I own both a Rolleicord and a Rolleiflex. My thoughts: If you’re just starting medium format photography like I was, get a Rolleicord. It’s a lot cheaper, and it will help you understand the process. You will NOT miss anything by shooting with a cord. Very few people could accurately tell the difference between photos taken on a flex or cord. Secondly, the cord is still built like a tank, even though it is cheaper. It’s not the same as a rolleiflex, but some people like that it’s a bit lighter. Third, shutter mechanism takes a bit of getting used to. Cock the shutter to the right, take the picture by pushing left. It’s not exactly intuitive. Four, once you’re ready for the Rolleiflex, do it! It is THE classic camera, and if you’re like me, you’ll get the itch sooner or later. It is heavier, and imo more solid than the cord. The other great reason to get a flex, is that the shutter is so much more intuitive to use. Both attract a lot of attention, because they are so unique. People LOVE these cameras, and you will be meeting people left and right who want to ask you about it. Big (and I mean BIG) beautiful negatives come from the 120 film so you get a ton of detail. Scan them and the files can be huge. Lastly, Go out, shoot and enjoy!
hey man I really appreciate that comment. Everything you said is spot-on. We should have done a collaboration to put this video together LOL. I have several photos of me print it on the wall in 20 by 20 that I can see the detain in my clothes fabric I've actually gone back to 35mm TMax because the medium format images were looking almost digital and I was missing some of that film grain. If you look at some of my film videos I also shoot a Mamiya m645. those lenses are so perfect I see no need for manufacturers to make newer models unless they only need autofocus.
Glad you agree, great video! I’m not great at posting videos like you are, but I’ll see what I can do as far as putting something up, though your video gives so much great info. Keep up the good work!
@@jcollins1305 Hello no, i wound up selling it on ebay. I think for about 160.00, I dont miss it really because I can even run 35mm film str8 thru thru cord with no adaptors. I also got a Leica iiif a few months ago and the image quality is so great I dont miss Medium format,.
Thank you JB I really appreciate that. You know this is going to sound cheesy but it's something I learned after running this RU-vid channel at its best to just be yourself and be honest. Once you do that everything will fall into place. By the way I just got a Mamiya 645 with a 55 mm lens and I'm blown away by my first rolls. I hope to do a comparison video in the future comparing and medium format SLR versus a tlr because they both have advantages and disadvantages. Thanks for taking the time to comment and definitely share your photos with me as well
I’ve had been using a Rolleiflex MX-EVS for years, then my youngest daughter became interested in photography, so she “borrowed it” for a while .... 6 years later, I found another at an estate sale, so I’m back in business again. I also enjoy 35mm with my trusty F3. Life is good...:)
Awesome, I shoot digital but I just dont have a passion for the images or the process but it has its place. feel free to share your work also if possible.
I bought my Rolleicord Vb I from KEH several months ago, and I love this camera. Surprisingly, I got used to manually cocking the shutter rather quickly. It's worth noting that, if you're not into the shutter firing mechanism, you can buy a threaded shutter release. The receptacle is (facing the lens) between the shutter cocking lever and the lever for adjusting the shutter speed.
Hello Michael, yeah KEH is legit. my self timer wasnt working when i got it they apologized, fixed the timer and did a full CLA before returning. that shutter button is hard to find , its usually about 50 bucks. had fun making this, ill try to put together a KEH vs Ebay vid some time in the future
I have several Rolleiflexes and Rolleicords from different time periods, and as you say, it's easy to get used to how they work. I can use a late Rolleiflex one day and an early Rolleicord the next without even thinking about the differencies. It becomes second nature pretty quickly.
spajdude yeah man. And you know what else, I started shooting 35mm film in the roli cord but not using the adapter just putting it in. So I can get the widescreen sprocket look. The cord is more conducive to that because there are larger gaps between each frame and with the cord I can crank it partially and use the double exposure liver 2 add more shots per frame since my Flex broke down I don't miss it at all though it feels heavy now when I pick it up LOL. Check out this image on my Flickr. flic.kr/p/24M7Ewp
Nice shot! And the sprocket holes makes sure that everyone knows it's FILM! :-D And I agree with you again, the Rolleicord models are lighter and easier to carry. I sometimes use the really early Rolleiflexes because they weigh a lot less than the late models. 80 year old cameras still working fine.
Thanks, I learned a lot from your video. Back in the 70's, I inherited my grandfather's Rolleicord. It is a pre- WW2 model, and has even fewer features than yours, i.e. no provision for flash of any kind, no self-timer, aperture and shutter speed not linked. My grandfather was an accomplished amateur photographer, and many of his photos were exhibited at shows in the midwest in the 40's and 50's. I used the Rolleicord myself a few times many years ago, but now it has an honored place in my collection. My wife bought me a beautiful 50's vintage Rolleiflex a few years ago, but it too is part of my collection, as I sadly no longer actively use film cameras...
Much respect bro, thanks yes, let me know how you get along with it and share some of your results. Don't be afraid to develop yourself either. No pressure
I've worked with Rolleicords for ages (lllA and Vb), but I never knew that with the Vb one could press the diaphragm lever in order to be able to move it freely. Razor sharp optics, far, far better than the Japanese competitors. Excellent review and comparison. Thank you.
Hahaha thank you so much. Yes I still prefer it to my other cameras. I'm curious how you were able to separately adjust your shutter speed and aperature without pressing it in. I've been using the rolleicord alot now using darkroom paper at six ISO and it's very interesting being able to take shots and develop them three minutes later in the bathroom
@@Raychristofer I am really glad you told your viewers about this, because, oh unlucky me, I used force to change the shutter speeds. And, indeed, even changing them the right way is cumbersome. With the Rolleicord lllA this was much easier. But I love the results of this camera - superior optics by Schneider-Kreuznach. I am curious to know what kind of b/w procedure you are using. I've been a b/w photographer since I was a boy, but I am not familiar with the procedure you use. I'd very much like to know more. Thanks in advance. Cheers, Gerald
@@leslumieres1237 thanks Gerald no problem. I develop in rodinal at home and I scan with an Epson v600. Finally I use a free editor called fast Stone image viewer but any of them will work. How do you do your black and white work ?
@@Raychristofer Rodinal is my kind of "soup" as well. I always used Agfapan 100 fir both 35mm and 120. Nice sharp images and fine tonalty. I've always did my own darkroom work, but since a couple years I use an Epson scanner too. But...in comparison real "wet" darkroom prints are more beautiful.
@@leslumieres1237 you're so right about the real prints. Working with the paper in camera has made me curious especially for shooting the ilford positive paper. I can't draw myself though to do the darkroom thing as it's just more space and equipment and you have to go through a lot of paper with the test strips to get it right, I would like to try it but I don't have the guts at the moment
Thank you that's awesome. Definitely share your images. I got a leica 3F about 3 weeks ago and it was made in 1954 it's still running like a Swiss watch,
Felix Münsterer Felix we are now Brothers. And since you can't shoot both at the same time I'll hold on to one of them for you LOL. When you get comfortable with them feel free to shoot a video of your experience as well. It's always good to get other folks viewpoints. Thanks for checking it out medium format is legit
I inherited my Rolleicord indirectly from my grandfather. I used it once or twice but wasn’t really happy with the results, but after seeing your video I may try it again.
The Cord loads like a Yashicamat which I use. I just wanted to see you, Ray, and your work. Thanks. It's just a few days since the last horrid murder so it's soothing to meet a good caring man.
Hey thanks man, feel free to check out my other film videos medium format. Ive been avoiding the news so im not aware of the murder. yeah ive had it up to my throat with that stuff.
Came across this video as a suggestion from RU-vid. Really enjoyable video and you have a wonderful presence in it. I’ll certainly be checking out your other videos!
Thank you Christopher I appreciate that and I try to be as thorough as I can when I produce my videos for that reason they sometimes take weeks to put together. I was surprised when I saw this video show up on Google as well. if you're shooting medium format film I have several film reviews on the channel you may be interested in as well. Have a good day
@@RaychristoferI suspect RU-vid figured out that I had an interest in Rolleis as there is a Rolleiflex 2.8D on the way to me from KEH right now. I've watched a couple of videos to understand the slightly unique loading of the Rolleiflex, which is a bit different than my YashicaMats and other medium format cameras. I'll be sure to check out your other film content.
I have a Rolleicord Vb. They really packed a lot of good features in Vb (and in Va to an extent) that previous models didn’t have. Removable finder, bright screen, ability to switch to 16 frame and 24 frame option on a 120 roll with accessories, compatible with Rolleikin 35mm film adapter, being a Bay I mount, lens filters and accessories are easier to find and a lot cheaper than Bay II/III Rolleiflex. It takes beautiful pictures, and has worked great for me without any service done to it so far. Prices are much more reasonable compared to Rolleiflex options and Vb’s were made till late 70’s when TLR cameras were becoming less popular. So chances are they would see less use. However if I were to nitpick, I am not a fan of its ergonomics. The focusing is done with left hand and the shutter lever needs to be pulled to the left to fire as well. I guess one can wrap their right hand around under the lens and push it but it just feels odd to me. Also the screen that shows the aperture and shutter speed is not well placed like the Rolleiflex models. And the extra pressure needed to apply on the lever every time I want to change aperture and shutter independently. For somebody who is doing photography as hobby, this shortcomings don’t truly bother me and I really enjoy my Rolleicord. But I guess these small things were mostly the reason why professional photographers chose Rolleiflex over a Rolleicord back in the day.
Hello my man thank you. Every issue you have with the cord I fully agree and some of them I mentioned here. Sometimes though when I print a photo large I'm shocked at the world class images it can produce. Looking at them on Facebook is such a waste lol
My first serious roll film camera is/was a Rolleicord V of the 1950's. The original focusing screen was a trial to use in low light, which changed when I sent it off to Rollei for a CLA. The replacement focusing screen was much better, and the tuneup made "this old Rolleicord" good enough for Verichrome Pan and Tri-X Pan. The 75mm f/3.5 Schneider Xenar lens is a good Tessar-type lens, though there aren't many accessories for this "junior grade" camera.
Hello brother Otokichi thanks for watching and taking the time to comment , I agree the rollei is great . I just bought a mamiya 645 slr to be able to change lenses and have accessories, it's awesome but it's heavier and a lot louder then the Rollie and if I take it in public for street photography people won't look at it as cute and interesting as the Rollie. It makes me appreciate both of them for different things. I hope to do a comparison video of the two in the future. What film camera have you graduated to and are you from Japan?
Sorry to say, I used to be a film camera user. These days, I'm a "trailing edge" technology digital camera user, with a Nikon D7000 and a Fujifilm X30 up front. In the 1990's, I had a Bronica ETR-C system with the usual 50/75/150mm Zenza lens array. It was my "substitute Hasselblad," since the total was pretty close to a 500C/M with normal lens. I sold the outfit to a fellow who wanted to try the wedding photographer game. I'm a Hawaii resident and my screen name honors my paternal grandfather who took the unusual step of relocating his family to the beach during the 1918-1919 Flu Pandemic. Keep on truckin'.;)
Michael Epstein that's what's up Michael, thanks that was my mission. That being said it isn't perfect and I probably should have pointed out that there are many different variations in these cameras that may not apply to the ones I've shown. I'm really glad it was helpful , That makes all the hours of shooting editing and driving out to take photos worth it
Thank you Ray. I just bought a rolliecord on eBay with a sticky shutter for next to nothing; however, the repair videos on RU-vid make it seem pretty straight forward and electronics repair is what I do for a living. I'm excited to finally have a medium format film camera and I look forward to going through it and restoring it to great condition.
MrandMrsOdie that's awesome, and realistically if your speeds above 60 seconds work you should be able to mess around and shoot some rolls before taking it apart. I think the slower speeds use a different set of Springs. Let me know how it goes and if you're going to be shooting black and white Fuji acros is a good film to start with. It's going to be discontinued in a few months though.
Thank you, Ray! It was really informative - there was a lot of useful information, including the narrative you placed on the post. Please don't tire of doing this great service of yours!
Thanks so much Larry. I have been shooting the cord alot more lately even though I have a mamiya m645. really glad it helped. Ive got a few more medium format film reviews on the channel also if youd like to check them out.
Ray, such a satisfying video. I watch it over and over again, and I am always so pleased to see you talk so directly and so relaxed, and be humbly knowledgeable, too. BTW, one advantage that all TLRs had over SLRs (but not rangefinders) was that you could see the scene/subject at the moment you tripped the shutter. The SLRs' mirror movement got in the way. Very useful when doing portraits or people work. Nice photo work as well. Hope all is well and take care.
So i just purchased a Rolleicord vb and i am super happy it. But all the time shooting it i was having so much trouble with trying to set the aperture and shutter speed separately because instead of pushing the aperture button 'in' i was pushing it 'down'. But now that i've figured that out its no problem. Also i think the issue with having to move the camera ever so slightly to read your setting is such a small issue, i can even see the readings without moving the camera to be honest. Great video, i'm glad i watched it before making the purchase.
Thank you I really appreciate you stopping by. I guess since I started on the rolly Flex with all those convenience features I was spoiled when I went to the rolleicord but after having the cord I really prefer it because it's lighter and the motion of advancing the Salem and caulking the shutter are separate I actually like that. And I forgot to mention in the video you can actually put a 35 mm roll of film in there and run it without any adaptor to make sprocket panorama's. I'm glad this video was helpful and when you get comfortable with it I challenge you to make your own video review, no pressure.
Really well made video my friend. I am in the UK and have used twin lens cameras since the early 1960 s! You also have the Yashicas, Mamiyas, Autocord and many others. Good luck in your photography.
Fantastic video, can't thank you enough for putting it together! Super informative about the different functionalities of each camera, and a pleasure to watch. :D
I appreciate you taking the time to comment Claire yes it took prob 3 weeks to put this together. glad it helped. I needed the same help when i was looking into film. respect
Hello Claire how are you? I took some time to look at your channel and I'm Blown Away by your artistic drawings question is if someone has artistic skill like you what can they do to monetize it?
somehow i've randomly found your videos looking for longboard videos, camera and bag videos. i have to say your videos really are good, very informative and relaxing to listen to. usually the better the videos quality the worse the actual review content is but you really have balanced it well. cheers for the useful info and happy new year!
Thanks for taking the time to check it out and leave a comment Antonio. That means a lot because every video I make sometimes takes days or weeks to put together because I'm trying to be thorough. If you decide to get one let me know. Respect
Thanks so much Warren , glad it was helpful. Right now Ilford stopped making film and I predict others will follow. I'm on hold using film for now due to world conditions. If you get one let me know how you do
Great video. I got a Yashicaflex and just ordered a Rolleicord. I call them magic boxes- Looking through the viewfinder feels magical! Your cameras are beautiful, pretty straps!
Wow, thanks for a very informative presentation. When I was growing up, the TLR was king, and nearly all the pictures in the photo mags were taken with Rollies, Minolta Autocords, and occasionally Zeiss Ikontoflexes. All I had was a cheapo Uniflex, which saw me through my school years. Eventually I got a Yashica Mat and then Mamyaflex. But Rollie was and is still King in my mind.
Hello Alfred, thanks for taking the time to check this out. It took me weeks to put this video together. What surprises me is when I look at old boxing photos like Muhammad Ali on the sidelines you will see photographers holding up these looking through the sport finder, the images they were getting were incredible considering it was not super bright light. Is something special about those older black and white images that makes me realize modern cameras aren't necessarily better just a lot faster and more convenient.
Raychristofer Yup. I took high school basketball and college hockey shots with my Uniflex. Just preset the focus and wait for something to come into that zone.
You have to beautiful specimans there, what gorgeous cameras. I have a Rolleicord, got it for around $700, much less than a Flex would be. I love the view finder, taking shot at my stomach height, give such a beautiful perspective. Thank you for the comparison video, I love learning anything and everything about these beautiful cameras.
Nick Lindsey thanks Big Nick it's a learning process. One thing I learned from doing RU-vid for years is it's always best to review and talk about things you know and are passionate about that way you never have to try hard or pretend. When I first started I reviewed a hair clipper and a knife stuff that I would never review now LOL. I plan to do a review of Fuji acros as well as ultrafine Xtreme films. Hopefully I'll find time to put that together soon. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment
Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. The images made for family and friends are precious. I am just appalled that there were still "thumbs down" for such a "non-offensive" video.
Hello thank you so much. Don't worry about the thumbs down it's a reflection of a segment of society that is degenerating. I'm using my rolleicord alot lately for in camera cyanotypes. Check my Instagram link on my home page you may be surprised at the results
Thanks! Your video work is simply gorgeous. And you speak so clearly with an economy of words that it’s a delight listening to you. Also: I love seeing you photographs.
Whaat! I never knew you followed my channel Khairil . I must be big tyme and dont know it lol. yeah if you ever get a chance to shoot medium format try it because with micro four thirds Im always chasing shallow DOF and its a compromise between tele lenses without much of the environment and wide lenses without much bokeh. this gives me both. yeah man thanks for checkin it out.
You're welcome and I appreciate that. Believe me when I was looking to buy a rolleicord I couldn't find any video explaining the shutter and aperture controls properly among other things. I've been shooting a Mamiya 645 for about four months now and it is a marked improvement in certain ways but it's bigger and heavier and louder also. At some point in the future I will put together a review comparing the tlr advantages compared to the SLR advantages. What are you shooting with at the moment?
I've used both Rolleiflex and Rolleicord. I use a Yashica Mat which is the same method of loading as the Rolleicord with the advantage of the lever wind of the Rolleiflex.
I saw you're in Florida. I got a Rolleicord Vb recently. I agree with your drawbacks, and it can make it tedious to use, but it does take great pictures. I'm in Orlando, and I'd recommend Kiwi Camera Service. It's a small little independent shop that does mostly repairs. They had several Rolleis and they are great to work with.
Great video man, really really helpful. I'm currently shooting 35mm film but I'm really thinking about medium format. This video really makes me want to try the Rolleicord!
Thanks man, don't think about it just get it. When you scan it and see the image quality of the negative and the fibers of your clothing and hair it's hard for me to go back to 35 mm but I am working on a review of a 35 mm rollei rangefinder ironically the XF 35
@@fabrizioleonardocuccu8495 check out this rollei album. some are from that rolleiflex and some are from the cord but they both have the same lens, check out my medium format film reviews also if you like flic.kr/s/aHsmdcTHPw
TheWanderingTaiterTots hey thanks man you're welcome, one thing about me I don't mess around when it comes to camera gear reviews. I'm glad it helped because you probably had some of the same questions I had that I had to learn the hard way
Ray, just discovered this video from you. Great job, well done indeed.Very concise explanations combined with useful observations.I have both models and to be hones the weight of the Rolleicord is a huge advantage from my perspective.Image quality is almost identical. Also loved the images you shared, with some great tonal range being shown. Again thanks and congrats of a professional job. Andy
hello Andy thanks man and I got to tell you that's one of the reasons I make these videos because when I get appreciative comments like yours it shows I'm helping folks. I feel the same way you did because after I sold the flex I didn't miss it one bit. And as an added bonus I can put a 35 mm roll of film directly into the cord and shoot it showing the sprockets and all without needing an adaptor. I don't miss the wind crank either. Hey feel free to share your images as well I like to see what others are doing. Peace
ghlyall hey thank you I appreciate that. I just spent an hour in downtown Miami attempting to do some street photography with that Rollie cord so maybe one day in the future I'll have another film video. Peace
The Rolleicord was always my parents go-to camera from 1952-1990. My mom always told me about the deluxe Rolleiflex model that was MUCH more expensive and supposedly better. I'm glad I now know the differences and am happy to have the Rolleicord in my collection of cool, old stuff. THANK YOU
It was always off limits to us kids because my parents really valued it, but now that I've inherited it. I will shoot some 120 in the near future. Their main use was for shooting slides, which I still have, too. The clarity is excellent, even after 60 years. Do you recommend that I use Kodak film or is another brand optimal?
@@RollerCam nowadays all films are good. If you want extreme sharpness and detail Kodak TMax is probably the best. Tri-x has a stronger green pattern. Ilford hp5 is probably my favorite in 35 mmmm because the green is not too coarse and not too fine. Ultrafine Xtreme is probably the cheapest but it's still great quality. You can't really go wrong,
I own both a Rolleiflex and Rolleicord and found your review both fair and accurate, for me I find the cords fire shutter lever the thing I dislike most though you can buy a small push fire adapter, I like the simpler cord wind on mechanism and the fact that I can run a dummy film through it if needed unlike the flex where the backing paper just isn't enough, never liked the automatic shutter cocking of the flex either because I hate leaving a camera with it's shutter cocked. All minor issues and both wonderful cameras and worth owning, Anyway a great review and a highly recommend watch for future Flex or Cord buyers.
Harry Stevens hello Harry what's going on boss? I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment it means a lot seeing how long it took to put this video together. You know something strange when I bought the cord I almost looked at it as inferior but after using it I would rather grab the cord than the flex when leaving the house one main reason is it's lighter and when walking around the city that makes a difference. Also I'm able to run even 35 millimeter film through the cord without any adapter and get those images with the sprocket look. And finally the brighter screen that it comes with is pretty perfect. I no longer desire a rolleiflex but I would like to use the 2.8 version. The thing about these cameras is the images come out really perfect I have many large print size done hanging on my wall I rarely feel motivated to print my digital photos. Anyway I'm glad it helped and don't be afraid to do your own video comparison,
I also have both a 'flex (2.8D) and a cord Vb. Love them both. Had the flex overhauled by Harry Fleener in Manhattan Beach CA. Oceanside Camera. It was a whole bunch of money, but the flex is perfect. I will be shooting both these until I can't shoot any longer. BTW, nice review of the two cameras. Earned my sub.
Nice review, it shows that rolleicord is as capable as a rolleiflex with the same lens, it's the lens which counts not the camera. I have the rolleicord III which has a little less features than the V but the lens is still a xenar. I bought it because the CLA was done. God advice to tell people not to buy such old cameras without CLA. I have a collegue who had a bad experience trying to fix shutter problems on his rolleiflex bought on ebay without CLA. Rolleicord is a god and cheeper way to go into medium format, love it!
Fujimichel Thanks Fuji, really appreciate your comment and real world experience. Few days ago I shot some 35mm in the cord and it came out great, I just put it in and used a changing bag to remove and develop, has the sprocket lines and all ill put a link here. I almost don't miss the flex after getting familiar with the cord. flic.kr/p/23oiSoE
I love my rolleicords, I have a IV, a Va and Vb. The IV has a triotar lens, which is soft at the edges but is wonderful for portraits, the Va, which is not as expensive in the used market, and a Vb, which was too good a deal to pass up. The main advantage to the Rolleicord is that it was a luxury item owned by careful amateurs: the Rolleiflex was the major professional camera from about 1952 to 1970 (,when 35mm film got to be really good) and the Rolleiflex you buy may have had thousands of rolls of film put through it
Thank you bro, I finally sold that rolleiflex a few days ago on eBay for $180 2 a camera repair person, I thought I was downgrading when I got the rolleicord but after using it and seeing how light it is and most importantly having that brighter screen I much rather carry it around. I love reviewing these vintage mechanical camera gear there's so much to talk about. My modern Lumix camera that I film these videos with is very capable and the image quality is great but it's physically very boring and I would never pick it up to fondle and admire like these older cameras
The pro camera market in the 1950s started mainly with the Rolleiflex. Over time the Hasselblad overtook Rolleiflex sales and put the "flex" into permanent sales decline from which it never recovered. Most of the heavily used Rolleiflex models got used up and parted out after film advance and shutter failures. I think most of the Rolleiflex cameras in the used market today started out as one of those "lifetime" purchases by older gentlemen of means, which moved to the drawer after Pop passed on. Those cameras rotted for decades and came back requiring full overhauls (which can still be done). The Rolleicord was sold to the non-pro who wanted to be "like a Rolleiflex". More lightly build; more likely to be used up; less likely to be worth the cost of a major restoration. Over the years, I shopped for a Rolleicord, but I never found one worth the asking price. Last time around (15 years ago), it took me 40 minutes of playing with a "like new" Vb to discover hidden damage costing more than the seller's asking price of $175 to repair. The seller got suckered and was attempting to pass long the favor. If shopping, note that any camera like this which is 'like new" or "mint" has to have a reason for its apparent lack of use. Hidden damage is the number one reason. Do NOT trust the seller, but do verify. Be wary and walk away if you cannot make sense of the situation; always build a $150 CLA into the purchase decision if not buying for a collection only.
Excellent video. Worthwhile for TLR buyers. All of them are old and should be serviced by a competent repair facility. Buying one that’s been gone through already excellent advice. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Nice video! These are very inspirational cameras. I am lucky enough to have two Rolleiflexes: one Rolleiflex Automat with Tessar lens, and one 2.8E with Xenotar lens. The last one is probably my best camera, but the Automat is nice and light. I actually also have accessory close-up lenses that you can add on top of the inbuilt lenses.
I had my Rolleiflex MX EVS CLA'd by Harry Fleanor, who resides in California. It was a bit pricy, but he does excellent work. It's working like brand new. From my research, many say he's the best. I highly recommend him.
Hello thank you, yes I heard of him definitely. I think he gave me a 3-month turnaround time when I called.. if you don't mind me asking what was the cost of your CLA and what did it include
That's how a great manufacturer does an "entry-level" offering. Taking away some features which are either just nice to have or geared towards demanding professionals, leaving the core capabilities intact. Surely some of the 'flex sport more premium lenses, but the ones on the 'cords are great lenses in their own right, and they deliver every bit the user needs.
Thank you for this video. I have the Yashica Mat EM and I got it locally in my country of Trinidad and Tobago but the person bought it from KEH and it works perfectly.
Nice video. It would be useful for a new buyer of either camera to show the basics or to someone contemplating which camera to purchase. Thank you. I also thought your video has a nice flow to it. Some people beat around the bush and take too long to get to the point. Your presentation was clear and a very nice pace for absorption.
Hello thank you I really appreciate that. When shooting RU-vid it's important to respect folks time. If I know I said a lot in one chapter I'll try to include example photos with music as a sort of intermission. when RU-vidrs come on and start talking about the coffee they're drinking or they're sorry they haven't uploaded a video in a while because of this and that I lose patience also LOL
Excellent video. I have both these cameras, and I agree with everything you say. I would advise your viewers to also check out the Rolleiflex T. The viewing lens is v2.8 so the image on the screen is a little brighter. It also tends to be more expensive, so a Rolleicord is still the best bang for buck.
Hey thanks for commenting it's good to hear from another user of these. I just might challenge you to also do a video comparison also showing your image results, No pressure LOL
Great video and comparison. The only comment I would make is triple the price of the CLA for the Rolleiflex. My last CLA cost $560 USD..... The Rolleicord is considerably cheaper to repair.
Thanks man. Wow that is a heavy CLA but that price is probably for a complete dismantle and rebuild. I think I was just talkin about a shutter service because what you paid is twice what Harry fleenor charges and he's the best in the business
The Xenar lens is the only lens ever used in the Rolleicord. The Rolleiflex shown here, also with Xenar, is relatively uncommon, the more common version using a Zeiss Tessar. The Tessar and Xenar are practically identical optically. While other Rolleiflex models use more complex (and "better") lenses, even an expert would be hard pressed to tell the difference between prints. The "auto-start" film sensing rollers are the number one source of problems which compel a trip to the repair shop, not really an advantage. Nice coverage of these cameras.
Hey Randall thanks for that technical expertise, always good to have a viewer who knows something about the subject. About four months ago I got a like a Leica iiif and I realize when I shoot it with Kodak TMax and the 50 MM Summitar sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between that and my medium format cameras. For portraits , in fact I prefer it because I can get more of that film grain. Thanks for stopping by
Yes in my 'cord the film counting roller is totally non functional. Luckily I can simply use the red window to advance the film. Also my one is much older than the one in this comparison. It does not have linked shutter/aperture and can not take filters.
@@Raychristofer I just double checked. Mine is a 1a Model 3 built between 1938-47 and probably the beginning of that period due to the serial number. I also fixed my frame counter. Turns out it was just halfway through a counter "reset" procedure so I just needed to press the button, that i didn't know was a button, in the centre of the advance knob! Its mirror is really bad so needs replacing. Otherwise its all working fine and currently has some FP4 in it (with a few double exposures due to me forgetting to wind on lol). I have no idea if its ever had a CLA but seeing as I have so many old cameras with the compur shutter like this one I may just learn to CLA them myself.
I have a Rolleicord Va from 1958. Nice after a CLA. I use it with Tri X film. I use it with flash sometimes so I have put black tape on the xmv lever to keep it on X. I knocked it to M once and the pictures didn't turn out. Rollei eventually fixed that on the Vb that you have there. The M setting was removed.
Thank you. Yes some bhave to say it's the perfect camera for capturing people. A month ago I got a leica iiif and am shooting Kodak TMax 100 and the detail is so fine I haven't used my medium formats since lol.
My second serious camera was a Rolleicord V, which is more basic than the later Vb model. I bought a Rolleiflex in the 1970's from a reputable Shutterbug Ads seller and stumbled with the "feed the film leader INTO the first set of rollers" step. (I wound the 120 roll through the camera without stopping at the first frame.;) I still have the Rolleicord, which went through an epic CLA and had a much better focusing screen installed.
It's been decades since the Rolleicord V was sent to what was then an official Rollei service center. The focusing screen was plastic, with fine fresnel lines and a split image focusing spot st the center. It made focusing a "bang-on" turn of the focusing knob instead of a "is it sharp?" back-and-forth hunt.
Always love your reviews. But that is some sexy gear that I wouldn't know what the heck to do with. But man, the images you got out of those...Stunning. P.S. - MY Pixco Roxsen focal reducer came today!!!!
Whats up Carl, Ill give you a crash course in vintage TLR cams whenever youre ready. experiment with putting the camera in manual mode with and without the reducer and youll notice the brighter stop of light. I didnt feel confident with the booster till I did several tests confirming its image quality.
You're welcome Marc I was pulling my hair out trying to find a video that explained it in detail properly. I knew someone out there could benefit from this. Since you're so choked up do me a favor and send me a Hasselblad to do a comparison on lol. Thanks in advance, respect
Great video! I`ve had a Rolleicord for some time now, but got my first Rolleiflex TODAY from eBay (my brother got my dad`s). It`s a bit scruffy cosmetically (1939 model) but it works like a charm. The "cord" has a "Xenar" lens but the "flex" has a "Tessar". Both are great lenses. Can`t wait to compare results. Cheers! Ian.
Ian Mcphail nice Ian, I like getting real feedback like this. Yeah man these old cameras have a field to them that just makes them enjoyable to use. As much as I love the image quality of my Panasonic and its lenses once I'm done using I put it away I don't think about it anymore but these I keep looking for excuses to shoot them. Let me know how it goes and share your photos to
The rollers which sense the beginning of your film roll and automatically set the frame counter is the most troublesome mechanical feature of the Rolleiflex, as they get out of adjustment and fail to set the frame counter. When Rollei stopped regular manufacture of the "Flex and went to $4000 limited production models, they dropped this auto-start feature and started using the manual endex starting like the Rolleicord. Although outside the scope of this video, the Minolta Autocord is like a Rolleicord, but adds most of the upgraded controls and features found on the Rolleiflex.
Randall Stewart Hello Randall thanks bro I appreciate that tech and historic info. I didn't know the new ones dropped it you're the type of viewer I need more of. Respect. What film cameras do you use now?
After 55 years in film photography, the volume of my use is much reduced these days. However, when the 35mm spirit moves me, I use a Nikon F100 or a Contax T2 (bought long before the current nutty craze for same). Mostly I use Pentax 67 system with a newly added Fuji GA645Zi for when the weight of the Pentax 67 overcomes my 71 years. Oddly, I've never owned a Rollei TLR but collected a fair number of other brands of TLR.
Randall Stewart Randall you've seen a lot. From what I see a good photo is a good photo and many of the classic black and white images from the greats could not have been done better with a modern camera in my opinion.
Randall Stewart can you help me understand something. When I scan my negatives I edit each one individually with time and the care. My question is in 1970 when you took a roll of black and white film to a lab how did they develop each photo individually for example if one was Overexposed and one was under. Did they treat each image differently or did they just run it through a machine? I get the feeling being able to manipulate a negative did you tell me it's a big part of what makes film photography comeback so strong
In 1970, a local camera store or Walmart-type drop would pass the film to a local lab, which would batch process same type films in some type of automatic processor, always using the same developer for everything. The dried film was fed through a printer, sort of an automatic enlarger set to print the whole roll to fixed sized prints, Printing time for each print was controlled by a light meter reading each negative before it was printed. Prints were usually made on rolls of paper, maybe 5" by 300 feet long, then the strip of prints went though an automatic paper processor, then cut into individual prints as the finished strip came out of the processor. What I said aside, the message I meant to convey was my opinion that a significant part of the renewed interest in film is based on being able to shoot film, have it processed in a lab or DIY, then scan the negatives to digital processing, as opposed to having to equip a full darkroom and get involved with the alchemisty and secret ways of wet print making, whether B&W or color. My personal experience is that the accumulated cost and time spend learning and doing digital printing is almost as burdensome as the same for wet darkroom processing, at least as to B&W. If you wanted an enlargement of a given print, or some modifications to the image, the negative went back to the lab for custom printing by a professional printer, done much like you'd do it in a home darkroom.
Thank you for this. I currently have a Yashica-Mat and I’m thinking about buying a Rolleicord VB as an upgrade. I have the Rolleinar close up lenses, which also work well on my Yashica.
Honestly the good thing about the cords is they are quite lighter but the build quality and German craftsmanship is the same as the rolleiflex. If you can afford it though and already have a Yoshi the flex would be a cool upgrade
Really great video. My father told me the link between shutter and aperture on the cord was so junior photographers would learn to use the camera without looking. You could feel for where one was and know exactly what aperture or shutter speed was being used. Having inherited his VA model I’m now incredibly jealous of the upgraded screen on the VB.
What an amazing informative and helpful video. You have such a calm and natural way of explaining things so I really appreciate your work. :) Ps: you've got a great voice - looking forward to more videos!
Thank you, Ray!!! Excellent! I was thinking of selling my dad's cord and now maybe not. I have 3 or 4 Nikons from way back when, but I hardly ever used this one. I have a scanner for the negs and 35mm slides I'd kept and use every once in a while. Where are you buying the film and getting it processed?????? That's pretty hard even here in Chicago.
I just realized I asked you where you're from in another post so ignore that lol. Yes one bottle of developer for about $16 can last me eight months. but yes if you're shooting lots of film the price can definitely add up last year when covid hit I cut back a lot. Look at my last video or latest video on this channel it's a trailer for a tutorial I'm working on how to shoot dark room paper you're going to see some nice images I was able to get but they do have a slightly different look than film
Thank you, it took me months to put that together and they deserve nothing less. I got a leica iiif a few months ago and really have not touched medium format since because using fine-grained film like TMax it's incredible the results I'm getting. I hope to do a review of it also. Thanks for passing through
great video, thanks for all the info! i got 2 rolleicords (a II and a V) from someone in my family and i was a bit sad they were not rolleiflexes, but now after watching your video i am quite happy with them! :D i love photography, but i havent used a film camera since i was a kid, so its exciting. i ordered some film today! :)
Hello that's awesome man you're welcome to the channel. If there's anything I can do to help you just ask. Feel free to look at some of my film reviews also. Where are you from?
Great video! Thank you for making it. I have an Minolta Autocord I love. Now I realize I can afford a rollei! Great explanations of the differences. Love your photos too.
Beautiful cameras, well done review... I have a Mamiya C330, it's heavier and bigger than the rolleis... It's 80/2.8 Mamiya lens is really very good and I have taken lots of photos with it in 20 years... Even used it for some portraits in weddings... But I sure would like to try out a rollei... Hugs from Sicily.
I really enjoyed this video. You made sense, had a point, and presented your opinions in a logical manner. These things are sadly lacking on many YT videos. Thanks. Btw, I have a few Rolleiflexes and I will toss out a slightly different opinion. I think it is wiser to buy a Rolleiflex that has some problems and spend the money saved to have it CLA'd by a known Rolleiflex technician. Anyone can call himself a camera tech and Rolleiflexes really should only be worked on by a knowledgeable person. Anyway, thanks for the video, Take care.
Ian Butler thanks man I really appreciate that, sometimes I have to dig through tons of RU-vid videos and still don't find what I'm looking for. You're right if you can find a flex that just needs basic repairs you can get a deal, sometimes the owner thinks it's a huge problem and it isn't. Hey id I really like to see you do a video review also, it's good to get other viewpoints sometimes. Peace
Ray, I subscribe to a few other RU-vidrs (Peter Elger and The Art of Photography). While watching their videos, your video on the Rolleicord v Rolleiflex came up on the right as a suggested video. The professional quality of the thumbnail and the subject matter being summarized with a few words on the thumbnail made me click on it. The quality of the videography and the content is what caused me to check out your other videos.
Ian Butler thanks man big respect, you wouldn't believe sometimes I'll shoot a take nine times before I get it decent lol and after uploading a video I always see mistakes that flew under my radar so every subsequent video I try to tighten it up. Good looking out
Hi Ray, very nice review.The name Sneiders-Kreuznach sounds I from like and the word coint and the letter z sounds like ts, Nach sound like the composer J.S. Bach. Phonetically Snider-Kroitsnag. I hope it will helps you a little bit. I'm Dutch. But speaks German and Dutch.
Hello my brother thanks so much for that technical pronunciation, I would never have gotten it perfect otherwise and im usually good with language. youre in a great part of the world. I love german technology from old times and would love visiting the antique shops there one day.
Hello cousin Greg thanks for taking the time to visit my channel, one thing I learned that you and Max do is the importance of trying to be detailed and entertaining as possible. I'm actually shooting a leica 3F for about 3 months now and haven't touched my medium formats since. I want to do a review of it but you guys didn't leave any wiggle room for me LOL
Hey thanks man I appreciate that. sometimes I pull my hair out when I watch RU-vid reviews and they leave out important things or assume you know, I try not to annoy people like that with my videos. I'm curious how did you come across this video, I notice it's finally ranking on Google also
Raychristofer yeah man, you put out a quality video and I enjoyed it on my commute to school. I came across your video while searching for a comparison of the two cameras because I had a guy in the local area selling a ‘cord and wanted to know what I may be missing out on if I went with that instead of the ‘flex. I believe your video popped up in the top 3 while searching for flex vs cord
@@s.j.249 the coincidences I haven't shot the cord in about 4 months but I happen to have it with me in Miami Beach today and I'm shooting some black-and-white . I never thought I would say this but it's refreshing to only have 12 frames instead of 36
Raychristofer I think I’ll feel the same, really makes you want to make all 12 frames count, I feel like at the end of my 36 rolls I end up just shooting anything just to finish the roll
A very informative video. Although I own neither camera, I do have a Yashicamat 124, and it is interesting see how these two cameras compare to the Yashica.
Hello rook thanks so much I had a good time putting this together as I love both cameras. I want up selling the rolleiflex on eBay because of the shutter issue but I have since gotten a Mamiya m645 reflex camera and I love it so much I haven't touched the Rollie in a few weeks. I fully intend to do a review comparing both of them but that video might take a month or two for me to get around to putting together. feel free to share some of your images with me if you have an online album I like to see what others are doing.
I liked you review and love the Rollei. I have a couple of flexes and cords myself. But, I have found, although a little heaver, the Mamiya TLR is every bit as impressive, as far as photo quality. It has the advantage of interchangeable lenses. Don't sleep on the Mamiya TLR.
Hello thanks so much. Yes the Mamiya tlr is the pinnacle of tlr tech. I have a Mamiya m645 slr and the image quality is so perfect I almost stop shooting it because it reminds me of digital lol. Respect
Excellent well thought out video with lots of valuable information. I've had both types and for some reason don't anymore. But I do have a few Yashicas that I'm very happy with and got them for very little money. I first got a Yashika A TLR. Really simple, easy to use little camera. Then I got a Yashica D off EBay that had a stuck on Bulb shutter. Getting repaired as we speak. Got another D on EBay that works perfect and I like it so much that I decided to get the other one fixed. I find I prefer the knob winders much more than the crank wonders myself. I will get another VB one of these days but people should be told how great the Yashicas are too. So affordable and really great little cameras. I like the D more than the 124 G to be honest and my working great one cost me about $100 ! I have more fun with TLR's than any other medium format camera and I have a few other types too ! Keep up the good work sir , LarryMac
Thanks for that info my man yes they are amazing what can be done with them. About three months ago I got a Leica iiif and when I use fine-grained film like tmax100 it's hard to tell the difference with some medium format. If you love the yashicas and you're bad you ought to put together a review like this yourself. No pressha
@@Raychristofer , I also just got a IIIF ST and am loving it. Got a 50 mm f3.5 Elmar and a 135 mm f4.5 Hektor and a 90mm Hektor coming soon. Looking for a 35mm too, that's my favorite lens right now. LarryMac
@@Raychristofer it's a lot slower than it should be at speeds from 15 to 1 but I got it for just 35€ and the lens is clean so I can accept it. Loved your photos btw and hit the subscribe button :)
Thank you for introducing the cameras. After a 20-year break, I'm starting analog photography again. However, I use a Seagull 4A, the Chinese version of the Rolleiflex which was cheap and delivers perfect image quality too.
Really to purchase one and you have really helped me become more informed. Not sure which one though. After seeing this I want both. Great video. Thank you!
Very nice comparison and review…I have a Yashica Mat 124G but want one of the German ones…based on your assessment I think I’m inclined for the Rolleicord! Thanks for sharing and be safe… Cheers..
Thank you for this very nice production... Great video. It is so informative, and your photography is excellent... I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Jack Leyva thank you Jack, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment like that it makes the time of shooting and editing worth it. The next thing I may review is some 120 film that I've been using. lately I'm a bit busy though so I can't say when I'll finish it but keep your eye open. Peace
This is a great video. You explain the differences extremely well. I have a Rolleiflex on the way from KEH. I spent a little more than maybe I would have from the auction site, but if was worth it to me, as I want a camera that works well. Thank you for this video.
