Hasselblad 500cm VS Rollei 2.8

DaveO said:

I just looked up tlr's on Wikipedia. Rollei was in the 1920's but twin lens reflexes date back to 1870. It may not be a Rollei but an un-named TLR'.

DaveO

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Interesting. Thanks! I was under the impression that Rollei 'invented' the TLR design.

I think a 3.5 Rollei is the way to go -- lighter than the 2.8s but yields nothing in terms of image quality. But I agree with others' comments that the Yashicamat produces really excellent results. I do understand, though, if you want to go with one of the top shelf brands, and get one of the fancier lenses along the way.

Hasselblads are surprisingly lightweight and decently compact. But they're definitely heavier than a Rolleiflex, and not as compact. And they're much noisier (thwoop!).

ic-racer said:

I don't think you will find much difference between the Yashica and Rollei TLR lenses.

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The Yashica lens is a Tessar type, isn't it? Not to diminish the many virtues of the Tessar, but a Planar or Xenotar should smoke it like the proverbial cheap cigar.

Never having shot a Hasselblad, I won't try to make comparisons between the two very good options, except to say it's clear that both are capable of being the camera of a lifetime, and the grounds for choice between them are more personal than universal. You might be able to rent one or both for a tryout.

-NT

I don't know if I would trust Wikipedia for information that was very important, but they are usually pretty good. They did not tell the brand of TLR that was made in 1870.

DaveO