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

[Rick A]

I was just checking CollectiBlend, they list nine iterations starting with the 1947-1952 model, I stand corrected as yours appears to be post 1952 with two square windows in front, a couple of the later models don't have the counter and lockout. Bummer!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Yes, from what I could gather, mine was made in the early 50's. I believe with the squared off windows, that makes it a IVB.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

...or just the IV. Not sure...

 

[pbromaghin]

Retirement often coincides with a need to down-size.

As I rewatch the video, Andy only says he is retiring and questions the need for so many square 120 cameras.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Yes, and we know you just love Rolleiflex over every other camera. Snicker, snicker!

I thought he loved the hasselfreeRolleibladflex?

My drug of choice is Hasselblad.

 

[RezaLoghme]

I have handled a TLR Mamiya only once but I thought they were quite unwieldy, in a bad way. Mamiya's RZ/RB cameras are big, but in a "look, here comes the supermodel studio photographer" way.

Re folders - for me, they just smell of pre-war times and not in a good way.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I have handled a TLR Mamiya only once but I thought they were quite unwieldy, in a bad way. Mamiya's RZ/RB cameras are big, but in a "look, here comes the supermodel studio photographer" way.

Re folders - for me, they just smell of pre-war times and not in a good way.

My folders all smell like leather.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Well I do not want to upset a moderator, even if he asked for opinions.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Well I do not want to upset a moderator, even if he asked for opinions.

Not upset
But...I would never part with my RB. I've always wanted to look like a supermodel fashion photographer
What do you think of the Rolleicord? It's a TLR, but smaller/lighter than the C330.

 

[RezaLoghme]

What do I think of the Rolleicord?
Let me answer like this: 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.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

What do I think of the Rolleicord?
Let me answer like this: 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.

One of these days I'll try out a Rolleiflex. Thanks!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

uh... On second thought, I'll pass on the Rolleiflex 2.8F and GX. If I'm going to spend that much on a camera, I'll buy a Hasselblad

 

[RezaLoghme]

Do it!

 

[cliveh]

A Rolleiflex may be more useful in low light conditions with a faster lens, but otherwise with the correct exposure you would not be able to differentiate between a picture taken with a flex or a cord. The rolleicord has a superb Schneider-Kreuznach 75mm f3.5 Xenar lens.

 

[John Wiegerink]

uh... On second thought, I'll pass on the Rolleiflex 2.8F and GX. If I'm going to spend that much on a camera, I'll buy a Hasselblad

That would be a wise choice, Andy. I'd wait until you get old and feeble like me and can't carry your RB anymore.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

A Rolleiflex may be more useful in low light conditions with a faster lens, but otherwise with the correct exposure you would not be able to differentiate between a picture taken with a flex or a cord. The rolleicord has a superb Schneider-Kreuznach 75mm f3.5 Xenar lens.

I really do like the rendering of that Xenar!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

That would be a wise choice, Andy. I'd wait until you get old and feeble like me and can't carry your RB anymore.

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...

 

[cliveh]

Many years ago I was talking to a camera repair specialist who was in his 70's, having spent his whole life repairing cameras. I asked him what cameras do you have to repair most. His answer was Mamiya.

 

[GregY]

Don't leave home without it!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Many years ago I was talking to a camera repair specialist who was in his 70's, having spent his whole life repairing cameras. I asked him what cameras do you have to repair most. His answer was Mamiya.

Isn't that interesting...

 

[MattKing]

Well I do not want to upset a moderator, even if he asked for opinions.

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.
When it comes to on-topic photographic discussions, feel free to state your case!
FWIW, I've owned a C330 for decades, owned an RB67 for years, and sold and demonstrated Hasselblads and, to a lesser extent, Rollieflexes.
This left-handed photographer with relatively limited dexterity in his right hand found the Hasselblad 500 series to be awkward to handle, Rollieflexes uncomfortable to use, and the C330 - in particular - and the RB67 to be easily handles and intuitive to use.
All of which is to say that whether a camera system is "unwieldy" will vary greatly with the user.

 

[Besk]

As to repair rate of RB"s. Most of them were probably heavily used professionally.

 

[MattKing]

The Hasselblad 500 series/ELM equipped wedding and portrait photographers I used to print for were constantly complaining about how their cameras were always needing to be repaired .
I think every camera of that vintage required regular service when used heavily. They were designed with regular service in mind.

 

[Luckless]

Many years ago I was talking to a camera repair specialist who was in his 70's, having spent his whole life repairing cameras. I asked him what cameras do you have to repair most. His answer was Mamiya.

Were they known for their work on Mamiya cameras?

One of my father's friends used to run a TV repair shop. Forget which brand the guy said he "would never buy for himself" because of how many of them made up his business, but I do remember the look on his face when one of his friends pointed out that his shop was known as the best shop in the region for repairing that brand of TV... And the fact that his store front prominently displayed that claim.

 

[cliveh]

Were they known for their work on Mamiya cameras?

One of my father's friends used to run a TV repair shop. Forget which brand the guy said he "would never buy for himself" because of how many of them made up his business, but I do remember the look on his face when one of his friends pointed out that his shop was known as the best shop in the region for repairing that brand of TV... And the fact that his store front prominently displayed that claim.

No, he repaired any camera, even Leica.