I'm grateful that through another youtube creatore/Photographer I was informed of your channel. This is amazing and I think I've binge watched about 6 or 7 videos already. Thank you Mr. Henson.
The gray "baby" rolleiflex has been the latest addition to my TLR collection I've been looking out for one for a long time and now it is finally here. It is a lovely little TLR and the (n)everready case is one of the best I've seen on these types of cameras. Good as it is I think the Primo JR (by topcon) is a more interesting very well build127 TLR because, as far as I know, it is the only one with both viewing and taking lens having a 2.8 aperture which does give the edge in finder brightness and dept of field control. They are rather rare but if you find one it is likely to cost about half of the baby grey prices.
Wow, loving your results with the Baby Grey! It’s so great to see film stocks like 127 coming back, even if $$$. Now if we could just get color slide film in 127 again and pull out the old Kodak Carousel 😎 Cheers, Stephen, Raleigh NC
It is always a great pleasure to listen to you talk about old cameras and to discover your magnificent photos. A big thank you for your generosity and your incredible work of artist.
Thank you Martin, I’ve always wondered about that camera. Though you’re right about the other Rolleis being relative bricks, I still use them. Impressive pictures!
Great video Martin, I bought a mint condition Rolleiflex model T f3.5 I sent it off for a service and it's just come back today in time for the weekend.
Excellent review of this camera, they really are a beautiful camera. I have 5 of them, repainted the leather to more modern colors, bright red, orange, and yellow and got them all cla'd. They work perfectly, as my camera tech said, "like a Swiss watch".
Super cool camera. Also, I really love your videos - I learn a lot from "joining" you on your walks and hearing the thought process. Interesting gear, but you don't let it dominate. Thank you for making them all, and looking forward to more!
Hi Martin. I worked it out with the mamiya automat. It's a later model with no lever next to the film wind dial. A metal tab inside was sticking and after I pulled it apart and cleaned that mechanism it's working really good now. Many thanks
My Thursday just got better ! I love seeing new videos pop up from you my friend ! Thank you again for time you take to make them and for the information , it's worth more than gold to me :)
Nice camera and presentation! I recently picked up a Primo Junior 127 TLR. Made by Sawyer in the US, these are also fine cameras with Topcor 12.8, 60 mm lens.
These little TLRs are actually better featured and as well, or better, make than the Baby Rollei. My needs a CLA, but for lack of film, it is not likely to get it.
Glad to learn 127 can be sourced or cut now. There are some lovely vest pocket cameras languishing in an antique store near me, quite cheap, and my only hesitation has been the film.
I used i one times with a rollei 127 and get 12 exposures. Waiting for my cutter to come and test a realy. But shutter and Fstops works like first day. I thinking of buying a yashica mat or a rolleicord. But in think i will stay with my babyflex. Great little camera. Thank you for your Video
The existence of the Baby Rollei, as well as the other 4x4cm, 127 film format TLRs, is easier to understand if you appreciate that in the 1930s, 127 roll film was far more popular and used than 35mm, which was a relatively recent introduction back then. Large numbers of cheap, consumer grade rigid and folding cameras taking 127 film were made in Germany and Japan, mostly for domestic consumption. After WWII, the trend in roll film cameras shifted to 120 film (and its 620 cousin in the US), but Kodak continued to make huge numbers of snapshot cameras taking 127 film. The primary marketing was for consumer slide making, as the 4x4cm format with Kodachrome, etc., was returned in slide mounts the same size as 35mm, fitting stanard 35mm projectors. Around 1957 (11 year old), my second camera was a Kodak Starmatic (?) using 127 roll film, which was "grey-market brand" I bought for 25 cents a roll out of a bin at the camera store. I developed at home. (Kodak Tri-Chem packs, basically Ilford Simplicity kits before their time.) Rollei was at the center of the 127 market in the 1930s with the unique 127 4x4cm Rollei. The Baby Rollei from the late 1950s was more of a novelty, as camera makers could see 35mm being the end of the road for both the 127 format and for TLRs in general. In the 1970s, I considered buying a little Rollei, gray hard case and all, as they were dirt cheap ($75), but I couldn't see its use. In the 1990s, I bought a minty Primo Junior (Topcon) 127 TLR, just because it was so cool, and certainly the best of its type ever made, including the Rollei. For lack of film, I've never shot a roll of film through it, but it is still cool.
Hi Martin. I just picked up one of these and restoring it now. A question. When your winding it and it cocks the shutter it's smooth and the last bit before the number counter stops feels gritty. Is that normal? The wind on feels smoother when winding it the reverse way. Someone has been in this camera and I can't trust anything they have done. The film counter device was not working at first as someone had placed shims under the main mechanism thereby causing the plate to seize up..when I put a test roll through it's sending the backing paper and starts to count. There is a adjustment as you say I'm your video it senses the film. When you get time can you put a test roll through it with only the paper and see it it starts to count up..thanks
Martin what a nice looking and very functional little camera, also agree with your comments on why we use film. I am away in Spain and I left my Nikon mirror camera at home and brought my Mamiya 6 Automat and a few films, enjoying using it..excellent photo's with a great camera.
Hello Martin,Once again another excellent video, You are very detailed in everything. Love how you take us on your trips. Always looking forward to all future videos. THANKS... Canada
Hi Martin please continue with your channel, although I shoot digital i really enjoy your videos especially the winter in wharfedale and the video were people might have lost their enthusiasm on thing i have picked up on is to experiment with aperture for creatve depth of field i tend to try for sharpness throughout the image please keep the channel going it is joy and very informative many thanks Les
Thanks, yes I will continue, not uploaded a vid recently because I am laid up with a very painful herniated disc, can hardly walk, so you will understand it’s quite difficult at this time until the back repairs itself, thanks for your kind comment
ii have the same model of baby lens serial 55907xx with the hard case. looking at mine it has a grid screen viewfinder element so it appears the babys did have optional screens at some point supplied by Rollei and 15 exposures is dependant on who supplied the film, the last ones i managed to obtain came from a czech company about ten years ago and they gave 14 per roll
Don't know about this Rolleiflex, but some Zeiss Ikontas only gave 11 exposures becauses Zeiss had to do a modification to sort out the frame overlapping problem of some of their earlier versions, or the 127 film is just too short.
I got mine as not working (which was true) for quite little money and had it repaired for what was like the price you paid. I have a few 127 cameras (Yashica 44, Bencini Comet which take 4x3 negs and the one that got me into that format a Kochmann Korelle also 4x3 cm which I got gifted from a school mate of my mum). I really dislike those generic strap mounts, no matter how well they are designed because you can't get them anymore and if at prices I'm not willing to pay (approx. £ 60) for a used camera strap. Thanks for another interesting video and regards, Martin in Austria
Another wonderful video Martin. I have enough classic cameras to play around with but it is nice to see one of these in action. I was tempted a while back but the 127 film issue made me hit pause on buying. Great images as always and I wish you well.
I've got one of these! But mine says Yashica all over it... Using handrolled film for ebay I get 12 shots through the red window. I need to use it again. Not bad shots.
Hello Martin, first of all, thank you for your channel. I love how you explain the cameras with all the little hints and tricks. I own (and use) a Baby Rolleiflex myself and no, it's not normal only to get out 11 frames, it should be 12. There might be different reasons, first, something wrong with the detection? The film itself too thin to be detected? Was it working with the FP4? As you mentioned the respooling, two advices: 1. For the Baby Rolleiflex it is essential, that the film is not only cut in width but also in length, otherwise the spools don't really fit. It's a pitty, as you can get 14 frames when you use a sliced film with lets say a Yashica 44, the Rollei won't let you do that. 2. Ilford has a yearly program: The ULF (Ultra Large Format), where one can get 43 mm wide film, which fits perfect to the 127 format. All one needs is old spools and the backing paper and you only need to cut the film in length. The past two years they offered HP5 in this size. It is important for the detecting of the start of the film for the camera, that the tape sticking together film and backpaper goes all along over the width, not only a short bit. Also helpful might be, that as a takeup-spool it's helpful to use only metal spools. Most of the modern ones made from plastic can break and you're stopped in the middle of shooting. And indeed, I hope, companies start producing 127 again. I even wrote to Lomography as they produce unusual formats. It's the perfect size as you mentioned already. I simply love it in being handy and big negative. Being a square format lover myself, I wonder, if you ever tried one of the Berning Robot cameras, which produce 24x24mm frames from regular film. Once again thank you for your channel and I hope, you or someone else interested in this wonderful little camera will find it useful.
I just got one of these for an absolute steal (90 GBP). Glad I watched this as I couldn't get the shutter to fire (even though it worked when I brought it) because the viewfinder was closed. Is there a trick to accessing the slow speeds because I can only get B and not the slower speeds.
Hi Martin ....just bought a baby Rollei myself ....you mentioned getting them serviced ...so can you recommend someone to me please . Loved your video ...very interesting 👍 Kind regards Dave Livermore
Hi Martin, love your takes on photography. Do you know where i can find, 220, film any brand will do, 120 runs out so fast the way i shoot,. Thanks Canada
Hello, I'm looking for TLR and I just happened to see your video. I like it very much because it's beautiful. And has a small size, easy to carry. By the way, 127 film has been discontinued. Can I find other films to use? And if you don't use I'd like to have this one to practice shooting and learning about, if possible, because it's in such beautiful condition. Thank you.
@@martinhensonphotography Thank you very much. Then will you develop the film or make an image to scan it for sharpness? Can a general film developing shop do it? And where can I buy a camera in good condition? I'm a newbie in using film cameras. I've only been using the Rollei 35 for 1 month. But I like the Baby Rolleiflex.
Hi Martin, Another great video I have 2 TLR's a Yashica 124G & a Lubitel 2 love them both, just out of curiosity did you need a special spiral reel to develop that film ?, also not sure if you're aware but I've noticed Shanghai are doing a 220 film now, as far as I'm aware they're the only company doing it
Another great video and believe it or not popped up when I had done the deal with my Japan guy that sources cameras for me. He found me a primo Jr in nearly mint condition. The wonderful thing with the primo is the f2.8 lens. I bought some months back 2 yashica 44s both were stripped down and rebuilt as the shutters we're sticking. Most of the time I'll strip a leaf shutter and clean each blade. Never use WD40. I'm on open heart surgery on a voightlander vitomatic ii with oil all over the blades. It's now purring beautiful. Rangefinder patch has fallen out and in process of getting that back together. Will be looking forward to using the yashica and primo soon. I managed to find the Shanghai film direct from Hong Kong with free postage to France. It worked out cheaper that your source as brexit killed it with high import duties to pay now. Your love for this camera just shines through. There are some cameras that are a real please to use. My last exciting one was a Ricoh 35 deluxe. Picked it up for $15 but of course it was a strip down again!
Oh boy. This is a great channel and I am a new subscriber. I have a lot of videos to go through. I was getting a bit tired of digital photography and I found I was always chasing the look of some BW films. This showed me what I need to do. That being to buy a film camera!! Hopefully, I sort it all out. I will look but do you have a video for someone just starting out?
As I said in this video, all film cameras work the same, so it follows with a good eye learnt from visual learning you can take great pictures with any film camera, just try it, thank you
Got to love this one. High quality post-war cameras seem limited to the "baby" TLRs, like the Rollei used here. Most all of the second tiers Japanese makers produce one of these TLRs. I have a Premo Jr, made by Topcon in effect. Beautiful craftsmanship. For lack of film, I've never used it, but I plan to correct that omission. The 127 square image these take was known back in the day as a "super slide" which tells you how most were used. The 127 slide can be projected in a 35mm projector with no modification, so there you go. My plan: shoot B&W negatives, then contact print them onto litho film to make 127 B&W slides. The only trick will be finding 127 slide mounts.
@@johnprior588 Thanks. I have considered doing something like that. I have not explored in detail, but my concern is finding "card" which is stiff enough to hold shape and stay flat. 50 years ago, most slides were returned from processing mounted in card mounts, but those were special, stiffened material which may be hard to replicate today. Considering that I went looking a few years ago for basic 645 format slide mounts and came up with almost nothing, and what I found was outrageously overpriced, my hopes for finding a commercial product are about zero.
@@randallstewart175 Okay - here's something that just crossed my mind... Many years ago (A LOT!!) I worked for a brief time in a rubber and plastics factory, and while there, I picked up a few small sheets of a thin, stiff-ish brown material - similar maybe to what circuit boards are made of, and I've used it since, for cutting out guitar plectrums. Anyway - something along those lines would probably work quite well - otherwise, thin glass if you're good with a glass-cutter. I used to buy glass mounts for my 6x6 slides in the '60's. Where there's a will....!!
@@johnprior588 Thanks for the idea. When/If I go down this rabbit hole, I'll probably look first for thin glass sheets which can be assembles with two plates binding a film, then taped to hold. This was actually what serious slide folks did in lieu of cardboard mounts before plastic with glass inserts took over the business. My only concern is that whatever I do must cleanly load and unload though my Rollei projector.
@@randallstewart175 Yes, I bound my 2 1/4" slides between I believe, anti-Newton's rings glass, with black tape around the edges, and I still have them of course! Shot with a Semflex TLR, on Agfa CT18, which I still think, is a superb film. Interesting also to see you use a Pyro developer? I've used the Pyro-Metol WD2D formula for years now, and found it pretty good, although it needs regular agitation to avoud streaking. It also turns Foma film purple! The one developer that I fell in love with through the '70's and '80's was Geoffery Crawley's Patterson Acuspecial, particularly with FP3 and FP4 35mm films, which delivered super-sharp, highly detailed images, with a unique tonal range / 'look'. Although its 'inventor' is no longer with us, the formula has never been published. I wondered if you remember it?
Wonderful camera and video Martin. Takes Great pictures, I’ve seen this model on the web several times, but dismissed it only because I thought the film was discontinued. I think again if I see one going for a reasonable price. Just one question Martin on 510 Pyro and fixing. I’d love to try your development and fixing combination, but am a little confused the fixer. I’ve got Ilford Rapid fixer. Is it ok for fixing? If not which alkaline fixed brand will do the trick…? Cheers Martin and keep up the great videos. A.Phillips
Yes you can use Rapid fixer , however if you do it will partially remove the stain that 510 pyro creates on the negative, alkaline fixer keeps it, the fixer I use is Photographers Formulary TF-4 Archival rapid fixer
Hi I have that same Voightlander Bessa RF I'll never sell it with the range finder the patch is still visible all mechanical also have the Yashicamat 124G I may just take one out this weekend👏🏾👌🏾
I'm really enjoying your channel, however I have an issue with this one. These Baby Rolleiflex aren't that cheap. I suspect you'd pick up a Yashicamat 124 in 120 format for less. Film cost is much higher as well. I've found Rera Pan 400 in 127 for £13 a roll. I can buy Fomapan 200 in 120 for £5.16. There's a greater choice available in 120 as well. It's true it's smaller and lighter, but at a cost! It's really nice to see these cameras still being used though!
hi martin, great channel and i'm so happy to have found you. i was given a baby rollei but haven't used it yet because i don't have a dark room to develop the film and was wondering if you or any of your subscribers know of a company here in the UK that could do it for me as I really want to use it for portraits and weddings.
I’d message around a few smaller labs. Most places that develop 120 in the standard jobo or Paterson tanks are physically able to load/dev the 127 size. I’ve also seen a few eBay ads for what I’m guessing is individuals processing film for quite a low price although I don’t know if I’d trust them with previous images.
Hi Martin. I just restored a mamiya 6 automat. The film counter is working and the shutter arms as you turn the winder. The only thing is as per other models in this series is that the winder does not stop and it's possible to wind past the number in the dial. Is that normal for this model as instructions are not available for this model. Many thanks
@@martinhensonphotography Hope it will do also on mine. BUT, what I really want to say is THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Go figure it !! ... has been at least 5 years that I write this question in alll the comment sections of videos that showed the Rolleiflex... BUT!! YOU ONLY finally replay to me, and WITH the aswer. I am not enlish mother langue so I know that I cannot say here my thanx for this....let me explain, I will try, but I don't believe that the words will be the really right ones, like if I express me in my language. That it may sound like: "Lei Signore e' una brava e gentile persona" (italian)... Which ( I try) can be : You Sir is a ....good (?) and gentle person. ( But it sounds a bit "different" to me.) I hope that maybe you can feel my words, even from the italian version. Have a wonderful night. And light
Its a person that was highly recommended to me, however, I wont give details as of yet until I get the camera back, if its done correctly then I will give you a contact email, get in touch with me through email in about 4 week and I hopefully can reveal all, I hope you understand that I will not recommend someone until I have seen there work.
I have just replied to someone else with the same question and repeat what I have said Its a person that was highly recommended to me, however, I wont give details as of yet until I get the camera back, if its done correctly then I will give you a contact email, get in touch with me through email in about 4 week and I hopefully can reveal all, I hope you understand that I will not recommend someone until I have seen there work.
Shanghai film has a lot of negative reviews related to jamming in the camera. Rera has positive reviews. I've ordered the latter, though a bit more expensive.
my rollei baby have some winder problem. When i wind the film to the next frame it cocks the shutter but it sometimes not stop at the next frame? Also when i put in a new film it starts not at the first frame but at frame 3 or 4. is this a big problem or can i repair easily ?
Hi folks, oddly at heart digital cameras are analogue and B&W film cameras are digital! Each pixel in a digital camera builds up an analogue voltage. The signal is converted to digital by an analogue to digital converter. With B&W film the individual grains are either silver or black after exposure and development, there is no in between, it is digital. It looks like a smooth changing gradient because the individual grains are so very small. Strange, but true! And no, it's not the 1st of April!
strange how manufacturers still make an outdated format film like this(no one actually makes these 127 cameras anymore)but does not make 220 film anymore.
