Rolleiflex vs rolleicord

[cabledog]

So I'm deciding between a rolleiflex 3.5 evs xenar/Tessar or rolleicord V 3.5 xenar. Condition aside is there a big enough difference between these two to pay 2-3 times as much for the rolleiflex?

Also this camera is to be my lightweight travel camera. Although there is a slight weight difference some say the cord feels much lighter which can be a plus or minus.

 

[summicron1]

unless you are an optical technician with access to a test bench, and are VERY picky about stuff no normal person can see, there is no difference between those two lenses. The Xenar lens is amazing and the Rolleicord is a wonderful camera, light and sturdy. The only drawback is having to cock the shutter manually after advancing the film with a knob instead of a crank.

To avoid all that drudgery you pay 2-3 times more? Well, there's your answer.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Rolleiclub.com

Lots of detailed info there about all Rolleis.
I use an Automat k4b2 ('flex) with a Zeiss Opton Tessar, the lens is excellent, the camera feels lighter than it is, you cradle it in two hands. The Xenar/Planar lenses drive the price up considerably, but the Tessars if in good condition are excellent with a smooth rendering.

 

[cabledog]

I had a c220 so I'm used to knob and manual shutter

 

[Ian Grant]

I have a Rolleicord I need to rebuild - it was dirt cheap, I also have a Microcord which is a far better made British clone, the Ross Xpres is a better lens than the Tressar/Xenarlens as well, great cameras. However the wind mechanism is not a lot of fun.

In comparison I also have and use have a Yashicamat 124 and a pair of Rolleiflex cameras as well a 3.5E2 Xenotar and an Automat EVS MX Opton Tessar, all three are far easier to use, and for that reason I prefer using them. They get regular use and contribute to m,y exhibition sets.

Ian

 

[mike c]

I would go with the Rolliecord, its an amazing light weight camera , I have one with the Xenar lens that I toke while vacationing in Europe and Japan. A neck strap is handy also.

 

[BrianShaw]

I would go with the Rolliecord, its an amazing light weight camera , I have one with the Xenar lens that I toke while vacationing in Europe and Japan. A neck strap is handy also.

I have to agree with this. Same as my experience except I've never been to Japan and use a monopod instead of strap. Was effective for me over 25 years of travel photography.

 

[one90guy]

I have a Rolleicord III, received it from the original buyer who used it for years. And still going strong and has never been repaired. For the money they are hard yo beat.

David

 

[mike c]

Never used a monopod but brought a tripod along but in crowded streets its a hassle, the monopod would work better maybe.

 

[btaylor]

+1, I vote for the Rolleicord for travel. I have a 2.8D, an Automat as well as my trusty Rolleicord V. The Rolleicord is lighter, you can feel it. I can't see any difference in the photos any of them make. Save the weight and the money, a moment cocking the shutter won't make a difference.

 

[cabledog]

Looks like the consensus is rolleicord!

 

[Huss]

Rolleiflex. You'll always want one if you get the 'cord. Even if you don't get the 'cord you'll still want one.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Rolleicord is significant on prints quality difference from Yashica, Mamiya. But I'm not so sure if difference between Cord and Flex is this significant on the prints...

 

[btaylor]

Huss, that's funny and true. I had my Rolleicord for decades... of course I always wanted a 'flex. So I bought a couple Rolleiflex, and I still love the 'cord and take it when I travel.

 

[cabledog]

Can you get a nd filter for the cord?

 

[Dan Daniel]

Can you get a nd filter for the cord?

Your best bet for filters and Rolleicords/flexes is to get a Bay I to 49mm adapter, or Bay I to 52mm adapter. This allows for the full range of contemporary filters, not just older filters in Bay I mounts.

If you are new to medium format, get the 'Cord for now. The lens is as good as the Tessar and it has simpler mechanics so less prone to need overhauls and such. Spend the extra money on film.

 

[mike c]

Your best bet for filters and Rolleicords/flexes is to get a Bay I to 49mm adapter, or Bay I to 52mm adapter. This allows for the full range of contemporary filters, not just older filters in Bay I mounts.

+1 on the filter adapter, the old bayonet filters are hard to find and not coated.

 

[Down Under]

Consider the Rolleicord Vb. One of the best Rolleis ('flex or 'cord) ever made. Later models had an improved Xenar lens, supposedly multicoated throughout altho I've not found any documentation in Rollei literature or books to verify this. I have a 1967 model, recently purchased for a very good price, which shoots just as good as my Rolleiflex T with the (supposedly better) Tessar lens. Prints to quarter plate size made from negatives shot with the Vb and the T, show no differences in sharpness or tones. the mid tones in my Xenar negatives are simply gorgeous.

An added feature of the Vb is you can get a 16 exposure and a 24 exposure kit which will give you more shots per roll of 120 film. Given the cost of this film nowadays, this isn't a small consideration.

A lens hood, a UV filter and maybe a yellow (add an orange if you can get one) in the superb Rollei bayonet 1 series, and there's your kit.

An exposure meter (consider one of the late Westons but check it to be sure it's working correctly) will improve your percentage of 'keepers'.

Mine will go traveling with me to Asia in October, along with a plastic container holding 20 rolls of B&W film. What more do I need...

 

[cabledog]

I have several medium format cameras and had a c220 tlr but there are sooooo many iterations of the rolleiflex and cord I wanted to get some feedback from people that actually have used them. I can get a rollei V with case, caps, box and manual and was CLAd in mint condition for 245. Seems like a good deal.

Your best bet for filters and Rolleicords/flexes is to get a Bay I to 49mm adapter, or Bay I to 52mm adapter. This allows for the full range of contemporary filters, not just older filters in Bay I mounts.

If you are new to medium format, get the 'Cord for now. The lens is as good as the Tessar and it has simpler mechanics so less prone to need overhauls and such. Spend the extra money on film.

 

[cabledog]

The Vb would definitely be nice but at the moment tough to find at good value.

Consider the Rolleicord Vb. One of the best Rolleis ('flex or 'cord) ever made. Later models had an improved Xenar lens, supposedly multicoated throughout altho I've not found any documentation in Rollei literature or books to verify this. I have a 1967 model, recently purchased for a very good price, which shoots just as good as my Rolleiflex T with the (supposedly better) Tessar lens. Prints to quarter plate size made from negatives shot with the Vb and the T, show no differences in sharpness or tones. the mid tones in my Xenar negatives are simply gorgeous.

An added feature of the Vb is you can get a 16 exposure and a 24 exposure kit which will give you more shots per roll of 120 film. Given the cost of this film nowadays, this isn't a small consideration.

A lens hood, a UV filter and maybe a yellow (add an orange if you can get one) in the superb Rollei bayonet 1 series, and there's your kit.

An exposure meter (consider one of the late Westons but check it to be sure it's working correctly) will improve your percentage of 'keepers'.

Mine will go traveling with me to Asia in October, along with a plastic container holding 20 rolls of B&W film. What more do I need...

 

[papagene]

I have both and I am hard pressed to tell them apart from a print. The only draw back with the 'Cord is that the viewfinder is dimmer and harder to focus. But out in decent daylight that is not that big a problem.

 

[btaylor]

$245? That is a banging deal. You will love it.

 

[cabledog]

What about the weight? Can you tell a big difference between them in weight?

 

[baachitraka]

I have both and I am hard pressed to tell them apart from a print. The only draw back with the 'Cord is that the viewfinder is dimmer and harder to focus. But out in decent daylight that is not that big a problem.

Rolleicord Va's stock focus screen is much brighter than GG.

 

[dourbalistar]

One consideration that I don't think has been mentioned yet is ergonomics. The Rolleicord V's shutter cocking and release mechanism is via a lever under the taking lens. Pull the lever to the right to cock the shutter, and pull to the left to release the shutter. I believe in the Rolleiflex models, the mechanisms are separate. Cock the shutter (and advance the film) via a winding lever on the side of the body, release the shutter using a shutter release button on the front of the camera.

For handheld use, I personally find the Rolleicord V's shutter release a little awkward and less ergonomic. I much prefer the Rolleiflex/Hasselblad shutter release. YMMV, and in the end, your wallet might be the decider.