Grolsch Beer and a Rolleicord

F5B&W · Oct 15, 2016

What's the connection?

I have a Rolleicord that was given to me. Learning how to work with it, in an age where autofocus and VR stabilizes everything else, is an ongoing adventure. It's a bit loose when connecting to a post 1960's tripod. Let alone a new Manfrotto head. So here's my tip (any format, really, not just MF) for the day:

Take the red rubbery washer from the stopper of a Grolsch beer bottle, use it as a spacer between your camera and the tripod plate. Instant stabilizing tension!
Obtaining the washer can be kind of fun too.

Dan Daniel · Oct 15, 2016

Sometimes a camera won't sit steady because the tripod attachment bolt is too long for the opening in the base of the camera.

Look up 'rolleifix' to see an item that helps with another problem with tripods and Rolleis- the thin aluminum back.

elcabezagrande · Oct 15, 2016

The only Rolleicords that the Rolleifix will work with are the V series.

baachitraka · Oct 16, 2016

Washers works for me with Rolleicord IIa.

AgX · Oct 16, 2016

F5B&W said:
It's a bit loose when connecting to a post 1960's tripod.

What changed with the tripods? The length of the threaded bolt? Size of plate?
I was not aware of changes.

JPD · Oct 16, 2016

Dan Daniel said:
Sometimes a camera won't sit steady because the tripod attachment bolt is too long for the opening in the base of the camera.

Yes, and you have to be very careful if you have an early Rollei, because the bolt can crack the top of the tripod mount open on the camera. It happened to me with a Rolleikin back. Now I always use a rubber washer on the tripod head when I use early Rolleis that can't use the Rolleifix (and when I use old plate cameras). For the later Rolleis I always use the Rolleifix.

elcabezagrande · Oct 16, 2016

The old Tiltall tripods are ideal for the older Rolleis, as they have a large platform that supports the entire bottom of the camera.

mgb74 · Oct 16, 2016

A good hardware store will have larger and thinner rubber washers (and even sheets of rubber that can be trimmed) that might work even better. Though not as much fun to acquire.

TheToadMen · Oct 16, 2016

mgb74 said:
A good hardware store will have larger and thinner rubber washers (and even sheets of rubber that can be trimmed) that might work even better.

... but then you'll miss the good opportunity of drinking a nice bottle of Grolsch ...

(the history if the Grolsch beer bottle)

EdColorado · Oct 17, 2016

Man, I haven't had a Grolsch in years....

I think I need to go to the store... back in a bit!

F5B&W · Oct 18, 2016

elcabezagrande said:
The old Tiltall tripods are ideal for the older Rolleis, as they have a large platform that supports the entire bottom of the camera.

Really? I have an old Tiltall, I'll have to try it. I was using a Gittzo dropped down low.

F5B&W · Oct 18, 2016

AgX said:
What changed with the tripods? The length of the threaded bolt? Size of plate?
I was not aware of changes.

I think the change is in the quick-release Manfrotto head I was using. Definitely a departure from the past.

baachitraka · Oct 18, 2016

Yeah. It was bit annoying but then a washer works like a charm.

Grolsch Beer and a Rolleicord

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