First Frames with a Rolleiflex 3.5F - A New Favourite

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The Rolleiflex 3.5F is definitely one of the iconic cameras in the film world and one that I’ve wanted to try for a while now. With a new project on the horizon, I decided I’d switch things up and work with a TLR, and the Rollei seemed like it could be a great fit. In this video, I’m heading out to shoot my first few rolls with this camera, make sure everything is working, and get a feel for what it’s like before I jump into making serious work with it. This is a camera that hooked me, very quickly!
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Опубликовано:

2 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 270

@alexthornton9236 Год назад

This is the camera that Ans Westra, arguably New Zealand's greatest ever photographer predominantly used. Unfortunately, earlier this month, Ans passed. Do yourself a favour and check out her work. R.I.P

@followtheboat Год назад

Hey Kyle. I hung out with 'The Rolleiflex Guy', Brian Mickelboro, last summer as he lives near my home town. He still repairs Rolleis, having worked with Rolleiflex all his life, and he fixed up my Rollei 35 on my last visit. If you need to know anything Rollei, he's your man. I don't have a Rolleiflex but I do have a quite rare Olympusflex 2.8.

@Dignity_first 11 месяцев назад

Do you have his contacts? I have one Rolleiflex for a repair.

@toddkorolphoto Год назад

Great video. I just got a 3.5F at the end of last year and fell in love with it during first shoot with it in Washington, DC. I talked about the exact problem you are having in the video I made, testing the focusing is key. It should be silky smooth and if it’s not it has probably been dropped and that throws everything off. I would send it back and get another one. The repair can be huge, provided you can get someone that really knows how to fix them. But it is now one of my favourite cameras. 👍

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Cheers, Todd. Saw your video when I was doing some research for this. And yeah, just sent it back. Waiting to hear about potential repair. Regardless, I'll own another one soon!

@toddkorolphoto Год назад

@@KyleMcDougall Sounds great, you'll like it, it fast became my fav camera. Can't wait to see your new work from it.

@willmccleland2383 Год назад

I have my uncles old Rolleiflex 2.8f planar and its a beautiful camaera, my fiance uses it more then me now but it is so sharp and just a joy to use.

@devroombagchus7460 Год назад

Thanks! I completely agree with what you said at the beginning. I sold almost all my medium format equipment. Only the lenses weighed a ton. I kept the Voightländer folding Bessa ii and my Rolleiflex 3,5F. I bought the Rollei in 1974, when I was on a budget. The 2,8 and 3,5 are clones, except for the almost one step of sensitivity. I hardly ever missed the extra sensitivity. The advantage for me of the 3,5 is that it it lighter and has a slightly wider angle. With 6x6, cropping is no issue. Good luck with the repairs!

@sk8rn8thegr8 Год назад

Have a rolleiflex 3.5 myself that I was gifted by my dad who got it from his dad, my grandpa, who was the original owner. I have put some use in it over the past 8 years or so and its starting to have some issues. Going to send it in and have it fully CLAd and freshened up. Would love for that camera to stay in the family for at least another generation. Such a cool camera and a meaningful family heirloom that honestly pushed me to become a photographer when i was in early high school.

@MikeChudley Год назад

Congrats on 100k mate, as always - love the content.

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Cheers, Mike!

@northwestdepressed Год назад

I picked up a Rolleiflex 3.5 Automat 3 a year ago from an antique store. I love the build quality, especially for a camera that's 70+ years old. It doesn't have the Zeiss glass, but instead Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 75mm. I haven't really shot much with Carl Zeiss lenses because of the price, but the Schneider lens is really nice in my opinion. I also own a Mamiya C2. It's fantastic as well. I love the ability to change out lenses on it, but with that being said you get into the predicament that you had with your Pentax 6x7. You mean to travel light, but then you start packing extra lenses, finders, grips, etc. The Rolleiflex is just a simple camera that makes you stay focused on shooting and that's why I prefer it at the moment.

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

That's definitely part of what I love about it. The simplicity. Throw it in a bag and go. No other decisions.

@davidoquias6061 Год назад

Finaly found my dads rollei, Took some test shots, still works.great photos. Havent seen it used 50 years. I am having it cleaned. Hope to get it soon Love the cool factor...

@mbrigo01 Год назад

Bumps to the front plane of TLRs are more common than you think. I tend to walk around with the focus set on infinity to minimize any damage from mild impact. It doesn't take much of a ding to muck up the focus racking or to knock it out of focus.

@anta40 11 месяцев назад

Just purchased a 3.5E few weeks ago (already have a Rolleicord and 2.8E). I'm happy with. Convenient like the 2.8, but smaller (and less expensive). Sometimes it's enough. And if I need something fancier, I'll bring the Mamiya C.

@danieldorward Год назад

Great stuff. Always good to see Portsmouth as well; I went to university there and still spend a lot of time there. Great city.

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Cheers, Daniel. Portsmouth is my go-to for random day's out. The closest part of the coast to where I live.

@dmcphotographer Год назад

First and foremost, congrats on 100K, Kyle! I've been following the channel for years and you are without a doubt the channel I look forward to most seeing new content from. Here's to another 100k! I own a Rollicord V and.an F 3.5, both lovely systems. Rollie ground glass is notoriously dim. There's a few places online to order replacements that will make focusing easier in low light and the overall shooting experience so much more enjoyable. Replacement is also very straight forward.

@RetroGamer1990 Год назад

I work in a camera store and we sold this exact camera (same serial) a few months ago in “as-is” condition with the damage you described - if the guy you bought it from didn’t mention the problems then you should for sure send it back.

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Hey Nick, very very interesting to hear that. Small world as well. The camera has now been returned, but funny to hear that, as there was no mention of this damage from the seller when I bought it. Thanks for the heads up.

@drewsleyy3836 4 месяца назад

The shot at 6:19 has to be my favorite. Such a fantastic camera, I'm trying out TLR for the first time right now and it's a unique experience for sure!

@developingtank Год назад

Been going in on your stuff lately. Love to see it/keep it coming!

@constantinestewart7416 Год назад

Hi Kyle, I enjoyed your video and you hit on all the aspects of the Rolleiflex that I value; light weight, build quality, and exceptional lens. I have the 2.8 and while I hadn’t considered the benefit of no extra lenses you’re absolutely right. It is pick up that camera and go, no extra lenses, film backs, etc. I did have my CLA’d and purchased a bright screen for it. It works great now and is easy to focus with the brighter screen.

@emilecrowther8594 Год назад

Other reason to go for the 3.5 is the wider lens as its 75mm over the 2.8 80mm. I had one back in the day and its just a great camera.

@ThePhotoDept Год назад

Great to see you've picked up a Rollei. I own a K4A, which is a 3.5 version as well. I love it. Great for travel, incredible lens, iconic format. Really looking forward to see more work you make with it!

@NandR Год назад

I bought a 3.5F for $250 from a local picker. Seemed good and clean. Took great photos. Got curious about what year it was made. Dug into some serial numbers and found out that mine was a 3.5F "Whiteface" which was a rare model. I now could not justify carrying it around with me, I am not the most careful person. So like an idiot I sold it for a huge profit. I miss it dearly.

@chen-pangchang5154 3 месяца назад

$250!!!! wow

@shutterspeed2546 Год назад

Still on the hunt for a TLR. The Rolleiflex is a bit too expensive for me. One of my friends copped a Yashica C3 and is very happy with it. Might need to get one of those..

@thomverhoeven7896 Год назад

Hi Kyle, me again. I work in europes largest vintage camera store in Delft NL. We specialize in vintage premium cameras like the rollei and always have them serviced prior selling. For the knobs, gears and wheels: Definately something that serviceable by our technician, you can check him out at Amsterdam Camera Repairs. Dent however is kinda sus. Maybe thats some handy info for you. Anyway, i wanted to let you know that in our opinion the 2.8F is not worth the extra money, the 3.5 even has the better lens in my opinion. Beautiful system. Enjoy it!

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Really appreciate that, Thom! This camera has now gone back and just waiting to have it assessed and possibly repaired.

@Ezpzfilm Год назад

Kyle, I’m excited for you! I own a 2.8f and hands down my dream camera. These cameras are certainly magical and absolutely live up to their name. Also good luck on your decision in whether or not you replace or fix. Let us know what your next move is. My focusing knob sometimes feels stiff if I don’t use it as often. Cheers!

@rickhauser9698 Год назад

Kyle before I bought my 3.5f I got a 3.5 Tessar. Had exactly the same issue as yours. I returned it to KEH and got the 3.5f. Much happier. Definitely try to return or exchange

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Cheers, Rick. This one has gone back and I got my hands on another.

@_stefkas_ Год назад

Love to see you being enthusiastic like that ! I am using Rolleiflex cameras since the 1990s on and off and there's nothing else like it 🏁. The ratio of quality to size and weight is unique, the "quirks" of TLRs are actual benefits for me as the flipped matte screen image and waist level perspective seem to push my imagination and focus while composing. And as you mentioned, the fixed lens does away with constant what-ifs of focal length and so on, you just learn to naturally deal with it! And for TLR limitations - wait until you've tried a Rolleinar 😉, that's another eye opener. After using a Rolleicord, Rolleiflex T, 3.5E Planar, 2.8C Xenotar and 3.5MX- EVS I have settled on a "like new" 2.8F Planar. The images from the Planar 3.5 were already near perfect but my 2.8 is about 12years younger and the lenses are just pristine, that's the important thing. Also the accessories for the bigger 2.8 lenses are, while more expensive, much more abundant. As for the camera you showed in the video, I am sure it can be fixed, and made to last some more decades when checked and adjusted by an expert service person. I've not seen you this excited about a camera in a while , this one could stay with you for a long time! (IG @_stefkas_ ) :)

@rogerharrison4316 Год назад

I was using a Rollei TLR at the Analogue Spotlight photo walk last year, not sure if you noticed, I think we were photographing the 2CV at the same time. That was a Rolleicord Va, but in January this year I bought a Rolleiflex 3.5F and I absolutely love it. Considering I mostly use a Deardorff V8, the Rollei is a joy to carry around! I was surprised how well the meter works too. Hope you get sorted with a repair or replacement.

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Cheers, Roger! The cord is a great camera as well. Used to own one a while ago.

@rogerharrison4316 Год назад

Yes, the cord is a great camera but there is something about the 3.5F that makes it special. I've put more rolls of film through the 3.5F in 3 months than I have in 4 or 5 years with the cord.

@sethstrickland4925 Год назад

I have two Mamiya C220s -- on the tankier side, so probably not the lightweight camera you're looking for, but most certainly worth taking for a spin if you get the chance

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Looked at those many times and have always been intrigued.

@JDubyafoto Год назад

I have both the Rolleiflex 2.8 and a Mamiya C330, which I absolutely love. I was able to find a really good deal on my Rollei...it came with an almost pristine leather case. The only thing it didn't have was the original strap, but I was able to find a source for one so I didn't mind. I need to shoot more with it though. I'm afraid it's going to gum up if I don't work the shutter on a regular basis.

@stevetaylor3706 Год назад

I have a 2.8F and absolutely love it. It's the only MF camera I travel with and I love the classic look of the images. Truly special cameras. I would be tempted to splurge for the 2.8 in case you ever did want that shallow depth of field. Portraits are beautiful on this camera! Great video as always Kyle and looking forward to the Part II once you decide. Cheers!

@MacnTeensVisuals Год назад

Great shots Kyle, hope you get things sorted. I have a Yashica Mat and have been loving it. No split prism so focusing is tricky but square format and a TLR is just such a nice combination.

@freedompanda9438 28 дней назад

Was just taking some shots a couple hours ago with my 3.5f Whiteface. I’m on a trip (by bus) and i loaded a freshly expired roll of Kosmo Foto 100 in to try it out. By far my favorite camera to shoot with! I have the 2.8f Whiteface as well, but…the 3.5 just feels better. Great video!

@messsucher Год назад

my first ever film camera that I got was a 2.8gx. I remember I got one because I saw a instagram photo of someone using a mamiya C330 and that looked really cool. Thoughout the years with different cameras I did learn 6x6 is not for me, so im struggling if I should let it go lol. I know a lot of rolleiflex people say it is after the rolleilfex company ended, and it was built on a rolleicord body. Thus it isn't as good in quality. But apparently it has upgrades in ground glass being brighter. Comparing to pentax 6x7 and rz67, I would rather say its not as bright as i want it, but I don't see any problems in built quality so can't say for sure. But nonetheless, there is no other camera that shoots 6x6 smaller than this formfactor, and the lens quality is excellent.

@timothylarson3558 Год назад

I have a 2.8D and a 3.5F. Both are very nice cameras that result in sharp and clear images. The 3.5F has a light meter, but I don't know how accurate it is. The 3.5F was my first high quality medium format camera and has served me well. Rolleiflex TLRs are amazing cameras!

@W0mpa Год назад

A historia with my Rolleiflex is that the previous owner was a photojournalist and used it to take picture of Jimi Hendrix when he visited my hometown in the 60s. It’s a 3.5E with Xenotar lens.

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Pretty cool backstory!

@brianbeattyphotography Год назад

Nice addition!

@tylerhuttosmith Год назад

Love my little Rolleicord V! Also just got a Bronica Sq-A to have interchangeable lenses in 6x6. Would love to see a tips for composing in 6x6. I love symmetry, but looking for other ideas as well.

@christopherschwer1389 Год назад

I have spent most of my life shooting with a variety of Rolleiflex Twin lens cameras. From my very first, a 2.8F, these cameras just felt right in my hand and the results were astounding. Traveling with the Rolleiflex and the few accessories one needs is always simple and easy. In the last few years I added a Rolleiflex Wide which is truly incredible camera. Don't overlook that silly little Rollei panorama head. It changed my life!

@chrisloomis1489 10 месяцев назад

Christopher , hello I am Christopher too 😃 and I have shot my Rollei D 3.5 75mm in Vietnam and US , yes the Rollei's are amazing , and I love them , in fact I just procured a Museum quality 55mm F4 Wide Rollei , from a collection, that camera is superb the meter still works and is accurate too even the case is magnificent. In my opinion ; the ROLLEI is underestimated by many photographers , and is an open secret to us in the loop ... The lenses and reliability and form factor , win out in many instances , especially in photographing people , they do not fear but are drawn to these odd vintage cameras. I love my Rollei's ♥

@jamesmcnelis9792 Год назад

One more vote for the Mamiya C330. Looking forward to seeing the project!

@Fabzsoundmedia Год назад

I just shoot my first 120 with my grandad's Seagull 4b, the chinese version of a rollei. Gotta say the feeling is lovely BUT it's definitively testing my nerves the reversed image in the viewfinder 😅 hope with practice will get better because it takes me foreeeever to frame !🤣 Now I look forward to see what came out this portra... Great vid as usual Kyle. Thanks 4 sharing!

@liveinaweorg Год назад

TLR love. The Mamiya C3 is my weapon of choice as I like the bellows and interchangeable lenses which makes it so versatile. Definitely heavier than the Rolleiflex mind you 😁 Sorry to see your first option hasn't worked out.

@supakitdubthuk6418 Год назад

I have 2.8F(Planar) in very nice condition but now i still find 3.5F(Planar) 😂 because the 3.5 it’s near Perfection

@noxXxnocti Год назад

I want to love TLRs, I used to want a Rolleiflex but I can’t get the hang of them. I’m not sure if I’m really so terrible with the camera type or I’ve been so unlucky with the ones I’ve bought.

@jeremygarretson5482 Год назад

I just scored my first Rolleiflex last week. This guy owned a garage saw me photographing and asked if I wanted it. I told him I'd give him $100 because I didn't know if it worked. It works like a charm and is my new favorite as well.

@Prashant.Khapane Год назад

If it is working I don’t mind paying at least double that….depending on which version it may go up

@mortimersnerd8044 Год назад

So you ripped the guy off, well good for you.

@HansLansi Год назад

@@mortimersnerd8044 I do not believe that! Just a beautiful fairy tale.😊

@monsieurgolem3392 7 месяцев назад

Good for you.

@monsieurgolem3392 7 месяцев назад

@@mortimersnerd8044lol

@sheldonswears1481 Год назад

Hi Kyle. I picked up a 2.8 f for next to nothing and got it serviced. Easily my favourite camera of all time. Especially for street portraits. Hope you find one that does everything!

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Thanks, Sheldon!

@melvyn_ivy Год назад

having owned both, the 2.8 has the wow-factor but it is quite a bit chunkier and I do feel the actually wider 75mm is a better fit for a walk around, tiny landscape camera. As soon as it turns into a lot of portraits I'd choose the 2.8.

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Yeah, the 75mm is a bit more appealing to me as well.

@joshuacotter4686 11 месяцев назад

Hey man sorry to hear about your troubles. Picked up a 2.8f from a from a friend about 5 years ago and it is easily my favorite camera I've ever owned and Ive owned everything in between a leica and a hassleblad and nothing inspires me to go out and shoot more than this camera. The lenses on these camers are like nothing I have ever seen out of any camera. Really hope you can get your hands on another one would love to see more work from you on one of these.

@andrewjohnson4728 Год назад

Kyle. Great video! Huey Lewis just called to ask why you didn’t use It’s Hip To Be Square as the background music.

@mynewcolour Год назад

I thought I was hopeless at hitting TLR focusing until (after several months and many rolls) I discovered I’d installed the ground glass upside-down 🥴

@Juliane2412 Год назад

I own a Rolleiflex 3.5 Automat 4KA I inherited, also a Rolleiflex 4x4 which is highly underrated (ok, the film problem) and a 3.5 C which I love too. The Automat though is smaller and lighter and the Tessar makes better contrasts. What I wonder is, why you went for the F, if you don't make use of the removable finder hood. As you have no light meter in this particular model and it doesn't seem to have modified as the selenium cell gave up, I have thought, it rather be a 3.5 E which was made beside the F and later for those who didn't want the light meter. Anyways, good luck for finding a new, workable companion and thanks for picking up one in the first place 🙂

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

I'm very intrigued by the prism finder and that's one of the appeals of the F. Probably an accessory I'll pick up at some point.

@Juliane2412 Год назад

@@KyleMcDougall That I can understand very well. The 3.5 E's can serve you there too - without the cost for the F ;-) Looking forward to see more Rolleiflex Adventures by you.

@xmoderator98 Год назад

Later iterations of 3.5F with 6 element planar lens are optically better and give more pleasant bokeh and better contrast than 2.8. Despite lower collectable value and price, in my opinion late 3.5F with 12/24 switch or 3.5F whiteface with planar lens were the best rolleiflexes that were ever produced. Great video btw, kindest regards

@zacharyjames3091 Год назад

3.5 is noticeably lighter and better balanced -and ultimately more fun to shoot than the 2.8, feel like that gets underlooked

@DavidMartinez-kf9zt Год назад

I bought my 2.8E rollei with a huge dent in the side. Took me 15 minutes to fix it and it's been my 2nd favorite camera. I freaking love these tlrs

@alexanderpopov4691 Год назад

Had different Rolleis with Tessar, Xenar and 3.5 Planar lenses. The one with 3.5 Planar is my favourite. Image has that nice unique look with sharp edges and little bit of a softening glow on top. Very nice neutral colour without over saturation and already good performance wide open. Great camera and a pleasure to photograph with. I am a sucker for planars, own many of these lenses on different systems, but this one is my favourite by far.

@toho45 3 месяца назад

Is there a great difference between a 3.5 or 2.8? We don’t shoot wide open aperture, in my opinion 3.5 is doing just fine beside the cost.

@shred3005 Год назад

Got myself the little brother Rolleicord Va f3.5 (one of the last models) last year. I’ve used cheaper TLRs before but the workmanship of the Rollie is really next level. Mine is in great condition for a late 50s camera and the focus is smooth and easy. I’m enjoying it with Delta 100. I’m in Australia and we have plenty of light for ISO 100! Where thar bump is on yours could easily affect the focus mechanism

@marike1100 Год назад

Rolleicord Va is a great camera, especially if you find one in the leather case with accessories, they are awesome finds that take sensational images.

@museonfilm8919 Год назад

Great! I have a Rolleicord Vb, which was owned by one person from new, he had all accessories too, case, film masks (for 35mm and others) plus a Rolleilux light meter/hood. It's a well built camera - in fact, I don't think there are any plastic parts on it!

@DanWhitehead Год назад

Nice one Kyle. I found it interesting watching you shoot square, its a love hate thing it seems I’ve always loved it personally.

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Cheers, Dan!

@danieldorward Год назад

If you need a repair service, I'd recommend Black On White in Bristol. They repaired my RB67 and it works perfectly now!

@inicap Год назад

I have a 3.5F too, great camera. Mine is slightly stiff selecting 1/500th but otherwise ok. I can't see any damage so maybe I just need to select 1/500th more often to free it up a bit. I recently bought a 1960 Agfa Flexilette. That's a very interesting TLR that shoots 35mm in landscape format. It seems to be working correctly judging by my first film with it.

@pauldeen4785 10 месяцев назад

This stifness selecting the 1/500 is normal , but as I remember there is a slight difference if You set it before cocking the shutter.

@inicap 10 месяцев назад

@@pauldeen4785 Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try.

@chad9935 Год назад

Nice to see videos of people with Rolleis since it seems everyone wants Leica. I have a rollei MX-EVS and a 1960s 2.8F in excellent condition. Of the two the MX-EVS is so much easier to lug around since it’s lighter plus having the slightly wider 75mm lens than the 2.8’s 80mm is quite handy. There is however something quite special about that 2.8 that I can’t quite place my finger on. Maybe it’s the Bokeh, the extra bit of sharpness overthe MX-EVS, or maybe it’s the slightly handy meter. Whatever it is that pushes 2.8F ahead of the other, it’s the one I can’t seem to leave the house without. I would never trade it for anything.

@ldstirling Год назад

Why Rolleiflex and not Rolleicord? Inquiring mind wants to know? I mean, did you specifically want the 6 element Planar lens vs. the Tessar type Xenar of the Rolleicord? Did you really just want the Rolleiflex name? Or was it the integrated film advance/shutter cocking lever, vs. the knob wind film advance of the Rolleicord?

@tomislavmiletic_ 9 месяцев назад

Some 10 yrs ago I was gifted with a Yashica LM, the old version, with a broken frame counter. I needed years to find someone whio can fix that, course without frame counter I had a serious overlapping problem. But once fixed, camera works flawlessly ever since. Never needed another TLR...

@erichstocker8358 Год назад

I never was much of a Rolleiflex fan although I lusted after their SL66 and SLX SLR. I had a Mamiya C330 and loved that camera but then traded it and some other items for a Leica M4-P which I still have and use. That one is almost new after my CLA. For medium format my camera is the Mamiya RB67. I just love that beast. I love the full mechanical nature, the bellows, the lenses, etc. I take it out often usually tripod but often handheld. You are correct about Rollei mystique. It is the TLR equivalent of the Leica. Have fun with your repaired one or the replacement.

@djduffy1000 Год назад

Great vlog, shame about the Rolleiflex. Really took me back to my early days of photography when I was shooting 90% B&W I had a dark room at home. I used the lovely Yashica mat, Bronica etrsi 6x45, Mamiya RB 6x7 and a Mamiya Press 6x9. I hope one day to get more active photographically, I found your vlog inspiring, thank you.

@patrickstack5185 Год назад

Kyle - I am a Rollei collector, the face you're seeing the deformation of is a very lightweight aluminum stamping. It's shape being out of sorts could easily be, and likely is, the issue with control problems. The problem might be other than dropping it, rather it may have just been handled a little roughly. I believe it can easily be straightened with just finger pressure, once removed from the camera body. If you're otherwise happy with the camera, you might consider keeping and having it properly straightend by a qualified Rollei technician. If you get rid of it and get another, you may just get bigger issues with it. I'll wager this can quickly be resolved and you'll have a great camera. If it costs a few bucks, it's so well worth it. Patrick

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Thanks for the advice, Patrick. Yeah, if you look at it from the side, you can actually see that the face is a bit warped. The camera has gone back now, and I'm waiting to hear about repair.

@dylanhill1640 8 месяцев назад

I have enjoyed shooting my Rolleiflex 3.5F over the years. It has yet to disappoint me on any assignment.

@CameraNostalgiaClub Год назад

To watch you get out and about in this weather whilst enjoying your time with your new camera is very inspiring, Thanks man! 📸

@Slaschijt Год назад

@3:11 it literally looks like a painting

@gary344 Год назад

Clear, concise and insightful. The presentation of your photographic process is inspiring. Bless🕊

@OrelRussia Год назад

I like Vivian Maier's photos a lot! Part of this is because of the optical look of her photographs. At first, I thought she her Rolleiflex had a 80/2.8. Then I came to a conlusion that it had to be a wider, a 75 lens (3.5 obviously). I thought it had to be a Planar or Xenotar lens. Also, I have a 50mm Zeiss lens for my FF camera. I know great Planars are. However, after looking carefully at her self portraits, it turned out that all of them were shot with "simple" Tessar or Xenar lenses. I looked through hundreds of Rolleiflex Tessar and Planar images on Flickr. Now I think that Tessars (and maybe Xenars as well) are not that simple at all. They are not inferior to Planars, they are different. A Planar look is very cool, there is a 3D effect. However, this look is not "natural". A Tessar look is more organic. The main focus concentrates on a subject but not on optical unnatural (though very beautiful) look. So righr now I prefer a 75/3.5 Tessar lens.

@c.augustin Год назад

I do have a Rolleiflex 3.5 with Xenar lens (and no light meter), which has a similar image quality as the Yashica Mat-124G. Since it would need maintenance, I'll stick to the Yashica for shooting. I don't think that I would "upgrade" to a Rolleiflex with a Planar lense, as I would want the 2.8 Planar version, and this is just far too expensive. Shooting a TLR is somewhat special, I'm still undecided if I prefer using a folding rangefinder (Agfa Super Isolette) or a TLR, so I'll keep both …

@gregoryroscoe3818 Год назад

The Rolleicord Vb was the first camera I bought as a teenager back in the day and I still shoot that same camera today. I had an opportunity to shoot a Pentax 67 for a year but honestly the mirror slap was a stark reminder of how quiet and gentle the Rolleicord was hand held and sharp on a tripod. I love 6X6 but have both a RB67 and Fuji rangefinder when I’m looking to mix it up. There is definitely a place in my heart for 6X6 and the zen of TLR. Definitely get yours fixed or find another that works better- you won’t look back.

@javierabril3406 Год назад

I have the Rolleicord V that a friend gave me after the death of his father. It had a broken prism, the focus lens was out of adjustment, and it didn't work well at slow speeds. In addition to being an incredible machine, it has proven to be very easy to repair: a little grease here, a screw there... et voilà! New camera for another 80 years

@NaNaBamBam93 Год назад

Hey Kyle! Just got a 3.5f version today and I’m sooooo excited to shoot with it for my trip to hawaii, but would love to hear from you: have you decided to stay with it? Get it repaired?

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

I sent this one back. But still in the market for another!

@monsieurgolem3392 7 месяцев назад

6:40, nice.

@Notso_Wild_Bill Год назад

I was hooked like that, with a Mamiyaflex C330 pro f. It's was cheaper, not much heavier, and found it a way more versatile. I also feel less anxiety taking it out than the Rollei. (again, the price) Stay safe.Peace

@kylestokes4501 11 месяцев назад

Never happier than walking in New Orleans French Quarter with a Rolleiflex 3.5F Carl Zeiss Planar 75mm f3.5 Type 3. No one will refuse having their portrait made with this beautiful German Girl I call “Gretel.” People look at her with wonder and awe. They want to touch and hold her. Those looks and conversations are Magic. Rollei understood “Magic” and “X-Factor.” They even get some of that Magic into the Prints. How do I begin to explain that Medium Format Look. And vs. the 2.8, smaller lenses were EXPONENTIALLY easier to design and make to perfection without too much sample variation. It’s a lens that is without words in it’s painting of Black and Whites. The joy it brings is priceless!!! If you buy one, and don’t like it 3 years later- you can probably sell it for more than you paid for it😂, again- “Magic.” A Camera’s Camera. I believe it’s the King of Photography. Btw, the Schneider Kreuznach Xenotar is just as Fine- but I ended up with a Zeiss Planar- (and I am a Zeiss Fanboy), but the Schneiders are just as amazing, and I would be just as proud if it had a Xenotar. I am honest enough to say that the Xenar IS Sharper than a Tessar, and I love the Tessar as well. On the Cheaper ones, I say Tessar for Black and White, Xenar for Color or B&W. If you do want smooth OOF areas, I say go for Tessar/Xenar because the Planar is so amazingly sharp, it’s OOF is busy because it tries endlessly to resolve infinity😂. It’s like trying to get a BMW to use a blinker, or a Porsche to do 35 in a 70mph Speed Limit. Germany has given us a some very fun things.

@Larpy1933 7 месяцев назад

One of the better comments on RU-vid!!! Poetry, MAN!

@iKickstand 6 месяцев назад

Wonderful explanation

@AdrianScoffham Год назад

Hey Kyle, I have a 3.5 and a 2.8 - I would advise to stick with a 3.5 because the handling is better and the lens is just as good as the 2.8 - the 2.8 isn't as balanced and doesn't handle as nicely - also the 75 is better suited to landscape, there is a slight difference 75mm vs 80mm. I like both because my 2.8 is a C with 10 bladed aperture which gives rounder smoother bokeh when stopped down... however it does have the old timings which make me think a bit when metering - each of us has an ideal, personally I recommend the 3.5E Xenotar because I like the rendering of that lens best and the E is a very solid and reliable machine, an F is equally as good but will cost more... you definitely want one that hasn't been dropped but if you like the F you have I can recommend you a great technician in Italy who is't expensive but will do you a great CLA

@stephenlumsden280 Год назад

Thx. I have had rolleis in the past, fun to use, but after some problems with a T have gone to a yashica-d with a yashinon lens and a B with a yashikor. Always curious to see what the the Rollei planar and xenotar would be like as I have heard the fit and finish gets much better on them than the tessar models, with the exception of the automat.

@sanguyer6683 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for another great and informative video. Found a 3.5E and was on the fence about selling the Yashica Mat 124G and Ricohflex to buy it... not on the fence anymore. More importantly, my sister lives in York, I've traveled the UK from Bath to Edinburgh, and I'm sure I've never seen (or even heard of) an El Camino in the isles... Órale!

@markgarcia8253 Год назад

Glad you finally joined the Rolleiflex family. Had my 2.8D for 2 years. Perfect for traveling & family moments. Mine, by some divine coincidence, has the same serial# as I did in high school. Plus it was in near perfect condition after being built in 1955. Will always be my forever camera.

@museonfilm8919 Год назад

I have a Rolleicord Vb - the last and best of the that line of Rollei TLR's. Okay, not as great a lens as the 3.5F, but still makes tack sharp images, and I've even used it for some wedding photography. The only down side is, that every time I use it in public - people always stop and enquire about it!

@LarryManiccia Год назад

Rollei too rich for my blood. I went with a Yashica MAT 124 and absolutely love it. I have run a few rolls of HP5+ through it, and the output is stunning. Optics are solid , and I love the look of film compared to digital, this being my first real film camera.

@tylerhall6856 Год назад

I have a Minolta Autocord and it’s wonderful. Definitely a TLR that is affordable because it seems to be under peoples radar. I’d recommend looking into it if the Rollie doesn’t work out.

@edwardbrown2142 Год назад

just ordered one today!

@cameronkrause4712 Год назад

@@edwardbrown2142 I'm getting one also

@kribomon Год назад

I've got the 2.8c myself and I find it very difficult to nail focus - I might need more practice though. I love the TLR format, its so different to anything else I own and is the only medium format I have.

@_stefkas_ Год назад

Hey, I own a 2.8C, too and only got to really enjoy it with a better matte screen fixed to it. Before that, I didn't get to use the beautiful wide open aperture of my Xenotar much (the ten-blade aperture on the 2.8C is unique! ).

@Memento_HiFi Год назад

I picked up a Rolleiflex 3.5 MX-EVS after watching GxAce's video on Rolleiflexes and I honestly love it so much and it got me shooting a lot more medium format since I don't have to deal with the hassle of bringing my Pentax 6x7 around. Honestly for the size, weight and quality of image they produce they're really hard to beat.

@Sunday_Jazz Год назад

I had the same camera and the spilt focusing and not very intuitive dials to set Shutter and aperture was a deal breaker. I just preferred my Yashica 635 and D. The images were also to sharp and perfect for my tastes.

@777millertime777 Год назад

Definitely send it back. That could be a huge issue to fix if it’s even possible to make right again. Rollei’s can break your heart. My 3.5F is one of my all time favorite cameras but it took a while to find a good one and I’ve still had to send it out for repair since I’ve owned it. They can be finicky but SO rewarding when they are working properly

@CaptainNomae Год назад

My dad has a Rolleiflex that hasn’t been used for years. I’m really tempted to convince him to let me shoot with it and let it out of its glass prison every once in awhile.

@Viobasket Год назад

Rather go for a hasselblad with a 80mm planar. Its hard to get a good working rolleiflex today. I had a couple of them and all of them also had some issues.

@ZoneFocused Год назад

Ayyy welcome to the fold! Congrats on grabbing a 3.5f!

@pacoedw Год назад

I have a Rolleiflex 3.5E and I love it! Need to send it to service too, but it's complicated finding someone who REALLY knows what to do down here in Mexico.

@petergoodrum1607 Год назад

My father in law, a gear nut, back in the day had both the 3.5 and the 2.8 from new. He said the 3.5 was a better lens than the 2.8 ... The 3.5 was sharper. The 2.8 he said was made for the press who wanted speed as the main driver.

@cams-scans Год назад

I have a Rolleiflex 3.5B and it is my pride and joy. My rollei has a binding issue when the lens board is fully extended, the board jumps when racking focus back to infinity. Kinda similar to your issue but it doesn't affect the shutter and aperture like yours. Just heard back from a local repair shop that they cant fix it due to lack of replacement parts.. Im hoping a different shop can fix it, I dont want to give this camera up!

@AdrianIII Год назад

Rolleiflex has become outrageouosly priced. Check out the Yashicamat 124G as a more reasonable alternative!

@andrew-and4382 Год назад

So glad to see you using TLR’s and your camera reviews are some of my favourite videos of yours! I have been using a Yashica D (albeit a bit lower end), for quite some time now and absolutely love it. The ground glass is some of the sharpest i’ve ever used and have produced some amazing prints with it

@EduardodeOliveira Год назад

You are so right about the Yashica D. I use my grand dad's. Is a special camera and I love the results I get

@KyleMcDougall Год назад

Cheers, Andrew. Never used the D, but I always enjoyed the 124G from Yashica.

@randallstewart1224 Год назад

I own neither, but historically, the Planar 3.5F has been considered a slightly better optical package than the 2.8F, but you'd have to go to an optical bench to tell any difference. Definitely the supreme TLR. Treat it well, and use it often. As far as stiff selectors, it's more likely to be a question of when it was last cleaned and relubricated than when last used.

@ruedigermerz9525 Год назад

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Rollei, Kyle. Looks like it soon needs a CLA. Good luck with that.

@paullichte Год назад

absolutely not my kind of camera but I totally enjoy to see when someone gives me a different view on things. Curious what you will come up with the Rolleiflex in the future!

@MysteriousCo. Год назад

Yes, embrace the square! To answer the 3.5 vs 2.8 question: I have a 2.8E myself, with the same 2.8 Planar lens that came in the F model (as well as a handful of other various Rolleiflex models with various different lenses). The 3.5 Planar is the tiniest bit sharper off-center than the 2.8 even at equivalent apertures, but it's subtle- The 2.8 trades maybe 5% sharpness for about 2/3 a stop of extra light, and a really lovely, sort of 'sharp but also low contrast' characteristic wide open, which is distinctly unique compared to the 3.5 models. The 2.8's rendering is perhaps a bit more dreamlike and bloomy/glowy too, but it's not a big difference. I can't speak personally on any of the Schneider Xenotar lenses, since I don't own any of those just yet. I'd say, if you really fall in love with using one, and feel like a Rolleiflex could become a really substantial part of your workflow, then the 2.8 could certainly be worth it. However, if it'll be one good camera among several other cameras that gets swapped in and out, the extra cost is tricky to justify!

@tbostrowski6136 Год назад

Hey Kyle, I picked up a Rollei 3.5 at too good a price to pass, its fun and simple, the only mechanical issue it had was the plunger for the shutter would stick, believe it or not a drop of lighter fluid freed it up nicely. I find the edges a bit soft but it gives it character, it has the leather covering and I kinda feel like Richard Avedon or Helmut Newton when using it, but then reality kicks in. Good luck with yours, 2.8 is a nice option too. Cheers..