Rolleiflex Cameras - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

diametricalbenz · #1 11-18-2008, 10:04 AM

I recently dusted off a Rolleiflex 2.8F with a Planar lens that I received from my grandfather after his passing last year.

I have been having a great time shooting "gigantic" negatives on weekend trips around Wisconsin.

Anyone here use medium or large format film cameras?

Dee8go · #2 11-18-2008, 10:14 AM

I have a Hasselblad 500CM and several lenses which I really love. Haven't used it much recently, though. I was going to try to sell it, but I can't get anything for it, so I'll just keep it. I also have an Omega 4x5 View camera. Nothing beats a large format negative. I used to have an 8x10 camera, too. Printing those negs was a real treat!

diametricalbenz · #3 11-18-2008, 10:46 AM

I get a kick out of using the negatives as proofs!

Txjake · #4 11-18-2008, 10:48 AM

I have a Rollie, hassie 500c, a Mamiyaflex and a Mamiya, all medium format (my wife colects old cameras) All work and they are great to take pictures with. Medium format cameras take dreamy pictures and can't be beat.

Dee8go · #5 11-18-2008, 10:50 AM

I used to have a Mamiya RB67 before I got the Hasselblad. That made really big negs, 6 x 7 cm. It was too heavy and bulky to carry around, though.

I always wanted one of those panoramic cameras like the Fuji 617.

diametricalbenz · #6 11-18-2008, 10:59 AM

Does the Fuji compress the image or just create a reeeeealy big negative?

Dee8go · #7 11-18-2008, 11:03 AM

It makes a negaqtive that is 6cm x 17cm on 120 film. It's pretty amazing. You'd need at least a 5x7 enlarger to print them. They make stunning photographs, though.

MTI · #8 11-18-2008, 11:12 AM

Size matters.

As does optics.

Honus · #9 11-18-2008, 11:39 AM

Going off topic slightly, I would love to have a Leica rangefinder camera, but is there any reason for a casual photographer to have a non-digital camera these days?

Back in the 70s, my friends and I got 35 mm SLRs. One of the guys in the neighborhood brought out his dad's Leica IIIf. We all sort of scoffed at it, until we saw the pictures it produced. Beautiful camera.

LUVMBDiesels · #10 11-18-2008, 11:43 AM

I have a Zeiss Icon view camera that takes 4x5 on 120 roll film. I love it People can't imagine what it is what with the bellows and all. I also have some old Kodak camera that use 120 film. These were high-end consumer cameras so they do not take great pictures, but they are OK everyday cameras.

Dee, if you want to sell the 500CM, let me know

diametricalbenz · #11 11-18-2008, 12:37 PM

I went through the airport security with my Rollei in a period correct leather carrying case and they immediately pulled it off after xraying the contents. The TSA guy was completely puzzled as to what it was and proceeded to give it a nitrate test or whatever swabbing they do.

MTI · #12 11-18-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dculkin

Back in the 70s, my friends and I got 35 mm SLRs. One of the guys in the neighborhood brought out his dad's Leica IIIf. We all sort of scoffed at it, until we saw the pictures it produced. Beautiful camera.

While I really liked the M3, my most used rangefinder was quirky little CL because it was truly pocketable and took the M mount lenses, but you were guessing on the framing on some.

In addition to the contrasty optics, the Leicas have that legendary whisper quiet shutter. Coming from the "old days" where it was the goal to get things right on film rather than fixing it in the darkroom, I miss being able to "bracket" my exposures on the digital cameras, which seem to rely more on manipulating pixels before printing.

Dee8go · #13 11-18-2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

I have a Zeiss Icon view camera that takes 4x5 on 120 roll film. I love it People can't imagine what it is what with the bellows and all. I also have some old Kodak camera that use 120 film. These were high-end consumer cameras so they do not take great pictures, but they are OK everyday cameras.

Dee, if you want to sell the 500CM, let me know

I would only do it if I could sell all of it at one time. I have the body, 2 A12 backs, a prism fnder, 40mm, 80mm, and 150mm lenses, a Polaroid back (I know, there's no film for that anymore), and lens shades, including the bellows Pro shade, and a flash bracket. It's a great camera.

LUVMBDiesels · #14 11-18-2008, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dculkin

Going off topic slightly, I would love to have a Leica rangefinder camera, but is there any reason for a casual photographer to have a non-digital camera these days?

Back in the 70s, my friends and I got 35 mm SLRs. One of the guys in the neighborhood brought out his dad's Leica IIIf. We all sort of scoffed at it, until we saw the pictures it produced. Beautiful camera.

If you want a Leica camera, but do not want to spend the 4 digits for one, check out the cameras made in the USSR by ZORKI. They are screw for screw Leica clones, made by ex-Leica employees on ex-Leica equipment (WWII spoils of war) I have two and love them. The lenses are exact copies of Zeiss lenses and fit any Leica screw mount. I have the Zorki 3 and Zorki 4. The 3 is a Leica III clone and the 4 is a Leica III clone with a self timer. I have a few nice Jupiter lenses for them. I also have a Kiev 4a which is a parts interchangable clone of the Contax III.

I love these relics of the Soviet Union. I got them all on ebay for around $40 a piece. When you look for one, get the oldest ones you can. You want the ones built by German 'guest workers', not Soviet labor

Honus · #15 11-18-2008, 02:48 PM

My first camera was a Soviet-made Zenit E: http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/zenite/

It was dirt cheap and took OK pictures. I learned a lot with that camera.