Rollei SLR's: Unloved in the States?

JWMster · Aug 9, 2017

Just curious how it is that Hassy's seem to get all the love here in the States, and Rollei's not so much. I've heard it's a matter of Hassy getting here 1st with it's SLR's and cultivating it's market. Rollei has some fairly impressive systems out there starting with the SL66 and SLX and then up through the 6000's. I've even seen that website is still current ( Dead Link Removed ). Though the SL66 is supposed to be a monster and the 6000's "burdened" with too much electronix, the latter just seem up-to-date to me. Ebay is devoid of much Rollei, so either the owners love them, or the volumes were always small.

I'm happy with my Brontasaurus (Bronica) and not tempted, but I am mildly curious about the lack of love for what looks to be a solid alternative Zeiss platform (meaning another 6X6 box to hang Zeiss glass on).

Jim Noel · Aug 9, 2017

I believe the Hassy was more popular with professionals because of the between the lens shutter provided faster sync speeds. I have, or have hadboth, and the HAssy doesn't hold a candle to the Rollei as far as versatility. WishI could afford to buy my SL 66 back.

wiltw · Aug 9, 2017

Rollei was quite a pricey medium format SLR!
I found this in a 2005 article,
"The 6008 AF weighs 1,500 grams and is 143 x 139 x 124mm without the lens. It is available through specialty retailers at an estimated retail price of $15,000."

NortheastPhotographic · Aug 9, 2017

I just bought a Leaf AFI (Rollei Hy6) and I couldn't be happier. Sort of (it's getting serviced). It's the best designed MF SLR I'ved used, and I've used them all. I would highly recommend the 6008AF or a Hy6 to anyone.

grimp0teuthis · Aug 9, 2017

I've just bought a 6008 Professional from the US Distributor. I came from a Mamiya Universal with the goal of streamlining my workflow and trying out 6x6. I rented a Hasselblad 503cxi with a 45degree prism and a 150mm CF Sonnar for a weekend to try it out, but was attracted by the 6008's in-body spot metering, motor and film advance, clever darkslide/film magazine system, and of course those lenses. It cost about as much as, or up to $100 less than, the 501cm kits I was looking at on the electronic bay.

The workflow, compared to the Universal, is a revelation. I'm managing the camera less and thinking about the photograph more. It's probably not that different from the Hasselblad, except that you have to get specific, rarer, and more expensive hasselblad equipment to have spot metering without a separate meter. Also, the ergonomics are really excellent—I don't need to look away from the ground glass to do anything, it just feels natural. I have yet to print or scan my first negatives, so no comment on lens quality just yet (most internet commenters/old published reviews rate them at least as highly as hasselblad glass). The negs do look very good, though.

There are downsides: electronics eventually fail and, while I have no qualms about taking the Mamiya Universal out in the rain, I would have second thoughts with the 6008. The need for batteries (esp. NiCD) is an issue and, if I need any repairs, I can expect to pay dearly for them. The 6008 is no lightweight at ~4.5lbs/2kg, but I'm used to heavy cameras (e.g., the Universal) and it's not really all that much heavier than a V-series with a metering prism, not even counting the EL models.

Also I get to feel like a unique special snowflake as one of the few american users

grimp0teuthis · Aug 9, 2017

That said, if anyone can think of a good carrying solution for heavy cameras that combines the weight distribution of a backpack, the quick access of a sling strap, and the non-dorkiness of a messenger bag, please let me know!

Sirius Glass · Aug 9, 2017

Hasselblads have cameras, lenses, parts and services available at good prices, Rollei not so much. Hasselblad is still in business. Rollei may not be, I have not checked since breakfast.

4season · Aug 9, 2017

In the 1990s, I already owned a Rollei SL66 and was keenly interested in the Rolleiflex 6008. But in email correspondence with the USA representative, I got the uncomfortable sense that you could either pay top dollar buying all-new, latest-model product from them, or you could go !@#8 yourself. So I spent my money elsewhere.

AgX · Aug 9, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
Hasselblads have cameras, lenses, parts and services available at good prices, Rollei not so much. Hasselblad is still in business. Rollei may not be, I have not checked since breakfast.

You better did.

Here is what DW Photo (latest Rollei camera-manufacturer rebirth) offer for repair services:
https://www.dw-photo.eu/service.html

They even offer a shipping service from the USA.

Eric Rose · Aug 9, 2017

When I first got into professional commercial photography I was hot to buy an SL66 with all the goodies. I went into one of the local camera stores in town, the only one offering the Rollei and asked to see the one in the display case. The salesman looked down his nose at me and told me flat out I couldn't afford it and he wasn't going to let me come close to it. I turned around really pissed off and went out and down the street to the Hasselblad dealer.

Went in there, dropped a bucket full of cash, and walked out with a comprehensive Blad system. Walked back to the original store and asked for the manager. He came out, I related my story to him and showed him my Blad outfit. The manager/owners face turned white, then green and finally beet red. Once he recovered a bit he called over the pompous salesman and asked him why this nice young chap felt compelled to buy an entire Hasselblad system from their competitor. The manager didn't even let the guy stop stammering and fired him on the spot. From that point on the manager always gave me great deals and mentioned sometime later what happened was a good lesson for the remaining staff.

I am now retired and do photography for non-profits at no charge to them. I just returned from Guatemala doing still and video work for a non-profit down there. Last weekend I was out using my old buddy the very same Blad I bought so many years ago. I have a thread about it in the MF forum if your interested.

Would I have been just as happy using the SL66 if I had purchased it? Probably. I still use my dads old Rolleiflex and love it.

Ian Grant · Aug 9, 2017

It's not a US thing, they just didn't catch on. When launched you only had the option to buy new, Hasselblads were common so plenty of second hand lenses and spare bodies to help build up an outfit.

Bronica were the second 6x6 SLR choice, I ocassionally used an S2a with Nikon, CZJ and Komura lenses, all superb.

Ian

Theo Sulphate · Aug 9, 2017

The 3003 system was magnificent. A brilliant design. I couldn't afford it at the time and it was also uncommon.

https://www.cameraquest.com/rol3003.htm

So, eventually I went to Hasselblad and RB67.

Marcelo Paniagua · Aug 9, 2017

I suppose Hasselblad had a head start on the popularity race. I own a SL66 with some lens and quality is very nice. There are some places that still service it and they are reliable.

I suppose by the time Rollei got into MF SLR, It was competing against both new offerings and used market from Hasselblad, so it got problems to get foothold on the market.

Don't be confused though, quality wise they are good, although a SL66 seems heavier and larger than a Hasselblad.

Regards

Marcelo

faberryman · Aug 9, 2017

And I thought you you were referring to the Rolleiflex SL35 and progeny.

Marcelo Paniagua · Aug 9, 2017

Oh those are good too! Great lenses and a pleasure to use. I use a SL35e chrome and Carl Zeiss lenses are awesome. Not sure why but really enjoy using them

True, they had some reliability problems, but when they worked they where alright. Also got a SL34M but never could bond with it I suppose something to do with ergonomics.

Regards

Sirius Glass · Aug 9, 2017

Eric Rose said:
When I first got into professional commercial photography I was hot to buy an SL66 with all the goodies. I went into one of the local camera stores in town, the only one offering the Rollei and asked to see the one in the display case. The salesman looked down his nose at me and told me flat out I couldn't afford it and he wasn't going to let me come close to it. I turned around really pissed off and went out and down the street to the Hasselblad dealer.

Went in there, dropped a bucket full of cash, and walked out with a comprehensive Blad system. Walked back to the original store and asked for the manager. He came out, I related my story to him and showed him my Blad outfit. The manager/owners face turned white, then green and finally beet red. Once he recovered a bit he called over the pompous salesman and asked him why this nice young chap felt compelled to buy an entire Hasselblad system from their competitor. The manager didn't even let the guy stop stammering and fired him on the spot. From that point on the manager always gave me great deals and mentioned sometime later what happened was a good lesson for the remaining staff.

I am now retired and do photography for non-profits at no charge to them. I just returned from Guatemala doing still and video work for a non-profit down there. Last weekend I was out using my old buddy the very same Blad I bought so many years ago. I have a thread about it in the MF forum if your interested.

Would I have been just as happy using the SL66 if I had purchased it? Probably. I still use my dads old Rolleiflex and love it.

I would love that story even if it had been about a brand other than Hasselblad.

DREW WILEY · Aug 9, 2017

The SL66 had a built-in front-tilt feature plus the smoothest shutter for an SLR I've ever seen. My brother would demonstrate it by placing a dime on EDGE atop the camera (itself atop a table), then tripping the shutter with a cable. The dime didn't even tip over. If I tried that with my Pentax 6X7, that coin would have flipped to the middle of Nevada! But my brother preferred shooting my P67. Anyway, he secured his Rolleis as a salesman. And yep, it was in one of those neighborhoods where mere millionaires were escorted to the back of the line. The were enough billionaires around, and they never had service complaints with cameras because they never seemed to use them. It was all about bragging rights, and Rollei was more snooty than Hassie.

Sirius Glass · Aug 9, 2017

Drew, do mean like this?

Cholentpot · Aug 10, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
Drew, do mean like this?

Eh I can do that with my Lubitel 2.

Slixtiesix · Aug 10, 2017

Yes it´s true! I tried the coin trick with my SL66 too and it did not even start to shake. Quite impressive for such a big focal plane shutter. That a pre-released Hasselblad can do this as well should not be astonishing, there is almost no moving mass in the central shutter.

Sal Santamaura · Aug 10, 2017

DREW WILEY said:
The SL66 had a built-in front-tilt feature...

This is incorrect. The SL66 was/is only capable of a combined front tilt + simultaneous front fall/rise. Its entire front "standard" pivots around a point well behind the lens.

Also, like Hasselblads, the SL66 reverse-curls film, leading to bulging that impacts focus/sharpness. Only the later Rollei medium format SLR film holders have a straight film feed path.

mshchem · Aug 10, 2017

What could be more beautiful than a Hassy 503? And that's coming from a man with 3 Bronica SQAi(s). I may buy a mint state example and put it under glass just to admire it. Stunning in it's lines, much like a classic Porsche.
MHO, Mike

Marcelo Paniagua · Aug 10, 2017

DREW WILEY said:
The SL66 had a built-in front-tilt feature plus the smoothest shutter for an SLR I've ever seen. My brother would demonstrate it by placing a dime on EDGE atop the camera (itself atop a table), then tripping the shutter with a cable. The dime didn't even tip over. If I tried that with my Pentax 6X7, that coin would have flipped to the middle of Nevada! But my brother preferred shooting my P67. Anyway, he secured his Rolleis as a salesman. And yep, it was in one of those neighborhoods where mere millionaires were escorted to the back of the line. The were enough billionaires around, and they never had service complaints with cameras because they never seemed to use them. It was all about bragging rights, and Rollei was more snooty than Hassie.

Really need to try that trick on mine

Regards.

Slixtiesix · Aug 10, 2017

Regarding the popularity Rollei vs. Hasselblad, I think that Hasselblad benefited from being first on the market. The Hasselblad was introduced almost a decade before the SL66 (two decades if you also consider the rare 1600F). Another point may have been the higher price of the SL66 and also more bulk and weight. A major point of critique not the least, that the lens line-up for the SL66 remained rather basic to the very end while Hasselblad already offered new high performance wide-angle, tele and fast lenses.

Eric Rose · Aug 10, 2017

Before I had my bad experience with the sales person (detailed above) I was using a Bronica S2a with various Nikkor lenses. In many respects I actually liked it better than the Blad I ended up with. The only downside for me was the backs didn't stand up to heavy use. I'm talking over 30-40 rolls a day. The gears inside the backs were not made for that kind of punishment. The other downside was many AD's looked for the Blad notches on the contact sheets / light table and if you were using a non-Blad camera they would whine your images weren't sharp enough. This without really looking at them critically. Once I got on to that little bit of stupidity I carefully filed some notches into my Bronica backs. I also filed notches on the opposite side in order to identify a particular back if I had problems with it not spacing properly. Ah the good old days ......

Rollei SLR's: Unloved in the States?

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