Rolleiflex SLX

Adrian Goh · Jul 11, 2005

Hello APUG people

I am about to purchase a Rolleiflex SLX and have read much about it on the web before deciding. It belongs to an artist who has never used it for ages.

I tried the camera at his place and everything seems in great condition; the exterior condition can be rated as 9/10 MINT! I have yet to develop the rolls but wonder if anyone can tell me about manufacture faults that make it a terrible camera to work with.

I only know that the camera shutter must always be cocked before fitting the lens. It would cost me hundreds otherwise to remove the lens from the body if I did not cock the shutter.

My gratitude in advance for anyone with sound advice.

Adrian

Sparky · Jul 12, 2005

I have it on hearsay that the SLX is the "jaguar" of medium format cameras. That is to say - it is FRAUGHT with electrical demons. Apparently the SLX mod.2 is MUCH better in this regard. Or the 6000 series. I LOVE the SLX though. For whatever reason - the one time I used one - I had some amazing chemistry with it. Just GREAT shots. Super lens (that's the 80 I'm talking about).

Claire Senft · Jul 12, 2005

I am no expert on a Rollei SLX. Having a motor driven shutter how is one going to put the lens in an uncocked condition...this is a situation I would find much more likely on a Hasselblad 500 series camera? Supposing it to be true I would ask the following question of myself "If I do not have a second lens or extention tubes why have I taken the lens off in the first place"?

I guess the best resource for you would be to go to the Rollei user group website....I think it is called the Rollei Club. I am not positive but I believe that they would allow a tenderfoot SLX owner to join. If the give you any trouble tell them that you will never eat Braunsweiger again.

Enjoy you new camera.

Helen B · Jul 12, 2005

There's a fairly new Rollei forum as well as the old mailing list. The forum has a similar question about the SLX that has been answered. I use a couple of SL 66 SE's and know nothing about the SLX except that the 40 mm FLE and the 60 mm lenses are a lot easier to get for the SLX than the SL 66.

Best,
Helen

Patrick M · Jul 12, 2005

Well, I use a Rolleiflex SLX myself and I have none of the problems many people have. The point is wether you have the SLX Mod1 oder 2.
The Mark II SLX is much more relieable then the first one (haven't had any problems with it) and has an improved electric system.
Just look here for information on the differences between those cameras: http://www.sl66.com/slx/models.htm

There are optical differences (see link) so you can check what you are going to buy.

Adrian Goh · Jul 16, 2005

Thank you, Patrick for writing. I appreciate your sharing info on the camera and the link.

I have heard much about the unstable/unreliable electronic system for the SLX. When I went down to have a look at the camera, I guess I fell in love with it pretty much. I have taken two rolls of positives with it and will have to wait till the shots are processed before I can decide.

Incidentally, I just got my first Bowen 500 today. I finally can take shots indoors and choreograph as well. I will see about getting the SLX; the owner mentions he has done maintenance on the camera before so this makes me suspect he might not be able to remove the lens.

Keep in touch.

Adrian Goh

Patrick M said:
Well, I use a Rolleiflex SLX myself and I have none of the problems many people have. The point is wether you have the SLX Mod1 oder 2.
The Mark II SLX is much more relieable then the first one (haven't had any problems with it) and has an improved electric system.
Just look here for information on the differences between those cameras: http://www.sl66.com/slx/models.htm

There are optical differences (see link) so you can check what you are going to buy.

Adrian Goh · Jul 16, 2005

Yes, Sparky, I too heard about the 6000 series and went to take a look. Gawd, the price! Heck!

And the lens for SLX, yes, definitely SUPER! The condition of the camera and the 80mm Planar is tip top! The thing about shooting with SLX is I have to think in reverse when moving now. Everything is in opposites.

Thanks for your thoughts! I just got my BOWEN 500 this afternoon! I have been shooting only with available light for the past eight years and finally succumb to salon photography.

Adrian Goh

Sparky said:
I have it on hearsay that the SLX is the "jaguar" of medium format cameras. That is to say - it is FRAUGHT with electrical demons. Apparently the SLX mod.2 is MUCH better in this regard. Or the 6000 series. I LOVE the SLX though. For whatever reason - the one time I used one - I had some amazing chemistry with it. Just GREAT shots. Super lens (that's the 80 I'm talking about).

Adrian Goh · Jul 16, 2005

Hello Helen

Thank you for the reference. I will follow up from there.

Kind regards

Adrian Goh

Helen B said:
There's a fairly new Rollei forum as well as the old mailing list. The forum has a similar question about the SLX that has been answered. I use a couple of SL 66 SE's and know nothing about the SLX except that the 40 mm FLE and the 60 mm lenses are a lot easier to get for the SLX than the SL 66.

Best,
Helen

Adrian Goh · Jul 16, 2005

Haha! Braunsweiger eh? I shall try that, the moment I get the chance! Thank you very much for the reference.

I am just starting out on studio photography now and I feel born all over again! I have been shooting eight years now on Nikon FM and FMII with only available light. I feel guilty with the flash and that is why I only do event coverage with it.

Now I have a Bowen 500, something inside me starts to tickle; the unlimited possibility of chroegraphed studio photography! I love still life and just got a large piece of black felt for the backdrop.

Adrian Goh

Claire Senft said:
I am no expert on a Rollei SLX. Having a motor driven shutter how is one going to put the lens in an uncocked condition...this is a situation I would find much more likely on a Hasselblad 500 series camera? Supposing it to be true I would ask the following question of myself "If I do not have a second lens or extention tubes why have I taken the lens off in the first place"?

I guess the best resource for you would be to go to the Rollei user group website....I think it is called the Rollei Club. I am not positive but I believe that they would allow a tenderfoot SLX owner to join. If the give you any trouble tell them that you will never eat Braunsweiger again.

Enjoy you new camera.

Rolleiflex SLX

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