Serious love for Rolleiflex 3.5f

[Dali]

I can second the quality of Rick's screens, I had one for my RB67 and it made focusing a breeze compared to the stock ground glass.

Years (a decade?) ago, I fitted a Rolleiflex Automat with a screen from Rick. Despite the brightness, it was a pain fo focus because of a too apparent Fresnel.

 

[Kodachromeguy]

Generally speaking the planars are sharper/better optically than the xenotars. But either should be pretty decent if in good condition.

Ed, I have never seen any verifiable demonstration or proof that the Planars are superior or inferior to the Xenotars. Is there a test in a magazine or web page that demonstrates this?

 

[Dan Daniel]

Years (a decade?) ago, I fitted a Rolleiflex Automat with a screen from Rick. Despite the brightness, it was a pain fo focus because of a too apparent Fresnel.

The screens that Rick sells these days are of a much higher quality than than what he used to sell. The reason the price went from maybe $35 to $85 (not certain if those are the exact numbers).

 

[btaylor]

I have 2 Rolleis with Rick’s recent screens. No fresnel problems. The center micro prism really snaps into focus nicely.

 

[EdSawyer]

Planar vs. Xenotar:

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/MF_testing.html

https://www.rugarchives.org/1996-12/00121.html

(not a specific comparison but does cover 5 vs 6 element planar)

https://translate.google.com/transl...eiflex_vs_Hasselblad_2/00_pag.htm&prev=search

 

[k.hendrik]

Hi everyone,

I have used a variety of cameras in the medium format space but I've just gotten a great condition Rolleiflex 3.5F and for anyone who is on the fence go for it!

I've been shooting with a mamiya RB67 and C330 lately and the sharpness while good with both of these lacks the German micro contrast in my opinion (others may disagree).

I went back and forth over to go the Rolleiflex route and I have to say I'm very glad I did!

I'll post some around the city shots soon as I've just developed my test roll of portra 400 - and it's really something else

Just wanted to hear about any other love stories from the Rolleiflex folks and encourage anyone who is on the fence to take the plunge.

OK, you're half way there now, so take a sharp left(or right) and you're in heaven
https://www.flickr.com/photos/77846450@N00/17244037329/in/dateposted-public/
The most glorious from Rolleiflex; SL66SE (next to his little sister the Grey Baby) With this camera and lenses we don't talk about 'sharpness' this glass is beyond anything. Yes Hasslebald eat this….
Happy shooting!

 

[baachitraka]

Tessar from Rolleiflex T performs equally in comparison to Xenotar from 3.5F....Hmm....

I must change my mind to look for clean Planar then...

 

[Steve Smith]

I have a Rolleiflex 3.5 with Tessar lens, which was my father's. I also have a Rolleicord V with a Schneider lens. I prefer the Rolleicord because of its lens. I'm sure it's the sharpest lens I own.


Steve.

 

[sixby45]

Hi everyone - just realized I've never posted a portrait with the lovely planar 3.5 f here you go and it's why I love doing portraits with this particular combo.

 

[dave olson]

My Rolleiflex is a Zenotar 3.5 F with working meter. I use it outdoors but it is still pristine. I have lens hoods and several filters plus close up attachments. Do I love it you bet, but I also exercise the shutter speeds without film.

 

[Louis Nargi]

I have a Rollei T 3.5 bought around 1973 for 90.00 dollars. came with a hood, a close up lens, and a yellow and red filter Great Camera