Selling my beloved Rolleiflex. What budget replacement will mend my heart?

[ic-racer]

If this a 3.5F in good condition and has a Fleenor sticker dated within the last year or so plus the documentation of what was done it will go for $1000-1200+. Selling for that, buying a decent Rolleicord and pocketing the difference is not insignificant especially since the OP says he rarely if ever uses the 3.5F.

SOLD! for $1200 sight unseen. Will you be paying with PayPal?

 

[Paul Verizzo]

Cheap 6x6? Get a Holga and call it a day. Bright side: It'll be lighter than the 3.5f!

Right...............................

 

[filmamigo]

I can't recommend a folder as a reasonable replacement for your Rollei. I have explored the whole range of classic folders, and the only series comparable (in image quality and build quality) is the Zeiss Super Ikonta. Superbly built, but still it's like shooting with a point-and-shoot camera. Totally different experience to the big TLR ground glass. And a clean Super Ikonta will require much of the money from your 3.5.

In addition, I sold a 2.8F. I wasn't sold on the lens (preferring something contrastier) and it seemed like a lot of money to sit on my shelf. But I have regretted selling it ever since. My "budget" replacement has been a 3.5 Automat that has needed a lot of work to restore.

That's the long way to say, don't sell it! It's a desert island camera.

 

[flavio81]

I doubt that a 6x6 folder camera could equal the quality of the Rolleiflex.

Your best bet is a Rolleicord equipped with the Xenar or the Tessar. This would give you the same results for less money. The rolleicord is a fine machine.

Alternative is the Mamiya C220S with a 105/3.5S or 105/3.5DS lens. Warning: You will love the lens.

 

[kb3lms]

Keep your Rolleiflex. You'll kick yourself for having sold it and the money won't make a dent in the house costs or make up for not having it any longer. Use it to take pictures of houses you are interested in buying.

 

[Brett Rogers]

I doubt that a 6x6 folder camera could equal the quality of the Rolleiflex.

Your best bet is a Rolleicord equipped with the Xenar or the Tessar. This would give you the same results for less money. The rolleicord is a fine machine.

Alternative is the Mamiya C220S with a 105/3.5S or 105/3.5DS lens. Warning: You will love the lens.

Earlier Rolleicords came fitted with a Zeiss Triotar taking lens, later ones with the Schneider Xenar 75mm f/3.5 that was also used in some of the Automat Rolleiflexes. But to the best of my knowledge, no production Rolleicord model was ever fitted with a Zeiss Tessar.
Cheers,
Brett

 

[flavio81]

Earlier Rolleicords came fitted with a Zeiss Triotar taking lens, later ones with the Schneider Xenar 75mm f/3.5 that was also used in some of the Automat Rolleiflexes. But to the best of my knowledge, no production Rolleicord model was ever fitted with a Zeiss Tessar.
Cheers,
Brett

Thanks Brett. I didn't know that. I just assumed that if the Rolleicord was available with the Xenar (like mine), then surely it was also available with the Tessar.

 

[dasBlute]

Keep the Rolleiflex, no folder will do. I shoot 5x7, 4x5 and have two Rolleis. They are by far more used than the larger cameras both
for convenience, weight, and quick reaction times to changing situations and weather. If I had only one camera, it'd be a Rolleiflex.
-Tim

 

[Neil Poulsen]

I had a 2.8 Xenotar E as my first medium format camera after having used 35mm. What I missed most with this camera was being able to change lenses. Even with the Rollie lens hood attached, it flared with high key subject matter. Not being able to conveniently use it at eye level, which is the most natural perspective, was limiting.

Sometimes I think about having a TLR again. But then I'm reminded of the limitations, and I easily dismiss the notion.

 

[flavio81]

I had a 2.8 Xenotar E as my first medium format camera after having used 35mm. What I missed most with this camera was being able to change lenses. Even with the Rollie lens hood attached, it flared with high key subject matter. Not being able to conveniently use it at eye level, which is the most natural perspective, was limiting.

Sometimes I think about having a TLR again. But then I'm reminded of the limitations, and I easily dismiss the notion.

You can use it at eye level using the sports finder! Or the accesory prism.

As for lens interchangeability, go for a Mamiya C330 or C220 and you'll be happy. There is a 55mm wideangle with low distortion, a 65mm wideangle which is extremely sharp, an 80/2.8 which is general purpose, a 105/3.5 which is beautiful for portraits, as well as the 135/4.5, and the star of all the 180/4.5 lens which is really sharp and useful. Plus a 250/6.3 lens, should you want to go that far. All this backed up by a full line of accesory viewfinders and focusing screens.

 

[Regular Rod]

I'm wearing many hats of family man, grown up student guy, and want to buy a house in the next year guy. Thus, since I'm not using medium format as much as I used to, my Fleenor-ized 3.5f must go. I shoot mostly 4x5 now but I'm not ready to give up MF yet.

So, the big question is what camera out there won't leave me totally disappointed compared to the ol' Planar lens? I'm not terribly picky except for lens performance. Compact is a great thing, though (no RB67!) I do love the square format, I don't need interchangeable lenses, I don't need a meter, any viewfinder system is fine except for scale focus. Folders are great, maybe just a Rolleicord, or something totally different?

Thanks for any ideas you have! Sub $200 is great.

AGFA Record III with Solinar Lens if possible if not get one with Apotar. Remarkably good for the money.

If square is okay and if you can find one, a Mamiya-6 Folding camera with Zuiko lens is also very good.

RR