Parallax error on Rolleiflex Automat type 4

Mainecoonmaniac · May 27, 2010

I love shooting on my Rollei. One thing that I don't care for with twin reflex camera is parallax error on closeup shots. I like shooting still life up close on a tripod. Could I correct for the error by raising the camera the same distance as the viewing and picture taking lens are apart? For example, I compose the shot the way I like it on the view finder, and the lenses are 1.5" apart, could I compensate by raising the camera 1.5"?

Ian Grant · May 27, 2010

Yes, that works perfectly.

Mamiya made a paramender which did just that and went between camera and tripod head.

Ian

ic-racer · May 27, 2010

Perhaps someone will tell me wrong, but I was under the impression that since the 1940s all the Rollei TLRs had the parallax-correcting focus frame. Perhaps yours is not moving. If you are using the proxars, do you have the top proxar positioned correctly?

Ian Grant · May 27, 2010

There's a point where parallax correction fails and often close up filters (non Rollei) were sold as a single lens sometimes as a pair.

The Automat like my late Rolleiflex does have the correction and its OK to the closest focus distance. But more importantly the perspective changes as the top lens is way higher, so raising the camera/taking lens corrects this.

Ian

Mainecoonmaniac · May 27, 2010

ic-racer said:
Perhaps someone will tell me wrong, but I was under the impression that since the 1940s all the Rollei TLRs had the parallax-correcting focus frame. Perhaps yours is not moving. If you are using the proxars, do you have the top proxar positioned correctly?

Thanks for the heads up. I got it used and I don't have a manual for it. Would I find out if I have this feature my racking the focus back and fourth to see if the frame corrects itself? The only other twin reflex camera I have is a Pearl River which had no Parallax error correction. Never assume anything.

Ian Grant · May 27, 2010

You'll see the frame move as you focus in closer.

Ian

Dan Daniel · May 27, 2010

Minolta made a 'Paradjuster' for just this problem on close-ups. The instruction sheet shows you the principle and how the item itself works.
http://www.crocuta.com/yashica/paradjuster.html

Mamiya had something called a 'Paramender' with a different design. If you have a tripod with a sliding center tube, a simple off-set spacer should work with a little less convenience.

Andy38 · May 27, 2010

All Automat's (the first Automat was made in 1937) and the New Standard have the parallax-correction; the earlier Rolleiflex's, Original and (Old) Standard, don't have.

Mainecoonmaniac · May 27, 2010

Dan Daniel said:
Minolta made a 'Paradjuster' for just this problem on close-ups. The instruction sheet shows you the principle and how the item itself works.
http://www.crocuta.com/yashica/paradjuster.html

Mamiya had something called a 'Paramender' with a different design. If you have a tripod with a sliding center tube, a simple off-set spacer should work with a little less convenience.

Boy they have photo toys for every occasion and problem. What will they think of next?

ic-racer · May 27, 2010

Mainecoonmaniac said:
Thanks for the heads up. I got it used and I don't have a manual for it. Would I find out if I have this feature my racking the focus back and fourth to see if the frame corrects itself? The only other twin reflex camera I have is a Pearl River which had no Parallax error correction. Never assume anything.

Exactly, the frame moves but the focus screen stays in the same place. So ,if you are centering your commposition based on the grid or the focus aid in the center you won't detect the change, you need to ignore those things when composing and look at the edges of the whole screen.

JPD · May 27, 2010

Here's the manual:
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleiflex_automat/rolleiflex_automat.htm

About the accessories, close-up lenses and more (PDF-file):

http://www.cameramanuals.org/rolleiflex/rollei_practical_acc.pdf

All Rolleiflex Automat and Rolleicord cameras have automatic parallax compensation, with the frame moving under the viewing screen. It works for the whole focus range, from infinity to 0,9m.

The two-piece Rolleinar close-up lens sets consist of one lens for the taking lens and one with a built-in parallax-compensating prism for the viewing lens. They work very well for most macros. They are faster to use than working with a paramender/paradjuster, and can be used with the camera hand-held.

But to achieve the exact perspective, the "paramender" or "paradjuster" should be better. But then you'll have to remember to use the Rolleinar for the taking lens on the viewing lens first, and then put it on the taking lens before taking the photo.

Mainecoonmaniac · May 27, 2010

Thanks!

JPD said:
Here's the manual:
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleiflex_automat/rolleiflex_automat.htm

About the accessories, close-up lenses and more (PDF-file):

http://www.cameramanuals.org/rolleiflex/rollei_practical_acc.pdf

All Rolleiflex Automat and Rolleicord cameras have automatic parallax compensation, with the frame moving under the viewing screen. It works for the whole focus range, from infinity to 0,9m.

The two-piece Rolleinar close-up lens sets consist of one lens for the taking lens and one with a built-in parallax-compensating prism for the viewing lens. They work very well for most macros. They are faster to use than working with a paramender/paradjuster, and can be used with the camera hand-held.

But to achieve the exact perspective, the "paramender" or "paradjuster" should be better. But then you'll have to remember to use the Rolleinar for the taking lens on the viewing lens first, and then put it on the taking lens before taking the photo.

Hey Thanks! You've been very helpful. Rolleiflex cameras are new to me. I'm discovering why Richard Avedon loved them so much.
Cheers!

Parallax error on Rolleiflex Automat type 4

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency