Rolleicord and Rolleiflex cameras in the digital camera world

[gtochad]

how hard is it to find medium format cameras of this quality for near that price. even though i have a dslr im inspired by you to have something like a rollei

[maxcontax]

@gtochad

Yeah, it's about the picture, but the camera can lead you on into a Good Place. I use a Canon 50D also. but the dynamic range and FUN! of shooting film is too hard to resist!

[The1970sInfatuate]

What does DPI mean, and how do you select the proper DPI when scanning the negatives?

[maxcontax]

@The1970sInfatuate a DPI is a dot per inch. Think Pixel per inch. Art quality images are 270 dpi or better (human eye resolution). So enlarge a 35mm slide to 2500 x 4000 dots or 10 megapixel equivalent and you can enlarge it to 10" x 15". With no grain. PPI is pixels per inch.

[The1970sInfatuate]

@maxcontax How do you know which DPI number to use when scanning 120 negatives? Is there any particular way to determine what DPI number to use to produce specific size prints? I would assume that everything has to be enlarged proportionally, as with medium format prints being square prints. Is there a specific way to blow up a 6cmX6cm 120 negative to a 10"X10" print for example?

[maxcontax]

@The1970sInfatuate

Scan your 57 x 57 mm negative (120 film actual size) at 2500 dpi and you will be fine for enlargements up to 20 x 20 inches.

[The1970sInfatuate]

@maxcontax Is any type of scanner capable of scanning 120 negatives? The only form of scanner I have is a Hewlett Packard printer with a built in scanner on the top.

[maxcontax]

@The1970sInfatuate

I am using a flatbed Epson with passable results. You might need a film "carrier" to hold the film flat. Not sure what you have there but do know that Scanners are quite cheap. It needs to be able to scan transparent film, not just paper things. Good luck

[The1970sInfatuate]

@maxcontax I'm hoping my hp thing will work. I thought of putting a blank sheet of computer paper behind the negatives, but I'm not sure how well that would work. Also, when you get 120 film developed, do the negatives have the proper colors, or are they inverted? I know 35mm film negatives are in negative form with the colors all inverted, but what about with 120 film? My local camera shop can either just develop the negatives or can do prints as singles or doubles...too pricey.

[maxcontax]

@The1970sInfatuate

You have to shine light right thru the negative to scan it, the lid of the scanner has to have a glass and a light in it, if it is opaque it won't work. The software with the scanner will invert the negative, when you scan there is a setup before you scan that lets you choose the media you are scanning. I think you may wish to invest in a cheapo Canon scanner with slides/negatives capability. Don't get scans at a shop, low resolution and crappy/expensive

[The1970sInfatuate]

@maxcontax I might just prefer to have prints made up. I believe the standard size prints for 120 film is 5" x 5" correct?

[maxcontax]

@The1970sInfatuate

Yes it is, and the results are going to be great: just compose it, expose it and don't shake the camera, and you will have a mini image worth framing and matting. they look great in close places like the kitchen or a hallway or a desktop.

[The1970sInfatuate]

@maxcontax That's good to know :). I was afraid the actual prints might only be the same size as the negatives. 5" x 5" definitely seems like a fairly good size image. That might be the best way to go for me not to have to completely break the bank. Even with the good size prints, I could probably scan the prints quite easily and hopefully get nice results. I'd scan the prints for the sake of digitizing them and having digital backup files etc.

[Phanentina]

what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!98!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



[OBI0131]

I just got one rolleicord for just over $200 and I thought I was lucky! Can't wait to get my films developed.

[trackend]

The Rollies are beautiful cameras specially the flex and with the Plannar over the Tessar lens superb but IMO the lack of interchangable lenses sped up their demise

[Ticutzugoodfella]

They sure do...

[rliuLY]

$95!? I'm interested in getting one and I'm looking at $300 :(

[kodyps]

$95? i envy you

[JohnnyJackPompolla]

Where do you find film for this cameras?

[maxcontax]

@JohnnyJackPompolla

The film I use is Fuji 120 film, comes with a paper backing. It is found in any good camera store, about $5 Cdn per roll. Negative film has better dynamic range, harder to scan but better result. I used Slide film or transparency for this shootout. It is easier to judge the image (6x6 cm) visually.

[JohnnyJackPompolla]

@maxcontax Thanks!

[curtismichael14]

wait.... these are digital?

[maxcontax]

@curtismichael14

no, but the World is...

[IxSnortxCocaine]

Hipsters rejoice

[l0vesangel143]

What exactly is the difference between a flex and cord photo wise? I have a real interest in this camera but it's hard to find one.

[maxcontax]

@l0vesangel143

The 'Cord has a Xenar f 3.5 taking lens and the "Flex has a Tessar f 3.5 taking lens. Supposedly, the Tessar is the better lens. But I have shot both these now for several years, and in "shootouts" where I take the same picture on both cameras and compare, hate to say it, but with my two, I'm giving an edge to the 'Cord in contrast and sharpness. It could be camera shake since the shutter release is different. Or the fact I've used the 'Flex alot more and it's tired.

[firemusic82]

Those things look pristine. Very clean. You are lucky, I'm jealous. You can't beat the quality of medium format film. It's a different kind of quality that I just love.

[maxcontax]

@firemusic82

I have dragged the Rollei T in a packsack from the Arctic Islands to Mexico, I have owned it since 1973. It just works. the new one, the 'cord, appears to have had its cable release nipple broken early on and the person retired the camera early!! I had it fixed, the shutter was timed but was "on" anyways, and it actually appears to outshoot the T. I do not take them into harms way any more, but at least the T has been there.

[afrocubanita1969]

Nice Vid...!!

[FreakingAwesomeFilms]

beautiful cameras, hope to get my hands on one sometime soon

[hunghch]

how lucky you are !!! $95!!!!!

[maxcontax]

@hunghch

I agree! The shopkeeper let it go for that because the threaded nipple on the cable release was missing and the only way he could trip the shutter was by poking up the opening with a paper clip. He did not know that the lever lower front was the actual shutter release. I had the cable release replaced for $20 bucks, now its all good as new. the camera was hardly ever used, I had the shutter timed, they said it was spot on.

[jcroldan89]

these things are classy as f**k

[maxcontax]

You do need a light meter to get the best out of this very mechanical camera. Or, you can presume a sunny day is 1/ISO shutterspeed at F 16, and back off from there for cloudy, evening,etc. but this is usually only done in a pinch. I had an old gossen meter that was fine, check pawnshops, or get a little Sekonic light meter, they're state of the art.

[lespaulgtars]

do you need a light meter to use it?

[runthruthewoods]

Thank you for this post. My father was a professional photographer and always used the Rollie's. I now have his wonderful 4X6 negatives which I have used an Epson Perfection V700 photos scanner to make positives. Again, thank you.

[bread0666]

$95!!!!!? quel chance!

[maxcontax]

@bread0666

C'est vraie. J'aI eu de la chance. Mais la chance C'est la domaine de leurs avec curiousite.

[harringtonphotog]

Thanks for the prism tip! I was wondering if the flex and cord could both use the same prism. Thanks!

[maxcontax]

@harringtonphotog

I think the cameras have to be made in the same era. I had a 1952 Rollei that looked rather primitive next to these two, the images off it were vignetted, colour shifted, very very cool images that were like nothing else! But I sold it to an Art Student with a photog major. These two still do my "heavy lifting"

[TL250Rider]

What a Camera These are great camera.

Just take the film and get a CDRom made. I do it a lot.

Thank you for the information.

Great listing

[Dtapia63]

Thanks for the reply Max I appreciated very much.

Can you exchange lens in this camera or just accessories?

[maxcontax]

@Dtapia63

All these Rolleis were non-interchangeable lenses. bayonet-mount closeup lenses are available on eBay, be careful if you have bayonet style I, II or III. The negatives are so good and so sharp that often you can crop 2 or 3 images out of one. BTW the majority of images that are enlarged are taken with a "normal" lens, defined as a focal length that is the diagonal measurement of the actual negative: with my Rollei's that's about 75mm.

[Dtapia63]

What kind of equipment and process do you use to scan the negatives?

[mutikonka]

I've just added a Rolleiflex 3.5F to my Rolleicord Vb - as you say, they didn't make any junk. These are great cameras and the images they produce still look better than most if not all digital images to me.

[clidiere]

Beautiful. Lucky man!

[fladfisk]

You got it in that great condition for 95?! I had to pay 200 euros for mine.. It's the Rolleicord Va, right?

One more thing, do you have focusing problems? When I focus so it's spot on in the viewfinder, the images come out unsharp. Do you have an idea of what it could be? I've checked the lenses, and they look as good as new

[maxcontax]

@fladfisk

I got lucky, mine is a Vb (about 1973 by the serial number).

If the focus is off chances are high it needs to be sent in for CLA, clean, lubricate, adjust--to your local trusted Rollei shop. Both mine have been done a few times over the years, like a fine watch they do require maintenance. It will cost likely another 100 euro. But then you will have a camera that can produce 80 Mp images on scan! good luck with it.

[fladfisk]

@maxcontax

Oh, I thought it was a Va.. Mine's 1953 from the serial number.. But thanks, I will try to do that, then.. I wouldn't believe that a Rollei would so produce unsharp images

[yyyy2999]

@fladfisk shit i went to a thrift store and there were all used stuff. I found a greeeat condition rolleicord 5 for 7$ lmaooo. I wasn't sure what it was until i searched it up

[fladfisk]

@yyyy2999 I'm never that lucky.. And mine's still not working properly

[maxcontax]

@fladfisk

I just sent a very old Rollei to VanCam in Vancouver with a focussing issue. they are doing a CLA and focus fix for150 bucks. I got the camera for free because the focussing is pooched. Stay tuned. I am going to see what comes back and post the results right here.

maxcontax

[yyyy2999]

@fladfisk well im actually not sure if it works, but considering how great it looks i dont think it has much damage

[fladfisk]

@yyyy2999 it's probably fine.. Which model is it?.. Mine only has a little of the paint scratched off.. I think that I maybe should shoot another test roll to be sure..

[yyyy2999]

@fladfisk rolleicord 5 or V, btw i went to black's and couldnt find any 120 film so i have no idea where to get

[fladfisk]

@yyyy2999 Ah, I just got confused when you said 5.. I know a german website that has a lot of great films, but then again, everything's in german

[praxis321]

@yyyy2999, A good place to star looking is Amazon, just type "120 Film". A good film I use for B&W is the Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 (each film cost around $2.95 in US, and £3.31 in the UK). For Color, I use the Kodak Portra 160NC /120 (5 film pack cost around $22.99, and £25.07 in the UK).

[pocketpupsnet]

Nice!

[Morahman7vnNo2]

What is the deference between the two camera.

[maxcontax]

@Morahman7vnNo2

In performance, the Rolleiflex T appears slightly softer than the Rolleicord but both have good contrast and similar vignetting.

In build quality, they are built differently but both well, the Rolleicord seems a lighter build--it was a "beginner" camera intended for lighter usage. The Rollei T was actually used by the British Navy for years as a ship's camera, it has been all over the world with me, often in a packsack, quite robust, never has failed.

[stavit2]

My grandpa has a collection of these... he has bout 50

[maxcontax]

@stavit2

That is quite amazing. I would like to own one more, the 3.5F. After that I would just take pictures! Thanks for sharing

[bluedustmite]

Great cameras! I love digital photography, but there will always be a place for film. I have several cameras including a great DSLR, but my favorite to shoot with is still my old Rolleiflex MX-EVS.

[maxcontax]

@bluedustmite

Thanks for your comment. I feel the same way about these. Taking a Rollei picture all the way is as satisfying as woodworking or breadbaking, you are so much a part of the outcome, and you can tweak it so many ways along the path to the perfect picture. How satisfying is that!!!

[joeperrrr]

What kind of scanner do you have to scan the pictures? And how much did it cosst???

[maxcontax]

@joeperrrr

I use an older Epson 4990 scanner which comes with 120 film carrier. The new version is the Espon 700, not sure of the cost. This is not the best way to go but if you read Ken Rockwell's pages, he has also had good results this way

[honeylake65]

Good luck in New York! Hang one of these Rolleis around your neck when you shop around B&H, as they need to check your bag as you enter.

[maxcontax]

I am off to New York City in a week. I am going to take a Rollei along for some classic street photography as well as Central Park and the bridges/ferries. I am also visiting B&H Photo with its 70,000 ft2 store! This is going to be terrific.

[jtaellio11]

They are beautiful cameras: I prize my YashicaMat 124G, which is a nice twin lens reflex model.

[maxcontax]

@jtaellio11 , another great camera, I had one for years and gifted it to a friend who needed a start in medium format.

[jtaellio11]

@maxcontax Thank you for your reply. In England I am able to obtain 4 inch square gloss prints( 12 exp 6 by 6 cm ) with a 4mm white border. I use standard Fujicolor Superior print film.

[jtaellio11]

They are beautiful cameras: I prize my YashicaMat 124G, which is a nice twin lens reflex model.

[20twentyvizion]

Absolutely gorgeous cameras - congrats. Nice quality video too - thanks!

[maxcontax]

@20twentyvizion ,

Thanks for your note. I enjoy them! The Video was shot on a Canon G9 in Hi-Def.

max

[proyjy]

how much are the rolleicord usually?

and where can i look for them?

im planning to buy a rolleiflex digital camera but is there is huge difference between the digital and the vintage rollei's?

sorry im a camera noob

[maxcontax]

Hi, hope you find a good Rollei to use! The show up on eBay, also if you Google them there are shops that deal in used or antique cameras. expect to pay around $500 for one in good shape, Oceanside Camera deals in them (Harry Fleenor).

the digital Rolleis are a gimmick, a toy, no comparison. get a rea one, an old one, and shoot transparencies, then scan them at high resolution to get supreme images.

[localh2000]

This is very helpful. I have a 4 year old Holga....looking into purchasing a Lubitel or Rolleiflex.

[maxcontax]

@localh2000 Also try the Yashica Mat, the model D or the 124G, they shoot well and are easy to get along with. These are alot of fun! Mine are not high-end Rolleis, but work well!

[zlykurwalogin]

Hmmm ... i just bought my second Rolleicord - this time Va from 1960 :) !

[maxcontax]

Congratulations, I hope it's a good one! How can anything so simple be so good at what it does, eh? Good shooting,

Maxwell

[worldanton]

The pentaprism is about $50 on eBay and if you scan the negs you are totally omitting the whole point of shooting film - just get a phase one back on a hassy and you file formats will be bigger than the scans, but if you are a real photographer you'll PRINT from these on fiber paper and handle the final image manually vs. converting it to 010010110110001100110000101010­010010001001110011001000100100­010100100101001000100100111100­100100010010001001000100010010­0111110010010011100100100 :P

[maxcontax]

My vid shows that Rolleis are not just quaint, they are viable cameras in the digital world==if you like the "old ways" then stay there.  I'm moving on by taking the best and ignoring the rest

[worldanton]

If you are taking "the best" then why are show off a Rolleicord and a T - both of which were inferior models for people who didn't want to spend the money. Why not get a model F Planar or a Rolleiwide or a Tele? Or any of the newer FX models?

[maxcontax]

The best that I have, not the best out there. Old cameras + new technology is outshooting digital cameras worth thousands, is my point. I bet a 35mm Pentax slide, scanned, would be great too. I am sharing, not showing off. Let's see yours

[worldanton]

you can see mine in one of my videos 'The City' - except I am not showing off (which is what this video comes off as) but presenting the cameras with which I shot 360 images and printed 351 fiber prints (in edition of 3 each) from those negatives. I don't like the design of the GX and later series so I am not looking to get any of those (except maybe the FT Tele because it can focus 3 times closer than my Telerollei and I wouldn't have to use the Rolleinars to do tight portraits)

[maxcontax]

Thanks for sharing. I thnk you've taken all this way past where I am, I'm amateur and hobby, you're really into it. congrats. I still love what I'm doing and am going to expand on it--postings were result of my revelation as to how good these were stacked up against a digital camera. Now, I need a "body of work": like you have.

[maxcontax]

I bought the pentaprism for doing weddings, it was faster in low light. But now I rarely use it. It looks cool with the pistol grip, is faster in a dark reception hall, but the standard set up is my usual configuration. I don't use the masks either, 4x5 cm or 4x4 cm.

[worldanton]

I still don't understand how we are expected to use the pistol grip. I got one the other day actually: put it on, shot a frame... but then how am I to advance the film with the same hand I am holding that thing with!?!? The prism does look cool with a grip, but I will always be a fan of waist level as it leaves my face free and communicating with the subject. Also, I highly recommend upgrading the screen in your Rolleiflex to a Maxwell, $200 but it is so much brighter. Call Harry Fleenor in LA.

[maxcontax]

Agreed on all points. I thought long and hard about those Maxwell screens, still just use the magnifier. I know of Fleenor. BTW Quality test: the Rolleicord outdoes the Rollei T. The B&W wet dark room prints off the T are stunning. Ilford 400. Have had requests to do a "how to use" vid for a TLR, it could happen. But will try get my images on Youtube to share like you did

[Xploratio]

pretty sweet ..95 dollars ? you got VERY lucky :)

[kontrajan]

Ahh...love them! I myself own a SL66 system, but want to get a TLR, too, for portability and more silent operation.

By the way, the correct pronounciation is "Roll-Eye", with a short "o" like "Oxford" :-)

[maxcontax]

thank you for your note, and than you for the correct pronounciation! These cameras have quite a following around the world--for good reasons.

[zlykurwalogin]

After about half a year after  I bought my first Rolleicord (IIa from 1936) i sold mine digital camera. I really love this TLR.

[maxcontax]

I have no experience with Rolleimagic, presume they were competing against Ansco and Kodak cameras of the day, and relative to those, I speculate they were better. If you are working on Rollei cameras that must mean there is some salvage value, no one works on Ansco's. I appreciate your remarks, one troubling thing that came out of testing was that the Rollei T is not as sharp as the 'Cord Vb! Your learned recommend on the Best Rollei TLR ever, Please??

[Ikonta]

"I don't think they made any junk?" Rollei did make some junk that being the Rolleimajic I and II. They are basically not useable in any way. The T is a low cost consumerized Rollei product that is as close to junk as they ever made with the Rolleiflex name on it. The 'cord you show is a much better made camera than the T.

I know becasue I make a living working on Rollei products.

[EdVidz]

You are using a quick release device on both cameras to attach the hood/pentaprism. Who is the manufacturer and who sells these devices?

[maxcontax]

There are two small black buttons on the side of the viewing hood. press down and the hood will slide backwards off. The glass pentaprism, which now sells for around $400, slides on and snaps into place. This is a Rollei feature not an add-on.

[worldanton]

Recent sales on eBay include more than a few prisms for under $100 and one Mint in Box for $275... I understand that there are a bunch of them with Buy-it-now option for $400 but nobody in their right mind would bid on them. Just take a look at 'Completed items' list for a fair assessment of the price range. One can call a price as high as one wants - doesn't mean it's worth that much.

[krew317]

what is the name of the top you have on that rollei

ive never seen one like that

[maxcontax]

The pentaprism is a Rollei rare accessory, you can find them for around $400 on eBay or on Rollei websites.

[worldanton]

$75 is the most you should pay for these and they defeat the purpose of having a light TLR completely - not only are they almost as heavy as the camera itself, but they make you have to put the camera to the eye which is not discrete and ruins 99% of situations by alerting people that you are taking their picture.

[joker0187]

nice rolleis

i want to have a rolleiflex to complete my rollei collection : )

[maxcontax]

They are out there! a web-search and a few hundred dollars and you could own one of the most famous cameras ever made.