TLRs are odd, klunky beasts.

[thambar]

I love shooting with my Mamiya C220 (a 330 sans auto shutter cocking, auto parallax compensation, and interchangeable screens). The great sleeper, though, with this camera is the 105/3.5 lens. Spectacular, sharp, and just unbeatable for protraits. It's about the only one I use--and lately I've been shooting about 5-10 rolls per weekend.

[Pikapig]

yea i love my c330...but bought a 220 for the size n weight...

i shoot alot with bronica sq-ai...its great....

i think the tlr and slr are all build for a reason

[buzzardkid]

To the OP:

Nick,

I've seen your Flickr stream and the loads of beautiful portraits from your beautiful fiancee and really think you should borrow a Rolleiflex to shoot some portraits of her.
Chances are you'll sell the Mamiya, the Ikoflex and possibly even the Leica to fund one after that.

Yeah I know, heresy mentioning selling a Leica but the Rolleiflex folk know what I mean...

[NaChase]

Thanks, man. There will be portraits with these new cameras soon. Once the verdict is in then perhaps a Rolleiflex fund will begin. Still getting into the swing of using these things.

[one90guy]

I use a Ricoh Diacord L, the left right took some getting use to. It has a bright viewfinder and for me easy to focus. Tryed a Bronica SQ-A, never could get good focus, my daugher used it and it was not the camera. She has the Bronica and she returned the Ricoh, we are both happy.

[Photo_Smith]

Originally Posted by NaChase

All of my cameras are better at taking pictures than I am.

How so? I just placed a camera on the table about an hour ago–it's yet to do anything.
A camera is a tool that enables you to put your vision of a scene into a 2D artwork in order for others to share that vision.
If a certain model or make of camera helps you achieve that vision then that's good. I never got the "I can buy 12 cameras for the cost of that expensive one you favour" argument, for one if that expensive camera is favoured by me to help me create my photos and I feel I couldn't with an alternative then that camera is 'the one' after all it's my money!
Secondly 12 camera's are useless to me I can only use one at a time

Life is too short not to have owned a Rolleiflex. ;-)

[Sanders McNew]

Originally Posted by NaChase

All of my cameras are better at taking pictures than I am.

I waited years before finally screwing up the nerve to go into Ken
Hansen's shop on Madison to buy my first Rolleiflex. It was a quiet
day and Ken helped me himself. I confessed that I had waited some
years before venturing in to buy a Rolleiflex, and Ken asked why.
"Because I was not worthy of the camera," I replied. Ken found this
most amusing. He sold me a 3.5E -- I still use it.

Originally Posted by NaChase

but there is something to be said about something that was engineered entirely for function over form (the Mamiya).

I agree with the thought, but disagree with your conclusion. The
Rolleiflex is designed entirely for function. Their greatness as a
work of industrial design is that they are efficient and elegant at
what they do, and are beautiful as well.

[NaChase]

Originally Posted by Sanders McNew

I waited years before finally screwing up the nerve to go into Ken
Hansen's shop on Madison to buy my first Rolleiflex. It was a quiet
day and Ken helped me himself. I confessed that I had waited some
years before venturing in to buy a Rolleiflex, and Ken asked why.
"Because I was not worthy of the camera," I replied. Ken found this
most amusing. He sold me a 3.5E -- I still use it.



I agree with the thought, but disagree with your conclusion. The
Rolleiflex is designed entirely for function. Their greatness as a
work of industrial design is that they are efficient and elegant at
what they do, and are beautiful as well.

You, sir, are a most persuasive salesman. Someday. Perhaps when I am flush with cash after I get back from Afghanistan.

[bojanfurst]

The only thing I found difficult in the beginning was the reversed image on the ground glass. It was actually comical because I kept bumping into things. Now I don't even notice it any more. In fact, my 124G is probably my favourite camera. There is no great secret really, but in the beginning leave your other cameras be. I used my Yashica for about three weeks straight as my only camera. It really helped to get familiar with the camera as well as the different style of shooting. Be prepared to waste some film and don't limit yourself to landscapes and stationary objects/portraits. Go for crazy, running kids, a busker or a local festival or parade. Soon, you will find that focusing and shooting will become second nature. Another thing is that you should also be prepared that people will approach you and ask about the camera - without exception they will tell you that it just looked so interesting and beautiful and will sometimes even ask you if you'd like to take their photo. How often does that happen these days?

Have fun

Here are a few street shots:
Zagreb, Croatia:


Split, Croatia:


Mummers in St. John's Newfoundland

[KoNickon]

I think there are a number of folks here who would be honored to hook you up with one for a favorable price when you get back (or even before)! Stay safe.

[NaChase]

Avert Your Gaze! by N.Chase, on Flickr

Alright, guys. I gave in to the majesty of the Rolleiflex. Behold, my latest and greatest acquisition.

[RichyD]

I've been using my Autocord more and more. Yes, it is a bit quirky and ergonomics are odd but the quality of the shots are superb. I find focussing tricky at times, especially in bright light and think I might prefer the Rolleiflex knob as it would be easier to pre-focus or check distance so am looking for one now.

It's great in the street, looking down in viewfinder I find it easier to frame shots from the framing of my eye and am hardly aware of the reversed image. Although it's more bulky than my folders it is still light and portable.

In a way it is more unobtrusive, less intimidating and more friendly to your subject if taking people. And people will comment on it which is fine as I prefer to engage with anyone I shoot as part of the process even if it is just a smile.

[jwc57]

Originally Posted by film nut

The only TLR I have is a SuperRicohflex and I really like it. It seems small when compared to some of the others. The hardest thing was getting a routine for advancing the film to avoid double exposures. I guess you can get used to what ever you have.. If you only have one and use it alot, you can get pretty efficient with it.

MIke

Wait...I just shelved a Super Richoflex because of double exposures (half the frame). I thought something was wrong with the camera. I found it in a box with some darkroom gear I bought, probably six or seven years ago. I never tried it out until about three weeks ago. I thought maybe it had something to do with the 35mm advance adapter.

What's the cure? Double advance for each frame?

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by jwc57

Wait...I just shelved a Super Richoflex because of double exposures (half the frame). I thought something was wrong with the camera. I found it in a box with some darkroom gear I bought, probably six or seven years ago. I never tried it out until about three weeks ago. I thought maybe it had something to do with the 35mm advance adapter.

What's the cure? Double advance for each frame?

You shouldn't have to do anything extra to advance the film if you're shooting 120 film, you only have to watch the red window on the back for the next frame number.

Of course, check the inside if the 35mm adapter is installed. I never bother using the 35mm adapter, the Super Ricohflex is a very good medium format camera.

[jwc57]

I was guessing it had something to do with the 35mm advance assembly. The camera had been adapted for the 35mm insert, but insert wasn't in the box. I only advanced the film to the stop. I was thinking that maybe I should have hit the advance buttons a second time and advanced the film to the next stop. The double exposures on mine are about the width of a 35mm frame. I didn't even think to open the window and check the numbers. There was enough going on I guess that my brain overloaded...first time shooting a TLR since college (1976) and trying to figure out the controls, plus hold it steady.

I think I'll try the Voigtlander Superb next and go back to the Super Ricohflex later.

Thanks for the info.

[z.bruce.li]

In medium format, I actually use TLR most and tend to get more good shots out of a roll. They all have the strong composition possibility on a 6x6 ground glass, whisper quiet leaf shutter, and unassuming waist level finder. I used to own a Yashicamat 124G but never fell in love so sold it; now owns a Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar and Mamiya C330S; and soon will get an Autocord and Rolleicord with Triotar. They just grow on me.

Mamiya C330S probably has the best waist level finder and loupe combo that blocks out any stray light, making it the perfect composition machine for me. I got fantastic portraits out of the 105/3.5D and 180/4.5 Super lenses. I never take it with me on the road or a trip, due to its bulk and weight.

Rolleiflex 3.5F Planar is my ultimate choice if I want to take only one film camera/lens (in addition to digital P&S) with me for an important trip. It balances weight, size, usability, reliability and image quality. It has been to a few continent without any problem, but I do keep it in a padded lunch bag next to me most of the time.

[kanzlr]

Having just received my Yashica-Mat 124G I can confirm that it is odd and klunky

[buzzardkid]

Originally Posted by NaChase

Avert Your Gaze! by N.Chase, on Flickr

Alright, guys. I gave in to the majesty of the Rolleiflex. Behold, my latest and greatest acquisition.

I'm not buying it.

[PMCC]

Hmm, can't identify that particular model. So many Rolleis, it's confusing.

[NaChase]

It's a pretty rare and valuable model.

[leicapixie]

The problem for me(ME) is that when i use my TLR, these days a Rollei Automat, i have a very high percentage of keepers..Rats! Usually out of 12 exposures it's like at least 8. I used a 220 film in my Rollei. Yes! It took me 18 months to shoot. 23 images are worth enlarging big! In 35mm i am lucky if i get 1 or 2 per roll.
The Mamiya C series were my mainstay when i had a studio. Truly a wonderful camera and lenses. If it were not for the weight, i'd have one again.