My 3.5E wasn't made with a meter and is a joy to use. I also really like the DOF scale on the focus knob. It's something that I didn't think I'd use much but I was wrong.
Jeremy
When I purchased my used but mint Rolleiflex 3.5 F (Whiteface) I asked the seller to remove the meter. The only evidence that it ever had a meter is the ASA stetting knob on the side.
Just confirming that my 'Cord Vb(ii) is super sharp and a joy to use. So very light that I walk with it in the palm of my hand. I had made i" cable releases that I use to snap photos and I find that I get consistently sharper photos that way. I have lots of film cameras, but Rollei is the only maker that I could truly understand someone committing to exclusively. It's like a shark: it's built to do one thing only, and do it brilliantly.
Although mine is in need of a shutter overhaul and in storage... I have the same fond feelings about the Roleicord Vb. Used it for over 20 years as favorite camera, especialy for travel. In addition to short cable release, I found a monopod and quick release to be invaluable.
I have shot the Vb and it is a joy. I love how light it is, and how well it balances in hand. A cable release is important for slower exposures — the shutter levers are hard to work without moving the camera body — that is my only complaint about the camera. Here is a link to a kallitype of a photo I shot with a Vb recently, 1/4 sec. (handheld, cable release) @ f/11:
Looks great! Nice work.
On my Rolleicord IV and V, I usually have the shutter button accessory screwed into the cable release and use that to fire the shutter instead of sweeping the shutter lever across. I find that a much more stable action that's less likely to cause any movement at low shutter speeds. I does require a little bit of time to get used to firing the shutter with the left hand instead of the right though.
Jeremy
I'm also now considering Rolleicord, so thanks again for opening up options for me.
My favorite is a Rolleicord II with a Triotar lens.
We all just went off on a Vb love fest. The Vb shipped with a modern bright viewfinder
Are all Vb models equpped with a "modern bright viewfinder"? Is it the same screen as in white face F-models?
My 2 cents, or actually more my $2000: if you have the cash, you might want to look for a 2.8 GX/FX.
Its advantages are (in no particular order):
- a integrated meter which works and is very precise,
- best lens of all Rolleiflexes, with multi-coating,
- clear and bright ground glass
- no risk of lens separation
- simplified film loading of the Rolleiflex T. I think it's an advantage over the auto-loading of Rolleis A-F, which can be unreliable (my 2.8E went to the mechanic several times because of that!)
- much, much less "mileage" on the bodies than your average Rollei A-F
Ha ha when I was writing my previous post I was half expecting to be "flamed". What is seen as an advantage by some is perceived as negative by others. Fortunately there are enough choices out there to appeal to everyone's taste. And isn't the purpose of a forum to exchange on different opinions?These are not advantages. The integrated meter complicates the manual setting of shutter and aperture; a handheld meter gives easier and more accurate ways to measure light. "Best lens" is a subjective opinion on which many would disagree. Any Rollei can take a new viewscreen, even my 90-year-old Art Deco Rolleicord. Lens separation is rarely an issue with ordinary Rolleis. (Not so with Tele Rolleiflexes.)
You are right that the FX/GX's simplified film advance mechanism is less vulnerable to failure. As you note, the T also has a simpler mechanism. So do all Rolleicords.
My guess is that most FX/GX Rolleis sit on collectors' shelves. They are not entry-level cameras.
Ha ha when I was writing my previous post I was half expecting to be "flamed". What is seen as an advantage by some is perceived as negative by others. Fortunately there are enough choices out there to appeal to everyone's taste. And isn't the purpose of a forum to exchange on different opinions?
This said without any offense. As a matter of fact, I admire your work. My favorite picture of yours is the clarinetist from your "Up on the roof" series. (My girlfriend happens to play the clarinet too, btw, therefore this picture particularly "resonates" with me.)
All the best,
Etienne
Sanders, no offense takenEtienne, thanks for the compliment. Maybe I have allowed my legal work to warp my sense of conversation, but I think of a “flame” as a personal attack. I disagreed with you but I never meant to attack you. If my words seemed harsh, please forgive me — not my intent in the least.
Steven, I believe so — the Vb’s removable finder and modern screen were the same as on your F, and I believe the finder upgrade was the principal difference between the Va and Vb.
The Vb focus hood is not the same as on the F. It does not have the drop-down mirror for focusing while using the sports finder. I think, though am not certain, that the T's hood also did not have the auxillary mirror.
Interestingly (to me), I have an Automat that the factory refitted with a removable finder, and it does have the mirror. Live and learn.
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