Which Medium Format Camera Meets My Needs?

JPD · Dec 9, 2024

The Rolleifix quick-release tripod head is great. It's described in "The Practical Accessories" booklet: https://butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleiflex_acc/rolleiflex_acc.htm

"Can be used for all Rollei models with grooved edge an the tripod socket.

Designed for: Quick fastening at the Rollei to the tripod or to the bracket of an electronic flash unit.
Operation:
1. Screw the Rolleifix firmly to the tripod.
2. Raise the catch on the under side of the lock-lever and push lever downward.
3. Place the camera on the Rolleifix and slide it forward so that the tripod socket reaches the forward end at the retaining grooves.
4. Throw the locking lever upward to secure."

albireo · Dec 9, 2024

Just a further note to say that installing this bit of kit effectively locks the film door into place.

This means that if you want to get the film out when done and load another roll, you will have to remove the accessory from the camera.

Can be perhaps slightly inconvenient if you're in the middle of a fruitful session and burning through a few rolls in one go.

baachitraka · Dec 9, 2024

No it's easy. Just lower the Rolleifix level and camera is free and you can change the roll like it is usually done

JPD · Dec 9, 2024

albireo said:
Just a further note to say that installing this bit of kit effectively locks the film door into place.

This means that if you want to get the film out when done and load another roll, you will have to undo the steps that JPD outlined just above.

Can be cumbersome if you're in the middle of a fruitful session and burning through a few rolls in one go.

It's a quick-release, so you just unlock it and slide the camera out and unload/reload the camera as normal. Then you slide the camera back in and lock it in place. Without it you would have to rotate the camera to unscrew and screw it back on, and you will probably have to adjust the tripod head.

A big tripod head may block the locking lever on the Rolleifix, though.

albireo · Dec 9, 2024

JPD said:
It's a quick-release, so you just unlock it and slide the camera out and unload/reload the camera as normal.

Sorry you're right That's what I meant. I didn't mean to say it's difficult or particularly problematic, I said it's a (admittedly tiny) waste of time if you're 'in the flow'.

I've reworded my post above.

runswithsizzers · Dec 9, 2024

Thanks to all for your clarifications about the the Rolleifix. If I understand correctly, the camera can be removed, leaving ALL of the Rolleifix attached to the tripod, right? Might be handy.

While researching the Rolleifix, I read several posts which said the bottom part of the door on Rollei cameras can easily be damaged if the camera is stressed while attached to a tripod — and the Rolleifix is supposed to correct this weakness - Yes? No?

Sometimes I would leave the Mamiya C220 attached to the tripod and rest the tripod on my shoulder while walking short distances to the next photo. Apparently, this is a definite no-no with Rollei cameras?

The question I am trying to answer is this, Is the Rolleifix an optional accessory for convenience? Or is it a near-necessity for tripod work to prevent damage to the camera body?

baachitraka · Dec 9, 2024

runswithsizzers said:
Thanks to all for your clarifications about the the Rolleifix. If I understand correctly, the camera can be removed, leaving ALL of the Rolleifix attached to the tripod, right? Might be handy.

Yes. It's easy and safe.

runswithsizzers said:
While researching the Rolleifix, I read several posts which said the bottom part of the door on Rollei cameras can easily be damaged if the camera is stressed while attached to a tripod — and the Rolleifix is supposed to correct this weakness - Yes? No?

Without Rolleifix or tripod plate, there is a possibility that the bottom could go bad.

I personally use Rolleifix + tripod plate (I got one)

runswithsizzers said:
Sometimes I would leave the Mamiya C220 attached to the tripod and rest the tripod on my shoulder while walking short distances to the next photo. Apparently, this is a definite no-no with Rollei cameras?

I don't dare to do that without Rolleifix.

For the last point, I would say, if you find one please get it.

albireo · Dec 9, 2024

@runswithsizzers - - if I may throw in another half-random bit of advice - the Rolleifix is for sure an interesting accessory, but depending on the photography you do, I wonder if you're getting too hung up on this Rolleifix+Tripod thing.

One thing I love to do with my TLRs is pure, unburdened, low light handheld photography. No cable release, no tripod, no Rolleifix. Nothing but you, your feet, the camera and - if you want - a strap (I don't use one).

Remember that one massive advantage of these cameras, on top of everything else (eg beautiful lenses, well built, quiet operation etc) is the leaf shutter. You CAN and should try handheld photography with a Rolleicord at shutter speeds that would be guaranteed to give you motion blur if using an SLR with a slapping mirror.

Just yesterday I was out and about with my 3.5F III in awful weather. Miserable light. I decided to defy the elements and shoot, handheld, a roll of Rollei Retro 80S exposed at 50EI. I left my aperture at f/3.5 to f/5.6. Shutter speeds ended up being 1/15th or 1/30th of a second based on incident measurements. All my subjects were stationary. I nailed focus and got no motion blur in 100% of the 1/30th shots, and 80% of the 1/15th shots. Keep the Rollei steady on your belly or chest, use the focus magnifier, hold your breath - click - done.

To do handheld available light photography with a 50 ISO film at 1/15th sec in winter on an SLR you'd need e.g. a Canon EOS with one of those 35mm IS (image stabilisation) lenses, and the lens alone would cost you more than a Rolleicord.

So try it! It's fun

runswithsizzers · Dec 9, 2024

@albireo, thanks for the encouragement. I probably did use the tripod with the Mamiya C220 in circumstances where it was not strictly necessary to prevent camera motion. After some recent disappointing results from my mirrorless digital camera at 1/30 and even 1/60, I have been assuming (without evidence) that my handheld results with the TLR would be no better.

So after I get my hands on the Rolleicord, I will definitely re-evaluate my ability to handhold at moderate-to-low shutter speeds.

So I may use the Rolleicord on a tripod less, but I will use it on a tripod some. On a recent night time outing I shot a roll of Ilford Delta 3200 (at EI 1600), and for that roll my shutter speeds were typically between 1/4 and 2 seconds. Results here: https://garywright.smugmug.com/Photography/Ilford-Delta-3200-120-Nov-2024

I don’t do that often, but I do have another roll of 120 Delta 3200 waiting for a camera.

Sirius Glass · Dec 9, 2024

runswithsizzers said:
Thanks. With the Mamiya C220, I did use the tripod -- a lot. Sometimes it was very annoying to set up the tripod, but once setup, I was able to control my framing and focus more precisely; especially so when using the level. Then again, sometimes it was a relief to leave the tripod in the car and shoot unanchored.

I believe I did read somewhere that Rollei uses a 3/8-inch threaded hole for their tripod mount, which is less common than the 1/4-inch size. There are threaded bushings available that reduce the 3/8 bore to 1/4-inch, which I already have.

When will you buy additional lenses. Mamiya Cx camera big advantages are the interchangeable lenses and to bellows that allow close up focusing without having to make more purchases.

GregY · Dec 9, 2024

Sirius Glass said:
When will you buy additional lenses. Mamiya Cx camera big advantages are the interchangeable lenses and to bellows that allow close up focusing without having to make more purchases.

SG, He doesn't own a C220...it belonged to the university & he returned it. He just bought a Rolleicord.....

baachitraka · Dec 9, 2024

runswithsizzers said:
So I may use the Rolleicord on a tripod less, but I will use it on a tripod some. On a recent night time outing I shot a roll of Ilford Delta 3200 (at EI 1600), and for that roll my shutter speeds were typically between 1/4 and 2 seconds. Results here: https://garywright.smugmug.com/Photography/Ilford-Delta-3200-120-Nov-2024

First exposure is great...

albireo · Dec 9, 2024

runswithsizzers said:
So I may use the Rolleicord on a tripod less, but I will use it on a tripod some. On a recent night time outing I shot a roll of Ilford Delta 3200 (at EI 1600), and for that roll my shutter speeds were typically between 1/4 and 2 seconds. Results here: https://garywright.smugmug.com/Photography/Ilford-Delta-3200-120-Nov-2024

Oh wow, fantastic!

Dan Daniel · Dec 9, 2024

FYI, the Rolleiflex Pistol Grip has a Rolleifix as its attachment point. You can easily disassemble the grip and remove the Rolleifix. Depending on where prices are moving, this can be the cheapest way to get a Rolleifix.

Check over any Rolleifix you are looking at. Sometimes the front tabs get bent. Sometimes other parts get bent.

I would strongly discourage carrying a Rolleicord on a tripod head with the tripod over your shoulder. You will probably get this when you receive the 'Cord and get a chance to feel the back. At the least attach a quick release plate for your tripod and be gentle moving things around.

runswithsizzers · Dec 10, 2024

Steven Lee said:
@runswithsizzers I see you're leaning back into the TLR territory and this makes sense, due to Mamiya's weight. However, if you ever think again about a perfect folder I suggest looking at Agfa Super Isolette. I have a Soviet clone of it (Iskra) and the viewfinder is gorgeous. Solid build. No red window. Easy framing and focus. The only problem with Super Isolettes is that they are rare and serviced copies are closer to $1k. :-(

Thanks. There are a few clean looking ones on eBay right now, a couple in Poland and one in the Czech Republic. That does look like a sweet camera! I had the Agfa Isolette II on my list, but I was not aware of the "Super" verison. The Super Isolette sounds like a near-perfect folder (except it is probably out of my price range). I put the Agfa Super Isolette on my list of folders which I am keeping handy in case the Rolleicord and I do not get along.

Marcelo Paniagua · Dec 10, 2024

runswithsizzers said:
@albireo, thanks for the encouragement. I probably did use the tripod with the Mamiya C220 in circumstances where it was not strictly necessary to prevent camera motion. After some recent disappointing results from my mirrorless digital camera at 1/30 and even 1/60, I have been assuming (without evidence) that my handheld results with the TLR would be no better.

So after I get my hands on the Rolleicord, I will definitely re-evaluate my ability to handhold at moderate-to-low shutter speeds.

So I may use the Rolleicord on a tripod less, but I will use it on a tripod some. On a recent night time outing I shot a roll of Ilford Delta 3200 (at EI 1600), and for that roll my shutter speeds were typically between 1/4 and 2 seconds. Results here: https://garywright.smugmug.com/Photography/Ilford-Delta-3200-120-Nov-2024

I don’t do that often, but I do have another roll of 120 Delta 3200 waiting for a camera.

I'm impressed with that lamp image there. If you used 1/4 I'm impressed by how sharp the arm is. That person sure knows how to stay steady

runswithsizzers · Dec 10, 2024

Marcelo Paniagua said:
I'm impressed with that lamp image there. If you used 1/4 I'm impressed by how sharp the arm is. That person sure knows how to stay steady

Thank you. According to my notes, the shutter speed used for the first lantern photo was 1/2-second, and for the second one, I used 1-second.

That person was me -- one hand holding the lantern, and my other hand holding the cable release. I knew I would never be able to hold the lantern still for those exposures without help, so I suspended the lantern from above with a piece of bailing wire, and rested my hand on the lantern. Honestly, I am suprised that worked as well as it did.

Marcelo Paniagua · Dec 10, 2024

runswithsizzers said:
Thank you. According to my notes, the shutter speed used for the first lantern photo was 1/2-second, and for the second one, I used 1-second.

That person was me -- one hand holding the lantern, and my other hand holding the cable release. I knew I would never be able to hold the lantern still for those exposures without help, so I suspended the lantern from above with a piece of bailing wire, and rested my hand on the lantern. Honestly, I am suprised that worked as well as it did.

I must say that was quite clever.

baachitraka · Dec 10, 2024

runswithsizzers said:
Thanks. There are a few clean looking ones on eBay right now, a couple in Poland and one in the Czech Republic. That does look like a sweet camera! I had the Agfa Isolette II on my list, but I was not aware of the "Super" verison. The Super Isolette sounds like a near-perfect folder (except it is probably out of my price range). I put the Agfa Super Isolette on my list of folders which I am keeping handy in case the Rolleicord and I do not get along.

I got Isolette III with uncoupled range finder and Isolette II, both with Solinear f/3.5 75mm Lens.

Both the camera need new bellows and CLA of shutters. Since, years I am reluctant to CLA that nor get rid of them.

If I have extra case, I would get a Rolleiflex Automats or when there are more cash Rolleiflex 3.5f.

Right now, I am happy with Rolleicord Va.

runswithsizzers · Dec 12, 2024

Got the Rolleicord V in the mail today. It is a pretty thing. Looks to be in pretty good condition. Controls feel good, except the effort required to cock the shutter maybe a little stiff? Love the way the hood folds up, compared to the Mamiya.

I'm not sure about the focusing yet. I seems difficult and uncertain. I will know more when I look at the negatives.

I was able to remove the viewfinder hood to clean both sides of the ground glass focusing screen. The mirror is not flaking or seriously desilvered, but it is definitely hazy; I was afraid to try to clean it.

@Dan Daniel, I see what you mean about not stressing the tripod mount due to it being mounted in the thin sheet metal the back is made from. I think mine is bent already because one of the four feet is about 2mm higher than the other three.

Loaded a roll of Tri-X, but it may be a day or two before I can shoot and process it.

baachitraka · Dec 13, 2024

Focusing on the ground glass should be sharp albeit not so bright and uniform.

Did you unscrew those four screws to remove the hood?

Curious to see some photos of the camera...

henryvk · Dec 13, 2024

Easy enough to replace the ground glass with a fresnel screen with split-image focusing and/or microprism.

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-focusing-screen-6x6.html?spm=a2g0o.home.search.0

albireo · Dec 13, 2024

runswithsizzers said:
I'm not sure about the focusing yet. I seems difficult and uncertain. I will know more when I look at the negatives.

Trust me. New mirror and new Oleson screen. It's night and day better.

baachitraka · Dec 13, 2024

Oleson screen now sells for $100 exact but the bring focusing screen will enhance your life.

@albireo May I know where we can find the mirror?

albireo · Dec 13, 2024

baachitraka said:
Oleson screen now sells for $100 exact but the bring focusing screen will enhance your life.

Ah wow I think I paid 80 euro shipped for mine some years ago. To be honest, on my Va I have a cheaper Chinese screen bought off ebay which is also a massive improvement over the old stock screen. I will look up the seller I used and share

baachitraka said:
@albireo May I know where we can find the mirror?

It was also an ebay find. Let me do a search.

Which Medium Format Camera Meets My Needs?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency