Rolleiflex vs rolleicord

Fixcinater

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A 'Cord definitely feels lighter, the Xenar is a darn fine lens. The finder on the 'Cord is never going to be as bright as on a 'flex, due to the viewing lens being f/3.5 vs f/2.8 but for daylight use that's no problem really.

I sold the Rolleicord V I had for a long while, moved that on and kept a Minolta Autocord and a 2.8F, along with some parts Rolleis that I may get around to fixing up and shooting one day. My brain doesn't work well with the separate shutter cocking/film winding, so the 'Cord had to go.
 

btaylor

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Concerning the Rolleicord separate shutter cocking procedure, I can see how this could be annoying if you don't use it regularly. I have it ingrained in my head that as soon as I advance the film I cock the shutter, I make it one motion. Also, there was an accessory-- I think originally supplied-- that screws into the cable release socket and acts as a push button shutter release. Very convenient and not awkward at all.
The difference in weight and balance between my 'cord and 2.8 'flex is very noticeable to me.
 
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cabledog

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Do you find that to favor the cord for travel? I saw those adaptors. It's a shame no one has come up with a cheaper replica. Not sure I wanna spend $50 on that little piece. Think I'll have to handle the cord first and decide if it's worth the investment.

As a side note my dog needed surgery today so I'm going with the rolleicord V. It's been CLAd a few weeks ago and comes with every accessory I need. Except the shutter release heh.


 

btaylor

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I prefer to take the 'cord while traveling for two reasons: one, it is of course noticeably lighter so easier to carry. Second, My 2.8 'flex is fairly valuable, and I would hate to drop and damage it or heaven forbid have it stolen. I use it on photo trips.

Yes, $50 is absurd for that release. On the other hand, it is useful and it will still be worth $50 if you ever decide to sell it. I could not find a cheaper replica either. Just buy it. The pain will be quickly forgotten.
 

mike c

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I have seen those after market adapters on Ebay for a lot cheaper than $50, I have one or two, made in China but work good.
 

summicron1

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I have a Vb with the original little trigger thing that goes into the cable release socket -- it works ok, but i find it just as natural, before taking a shot, to pull the cocking lever to one side and then push it the other to shoot...easier, in fact, because i am then cocking and shooting with the same fingers. To use that little trigger thingy y ou have to switch hands because it is on the left side, at least on the Vb, while to cock the camera you pull the lever under the lens to the right.

Pushing the little lever to the left with the same fingers to fire also prevents vibration that pushing up on the little trigger thingy can cause.
For me, anyway, it just feels natural to do it all with my right hand.
Either way, whatever works for you.
 

chromacomaphoto

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'Cords are significantly lighter and when stopped down just a little they provide insanely good images. For travel, the light weight plus smaller amount of money invested into it might work out better (lighter to drag around all day and less heartache if you knock it about a bit by accident on your travels).

All that said, I still prefer a 'Flex ha.
 
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cabledog

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Damn it. I've been going back and forth between these two for the last two days. But the cord hits on so many levels for me. The only thing I've been worrying about is the ergonomics. I'm sure I can get used to it though. I mean I can always buy a 2.8 or 3.5 flex later. But since this is a "travel" camera the priorities should be weight and minimizing heartache of thievery and clumsiness . Right now I get sooooo nervous leaving my gx617 in the car when I travel. Hate carrying around my expensive equipment traveling.
 
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cabledog

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True but I do love tlr cameras I have an addiction to cameras in general. Heh
 

R.Gould

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I have a cord and a flex, and also a Microcord 1 1/2, to be honest I prefer the microcord, apart from the difference in that my Rolleicord va2 has the dreaded exposure value systenm and setting/releasing shutter beneath the lens there really is no difference in the results between the 2, my cord is easier to focus than the flex in that my cord has a split image as per a SLR, but that is all, as far as the brightness of the screen there is no difference, as far as the weight, very little difference, but the results with my Microcord, with the Ross xpres lens, is slightly better than either of the rollei's, the focus screen in the Microcord is a little dimmer, but that can be easily addressed if it becomes a problem, as far as the winding, having both the winding and focus on the same side I find easier, you just have a large button in the middle of the winder to release it, winds perfectly, I would suggest that given the choice I would pick a Microcord over a Rollei any time
Richard
 

btaylor

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I wouldn't worry too much about the ergonomics. You will buy the Rolleicord first and like it so much you will buy a Rolleiflex to keep it company, then you'll always have a choice!
 
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cabledog

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I've got a feeling this is exactly what's gonna end up happening heh


btaylor said:
I wouldn't worry too much about the ergonomics. You will buy the Rolleicord first and like it so much you will buy a Rolleiflex to keep it company, then you'll always have a choice!
Click to expand...
 

Alan9940

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btaylor said:
I wouldn't worry too much about the ergonomics. You will buy the Rolleicord first and like it so much you will buy a Rolleiflex to keep it company, then you'll always have a choice!
Click to expand...

+1!

I have both a 'Cord Vb and a 'Flex MX-EVS and both produce beautiful images. The only thing I don't like about the 'Cord is the fiddly shutter/aperture adjustment; I don't need them coupled. That said, though, I'd definitely go with a 'Cord V series for your needs and get a 'Flex later as funds allow it.
 

FujiLove

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I own a Rolleicord Vb and a Rolleiflex 3.5F. I prefer the Rolleicord because it's significantly lighter, I like the knob film wind and find the shutter cocking and release a nicer experience than the winder on the 'flex. The accessories are also much cheaper and more readily available. I can't see any difference in image quality.

I'd sell the 'flex for the right price, but I'll own the Vb on the day I die.
 
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cabledog

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Does the V have it where you can still see the ground glass when using the sports finder? Or is it just the small hole to look through?
 

mike c

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My Cord only has the hole you look thru, the Flex I have does have the mirror, but does not work well for me.
 

btaylor

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Both the 'cord and the 'flex have the "sports finder" peep sight in the hood (which I love), the 'flex has the focus mirror as well. While the mirror reflecting the groundglass is a clever feature I don't find it very practical in use. It's hard to focus my eye and also find my subject on the somewhat dim reflection.
 

macfred

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Three weeks ago I had to make a similar decision - I got an offer for a R'cord Vb and another for a R'flex 3.5F (Mod.1 with Planar lens). It wasn't an easy decision to take ...
I ended up with the 3.5F because it wasn't so much more expensive than the Vb and -that was a decivise reason for me- in a much better condition.
But the Vb is nice too - I saw a couple of photographs taken with these cameras and -for me- it was hard to tell which were taken with the R'cord and which with the R'flex.

--
Btw - there's an aftermarket Rolleicord shutter release plunger for a reasonable price on ebay : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shutter-Rel...rd-IV-V-Va-Vb-New-Made-in-Japan-/253152454299
 

Steve Smith

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I have one of each. I prefer the Rolleicord. I think its lens is the sharpest I own.


Steve.
 

BMbikerider

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Personally, if you can get hold of a Minolta Autocord in good condition, it will serve you just as well as the Rollieflex for the same money as a Rolliecord. Yes good ones are hard to come by but when you get a good-un you will know it
 
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cabledog

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Thanks for the link to the release. I ended up with that rolleicord, should be here tomorrow. It fits the purpose of lightweight and is mechanically simpler so less to go wrong. Both important factors when traveling to places that don't have camera repair shops.
 
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cabledog

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Steve Smith said:
I have one of each. I prefer the Rolleicord. I think its lens is the sharpest I own.


Steve.
Click to expand...

I've read in some places that people see sharper images from their cords but many attribute it to the shutter mechanism on the cord. Because it doesn't take a lot of force to trip and you are moving it along the camera plane rather than pushing into the camera like the flex. Who knows if it's true but it sounds true so that must mean it's true.
 
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