Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely look into those. All of the different Rollei models overwhelm me a little. So many options and I know so little. Light meter is one thing I don't care about so I agree it's a positive not having one!Probably the best bang for the buck is either a Rolleiflex MX or Rolleiflex MX-EVS. These have really nice f3.5 Tessar lenses and are comparatively lighter than the D, E, F 3.5 and 2.8 Rolleis. I own an MX Automat and it has always worked well and given me great negatives. The downsides are: 1- the focus screen is dim for use indoors. It is useable it just takes some getting used to. 2- No light meter (a positive in a way) 3- focus screens are not easily swapped out and you can't readily use a prism for these. Still extremely well made and reliable. Rolleicord is also a great option. I agree that they complement an RB really well as they are so much easier to bring along on walks or for travel.
Paul
What do you want out of your camera? I think that there are two major issues with Rolleiflexes. One is condition. Pure and simple. Old cameras need to be cared for.
Second, lens. There are two main classes- the 4-element Tessar/Zenar lens, and the 5/6 element Planar/Xenotar. The Tessar-type is on models like the MX, MX-EVS, and Rolleicords. Almost all 'lettered' Rolleiflexes (C,D, E, and F) are the Planar-type. Your YashicaMat has a Tessar-type lens. The Planar-types tend towards better microcontrast and sharper.
By the time the MX-EVS was being made, Rollei had pretty well established the basic mechnisms through out the camera. There was some finessing of things like the focus adjustment and alignment system and such, and metering and couple metering, but no real structural changes.
Generally a Tessar-type will run you $250-550, a Planar-type will run you $500- 1200 and beyond
I do have an MX-EVS in the classifieds still.
Really just looking for something more portable than my RB67 and square format for something different. The cheaper the better too but want to be realistic.
Really just looking for something more portable than my RB67 and square format for something different. The cheaper the better too but want to be realistic.
The Xenar lens in a Rolleicord is a very nice lens. And the Rokkor in a Minolta Autocord is also very nice, probably the 'best' Tessar-type lens in a TLR. And the lever focus is nice, I find. Both of these are built better than YashicaMats. But still, for overall design and quality mechanics and such, the Rolleiflex is the nicest camera to use.
I recently acquired a Rolleiflex Automat 3 with a Tessar lens, for $110. and I find it a very good camera. I used to have a 3.5F model with the Xenotar and the lens performance was better (contrast, flare control) but I honestly like the rendering style of the Tessar lenses better. There's nothing wrong with the less expensive models with the Tessar lenses, as long as you understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Photo made with my Tessar Rolleiflex:
Paul, this one is beautiful!
Sounds like you got a steal. That's a beautiful photo. Thanks for all of the info. it's helped a great deal!
Thanks for all of the advice. Love looking at these beautiful cameras. I think my budget is more on the low end. 300 USD max since it won't be my main camera but something I can use on the go and such. Would you all recommend places like KEH or the forum and shy away from the auction site? Just curious.
I tend to agree with this, probably because I have one too. Got a mint one for $400 (some 10 years back) but added another $400 to "Fleenorize" it with Maxwell screen included (it was mint just with unknown history when in hibernation). While I love its mechanical quality, I get just as much joy from using several Yashicas with plain Mat probably my favorite, but the mint never used A topping my collection (originally sold in 1957, repurchased in 2018 with apparent zero use in between).Paul, nice shot, no doubt.
I like the 3.5F planar as the best option. It's cheaper than the 2.8s, but still in demand so it will hold value better than the lesser rolleis. Also, as the latest model in that line, it's likely to be the most reliable and is definitely among the most refined of the Rolleis. Lighter than the 2.8 series also. No, it's not the cheapest (I'd expect to spend about $800-1000 for a really mint one), but it will hold value and be useful indefinitely. No need to start with an entry level one and then step up, that's just a waste of time and $. Go for the best from the get-go: buy once, cry once. ;-)
-Ed
Craiglist is always an option, eye-to-eye deals are at least on surface safer, but I would not shy away from Ebay. While most of these are generally overpriced, there are still bargains to be head, just a lot more patience is now usually required to find one.Thanks for all of the advice. Love looking at these beautiful cameras. I think my budget is more on the low end. 300 USD max since it won't be my main camera but something I can use on the go and such. Would you all recommend places like KEH or the forum and shy away from the auction site? Just curious.
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