TLR Camera suggestions

[Slixtiesix]

I too would recommend a Rolleicord if the Flex is too expensive for you. Same Rollei quality, but film transport and shutter are not coupled so you have to do both separately.

 

[Ian Grant]

The Yashicamat 124 and 124G are the best of the Yashica TLR's I like my 124 and I use it quite a bit when I'm in Turkey, it's lighter than my 2 Rolleiflex cameras and the results are excellent. I think weight with TLRs is important I used to have a Mamiya C system two bodies a C33 & and a C3 with a couple of lenses fine if that's all your using but heavy compared the a Yashica or Rolleiflex, I'm often using a TLR alongside an LF camera.

In the UK my main TLR is a Rolleifllex E3 f3.5 Xenotar which is in mint condition so I'm tending to use my Automat with it's Opton Tessar more. I picked the Automat up cheap at a flea market and it's more of a user camera.

Another flea market find is an MPP Microcord MkII, essentially a British made Rolleicord with an excellent Ross Xpres lens. These are excellent cameras, usually quite inexpensive,and the lens is better than a Tesar/Xenar and also the Yashinon in my experience.

Ian

 

[DannL.]

I didn't realize that the Kodak Hawkeye that I'm using would qualify as a TLR. So, there's a camera that was probably not at the top of anyone's list. I'm surprised though, since it's quite obvious that most TLR manufacturers copied the Hawkeye's finest features directly. ie; a shutter, a red window, a winder knob, near silent operation. But, nobody apparently copied the Hawkeye's overwhelming popularity. Having used this one, I can see why that is.

 

[xya]

the weight issue with the mamiya C series is often exagerated. a mamiya c220f, lens included, weighs 1440 gr. (I weighed one of mine), a rolleiflex from the same period (70s) 1220 gr. (3.5 F, according to camerapedia)

is that really so much to skip the option to change lenses?

 

[hsandler]

Although not as plentiful as the yashica mats and autocords, the Ricoh Diacord is an often undervalued Japanese TLR with a good 4 element lens, and arguably the most ergonomic focus control of any TLR. They have knob wind and there is not much to break.

 

[piu58]

> a rolleiflex ... 1220 gr. (3.5 F, according to camerapedia)

My Flex 3,5F weights 1142 gr, without film, hood and case.

My old Cord Vb weights less than 1000 gr (I don't have it anymore and cannot re-weight it)

 

[anfenglin]

my 'cord weighs roughly 900g including hood, yellow filter and a roll of film.

 

[DWThomas]

Out of curiosity I just put my Yahica 124G on the kitchen scale - 1095 grams w/film (and without the leather case.

Of course, even my little Perkeo II 6x6 folder weighs about 545 grams with film and no case. These cameras go back to the days when cameras were made of metal and glass!

And for grins, the Zenzanon PS 110mm f/4.5 1:1 Macro for my Bronica weighs about 920 grams by itself! (But it's a joy to use ....)

 

[DannL.]

My Hawkeye weights about 400 grams. That's almost as much as a ham and cheese sandwich.