Cord or one of the Mamiya C's for less money. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the Mamiyas. They are inelegant, industrial in appearance and build quality and are unique in offering interchangeable lenses. Their current pricing on the bay is attractive and should give years of enjoyment. My Richoflex and Votarflex are "toy" cameras compared to those mentioned above (the latter in essence the Holga of it's day). They record an image and look cool on my shelf but definitely minor league compared to the others I have mentioned.

johnielvis · Feb 3, 2011

I used only hasselblad for LONG time, then I got a SUPER deal on a yashica 24 about a month ago---it's my new favorit camera!---although some will tell you it don't take 120, it does--there's a separate "arrow marking" for it--anyway--it's got the yashinon 80mm lens--this is the BEST for the 80mm lens size!!!! it's SMALLER than the hasselblad with 80mm and magazine and it is quiet and easier to use---glad i bought it...so I vote for yashicamat / yashica 24/12/124 with yashinon---get yourself a closeup attachment...only drawback is parallax up close--which is not an issue with the parallax corrected closeup attachments.

Ezzie · Feb 6, 2011

Steve Smith said:
I bought one about eight years ago (mine was closer to £10). When the shutter failed I managed to repair it by grafting on the shutter mechanism from an Agfa Isolette. A friend at work has had it on loan for many years now and it gets regular use.

These are good cameras and can be bought for a bargain price.

Steve.

Nice camera. I've a Va model, and it takes nice pictures in every sense, sharp enough, though not eye-bleedingly so like my Kowa S66 system. Easy to use, lightish, well enough built and I like the focusing arm (Autocord style). Mine set me back a princely $75 fully serviced with case.

outwest · Feb 6, 2011

I've had a Super Ricohflex, several Yashicas, 2 Autocords, an Ikoflex, several Rolleiflex Tessars, a Rolleiflex 2.8C and a Rolleiflex 3.5 Planar. I have played with a Rolleicord and a Mamiya with interchangeable lenses. I have since avoided the interchangeable lens Mamiyas as way too bulky for what should be a very portable camera. The Ricoh works but is clunky. One of the Yashicas, an old Yashica Mat (not Yashicamat!), was very decent. The other Yashicas broke - hey, they were cheap cameras. The Ikoflex with its Opton Tessar is an excellent picture taker and a real bargain. The Autocords are jewels with ergonomic handling and a bright view screen and I would prefer them (assuming the focus isn't stiff) to a Tessar Rolleiflex - plus they are less expensive. The Xenotar of the 2.8C is amazing but the E's and F's are easier to use. The Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar I would have to consider as the ultimate picture taking TLR.

Paul Sorensen · Feb 6, 2011

I am not sure about pricing where you are, but around here the pricing of a Rolleiflex 3.5 automat is not bad at all. For me it was really the sweet spot of price and quality, not much more than an Autocord or Yashicamat 124G, but much better build quality and will probably last a lifetime for me. I paid $250 about two years ago for a 3.5 Automat in really good condition. I will get a CLA pretty soon here, but it has been working fine for me without. For $100 less I could have gotten one of the more recent Japanese ones or a relatively new Rolleicord, but this seemed to be a great tradeoff for me.

cjbecker · Feb 7, 2011

I am also right there with you. I am looking at getting a tlr. Right now I have a 500cm with a 80. I love the camera but I can't stand the loud shutter. The style of shooting that I do does not work well with loud shutters, it draws to much attention to me and the camera. I like to do street so it helps there, but what I really do is portraits/weddings, well hopefully soon for the weddings, so I like to have that quite shutter. I also prefer how you can shoot at lower speeds because I almost never use a tripod. I like doing more environmental portraits so the parallax is not a problem. Also I like how tlr's are a one piece thing unlike the hasselbad where you need so much for it to work.

The camera I am looking at is the c330, even though I don't care about he interchangeable lenses the reason I want it is because I want an 80 with 2.8, and I can't afford the rolleiflex 2.8. I would like it for the lens and the size.

The only thing that keeps me with the hassy instead of the c330 is the lens. the 80 2.8 c t* is such a beautiful contrasty lens. But I am thinking I will be able to take more engaging, more powerful pictures with a tlr.

2F/2F · Feb 7, 2011

cjbecker said:
But I am thinking I will be able to take more engaging, more powerful pictures with a tlr.

I highly doubt it. Perhaps even less so than with a camera with which you see exactly what the film sees, and which operates more quickly.

They are great cameras to use for a good deal of things. I love mine, and shoot them often. But I do not think that using one will drastically change your pictures for the better...though it could change them for the worse in quite a few situations.

pinhole_dreamer · Feb 7, 2011

I've been offered a camera from a person that I work with...and he's thinking it's an old bellows Kodak camera. He has no clue if it even works - but if it's free, I'll take it. My co-worker was pleasantly surprised that I'm shooting my mom's old Brownie Holiday, even though it's a point and shoot. Then again, I'm seen coming in and out of the building wearing a multitude of camera bags with one camera or the other with me.

I'm also looking at a Pentax medium format but would like one that's totally manual. Any suggestions?

2F/2F · Feb 7, 2011

pinhole_dreamer said:
I'm also looking at a Pentax medium format but would like one that's totally manual. Any suggestions?

Do you mean fully manual or fully mechanical? TMK, all of them allow fully manual shooting. (Why would they not, being higher-end cameras?)

pinhole_dreamer · Feb 7, 2011

2F/2F said:
Do you mean fully manual or fully mechanical? TMK, all of them allow fully manual shooting. (Why would they not, being higher-end cameras?)

Totally manual like my old K1000. I don't need geegaws and buttons and motors and the like. The only thing my K1000 needs is a battery for the light meter but everything else is manual.

hpulley · Feb 7, 2011

My old Yashicaflex is so quiet sometimes I'm not sure I've taken a picture so it is indeed great for churches and quiet street shooting. My Canon FTbN is like a door closing by comparison while my Mamiya RB67 with its mirror 4 times the area is like a door slamming shut, not exactly quiet.

I find focusing more difficult at waist level however. I prefer to use a prism in my Mamiya RB67 which is faster. I can of course use the sport finder in the Yashicaflex with pre/hyperfocusing but it is not ideal.

Neither my Yashicaflex or Mamiya RB67 are fast for use as both wind and cock the shutter separately though I could get a motorized back for the RB67. My AF EOS bodies are much faster obviously but not quiet with motor drives though without a moving mirror the 1N RS is not too bad in single shot mode.

Dan Daniel · Feb 7, 2011

Harry, it isn't hard to put a prism on a Yashica. I've put both a Hasselblad NC-2 and a Hasselblad chimney finder on a Yashica (and a Minolta Autocord). Here's a sample-

[/url] P1040094 franken-mat 1 by ddandan, on Flickr[/IMG]

hpulley · Feb 7, 2011

Wow, that's interesting!

I must say though, it defeats part of the purpose of the camera however, which is its unobtrusiveness. I was taking pictures of my son tonight with the Yashicaflex and the EOS 650. Delta 3200 in both, no flash, trying to be discrete but whenever I brought the 650 with 135mm f/2 up to my eye he would realize a picture was being taken and would give me a fake posed smile, not what I was looking for. The Mamiya is even bigger of course! With the Yashicaflex waist level finder and quiet shutter he didn't really notice so I could get more natural poses. It is a trade off, ease of seeing perfect focus vs. stealth.

Tom Red · Jan 15, 2012

I love my Mamiya C220, which I bought new in the 1970s. It is much lighter and smaller than the C330. I think the Mamiya lenses are excellent and interchangeability is a real plus that completely expands your horizons. It is equivalent to using a SLR. I use the 135 mm and 55 mm most often. I have been at camera shows where a C220 body with a lens were going for around $100. The only issue is that you have to manually cock the shutter. But you know what? I do it without thinking. It doesn't slow things down and the saving in weight is important.

I also have a Yashica Mat 124 G. It is a great camera. I always thought that the Yashica lenses were first rate at a low end price. The fact that there is a Cds meter coupled to the speeds and lens opening is really unusual on a twin lens reflex. It is very easy to use and I would recommend it if you can get it at a good price. Mine is a bit worn but I only paid $30 for it an antiques store. However, on ebay some sellers are actually listing it at around $500 to $700. That is absurd. It is a good camera but it does not have that amount of quality to warrant that high of a price.

I also picked up a near mint Kalloflex (Kowa) from a dealer for $17 who did not think it was working. Someone replaced a little knob with a big screw that blocked the advance crank. When I got home I took off the screw and the camera began working. What a great camera. The images are tack sharp and the camera is built like a tank. In the 1950s, it was Japan's answer to the Rollieflex. I would really recommend it. It is very ergonomic. The advance crank is concentric with the focusing knob. The shutter release is on the opposite (left side). It is the easiest of all my twins lens reflexes to use. They are fairly uncommon is the U.S. but might be more common in Japan.

I also have a Zeiss Ikoflex IIa with a Tessar lens. To be honest. While, collecting German equipment is my area of interest, I like the Japanese twin lens reflexes better. The Ikoflex just seems awkward in my hands.

My point, is to shop around. You might be very pleasantly surprised by the great twin lens reflex you can get for a low price.

Paul Jenkin · Jan 16, 2012

I have a Rolleiflex 3.5T (it's a K8T2 - made between 1961 and 1966). the meter works perfectly and it's in fantastic condition. I am extremely pleased with the photos I get from it. Here's one example:

Faversham Quayside by rushfan2112 (Late Developer), on Flickr

As it's not one of the top of the range models, they tend to be reasonably priced. I had mine CLA'd last year and it runs as smooth a silk. You should do fine with Yashicas and Mamiyas (I've owned both down the years) but I love my Rollei.....

Can anyone recommend a good Medium Format TLR?

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