Which Square Camera Should I Keep, Mamiya-Six, or Rolleicord, C330?

[John Wiegerink]

It's getting heavier, and heavier as the years go by... I had it on a neck strap a couple years ago for a video. Monthly dates with the chiropractor are the norm now...

When I was still doing weddings, I started out with Bronica S2A. After about a year of hearing that deafening "Clack-clunk" of the Bronica's shutter and people in the pews staring daggers at me, I started looking for a replacement camera. An artist friend of mine who worked for the Grand Rapids Press practically gave me his RB67 outfit since he was getting ready to make the journey to the big darkroom in the sky. So I thought I had my new wedding camera. Shutter wasn't silent, but better than the S2A for sure. Well, to make a long story shorter, I shot just one wedding with the RB67. By the next wedding, I had a Hasselblad 500C and 500ELM. Still have them and love using them. I had no complaints about the RB67's capabilities, but it wasn't a wedding camera for me.
I took my Rolleiflex 2.8C and the old 500C 'blad out for a stroll last weekend. Size and weight wise, both are closer than what you think. I just got out of the darkroom and the end results of both are too close to call.

 

[RezaLoghme]

When us moderators are engaging in a thread as engaged members, we expect the same treatment as non-moderators have a right to expect - civility and politeness.
You are always free to agree or not agree with us, except when discussing actions that explicitly involve moderation decisions.

Ok when 2nd moderator gets involved, its better time to leave.
OP asked, I replied. If there is something wrong with my reply, happy to edit/delete it.
I am leaving this thread now.

 

[MattKing]

Ok when 2nd moderator gets involved, its better time to leave.
OP asked, I replied. If there is something wrong with my reply, happy to edit/delete it.
I am leaving this thread now.

@RezaLoghme
You misunderstand, and you needn't worry.
When it comes to the subjects of almost all threads, you are welcome to post opinions or observations that are contrary to the opinions or observations of any member here - moderators included.
That includes the opinions and observations of the site's owner.
Us moderators are all site members first, and moderators second. The vast majority of our posts are as active members, and involve no moderation questions whatsoever.
Photrio welcomes discussion and a variety of outlooks on issues.
All we require is civility and a reasonable level of politeness.
If I post something - as an active member - and you don't agree with the contents of my post you are welcome to disagree with me - in a civil manner.
The only exceptions are issues of moderation policy, and all moderators try our best to clearly indicate when we are speaking of those in our role as moderators.
In the case of this thread, your posts are fine - nothing in your back and forth discussion with Andrew raises any concerns that would cause me or any of the other moderators to even think about putting on our "moderator hat".

 

[Rolleiflexible]

When owning a Rolleiflex TLR, would I ever wish I had a Rolleicord instead?

I would sell all three and buy a 2.8F or GX.

It's taken me a lifetime to get here, but I would take a Rolleicord over a 2.8F or GX any day of the week. The Rolleicord won't have the EV interlocks. The Rolleicord will be much lighter. The two take essentially indistinguishable photographs. The Rolleicord, lacking the complexity of the Flex's automated film advance and shutter, is less prone to damage over time. Rolleicord accessories are plentiful and inexpensive.

I used to shoot 2.8E2 Rolleiflexes most of the time. (To me, they were the apex of Rolleiflex design.) But now I shoot a Rolleicord II with a Triotar lens, and an early Automat with an Opton Tessar lens. They do everything I need from a camera.

 

[JPD]

It's taken me a lifetime to get here, but I would take a Rolleicord over a 2.8F or GX any day of the week. The Rolleicord won't have the EV interlocks. The Rolleicord will be much lighter. The two take essentially indistinguishable photographs. The Rolleicord, lacking the complexity of the Flex's automated film advance and shutter, is less prone to damage over time. Rolleicord accessories are plentiful and inexpensive.

I used to shoot 2.8E2 Rolleiflexes most of the time. (To me, they were the apex of Rolleiflex design.) But now I shoot a Rolleicord II with a Triotar lens, and an early Automat with an Opton Tessar lens. They do everything I need from a camera.

I agree with all of that. I sold my 2,8F because I didn't need it, and these days I prefer the early Rolleicords and my 1939 Rolleiflex Automat. They are lightweight and take excellent pictures, and the lenses have "character".

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Ok when 2nd moderator gets involved, its better time to leave.
OP asked, I replied. If there is something wrong with my reply, happy to edit/delete it.
I am leaving this thread now.

To be fare, I asked for opinions about the three cameras in the video... You essentially told me to dump them, and get a Rolleiflex...That is not what this thread is about. BUT I would be happy to hear about the merits of the Rolleiflex, (and other MF cameras) and why you think it's a better choice, etc.
What Matt said is correct. We are members first, and moderators when necessary.

 

[RezaLoghme]

You seem to be quite invested into my post. Ok.

You asked about for opinions, I replied that I would keep none of them (and buy a different 6x6). It was not my intention to promote the GX.

Maybe it is not the answer you were expecting to hear. But that can happen when posting on a public forum. But if you think that my answer is somehow against the spirit of the thread, I am happy to redact it.

I hope we can settle the matter now.