My baby has been a Yashica MAT 124-G. Probably shot a thousand rolls through it. It was my first Med Format. Many systems later, I still like going back to my 124-G. Sharp as a tack!
My wife ordered me a home developing kit which I am very excited about. I fell in love with shooting film (35mm) a few years ago but have yet to try medium format. I may begin with a Yashica Mat first and eventually get a Rolleiflex. I have recommended your website & RU-vid channel to others...your tips and insight on the art of photography has been a tremendous help! Many thanks my friend
Great video! I have owned a number of TLRs over decades and all of them have been great fun. I think the most flexible and cost effective set up that I ever shot seriously with was the Mamiya C330 and its variants. It didn't offer the ultimate in image quality, but you could do just about anything with it. Optical quality of the lenses was "good enough" and they were affordable, and I never had a customer complain. Of course the image quality blew away 35mm film. The bodies were built like tanks. I did a lot of weddings and portraits with them and never broke one. Mamiya sold an accessory called a "Paramender" that installed between your camera and your tripod for closeup work. You composed your shot normally and then just before taking the picture, you operated a lever on the accessory that precisely raised your camera to the right height for the taking lens to shoot, so that your finished product looked exactly as you composed it. It even worked with the camera on an angle. No more "crapshoot". I found it indispensable.
The Minolta Autocord with f3.5 Rokkor lens is one of the best TLR cameras there is. The pictures taken with it are just incredible, crisp, sharp and beautiful both in color and B&W. It doesn't get the same hype as Rollei's but it is certainly a great contender!
I have 4 Rolleis. After I got an Autocord and used and tested it I never used the Rolleis again. The film transport gives better film flatness than the Rollei as the film goes from the film roll directly into the exposure gate and does not get bent by being held in a sharp corner before doing so as the Rollei does. It is also lighter than Rollei and the self timer works. The mechanical quality is not up to Rollei and I don't care for the focusing lever but the photos are great. Rollei Bay I filters and accessories fit.
I picked up a Ricoh Diacord G in excellent condition, and I've been getting great results with it. I had a funny experience wandering around a flea market and snapping photos -- most people didn't seem to recognize it as a camera or realize what I was doing as I stared down into the viewfinder. Because I don't hold it up to my eye or look directly at the subject, and because the shutter is almost silent, they didn't react to having a camera pointed at them. (And the few who recognized it were just delighted to see a TLR being used.)
I received a Mamiya C220 TLR as a present and I enjoy it thoroughly! When I was a kid ,my mother took me and my brothers to these photographic shops where passport photos were made. In one I saw this interesting two eyed camera, but why one on top of the other, I remember asking myself! Why the other cameras have only one eye despite the fact that we have two, then I read the prospect of a Kodak stereo graphic camera! The seed was planted and dad and his photographic affection helped raise this enjoyment that I have to this day! Then came RU-vid and I discovered this channel, perhaps it was the other way around, now I can say that I am learning the answers! Cheers Mr. Forbes!
Nice video! I cut my photography teeth in the late 1970s on my dad's Rolleiflex 3.5, which he had bought new in 1956. It was probably the same model you have, although he bought the Rolleikin adapter kit with his, and we mostly shot 35mm film with it. I became one of my high school's yearbook photographers, and I got my best candids with that Rolleiflex. The through-the-top viewfinder enabled me to shoot surreptitiously, with the camera hanging as though I were merely carrying it, and also around corners and from under desks, and that Synchro-Compur shutter is so quiet that even after I took a picture, most of my subjects were none the wiser. Dad had my brother and me try a bit of medium-format photography on 120 film, too, and we made the most of some of the camera's other features, like the delay timer and remote shutter release. I have used many other cameras since then, like a Yashica FX-2 all-manual SLR, a Minolta XG-1 semi-automatic, a couple of Olympus fully automatic point-and-shoots, and a number of digital cameras. While I appreciated their more advanced features, none were as smooth and slick as that Rolleiflex!
This is the episode that first introduced me to The Art of Photography series. :) I have recently (in the last few months) gotten into vintage cameras and while researching information on TLRs, I came across this episode. I have since acquired a Ricohflex Model VII and have had great fun with it. And now I am binge-watching all of the past The Art of Photography episodes to catch up!
Ok, my 3,5F Type 2 is currently in the shop for a CLA and a few, what I considered, minor repairs. All said and done, the service will cost almost $1k. So, "and up" is the operative term here. This camera was purchased new by my dad and I have had it sitting around for a couple of decades as well since he passed. I will enjoy using it again.
love your channel Ted. You have become the Mentor I really need right now. Everytime I look up a question you have a great video waiting for me on the topic
I have a complete Mamiya C330 S with all 7 Lenses and most of the Accessories. One of the tools I got with it, is a Parallax Correction where you line up the view in the Viewing Lens, turn a leaver and the taking lens moves up the where the Viewing Lens was. Also in the viewing area on the left is a red line that serves two purposes - One, everything below that line should appear in the photograph and anything above shouldn't. Two, on the right side of the Viewing Screen is some numbers with more lines, these help you to compensate for Exposure. The further down the left line is, the more you need to compensate with longer exposure or wider aperture. Its quite clever how they design the things to work.
Neil F and the C series cameras come with bellows extension that allow for macro photography. With the CDS Porrofinder you have exposure compensation for the bellows extension! What a nice camera!
great video , tlrs look quite good (esp. since they are primarily manual cameras), some people have commented about mamiya C330's and their Pro cousins; just like to add the fact that mamiya made a macro accessory called a "para mender" which is essentially a post with two brackets attached one goes to camera one to tripod. this allows the camera's height to be altered, view through the top, raise the camera and shoot away! (with no apparent parallax error) haven't seen a video on this on RU-vid yet, but looks a beaut Idea though.
Just an excellent video. I would’ve loved a walkthrough of actually taking a photo (loading film, measuring light, choosing aperture and shutter speed, etc.). But this was just fantastic. I remember actually taking some photos with one as a kid. My parents’ friend had one and let me try it. I believe that’s where my love of photography was sparked, although not put into practice until many years Mayer.
Rolleiflex is ideal for street and storytelling portrait. Vivian Meyer used one really well. Rolleiflex and Rolleicord have a sliding mask to correct for parralax to avoid cutting off heads. The Rollei close up lenses come in pairs. The top one has a prism in it to compensate for parralax when shooting close. It's not exact like a Kiev 6c say. I still have my 1958 Rolleicord Va with a 3.5 Xenar. The prices go up and up. I keep holding on, holding back the years. Remembering when I fist used it as a wedding photographer when I was 16. My boss told me to use 250th and how to use sunny 16 using Ilford HP3 at 320iso. He also showed me how to use bounced electronic flash, bouncing it back into the corner or top of a wall using f5.6. The pictures turned out great. I was so relieved
This takes me back to my first photography class in college. I had no camera so I used a Yashica TLR owned by the art department. No idea of the model.
Wow, what a video find and timely! I just won a beautiful Autocord, that has been CLR'd, and has the wide angle accessories, a nice leather case, and a 12" cable release. It also comes with 2 rolls of film for me to get started right away. I'll be using a Sekonic L-158 as my metering. I can't wait!!!
Rollei close-up lenses come in sets of 3 lenses. Same for other brands, but I happen to use a Yashica with Rollei close-up lenses (I don't choose brands, I take what's available in my area). There are two identical lenses, both of them with bayonette system in the front, one goes to the taking lens, the other goes to the viewing lens. Since you can still attach at least one more filter/lens because of the bayonette mount on the close up lenses, you put a parallax correction lens over the viewing lens and probably at least a yellow filter over the taking lens if you're shooting black and white. And these lens sets are, of course, as old as TLR cameras. They're perfectly fit to shoot macro, you're just missing an important part of the set in your story: the parallax correction lens, as I mentioned. And it works wonders.
Good video. I've owned a Mamiyaflex F, several Rolleiflex models and even a Yashica Mat and all were very competent cameras. These cameras can do some useful tricks. That being said, the Rolleiflex models were far the best made and durable. Late models image with the best out there. I especially like your subdued enthusiasm and manner. Love to see even more of these vids.
Actually only some Rolleicords may have used the Triotar 75mm lens, my Rolleicord had a Xenar 3.5/75mm lens which is very sharp and stands side by side with the 2.8 versions. Yes, it had knob film advance but also its shutter was located separately underneath the taking lens which was a bit fumblesome, but you get use to it. It's a two-step process, the Rolleiflex (I have an Automat Xsynch) cocks the the shutter as you advance the film -- one step process.
Way back in the late 60's I worked in a Studio. We did mostly Portraits, and shot TTL exclusively. Never heard a single complaint from our customers. But, a big part of our "Service" was to make every single customer feel like a VIP. We made them feel like it was a VERY BIG DEAL, coming in and getting photographed at our little Studio! In other words; we kissed ass! BIG TIME. And everyone loved it. We had so many referrals via word of mouth that almost zero was spent on advertising! And that little Studio had files going back 3 and 4 generations.
You don't buy a Lomo Lubitel for high image quality, but for the feeling of a cheap camera. The Lubitel started as a Soviet copy of the Voigtländer Brillant, an ok amateur camera from the 1930's. If you want high image quality, there are good german and japanese TLR's. Yashicas with Yashikor or Yashinon (best) lenses. The german Rolleicord with Xenar lens is even better, and the Rolleiflex models are the Rolls Royces of the TLR's.
Just another *_GREAT_* video from Ted. Have to admit that I cheated here, bought two Holga kits(don't ask how I succeeded in doing that ) off of eBay and traded with my cousin to put them together. Again, thanks again Ted. >:)
I used a Yashicamat 124 TLR (supplied by the university) for an "Intro to Photography" class at UTD in 1990, and loved it...I'd love to own a Rollei TLR, but as you say...Pricey (new...about 6K), and collectible status have really driven up the prices lately...BTW, love the videos, and the very informative format.
I have a Rollieflex 2.8F that came with a set of close up lenses. There is a matching set, one lens for the viewing lens and one for the taking lens. If you install them properly, they correct for the distance between the two lenses. They attach jus like a filter would.
I love TLRs. Simplicity, square format, waist level finder perspective... All good. IMO flash bulbs are superior to electronic flash but now very expensive due to limited supply.
Wow good timing. I've been trying to watch everything I can on TLR's because I actually just got a Lubitel 166b TLR a few days ago. Looking forward to taking it out this weekend and seeing what it can do.
Thank you for making these videos - I referred to your channel very frequently when I first started almost seven years ago. I just got my first TLR camera this week and very excited to take the next step into medium format. Thanks for the inspiration.
You’re right that it’s not a great stealth camera. But in a lot of ways, it’s the ultimate stealth camera. It looks like you’re just looking down at the top of the camera so people don’t know you’re actually capturing them, as opposed to looking through a viewfinder staring right at them.
Great episode! Thanks for the Audible recommendation! Of all the cameras I've ever owned, my Mamiya C330 still gives me the most beautiful images. Also, at the highest resolution and at the lowest prices.
Yes, the leaf shutters on Rolleis syncs at all speeds, because the flash goes off when the shutter is fully open (and the flash is faster than any of the shutter speeds). Remember to have the camera sync set to X. If your negs come out underexposed when using flash, than you must have used a too small aperture.
Dear Ted, I'm a young student that is very interested to get into medium format photography, and I decided to go through my granfather's old cameras, even if I knew that all the best pieces had been stolen 20 years ago (he had a couple of leica and hassleblad). With my surprise a Zenza Bronica and a Rolleiflex 2,8 F came out of a box, useless to say that I was shocked. The rolleiflex is in amazing conditions, it doesn't have a mark, it works, it's all smooth and it still has the original leather case with no marks on it. Now I'm stuck with a problem: I really want to use it and to study on it, but it's in such amazing conditions, that I'm scared even to handle it. What should I do? Do you think that using this would benefit my formation as a photographer? (sorry for my English but I'm an Italian student). You're making some really amazing content, keep up with the good work Ted!
They're beautiful cameras. You are crazy lucky to inherit something like that. My opinion is that you should use it. Its worth a few grand but honestly who cares. If you are new to TRL's then sit on it and baby it for now. Get something cheap till you are comfortable handling it. But please use it, would be an absolute shame if you didn't. These things were not made to be put on a shelf, go out and enjoy it !
I started using it and I was blown away by the quality I can achieve, I cannot go out without bringing my rollei, I'm in love. And really, who cares? I'm not going to sell it because it reminds me of my grandpa I never met. She'll be my companion for a long time
I had a Mamiya C220 TLR for quite a while, and I am considering getting one again when I return to the states. I had hoped you would have mentioned it, because the C220 and C330 were the only TLR's with interchangeable lenses! There was a 35mm, an 80mm and a 180mm - that I owned. I think there was a 240mm, but I'm not sure about that. The other fact regarding the Mamiya TLR is that both George Hurrel and Diane Arbus used them. The C220 was the camera that Arbus used for practically all of her photographs. ...just FYI. The Mamiyas can be found for a couple of hundred USD - if you do a little searching. Thanks! Nice episode, though.
My grandpa had a flexaret camera. Unfortunatelly after sitting somwehre in a closet for like 40 years especially shutter times are literally all over the place. When I first got my hands on the camera I didn't have any instrument for measuring shutter times. So I just took my 40D in live view mode and tried to find times that sound simmilar. :D
I have a TLR go bag that has a Rolleiflex 3.5E loaded with Tri-X, a Minolta Autocord with 100 speed Fuji Across and a Yashica-mat 124G with Fuji 400 color film. I love the way the different lenses "interpret" a scene. I have a number of medium format cameras, but the TLR's have become my favorites. In answer to helthuismartin's question, I used a Mamiya C330f outfit for years and loved the results. I sold it when my work required a medium format SLR and I needed the money, but fine cameras.
I recently got a Yashica Mat LM at an estate sale. I paid $120 for it, which seems about the going price. The reversed image in the viewfinder takes some getting used to, but it's amazing.
the top lens of the close up lens pairs had a prism in to correct for parallax. These close up lenses were very cheap if made in Japan. There's plenty out there still and work very well. The ones made by Rollei were and still are more expensive.
Excellent video with lots of info! I recently bought a Mamiya C33, dropped the first roll off at the shop today. Needless to say, I'm anxious to see how the images turn out. I hope I don't have to have it serviced. Thanks for the videos!
Did you ever make the TLR shootout episode where you were going to compare the image results from several TLR cameras? If you did, can you direct me to that episode?
I recently got my 'new' Lubitel fixed - it's the old Bakelite model, which is fantastic to hold and fiddle with. I'm 4 shots into the first roll, and looking forward to seeing what I get out! I wear it's like you're inside my head sometimes, Ted...
Just got one of these as a present. I'm baffled as how to use it as I'm so used to point and shoot cameras. I find it so interesting and trying to work out all of the levers and knobs. The image in the viewer looks so cool and stereoscopic
Buy a book called The Rollei Way by Mannheim, its on amazon for a few pounds. This book will give more detailed instuction than the hand book, great for a novice to a pro. It even contains details on how to load and use a Rolleimarine Case, plus all the other extras. One or two extra item to buy: A lens hood, check whether your camera has the correct bayonet fitting i.e. 1, 2, 3. Look for a case if the camera came without one. Hope this helps ……..
Great timing on this episode. I just won a Graflex 22 200 on ebay the other night and I should get it by the end of the week. I do agree that TLRs are becoming quite popular on the bay...Yashica's typically have 10-20 bids on them and go for $80-100. The Graflex, which I was able to pick up on a buy now, was a better option for me.
the nikon D40 is a ridiculously good camera. i have one and i always take it along with me on my shoots, along with my D7000 and D800. it was my first DSLR and use it up to date, its an amazing little guy :D
120 isn't that much more than 35mm where I live, but I understand the convenience of using 35mm. I have a Yashica 635, which was the only TLR that was made to use 120 or 35mm from the get-go. They come with a conversion kit to change from 35mm to 120 and back without tools. They are all unmetered, totally mechanical. I paid $200 for a freshly CLA'd Yashica 635 about 4 years ago. It still works beautifully...I love it. Even though I bought it to use 35mm, I use 120 most of the time now.
Most 635 cameras use a fairly poor quality, 3 element lens (Yashikor). I bought one and took it on a trip. When I started enlarging to make 11x14 inch full frame prints. I discovered that what at first looked like poor focus problems was really just poor lens performance at apertures wider than f 8.0. The 35mm conversion was just a marketing rip off of the similar conversion kits for the Rolleiflex. Given the hassle of setting it up, the too long lens for 35mm format, and poor lens quality, it's a joke to use.
I´m from Czech and I also have Flexaret VII ... Shooting with this babe is quite an ... "emotional thing" for me :D (I dont know how to say it in English :D) Low price, surprisingly very good condition, sharp photos ect.. Good video, btw !!! =)
Yes, for a Czech the Flexaret is definitely an emotional object ... it is the probably best Czechoslovak product apart from beer ;-) of the 20th century. I just came back from a short holiday with my completely refurbished Flexaret VI and I am excited with the results, shot on Fomapan 120. Thanks for the comparison, of course the Rolleiflex is a legend as well.
I inherited 3 old cameras from my Grandad, a Ensign Selfix 20, another compact "Ful-Vue" and a Yashica Mat TLR 6x6. They all appear to be functional & in good condition, but the Yashika seems to be the most used & would probably benefit from an internal clean up, although the dirt may add to the character of its shots! I've not attempted to use any of them, I'm not a great photographer, but I may have a go after seeing this video though.
That Flexaret seems to be quite interesting. There is a question of consistency of sharpness from one model to another, but it may a TLR worth checking. Also, good decision about sponsoring. The first episode with advertising made me giggle as you pulled a really apologetic face there, Mr. Forbes :) For which there was no need, we live in economically challenging times, you've made a good decision and advertising is not really intrusive.
We had a Minolta Autocord when they first came out in the Sixties. Focusing lever and winding knob broke in the first two weeks of professional use. We used Rolleicord and Rolleiflex.
another great video - thanx - I inherited a Leica and a Rolleiflex from my father. Tempted to use a bit now - have 14 digital cameras so Rolleiflex has been just collecting dust - so maybe a good idea to get serviced first. I am afraid of thinking how much service for my Leica will be - but from the 50's -
I have a Minolta Autocord, which I think is the most comfortable to use TLR, yet it doesn't have the toughest build... The front actually came off recently... So now I'm looking for a replacement
I love TLR cameras! I have a Yashica-Mat camera and it takes really sharp images and has Yashinon lenses. I'm not sure if there are any affordable Rolleiflex cameras, I think they're all extremely collectible and sought after. The same might even be true for Rolleicord cameras too. By the way, you should look into the Hasselblad cameras. Not TLR's but they're some of the fanciest medium format cameras ever made and are extremely pricey and sought after.
Liked your video very much thanks. I am new to photography and just bought a Yashica 635 at an estate sale for 20 bucks. It came with the 35mm attachments so I figured it would be fun to learn with it. I was told it takes great photos but I assume it's as much on the shooter as is the equipment. ANYHOW!! I have been searching for lenses and accessories but not having any luck can you tell me of any place I can find this stuff?
Hey Ted! I've done a TON of research, and I'm looking for a Rolleiflex. Where should I look to get one? I'm looking to get one in person, and am already going to yard/estate sales looking for one. Loved the video!
I hope I get the old Rolleiflex of my grandfather. These cameras make me rockhard.
11 лет назад
Flexaret TLRs were made in Czechoslovakia till 1971. The they were kiled of by stupidity of Comecon (decision was made in 1969 i think - one year after Prague spring and Invasion of Warsaw Pact armies to Czechoslovakia). It basically give rights to make consumer cameras to Jena in Germany, whereas Meopta was forced to work only on military optics).
Another great episode, Ted. Your "(p)reviews" maintain great balance between the G.A.S. and actual photography. Anyway, I've been thinking of getting into medium format myself (not having shot 35mm film seriously for too long. Ever the impatient twenty-something in the digital age...). What would you say are the deciding factors between a TLR and a Kiev 88 (or similar) which you introduced earlier. Macro's a lot easier on SLR. But I love viewfinders that do not black out when the shot's taken.
