Rollei Rolleiflex SLX in 2024 - WTB but should I?

[RezaLoghme]

Preface: I tried the search function and could not find a lot. I searched the usual suspects, all the well-knonw blogs that publish tests and reviews of vintage cameras. It seems the SLX is not really in fashion at the moment.

I am mildly interested. As an owner of Hasselblad's V system, there is nothing the SLX can do which my current gear cannot do. On a bad day, the SLX looks like the lovechild of a 2.8GX and some Mamiya MF SLR.

And still. I somehow like the SLX. Are here owners who are willing to share their experience?

I am only interested in the original SLX, not the later 6xxxx models.

 

[Pieter12]

The SL66 might be a better way to go. And the tilt feature is not available on a Hasselblad. But I'm unsure of the availability of repair technicians and parts. I believe Wiese Fototechnik in Hamburg still services the SLX and Paepke-Fototechnik in Dusseldorf works on the SL66.

 

[john_s]

I'd be inclined to stick with your Hasselblad system. The electronics of the SLX would probably be difficult to repair. My experience is that Rollei were magnificent with the mechanics, but not so great with electronics. I have two unrepairable Rollei electronic items. When the meter in my SL66SE fails, it will still take pictures.

 

[BrianShaw]

If the SLX was ever in fashion, which I’m not convinced it ever was, it’s been mostly ignored for a decade or more. When it first came out I was really intrigued and thought about getting one. Couldn’t afford and even when I could it just didn’t hold my interest. Today it might be a waste of money and time. The recommendations for considering the SL66 are where I’m at… but not until my Hasselblad dies and can’t be resurrected.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Well I have read about the electronics. My theory - the ones that have survived until today should/could be fine. I would buy from a dealer, not from a boot sale. If the camera breaks, I would have it resurrected once (!). If it becomes unrepairable, I can sell it, or keep it as a GAS reminder and paperweight on my desk. I have looked at a few ones on sale, they go for 600-800 (kit with 80mm Planar and all the trimmings, usually with the battery "not tested" which probably means it does not keep its power for very long). If it breaks, such cameras go for 300 on Ebay. So there is a GAS stop loss order in play (man maths!).

I like the first edition, with the chrome rings around the shutter releases. V2 could be ok. But it has to be the SLX, not the later versions, especially not the ones with the accoutrements in day-glo green. SLX it is.

And the V-System will remain my #1, the SLX is really just a vanity purchase.

 

[BrianShaw]

If money is no object it would be a fun experience!

 

[JensH]

Hi,

a Rolleiflex SLX (2nd version, with the wonderful Planar 80mm) was my first mf camera in 1988, still use it... would buy one again.
Meter workes great.
No problems with electronics.
It was two times send for service -
first to solve an issue with film flatness (esp. on thin TP film), then to exchange the battery pack.
The camera is quite heavy (compared with a 500 CM) and so is the mirror flap - I would give it a MR 120 or MRC 120 cable release to get a mirror lock-up.

Best
Jens

 

[RezaLoghme]

I tried to ans

If money is no object it would be a fun experience!

Downside is limited..if it breaks I can decide not to have it repaired and sell it for 30-40% of the price of a good one. So max loss potential ca. 300-500 EUR.

 

[RezaLoghme]

It is amazing - no reviews beside one from a Polish guy, and some Germans. I found that there are 2 versions, earlier one has leatherette covering, the newer one has a clous de paris pattern. But that is it.

 

[ic-racer]

I had an SLX in the early 80s and there was nothing like it back then. Today, I'd recommend a 6008. They really improved the system over the years.

 

[RezaLoghme]

They were launched in 1976, at that time they must have been super futuristic.

I want one.

Knowing that the pics will not be any different to my 6x6 Hasselblads.

Still.

 

[RezaLoghme]

https://c41.kpraslowicz.com/media/full/2018-08-08/rolleiflex-slx-vs-hasselblad.jpg?v=1.0.0

 

[ic-racer]

I got mine around 1986 and sold it in 2013 with all these items. Including the original box and the rare Bereitschaftstasche!

Kind of sad to see it go, but I replaced it with 6008i, 6008AF and Hy6.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Super cool pic!!!

 

[rknewcomb]

I wish you guys wouldn't talk about this...

 

[choiliefan]

^^ Having had a 6006 I understand the temptation. ^^

 

[RezaLoghme]

My very small camera collection fits into one (!) case, whatever is inside does not worry my stakeholders. Adding a SLX would require a clever, stealthy new storage solution...

 

[Pieter12]

Quite addictive. Especially when one applies the logic of needing at least one back-up body. I now have, I am ashamed to admit, 3 6008 bodies, 2 Hy6 bodies, many film backs and inserts, a digital back and a slew of lenses, plus a prism for each. And as of today, everything works.

 

[lightray]

The SL66 might be a better way to go. And the tilt feature is not available on a Hasselblad. But I'm unsure of the availability of repair technicians and parts. I believe Wiese Fototechnik in Hamburg still services the SLX and Paepke-Fototechnik in Dusseldorf works on the SL66.

My SLX66SE problem, the metering stopped working properly after I messed with the + and - button, apart from that a brilliant camera, macro is fantastic.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Having read more about it, it sounds as if the SLX is quite comparable to the Hasselblad ELM/ELX series in terms of handling. I did not know that they have a motor.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Update: I looked at a SLX kit at a well-respected dealer. No magic. It felt a bit like a 1980s video camera, IMHO and 2cts.

 

[Arthurwg]

Quite addictive. Especially when one applies the logic of needing at least one back-up body. I now have, I am ashamed to admit, 3 6008 bodies, 2 Hy6 bodies, many film backs and inserts, a digital back and a slew of lenses, plus a prism for each. And as of today, everything works.

Wow. Everything works~. How difficult was it to keep it that way??

 

[Pieter12]

Wow. Everything works~. How difficult was it to keep it that way??

Well, the Hy6 film backs have proved to be problematic. They are now in Longmont for servicing. I have had a number of lenses serviced, too. The 6008 bodies and backs have proven to be quite bulletproof, and you can rebuild the battery pack with NiMH batteries--a nice plus. Now that the latest iteration of the manufacturer has officially gone belly-up (they proved to be pretty useless for the last year anyway), if something needs servicing, parts may be unobtainable.

 

[pentaxuser]

Given your very recent decision to slim down your camera collection, I take it that you did not buy the Rolleiflex in question or did you buy it and it has become one of your cameras that you are contemplating selling?

Thanks

pentaxuser

 

[Pieter12]

Update: I looked at a SLX kit at a well-respected dealer. No magic. It felt a bit like a 1980s video camera, IMHO and 2cts.

Yeah, but it has a giant viewfinder.