🟡 My Holy Grail Camera! (Best Creative Tool) | Rolleiflex SL66 E Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 17 фев 2021
- Camera to create better than reality photos: Rolleiflex SL66 Review (vs Hasselblad + Tilt Portraits)
▶️ WATCH NEXT: Medium Format Camera Reviews Playlist - bit.ly/2ZteAVT
✅ CHECK PRICES - eBay: (US) ebay.us/TuM6rk (UK) ebay.us/43s1K0
📝 BLOG - Rolleiflex SL66E review & photos - mrleica.com/rolleiflex-sl66/
➡️ DONATE TO SUPPORT - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica
⭐️ PATREON: Join today for more videos - from £1+VAT! - / mrleicacom
By Holy Grail camera I mean my ultimate camera. This means different things to different people. This Rolleiflex SL66E review covers why I enjoy this medium format film cameras as a creative tool. I prefer the build and size of Leica cameras no question but the Rollei SL66 E can create photos that my Leica nor Hasselblad can. The video includes a Hasselblad vs Rolleiflex comparison as I bought the SL66 instead of a Hasselblad at first as it offers so much more but later went onto to buy a Hassy due to the Rolleiflex SL66 jammed problems. It was an issue constantly when using the camera and I experienced the SL66 overlap issues too. I share my tilt portraits with the SL66 Rolleiflex and cover the camera specs, weight and price.
➡️ NEED FILM? - mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/
✅ Check Prices on eBay
Rolleiflex SL66: (US) ebay.us/TuM6rk (UK) ebay.us/43s1K0
▶️ VIDEO PLAYLISTS
1) Leica M Lenses (Series 1) - bit.ly/38AOFjW
2) Leica LTM Lenses (Series 2) - bit.ly/3rLKtWr
3) All Lens Reviews (All Mounts) - bit.ly/3rN8fkR
4) All Leica Reviews - bit.ly/2ZAOpg7
5) All Film Camera Reviews - bit.ly/3eBvxq7
6) Medium Format Cameras - bit.ly/3vjvLrP
7) Misc Videos (Film Reviews+More) - bit.ly/3cwIVsP
🛎 SUBSCRIBED? Turn on Notifications - bit.ly/3qET0ZO
----
👤 Where to find me:
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/32681588...
Facebook: / matthewosbornephotogra...
Instagram: (Fashion) / mrleicacom
Instagram: (Weddings) / mrleicawedding
Wedding Blog: leicaweddingphotographer.co.uk/
Website: www.matthewosbornephotography....
DISCLAIMER: The eBay and Amazon links shared are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from clicking the link I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps me to fund the channel. Thanks Matt
#mediumformat #rolleiflex #camerareviews #mrleicacom #filmphotography
⭐️ Patreon: Join today for more videos - from £1+VAT! - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom
▶️ Watch Next: Medium Format Camera Reviews Playlist - bit.ly/2ZteAVT
✅ Check Prices on eBay: (US) ebay.us/TuM6rk (UK) ebay.us/43s1K0
@@larrymerrick6322 thanks Larry, it has 8 years of content and 300 ish posts so hopefully lots of info 👍🏻
You all prolly dont give a shit but does anyone know a trick to get back into an instagram account?
I somehow forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!
@Cohen Yehuda Instablaster =)
@Ignacio Titus i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im in the hacking process now.
I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Ignacio Titus It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thanks so much you saved my account !
Thanks, Matt, for the video. I purchased my Rolleiflex SL66 when it first came out around 1966, and I sold it to my friend in 2004 when I lost my darkroom and moved into a retirement village. I had all the different accessories that went with it also, the poroflex viewfinder, multiple film backs including a sheet film back, lens adapter with a Leica thread to use Nikor enlarging lenses for macro photography and more. It was a great camera, and I was sorry I sold it now, as my grandchildren are using my old Olympus OM4 and Nikon film cameras. In 38 years of use, I never had any problems with it.
Hi John, thanks and sorry I missed this. Great to hear you had this camera too. My issues were self inflicted. It worked when I used it like the manual says vs how I use a Hassy.
Matt, the SL-66 IS my Holy Grail camera. I have a non metered version - so as original as you can get (mine is a late 66-67 vintage) Back in the early '60 it is not very hard to find/research the shenanigans that went on between Victor Hassleblad and Rolleiflex... VH bullying Rfx into no research into SLR 6x6 as he knew that the Rfx research was far superior to VH, better lenses etc. I believe Victor said to Rollei at the time that Hasslebald would not delve into TLR cameras (traditionally Rolleis forte) if there was a gentlemans agreement that Rollei would not pursue the SLR route..
Optically it is far easier to produce a superior lens with a fixed lens system - then move the whole lens - rather than having to machine tolerances reliably of a barrel focus lens. Low and behold they can then engineer the tilt mechanism... and get the whole large format 'feel' into a 6x6 format. An extra 'feature' that most might miss is that the SL-66 can accept, with NO additional equipment - adapters etc., 220 film as well as 120 film. Only a flick of a small switch on the film back.... Hassy's I believe need a completely separate film holder insert...
SL-66's might feel 'over-engineered' and a bit on the heavy side in comparison to a 500c series Hassy - but the capabilities are far outweighed by the SL-66 - and not so insignificantly I have had more interesting conversations from members of the public whilst out shooting about the fact that my beloved camera is NOT a Hassleblad :)
I have NEVER had issues with the SL-66 jamming - owned it for 15+years.
Lovely review
Jbx
Thanks! I need to use my camera again and I’ll do a follow up video :)
The original SL-66 model, perhaps due to having no electronics, have rarely had any jamming issues.
Here's some info on getting the back off when it's jammed.
To get the back off you have to make a special dark slide to defeat the interlocks. Find a piece of metal (aluminum sheet is fine) no thicker than 0.3 mm and cut it to the same width as a dark slide (61.9 mm). Make it a bit longer than a dark slide so it's easy to push in and pull out. The end that's inserted into the back has to be slightly concave and of course the edges have to be smooth so it doesn't catch.
One corner of the new piece has to be removed to clear an internal pin. Remove 2.5 mm * 30 mm on the concave end so that the new width is about 59.5 mm wide.
If you insert the new piece into the back with the notched part to the right (film advance side) the back should come off when the release button is pressed. At this point you can see if the back or the body is jammed. If it's the body you'll have to send it off but I'll bet it's the back. Cock the body and advance the back (the cogwheel that the little finger points to on the back) and see if the back goes back on the body and if it starts working again.
Thanks Sean!!! That's really helpful and very thoughtful.. thanks so much. I will have a play this weekend and report back with a follow up video if I get it going.
@Sean Ryan @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Community! ❤️
@@Nearest_Neighbor yes! Always check the comments.. they are often better than the videos! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Oh I don't know if I would say that but sometimes it ties together perfectly.
@@Nearest_Neighbor Thanks as you say it helps build a really nice community :)
Agreed! The SL66 is my absolute favorite camera of all time. Harry Fleenor who is one of the top Rollei repairmen in the USA said a few years back that if the SL66 were to be produced today with all its capabilities, the camera would have to sell for more than $10,000. It's a superb tool with immense creative potential. Thank you for this very informative video.
Thank you! And thanks for that info, interesting and good to know thanks!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Harry Fleenor repaired my Rollei 35S. Another expert is Krikor Malarian in New Jersey. Perhaps you can email them to ascertain if the SL68 can be repaired and rebuilt economically!
Like my two Rollei SL 2000f. The Most complicated 35mm, but a realy diva and expensive to repair.
I owned the first version of the sl66. I shot it for years with absolutely no problems. I got mine from an estate with 2 backs filters and case for $499 12 years ago.
Thanks, mine was dumb user issues. I tried to use it like a Hassy not like a Rollei. Now it works great.
Hi Matt,
So glad to finally see a SL66(E) review on YT... I've got my father's original SL66, which has been with him since forever, so it has a special meaning to me - a large part of my childhood's photos were taken with this camera. I've got with it the 50mm Distagon, the 80mm Planar and the 250mm Sonnar, as well as three backs and a rather rare TTL meter-equipped vertical finder. The camera is indeed rather unique, and it sparked my interest for medium format to the point I've managed to get a Hasselblad 503cx afterwards.
I really believe both systems rather complement each other - the 'blad is somewhat smaller and lighter (as far as medium format goes), and its operation is somewhat more intuitive (except for multiple exposures - the SL66 procedure for that is much simpler than the 'blad's). It also has a larger lens selection - lenses like the spectacular Planar 100mm you have on your 'blad don't have a SL66 equivalent. The 1/30 flash sync speed - the price to pay for the 1/1000 shutter speed - may have been a bummer for pros back in the day, but I've never used flash with mine so I don't really care about that.
On the other hand, the macro and tilting capabilities of the bare SL66 can only be matched in the large-format realm if you don't want to resort to a cumbersome set of acessories like extension tubes and the like. People complain about the SL66 supposedly being more prone to jamming, but let's not forget the 'blad's infamous lens shaft jamming, something that will never happen with the SL66 as the lens doesn't even have a helicoid due to the bellows focusing system, let alone a leaf shutter. My only complaint about the SL66 is that lenses and accessories are usually difficult to find, much more than the 'blad's.
The SL66's ultimate reference seems to be the "Rollei Report 2" by Claus Prochnow, one of the SL66's original designers. All "Rollei Reports" can be bought at the Rolleiclub website.
Sean Ryan's back unjamming tip below also seems promising. It happened to me once shortly after I got the camera so I had to take it to repair, but the technician unjammed it rather quickly, so maybe he did something along these lines. If it happens to me again in the future, I'll give it a try. Please let us know if it solved your problem! Keep up the good work! (Edit: I hadn't seen your update when I first posted this... good to know your SL66E is back in business)
(P.S.: apparently, according to JCH's review of the SL66, it was _more_ expensive than the 'blad when it was launched in 1966. That contributed to the model's low popularity)
Hi Pedro, thanks very much for writing and sory for my late reply. Thank for the information you shared and nice to hear another person that has the SL66 and a blad so can compare the 2. Yes I got is working and have shot a test roll so will post some to social media once developed if they look OK. Thanks Matt
I like the Carl Zeiss lenses.
Thanks Hans, me too!
Same here! The BEST, hands down. Nothing compares to the Zeiss look.
@@Xingqiwu387 Yes love the Biogons especially!
Hola Matt Osburne ,
I owe a Rolleiflex 6006 .
Had my camera for over 25,years . I will never get rid of it . I'm looking for a 6008 . They are amazing camera .
Great stuff Henry, yes Rollei made some lovely cameras.
I think I can help. I own two of these and three film backs. At one point both bodies and all backs were locked up. Remedy: first get the back off with a dark slide cut to avoid the gear but trip the release catch. Google for directions. Next remove the lens. Now the body should free up. So far so good. Now take the back and rotate the gear with the upward pointing finger beneath it. It will resist. Use a soft piece of would to ‘gently’ force it. Turn it in the direction of the finger until it’s done turning. Don’t be frightened! Now tension the shutter, put it all together and hopefully you’re done. I like your videos Matt. Let me know if this works. If not google a guy called Brian who is the wizard of Rolleiflex in the Uk. He’s in retirement but he can’t help himself. A genuine romantic. DM me if you need more info (and if you can DM on RUclips!). Thanks again for your videos.
Thank you Roland! Sorry for my late answer. Did you see the follow up post, I got it working! I will do a future video all being well with new SL66 work. Thanks for your kind words!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I’m looking forward to that video! There are a couple of decent reviews of the SL66 but not so many considering what an amazing camera it is. Nobody but you talks about the SLL6E. I’m not surprised people are wary of the jamming issues but once you’ve got the trick of it the problem seems to go away. I’d love you to help bring this amazing beast back into popular use.
Ps I saw the follow up after my comment. Good to hear and thanks again for your work.
@@rolandchambers878 thank you 🙏🏻
@@rolandchambers878 no pressure but I will do my best! Now all I need is models :)
Wow what an amazing camera .... need to test one of those sometime... thanks for sharing Matt... it is great !
Thanks Jerome, if I get it working and we ever meet you can try it 👍🏻
Matt, you’re the best !!!! That was a great great great video. I love your passion to push yourself to create differently. Bro thanks for the inspiration. I gotta get a medium format film camera. I bought the the Fuji gfx 50r but you’re giving me the film itch. It’s been 20 years since I’ve shot film but gotta do it now
Thank you John! Yes film is awesome! :) I hope you can get a film camera!
Thank you very much my friend, I'm currently stalking a sl66 on ebay and I love the design and functionality.
So having this review about the newer version was very, very interesting. Thank you
Thanks Stein, good luck with eBay bidding! 👍🏻
Your videos are fantastic. Your enthusiasm for photography (the images, regardless of the equipment) is matched only by your appreciation and knowledge of the cameras and lenses. If you really love photography, that relationship is always present. Basically, your videos are inspiring. Keep making them!
Thank you Scott! Very kind of you. I guess my obsession with cameras, lenses and photography can at least inspire others then ha, yes my life is never far from photography. Thanks for your feedback!
Always nice to watch your camera and lens Reviews :)! Have you ever considered to try the Hasselblad Flexbody? Best regards from Innsbruck
Thanks Gregor! I have looked at the cle body yes :) ..some years ago now but I have.
Very impressed with the knowledge of your viewers. You may not have a lot of subscribers, but the quality of them speaks volumes to the content you provide...plus you're such a nice person!
Thank you John! Yes many are fellow M shooters so I always feel a bit bad doing non M vids but trying to extend the channel to a wider audience too!
Wow! What a camera 😍 Loved this video Matt, so interesting and some beautiful images too. I recently bought a meostigmat 100mm f1.7 projection lens for my GFX for exactly the reasons you seek out cameras like this. I'm waiting on a clamp arriving before I can use it normally, but now I'm thinking making a makeshift hand held bellows in the mean time for some shift experiments 😅
Thanks ah that sounds a very cool setup! Yes I hope to use my 4x5s again after lockdown for the same idea :)
I've had this issue - the solution ended up being quite simple. You need to open the back, remove the magazine insert, and try advancing the shutter. If that doesn't work, take the back off (with the darkslide in, otherwise it won't let you), push the gear in the direction indicated by the arrow, and put it back on after advancing the shutter.
The jamming is caused by the insert misgearing when its placed inside, which can cause the shutter gear to skip a tooth. This can also happen if you're using a magazine insert that doesn't match the serial of the magazine.
Oh, and always make sure the shutter is cocked before removing and placing the magazine back on. Bad things happen otherwise.
Thank you! My issue was not following the manual/ Rollei method and trying to shoot it like a Hasselblad/ other MF camera.
Cool video, always wanted to try one of the SL66's after picking up the 80mm lens from that camera that was adapted for Leica M-mount. It is a bit big for a M-mount, but it sits well on my SL. I may need to check out one of these Rollei bodies! Cheers!
Thanks, yes nice lenses and yes the results will be very different on the 6x6 body :) ..in a good way!
I got one by accident four years ago, turned out to become my alltime favourite 6x6 since then. What a masterpiece of a camera.. I was lucky it came with the manual, without knowing what has to be done in which order, it is probably easy to jam it. I really hope you got it working again!! thanks for the great review :)
Thank you, yes I read the instructions with fresh eyes after a 3-4 year break and yes it works if I follow the steps. I must do a follow up video one day when I get time. Great to hear you have one too!
I will be also glad for follow up video - I got one just recently. And bought The Rolleiflex Way book with it - several hundreds pages loaded with information. Beautiful camera and piece of art.
Matt! This strikes so close to home with me! A couple years back I used to use a Pentax 67 with an Aero Ektar 178/2.5 adapted on a flexible rubber mount called "Freestyler", made by TheBokehFactory in Poland. I really considered the Rolleiflex (one of my friends used to shoot that as a wedding camera with the Aero Ektar as well), but I disliked the square format and wanted something more rectangle-like. Nice one mate!
Ah thanks! I can got one better for you... the photo of the camera in the field in the video is the same Aero Ektar!! On my Speedgraphic! :) It would be cool to have on the SL66!
I love rolleiflex SL 66! 😽
Yes! I need to use mine more :)
I bought such a camera with 3 lenses (80,50,150), 2 backs 120 and the prism 40 years ago second hand. Still in perfection condition. The downwards tilt is wonderful for landscapes to gain DOF with any lens using the Scheimpflug rule and even quite wide opened
I used in extensively in Sahara with no problème. Gorgeous
Great! Yes I bought the camera mostly for the tilt but eventually for portraits it became an overused look. Great camera but a bit too complicated for my small brain when I’m always jumping between different camera systems.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom hi Matt. I am non 71 years old and I do not carry heavy stuff any longer, including this Rolleiflex and large format cameras. If you can help me selling it I will pay you à commission (notca joke). Best
@@stephanedubarry8624 your timing is perfect. Please visit MrLeica.com - see buy/sell link. I just setup a service to help people like you sell Leica & nice film cameras more easily. (I get asked quite often so I set it up)
Possibly. more nostalgic than is good for me. When I was a young guy starting out I shot with an SL66 from 1969 to 1982. A truly sublime instrument, unmatched by any other roll film SLRs with one massive Achilles heel. The FILM MAGAZINES! On later magss there was a small recessed stainless. button on the underside that could be depressed with a ball point which would pop-out the winding knob if you wished to wind out the remainder of a half-shot roll. I seem to recall that doing that solved some issues which were often caused by the film not spoiling evenly and crinkling along one edge and jamming the advance which in turn jammed the entire. mechanical sequence. At that time we had a Rollei factory trained techo with a shop here in Sydney who was able to fix such stuff. Much as I've often. come very close to clicking "BUY NOW" on SL66 cameras on the auction site I restrain myself on the basis of present day servicing experts on the incredibly intricate high points of camera design. and fabrication. Walter Glover
Thank you Walter, some new information there for me so much appreciated. Did you see my update post. I did get it working again. I will make a future video once I’ve used the camera more.
Great video. Thank-you for posting. I wonder, when you are using the Tilt function with a camera like this, do you see the region of the image that is in focus as it is happening? I have experimented a bit with a 180mm short barrel lens and Tilt/Shift for a Mamiya RZ but I have not been able to accomplish anything useful yet, but I am still trying to see what I am doing. Cheers from Canada
Hi Weston, sorry I missed this. Yes with the SL you see a band of focus that you can move across the frame.
Thanks for learning my dad’s camera
Great! Thanks for watching
This is a landmark camera. It’s history of its development is fascinating. This is the only non-rangefinder SLR medium format camera I would get - if I had the money and if it had been 6 x7!
I’d put it in my list of great cameras as follows :
Mamiya 7 / 7ii
Plaubel Makina 67/670
Rolleiflex SL66E
Mamiya RZ67
Notice that there are no usual suspects in my list.
(The 8 degree tilt and the reversal of the lens are two wonderful differentiators.)
Thanks, I’m very fortunate to have 3 on you list. I’d rank SL, RZ. 7 of those I have. RZ is amazing no question and I love the VF but I prefer 6x6 so I use 66 backs on mine. See those videos if interested.
I never got the PM67 in the end but I did consider it quite a few times. The gem you forgot to put on your list is the Fuji GF670. That blows the pants off the 7 and is as sharp as the Hasselblad 120 macro.. making it sharper than all cameras mentioned from my real world tests. Video to follow!
Superb camera that is the Rolleiflex SL66.
Agreed! :)
Glad to read read you got your camera working. I'm a big Rollei fan and uses both TLR as well as the SLX/6000 series. Always wanted to get an SL as well, and recently did. I just got the SL66E with the 80mm f4 LS Distagon lens. Can't wait to shoot with it, especially with the tilt.
BTW: yours is actually a later SL66SE. The SE has in addition a spot meter while the earlier E is integral metering only. The film back you use is from the E and later SE backs has a crank and needs line-up the start position when loading. All backs are compatible but the E back has auto film start like the Rolleiflex Automat TLR.
Wow thanks. I’ve had many knowledgeable people comment on this video but you are the only person to see this. Thank you! Yes this is the second back and the other jammed. It sound like all user error (again) with that back. (I’m used to simple Hasselblad). Thank you for your time and I’m
happy you got one too!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom once I got mine I hope I don’t jam it since I’m use to use the 6008 which is much more fool proof. That camera just refuse to work if you do something it doesn’t like. There are indeed not that many repairman that are willing to work on these SL66.
Love your channel and your photos. Keep up the work!
@@siufaiau1191 thanks and for support. Yes if you follow steps I think it won’t jam.
Gorgeous images! You're a real talent for the SL66. There's a tiny catch or a kind of button (for multiple exposures) under the winding crank. If you've accidentally depressed the button under the crank, the camera will jam and will not go further. You could try pressing it again or seeing if you can unlock it that way.
Thanks for your kind words. I’d like to think I can do better photos now with 6 years more experience. Thanks for details on the camera I will check it thank you 🙏🏻
I'm usually free-lensing my Mamiya 645 80mm f1.9 on a digital full frame camera. Works really good!
Great! I actually free lens Kiev88 lenses on the M645 :) Some of the Mir glass is great
I get all of the front tilt/shift movement of a LF camera on my Fuji GX680. Its a hefty beast but does fit about in a Lowerpro rucksack. Not as versatile as the SL or Hassy but has a certain appeal that I love as it slows you down to about the same speed as shooting 5x4.
Thanks Anthony, yes I forgot about the GX680 actually, I did look at them once ages ago. Nice but bigger as you say. Yes it's funny, my Intrepid 4x5 setup is lighter than my RZ and probably lighter than the Hassy too if I exclude the tripod! As you say going slow can be nice sometimes.
incredible pictures !!!
Thank you! I'll try to make a follow up video with more photos when I can.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom looking forward to it! Love your vids man, keep at it !
@@Ange-tc4rm thank you!
Rolleiflex SL66E my dream camera ❤
Yes it was for me too before buying!
I had an sl66 from 1993-2005. It was my studio camera. It came it a beautiful hand hammered aluminum case. Affectionally called the rich man’s Hasselblad. I had the 50, 80, 120, 150 with built in leaf shutter, and the 250. Bayonet filters and hoods. All the lenses were reversible, so any lens can become your macro lens. Even had a set of bellows for it. I was lacking a Polaroid back, when I called one of the outfits in New York looking for one, the salesperson said good luck and happiness on your journey. I finally located one, it cost me $750 back in the late 1990. The backs were the standard 4x5 Polaroid back, sent to Switzerland to be literally carved by Arca Swiss so the back can fit over the back of the camera, next to the focusing knob. The Hassy did not have the focusing bellows, when the back is removed, there is nothing there, it’s flat, so a Polaroid back was easy to make. I had the grip with the quick release on it, but for lighter and aerial work I used a Mamiya 6. As someone mentioned in another comment, the backs were problematic. The insert and the back had matching serial numbers, and you had to make sure of that, once you messed up, it was off to the shop in Oceanside, California along with $200. I had the chimney hood and the 45 prism. The sound and feel of the camera, and the way it operated were an absolute joy. In 2005 I bought my canon 1Ds MKii for $8000, so I had to bid the Rollei farewell. At that time the cost was $50 to scan a single 6x6 image. A costly expense for the client, but a money maker venture for me to be able to deliver a digital file on the spot.
A few years back when the factory closed, someone posted online photos of the place, including all the raw stock material. I wish I did not have to part with it, but money was tight and digital was the way of the future. Soon after sold the mamiya too. I still have the owners manual somewhere, along with the quick release foot.
Wow you had a great setup! Yes I understand why you went to digital at the time. Nice memories I still and thanks for the tips.
G'day Matt,
Great vid, totally agree with your Holy Grail rating for the Roliflex SL66… not sure about the E, I’ve had a SL66 for a couple of dozen years. Glad you got yours working, yeah, gotta stick to the operating steps 1, 2, 3. I’ve made the unlock slide, which was a fiddly bit of craft work. Those 1, 2, 3 steps are easily forgotten when there’s a year or two between the lump coming out of the cupboard. Managed to lock it up more than once. Also got a half frame back, double the number of shots on a roll.
Late comer to your channel, love your work.
Cheers from Oz,
PeteQ
Thanks Peter and welcome to the channel! Yes I think I didn't follow the 1,2,3 steps and that's what got me! Agreed compared to most film cameras they are easy to mess up if you forget! I need to post more MF camera vids soon + LF still! Stay tuned :)
The first camera I lusted after in my youth when I saw it on the cover of a 1968 Popular Photography mag. Never acquired one so it's still an unrequited love.
Thanks, I got it working so will try your do a follow up video with new work later this year. If you ever win the lottery get one on eBay!
Great video, Matt. I hope you managed to get the SL66 repaired. I think the only camera which offers comparable features is the Fujifilm GX680. It adds tilt and shift on both axes but lacks the ability to reverse mount the lenses. It is more than twice the size and weight though, but considerably cheaper, and if the batteries die it's an expensive doorstop.
Thanks Jared! Yes the GX680 size weight and batteries put me off. SL is working again now thanks. I need to dust it off again sometime!
I shot with medium format, Bronica SQ-A. Their PS series lenses were amazing.
Thanks Lucy! Good to know thanks 🙏🏻
Very nice enthousiastic video! I was wondering what film you use for the beautiful photos in the street at dark, since I find it difficult to photograph 'out of my hand' with low light. Thanks and good luck with the film-jam.
Thanks Erik! I fixed the jam. Currently I use mostly Leica for film
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Happy to hear toy fixed the jam. Perhaps my english is not so good, but i ment by what film you use: is it Tri-X 400 or Ilford HP5+? Because an almost 2 kg. camera is hard to photograph out of hand on a 1/30 or even 1/60. Cheers!
@@erikvos5539 trix for some photos in video
My Favored Camera since years.. It becomes my most used and most important camera in 2021
Congrats!! It's like nothing else isn't it :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes very true.Rock Solid and reliable. I have 4 SL66E and one SL66. Use it nearly every day.
@@MarcelSauder wow impressive!!
I've lusted after that SL66 since I first saw one in the 1970s.
The other camera I would love is the Bronica D.
Although I have 3 blad cameras a fuji GX680 a Bronica ETRs and a Mamiya RB67.
Thanks Roy, yes I think we all lust after what we don't have! I like the idea of a Rollei 2.8F but I generally prefer SLR style cameras to TLR for portraits. I like blads and have a RZ67 and others (see videos).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I still have a RB67 and 3 V blads and a H blad...
@@roybixby6135 Great! I have similar but RZs & Hassy not RB 👍🏻
Great video!!!
Thanks Daniele!
Oh brilliant. What a beautiful camera. I am looking into the older Rolleifoex SL66. What sets them apart from the newer E version besides TTL ?
Thanks! Yes very cool camera :). I think the main difference is the TTL/ metering. I'd get a basic one so less electronics. (I knew less when I bought this a long time ago).
@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ja. I have my heart set on the SL66 for its rear shutter dor special lens use (imax projector & like) & tilt.
How would u compare to the Hass 500 Cm ?
They both cost a bomb bit prices come down a tad
@@khanscombe619 as I say in this video the pros of the 66 but I keep the Hassy as more simple
I own a Rolleiflex SL66. I love it. But it is a complicated machine. And it is my favourite camera.
Thanks agreed!
I have one and the lenses are amazing.
Thanks Nicholas, agreed! :)
@@wilbertvandenberg3158 yes unfortunately the sl66 shutter is thin and delicate and can tear easily as well
Hi matt, great vid, I have a sl66, my second one. Not for the feint of heart. I treat mine with kid gloves. I read somewhere that if you shoot it upside down it will jam. The other problem is the inserts are matched to the backs and if you interchange them you will get overlapping frames. On the bright side not in your vid is the backs have a place to stash the dark slide and the mirror returns after firing the shutter. The shutter release is very exposed to potential damage I feel. Lastly I think it is an overly tolerance camera which could be why its prone to lock ups.
Thanks Justin! Ah great info, that explains the overlaps and probably some of the jams.
Insert Dark Slide to remove back. Fire shutter and cock to check there is no problem film cog turns. Or, you could remove film cassette with camera in Change Bag or under dark cloth, close back and fire shutter, to check for film jam. If it works, just reload film onto spool & into back. Good Luck!
Thank you! It was dumb user error (trying to use it like a Hassy and not following the SL66 process). I got it working again after the video.
Good!
Hi Matt, If you are looking for a medium format camera with all the large format camera movements you should check for Fujifilm Gx680 series cameras. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you. Yes a few others told me to check this too. Thanks!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Due to there weight, not that expensive.
@@nevilleholmes1324 ok I’ll cautiously check eBay, thanks! :)
Rollei made a bunch of outstanding cameras. They were all very pricey back in the day. If you want to do this kind of manipulation my preference is one of my all time favorite is the medium format view camera by Arca Swiss the compact field camera. You get 6x6, 6x7, or 6x9 backs. And movement you want and 47mm to 500mm. And every lens is macro with extension up to 600mm.
But if I was shooting film for fashion I’d use a Pentax 645N. Motor drive. Wonderful camera.
Anyway fun video.
Thanks Joseph! Yes it’s a balance of speed and output for fashion stuff. My Hasselblad H2 is excellent (I guess a bit like the Pentax) and I sometimes use my 4x5 view cameras with 67,69,612 roll backs. I’ll do a video on this when I get chance. Thanks about the Arca, I’ll check those too. I know of them. Many thanks!
You should try the Fuji GX 680...full large format movements and bellows focus. Great video
Thanks yes that’s what many watching this video tell me, I will have to look at it again :) Thanks!
I looked at both as well. The ttl metering with the waist level viewfinder of the sl66 won out over the added movements of the GX680 for me. Difficult decision, but I already had a 4x5 field camera for when I want to take my time. Plus, with the focal plane shutter, any lens with sufficient coverage within the limit of the bellows draw can be used (such as antique large format lenses).
@@christopherauito7262 thanks Chris, hmm yes that’s an interesting point. I have quite a few LF lenses for 4x5. I should try to mount them onto the SL66E :)
As always, you know - I repeat myself. My photographic journey started with Monolta 101 - 103, then came the Pentax Lx, Leica M4p, Rolleiflex 6006and Hasselblad 500 cm then back to Leica, Contax (rf) and mft. I love the journey! Enjoy the weekend. / Ulf
Thanks Ulf, yes I seem to have gone from 35mm to MF to LF (briefly) then currently back to 35mm! I’m waiting for the next cycle of MF camera use! :)
Are you aware of the Fuji GX680 cameras? 6x8 medium format, and offers bellows focusing, tilt + swing and rise/fall/shift with all lenses. The drawback is they are absolute behemoths that pretty much require tripod use.
Thanks! Yes I found them when researching years ago but then forgot to mention in the video. I think the weight put me off! :)
Hello Matt, Yes I new of the camera, but never used one. It the 1980's I did shoot with Sinar 5x4, 5x7, Bronica and Hasselblad Now am old and been shielding for the last 11 Keep well, keep safe and have fun.
Thanks John! You too
To anyone in UK: ACCRETECH , made parts for SPACE SHUTTLE , yes... Use Long Lens head , and also indexed head with demarcations ... These are fine work , Aircraft CNC made, and if damaged...you send in and they repair or rebuild. I have their " correct " Arca Swiss rails and the Long Lens Head coming.
Have their Ultimate Ball Head too. Matt, I know you have 4x5...give them a look. Cheers: Troll ....
Thanks Chris, I’ll check it out
Some years ago I went through the same process of justification - the camera had to do something quite different... otherwise I can use the many film cameras I already have. That investigation saw the SL66 surface at the top of the list but I could not rationalize dropping more than $2k (USD) on something which had a high probability of breaking down... with such expensive, specialist only repairs. It still occasionally tugs at me and this video does not help me at all Matt 🤨 ... I am resisting looking at ebay listing for this again. It is really good that you mentioned the breakability factor for potential buyers. To me it looks like the Hasselblad is your most unique, useful camera (video title maybe should have been "dream" camera). Great videos... love your photos. Thanks!
Thank you! Sorry to mention the SL66 again but did you see that I got it working on a post I made? Lots of people wrote to me with great repair guys names. If you (me) follow the strict steps when operating the camera it shouldn’t jam. Famous last words perhaps but I plan to make a follow up video later in the year once I have more example images, all being well.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hey that's really good to hear. The 80/2.8 Planar for this make has a nice painterly effect. I plan to premiere my channel later this year and the chacterististics of the double gauss in this iteration and the quest to replicate it will be one of my topics. Thanks Matt!
@@cyphermote6857 thank you and sounds good!
I read you got the camera working . It is a process of getting to know Rolleiflex SL66 and its minor misbehaviours . To my opinion it is the best camera ever made , it was my first medium format that I purchased in 2006 and every time I will look for a new option to “improve” , I only was underwhelmed . It gets increasingly harder to fix a camera if an issue arises , however , instead of giving it up , i just bought a second one and looking to buy one more . I guess it is my forever Love , as we have been together since I was 19 :)
Thanks Anna! Aww great story. Yes it was user error from my side. If you follow the SL66 rules they work fine!
Matt, I congratulate you for your excellent videos and for your images, in reality all cameras eventually fail so you have to treat them with care and not abusing them, in my experience the ones that have failed me the most are the Hasselblads and the Carl Zeiss lenses because the shutter is another mechanism what I recommend is to use them with care, and when they are not used activate them so that the mechanisms are well lubricated and active. The advantage of mechanical cameras is that most can be repaired, although with the digital revolution parts are scarce. Indeed, Rolleiflex has always stood out for being a pioneer in camera design and especially the SL 66 the SL 66E and Rolleiflex 6000 series models are devices of admirable quality, light years ahead of Hasselblads but they arrived late to the main market, the Japanese always were inspired by German advances until they surpassed them mainly because of the price.
Hi Pablo, thank you! I have the camera working again, dumb user trying to use it like a Hassy and not like a Rollei. Interesting point re. Hassy lenses, I must try to fire them all from time to time to keep them fresh. (I used the 50mm, 60mm, 100mm 150mm at a wedding at the weekend - Zeiss).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Can you share with us *how* you got it working again? Was it as suggested above, just a matter of pressing the hidden button?
@@DC-sp5ds just following the manual lol ..jiggled a few things, followed how to use instructions and it worked
I do have a SL66 with some lenses and multiple magazines. I do like your tilt portraits on flickr. Can you tell me what aperture you used most of the time? At 2.8 getting the focus right is a challenge at minimum. Did you use a tripod?
Thanks Jaap, handheld when I started and later a monopod, yes all at 2.8, full tilt
Thanks for the video! the manual says something like: we assume this camera is used by experienced photographers- so this manual is short….Like your explanation of the tilting function and will check it out now. For mechanics: there is a whole plan of the camera online. However if you read everything beforehand and use it regularly, it should last.
Thank you! When I first bought it I didn't have the experience I thought I had (I could take nice photos but no experience with such cameras). Now it works no issue, I just need to follow the steps.
Hi there, thanks for this video. Is your issue with camera jamming fixed? Was is just user error or was it something really wrong with the camera?
Yes sorry it was just a very dumb user! I was trying to shoot it like a Hassy or RZ. Doesn't work.
Matt great videos. I am a not a professional photographer but am about to take the plunge and purchase a mint SL66E (£1,400 inc lens) - it works so far though having seen your review I am going to keep everything crossed! I love the look of being able to alter the plane of focus.
Matt this may seem a silly question but when you use the Rolleiflex SL66 and you shift the lens I assume you will not see the effect until you develop the film or am I wrong?
Hi Mark, congrats! Mine is actually the SL66SE i've been told but very similar. Make sure you follow the online manual so not to jam it. They seem to work if you follow the strict 'rules' of use.
No question is silly.. no wrong, you see it in camera, you need to otherwise you'd miss focus.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt thank you so much for your swift response which was very good of you. Make I wish you well and keep up the excellent videos that you produce. They are great!!
@@markcohen9758 thank you Mark!
The SL66 lenses are Zeiss designed lenses too so kind of double dipping for you knowing you can use the extension tubes (13cm with 80mm) or macro bellows. Good move to get the multi coated HFT lens. Something interesting is the flange of SL66 lenses is one of the longest among MF, opening some opportunities to adapt them on bodies with shutters.
Thanks Nico, good info! I thought I read that ahead of the video then couldn't see CZ mentioned on the lens itself so thought safer not to mention it! Yes the HFT came with the camera so I was lucky I guess. I like the red coating.. kinda has a nice look to it I think
as I understand it, Rollei bought the Zeiss factory in Germany when Zeiss went to Japan for the lens ellements..@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom
An interesting camera. Thanks for sharing. :)
Thanks Jesse great to hear from you! I promise to try to shoot outside again this summer once the weather improves! :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Awesome. By the way, your video on Leica 50mm f/2.8 collapsible Elmar helped me to figure out on how to attach the lens to the Leica SOMKY. Thank you.
@@jessekoskinen great, I'm happy I could help with that. Hopefully some more Leica centric content to come out after lockdown (+ some videos before too).
So yes, the extension rings for the Hasselblad when corner to corner exacting detail is of critical importance. For portraits or nature close-ups, the Zeiss Proxar lenses I, II & III are the way to go. These are dioptres which allow one to focus closer. I have used the Proxar I quite often. 👌
For the Rolleiflex 6000 series, Schneider made a Super Angulon 55mm Tilt/Shift lens. It never went into production as a Hasselblad lens for the 2000F series, but I knew that a small number of them were out there. I found one on eBay and jumped on it. 🥰
Thanks yes I prefer the SL66 for easy close ups.
Wow great find, congrats and thanks for the info!
I realy miss my Leica R9. Such a beauty in my hands. But electronics can break any day.
Yes I've very anti electronic film cameras for the same reason. I sold many of those I had some years ago.
I had heard of this camera in the past but never paid much attention as I was using Hasselblad. BTW, the 120 macro planar is a nice lens, too. Anyhow, i can certainly see why this camera turns your creative crank .... when it's working.
Thanks Cris, I have the 120 Makro on the Hassy, great lens. Yes the Rollei is fun but you have to follow the manual so not to jam it.. spot the dumb user! It was fine after.
When I was looking for a camera to replace my troublesome Kiev 88, I looked at the Fuji GX-680III, specifically for the tilt function. But being a electronic camera, the system is easily prone to failure and servicing support is far less than Mamiya. Thus I op for a RB67 instead. Being a commercial photographer who photograph product in lots of room scenes and architecture, what I would really want is a system that has a front tilting standard and can accept a digital back, which eventually might lead to a Graflok 4x5 system that can adapt to Hasselblad H-mount backs. Always sad to see a legendary camera goes, but I think I saw a SL66 non E at my local camera store last weekend.
I think we think alike, I wanted the tilt function hence got this but later wanted more so got into 4x5 cameras.
I have an old 66, it’s worked great from day one. As I klutzed about getting to know it I recall jamming it a couple of times, might have been from trying to remove the back without advancing and cocking, I’m thinking. If that happens, and it hasn’t for me ever since (about 20 yrs.), you just push the back firmly against the body and wriggle the dark slide in. The back should come off. Then rotate the exposed cog gear on the camera side of the back until it locks. You may have an internal jam but it’s a start. Anyway, I’ve had both Hasselblad and Rollei kits and I’m liking the latter more each outing. Sorry for this long ramble. Thanks Matt.
Thank you James! I appreciate the tips! I managed to get it going so with a bit of luck I will do a follow up video. I need to revist the Hassy vs Rollei in 2021 and see if I still like the SL66E more :) ..I may have grown out of tilting though haha
Thought on the Jam, Hi Matt had a jam on my sl66 once, and luckily I was able to free it up (though I don't remember exactly what I did since I was a bit panicked!) Took the camera into the dark and slid the switch (on top of the back) and took the in progress film out of the back. At that point I believe I was able to finish Advancing the body, but the back and body were now out of sync. So I had to take the back off with the darkslide and the finish advancing the film back's cog that interfaces with the body. I actually believe the (sl66) manual on butkus addresses the out of sync back/body in a troubleshooting page. May be worth a shot to open the back up and see if you can finish the advance cycle (or then cock it with the double exposure switch)
Thank you Zach, I will try to have a play around with it this weekend.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom any luck?
@@res.publica yes all working again now thank you!
I do know the SL66. It’s superb. Fuji also makes a huge monster - the GX680 which has tilt built in, and uses bellows. Much more modern. And much bigger and heavier.
Thanks yes sorry I forgot to mention the Fuji!
Hello Matt,
the loveliest ode of the Rollei SL66 ever heard. ;-)
Great video. I’m very surprised about your comments about the Rollei SL66.I have one an the 80mm and the 150mm lens and the prism view finder and magazines.
The Rollei SL66 has the advantage to shift 8° up and down, that’s great. Haven’t used it with a film for many, many years and my wife ask me why I don’t sell it. For a moment…… I was thinking about and had a look into some offers.
Hm, nice the price. ;-) But then I’ve taken it in my hands again and (the box always stored close to me, all that time long) and turned the winder and,…..clack, clack. What a sound. ;-)
Solid mechanical masterpieces. No, I’ll keep it. That’s something women never can understand. Ok, we are livelong boy how needs toys but this is one of the wonderful toys, like an old car. ;-) And, take pictures with an old Rollei of a young girl in an old car, it’s so exiting. ;-) Your SL66E is a bit better than the SL66 but I’ll not change it for another. We stay together for 30 years and I hope for 30 years more.
By the way, I even have still my Nikon F4 and after I used an D700 and now an D750. But if Nikon would have manufactured the digital back for the F4, as it was designed but never built, I would even use the F4.
Regards from Germany.
NB: I like le look of your photos. ;-=
Thanks Bob and great to hear you’ve had yours for 30 years! I really need to use mine again too (it is working now).
I have my f4 still too and many others!
Wow , I hope somebody can help you with that camera, I been shooting with my RB67 since 2000+ and being in the shop 4a few times for maintenance only. on my RB if you take off the lens it will unlock. Know in this days I don’t think there’s too many people that might have or use the Rollei . Thank you for sharing your passion. Good job on those photos.
Thanks Luis, yes I have the camera back in action thanks. Great to hear you have the RB. I have the RZ so I appreciate these cameras too (see my other videos for that one) :)
Need to check out the Rollei 2000/3000 35mm system cameras. I shot many a wedding in the 80s with a Mamiya 645 with a 70mm 2.8 LS lens. It did very well for me, but I always wanted a SL66E
Thank you! I have the M645 + 70 2.8 LS lens :) Perfect setup if using flash. I prefer the Hasselblad H2 cameras to the M645 but I know there is a big price difference (see those vids).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I first found your work on Flickr and was astounded by your photos. Since I have past the 60 year mark, I don't shoot events anymore. I am retired and take landscapes and still life mostly. I have the itch to get a large format camera, but oh, the aching back.
@@mobiusflight5430 Thanks! I still need to share some of my LF cameras :). I will
I used proxon filters/lenses on my Hasselblad to get close, not sure if they fit the newer lenses though?
Thanks, I use extension rings / tubes on my Hassy / Kiev 88 / Mamiya 645 but love the ease of close focus with the SL66E and RZ67 Pro II
Yes I know this camera. But finding parts and shops for repair could be an issue. My favorite is still the fully mechanical Rolleiflex TLR. At least quite a few shops can still service it.
Thank you Eric. I got my SL66 working so fingers crossed it was user error and keeps going. I have a Rolleicord but no Rolleiflex TLR.
I stumbled into your video... and I can only underline it, SL66 is also my all time favorite camera as you might guess looking at my avatar picture 😀 the SL66 is an amazing mechanical work of art, I got mine in the early 1970th and is still in perfect shape!
Is your SL66 SE working again? 🤞🏻
Great! Yes my cameras was working again thanks. Dumb user problems. I was trying to use it like a Hassy not a Rollei!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 😉😅 there are some minor differences 😅 great that all works fine at least 👍🏻 (btw I have two SL66 + 50/80/150 and 80 leaf shutter 😎)
Matt, the Hasselblad's can focus closer, you just add a 10/16/20/32 extension tube onto the camera between the lens and body, this effectively gets you closer, and also a bellows unit exists as well, to give 3-6" of extension if the fixed tubes are not enough.
Also, if you want tilt, swing go for the arcbody or Flexbody hasselblads these can do the real bokeh effects!!
Thanks Andy, yes I have 3 Hassy 500 series so use extention tubes. I did look at the arcbody/ flexbody some years ago! :)
With the Rolleiflex SL66 you can reverse the lens for better than 1:1 (approx. 1.5:1) but if you really want to get close with accessories (16mm Luminar) you can get a magnification of 360x. For close-ups it is far superior to the Hasselblad. The Rollei was designed to be a Hasselblad killer, but Rollei went so OTT in the design and quality that the price killed it. When the SL66 was launched the Hasselblad didn't even have an instant return mirror. Both cameras can give really good results and which one is best for you depends on a number of factors including what you want to use if for. But as a tour de force of how to make a camera, the Rolleiflex SL66 is without peer. I do have a Rolleiflex SL66 but I have Mamiya's, a Pentax 67 and a Fuji GX680 camera, I have used a Hasselblad and every one of them has its good points and when I go out, I chose the one that is best for the day's shooting envisaged.
1:49 great shot!
Thanks 🙏🏻
Gives me nice and sad memories.
Back in the mid eighties I actually fell in love with that sexy shutter sound of a leica SLR.
Even if I was totally happy with my Olympus cams (OM 2 and 4) I wanted a Leica so much, even if it financially was out of my reach ...
So I went to a special photo shop in my town where I had seen a used R4 in mint condition behind the window.
After talking with the owner for a while, he suddenly came with a suggestion: "If you really want a step up in quality: Why don't You go MF? In the moment I have a great offer ... just one left ..."
It was the Rolleiflex SL66E with Zeiss Planar 2,8/80 and another Zeiss 4/150. All brand new for about 3.000 €.
After letting it settle for a few days AND talking to my bank I decided to go for it.
I was in my twenties and weight and bulk of gear didn't matter at all.
Yes, I loved this camera ... it gave me some beautiful thrilling slides!
What a piece of craftmanship this camera and lenses were !!
Not long after I brought it for a trip to India.
I remember this naughty monkey grabbing the film, when I had to change 😅😬 (even if I could fight it back, the roll was almost damaged, as he had tried to open it with his teeth)
Well, soon later the bag was stolen during a train trip between Mumbai and Calcutta 😭
What a shock!
Ok, at least luckily insurance paid back the money.
But there was no way to get the same equipment for this amount. I would have had to give double the money, as there wasn't any offer anymore.
I tried a Rolleiflex 6008 from the same shop, but didn't like it that much.
Then got a worn out SL66E again second-hand ... but the emotions I had for the first one didn't come back.
My rather short live with 120 film ended there and then ... actually till your very nice video I didn't think much about it.
Nowadays gear can't be small and light enough 😉 I wouldn't lug around big 'n heavy stuff again.
But thanks a lot for the sweet memories 😘🙏
Hi sorry to hear your SL66E story and thanks for sharing it. The only good news is Leica R cameras are now very cheap! (See my R5,R6,R7 videos) :)
I have owned my Rollei SL66 since 1979 and used it professionally until 2004 when I reluctantly went digital. It is a camera that, like my Nikon F2 35mm system, I will never part with. As a first step to unjamming your camera, I suggest removing the film back by first inserting the sheath in the slot between the rear of the camera and the film back. As you know the sheath is stored in a slot in the rear cover of the film back. What you may not know is that the rectangular pull on the end of the sheath has a slot in it to hold part of the end tab from a 120 film box. that way you can easily tell what type of film you have loaded in a back. I also suggest you remove the film from the back. If the sheath will not go into the slot, just put the whole camera in a changing bag. If you then open the back in darkness, I suggest winding the unused part of the film onto the take up spool, then, at least you can then rescue the shots that you have exposed. Remove the complete insert with both spools too whilst you are at it, if you have not been able to remove the film back. Have you tried operating the double-exposure release to free the winder? If you can remove the back it may free everything. Most problems with the SL66 are caused by not doing things in the correct sequence. You must for example always wind the camera on BEFORE putting in the sheath to remove the film back. The secret is never to force anything, if it doesn't work smoothly, then you are doing something wrong! These cameras were completely hand built, so differ slightly, when buying a film back, always ensure the number on the film insert matches the number of the film back itself. If it is completely jammed, I can recommend a repairer who knows these cameras very well indeed. He is called Brian Mickleboro, he worked for the official Rollei UK service centre when these cameras were new. He has repaired and serviced my Rollei cameras many times and is thoroughly recommended, although I have not needed his services recently.
If you want to discuss anything about the SL66 I can give you my e-mail address and mobile number. I recommend joining Club Rollei, I have been a member for 40 years. our website is www.rollei.org.uk It would be great to have some younger members, we are nearly all over 60 and dying off fast!! If I had your camera in my hands, I may be able to get it working. How far away are you from Norwich?
Hi Andrew, thanks for your message and all the information your shared. I posted an update on RUclips last weekend. I got the camera working. I’m not sure how I just wiggled everything. It now fires and transports film correctly it seems. I think when I was using it 5 hrs ago I often didn’t do the correct sequence and that was the issue. Now I’m a bit older and wiser hopefully I can keep it working correctly! Thanks for the Rollei invite. If I start using the camera enough I will have a look.(I have a Rolleicord too)(see that video). Thanks again!
Ah! very nearly bought one of these for a good price on Gumtree and then thought it would be too heavy.. whoops. Great video as always Matt
Thanks Calum! They are quite weighty to be honest but when working I still find it worth the effort.
You should look into Fuji GX680iii huge neg and all your movements... and different backs... only down fall shit ton batteries and huge... but nice to use. Just purchased one and it on a tripod... maybe I might invest in a mono pod to move and more quickly with it... we shall see...
Thanks David, yes a few others mentioned this camera to me.. I think it was the batteries that put me off but great suggestion thanks!
Great vid! Wonder what kind of reaction you get from models when you suddenly start extending, tilting, shifting that massive front part. 🧐
Thanks! Haha, for portraits it’s not extended too far from memory and only a slight tilt from memory :) ..models get more of a shock with 4x5!
Hasselblad 500 C/M from my experience to answer the intro question :). The 6x6 format is unique and forces to compose differently. Fantastic DoF effects with 6x6, camera still very portable and not intrusive. Close focus can super easily be achieved with quite cheap Hasselblad tubes between lens and camera as you mentioned. I prefer this setup much more than the Mamiya one where lenses have NO focus ring and therefore can't be used with adapter on any other camera system! The Rolleiflex 66E is a great option, too - but much harder to find alt lenses for this system compared to finding V-lenses for Hasselblad. The tilt-option of the Rolleiflex 66E is great indeed. Can it also do shifting?
Thanks Martin, yes as you know from my other videos I love the Hassy system, I really hope to get back into MF as i've been shooting nearly all 35mm for ages. No shift sadly so limited verses 4x5 but still somehow enough to have some fun with it. yes I ended up using the 120mm a lot on the Hassy to give me free movement though I have e-rings too.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Your video inspired me to look at T/S options for the Hassy, and there is one - but it is hyper expensive.
@@MB-or8js sadly yes! The one for the H system is £4.4K!
Fujifilm GX680; but that camera is a total beast.
Nice! ..and yes it's a monster!
Great fun thanks for this. Bellamy from JCH also did a talk-through on this camera. He also summarised as being the most over engineered camera but sadly fault prone camera. He also explained the background story that Viktor Hassleblad and Reinhold Heidecke from Rolleiflex had a gentlemans agreement not to tread in each others toes. So they both kept to their own respective designs of medium format cameras: TLR for Rollei and SLR for Hassleblad until the mid Sixties when SLR s were becoming so popular that they finally decided to design their own MF SLR. Hence the SL66!
Thanks Malcolm, great info thanks for that. I'm happy JCH and I align with our thoughts.. good to know :)
Great video, but one correction, the hassleblad does have tilt and shift, there is the arc body and flexbody, as well as the bellows set , for the 500/200 series cameras as well as the hts 1.5 t/s adapter for the h system
Thanks Andy, I meant the standard 500 series but yes good point. I can’t do fast portraits with arc/flex or bellows. I use H system with v adapter but not t/s so noted thanks.
I've bought a brand new SLX in the early 80'ties with both 80 and 150mm lenses. After a few rolls of film it developed a (what I thought was) a light leak. Turned out it was the secondary shutter which didn't return to the fully closed position.
Rollei Germany fixed it at no cost and send me an apology letter for their product letting me down. I then sold it as i couldn't live with the dim ground glass and the prospect the camera would break down again. Rollei has some nice cameras but they are all flawed (the problem with your SL66 sadly comes to prove my point). I would have loved a SL2000, but try to find one wich isn't broken... . Rollei's aren't cheap knowing the problems they've got I would say, unless you REALLY, REALLY want one, look elsewhere for your medium format needs, or stick with their TLR's.
Yes Rollei are nice but complicated! I finally went back to using my Hassy cameras more.
What an interesting camera! I love my Rolleiflex 2.8E so this camera definitely peaks my interest 👍
Thanks yes I like stuff like this too! Many thanks and nice 2.8!
I own it and i absolutely adore it!
It doesn't really matter if you get the SL66 or the SL66e. Get the one you have available or find cheaper online :)
The functionality and build quality of this camera is unmatched and the carls zeiss glass for it is amazing!!
Thanks TJ! I'm happy i'm not alone on my love for this amazing camera :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom You're kind of responsible for me getting one together with JCH haha i read your reviews and decited i need to try this camera.
@@TheGermanCompounder haha sorry! Well hopefully you’ve made money on your purchase :)
Matt regarding the back... if its still stuck... go into a darkroom and open the back up, pull the film holder and film... that way you should be able to pull the dark slide. What I suspect has happened is someone has cranked the back out of sequence, or forced the dark slide into place out of sequence. I have 2 SL66SE bodies and a bunch of lenses... shot on these cameras for years... So I have plenty of hands on time. Also always keep the film holder with the back, they have matching serial numbers... never mix them up as they were hand finished to match.... it makes a big difference. Also I assume you know how to shoot double exposures... this maybe another reason the back has locked up
Good luck...
Thank you! I actually got it working after the video. Thanks for the tip on matching the backs - hand finished, no wonder it's easy to have issues if mix things. Many thanks!
Yes I knew about the 66SL and SLE... but that goes with the age ;O), have you ever tried a Fuji GX 680 ? They do the same (bellows). However whether the Rollei, Fuji or Mamiya (RB/RZ).... these are all (in my mind) studio cameras (although I did some weddings with an RB... not my best memories) but once you have to move they do not equal the ease of a Hassie (not to mention the esthetics and handling). Right now my Holy Grail camera is an M10 mono.
Thanks Bruno. Yes agreed the Hassy with WLF is the most portable of the bunch and I have used mine for weddings. I can see why the M10M could be someones HG' camera! Nice.
Noice one mate!
Thanks! Fun camera!
Hi Matt, a colleague and friend of mine used to have a SL66 (not SL66E). While working on a project together a few years ago he told me that he'd sent his camera to a repairshop in Duesseldorf / Germany owned by Dieter Paepke for an overhaul and repair. You can find him on the internet. I recall that my friend was quite satisfied with the result, though he said it wasn´t a bargain. I don´t know if Mr. Paepke can help you with fixing that problem, but it might probably be worth a try. I enjoy your Channel a lot! Greetings from Dresden, Tobias
Thanks for your support. I will post an update on the SL today.. I’ve got it working! 5 years have past and with fresh eyes and info from viewers I got the back off and now it all seems to work if I follow the ‘strict’ order of how this camera must be operated.
I am glad that you could fix it! So it was just an "operation fault"? Best wishes
@@tobiaslange9147 yes I think just a dumb user (trying to use it the same as similar cameras and not following the must do steps of the SL66)
I reckon most of those over-engineered gems of that era have some quirks that we have to get used to today. But once yo do, they are a joy to use! I can tell that from my beloved Leica M5 (which is a completely different camera of course). Enjoy your SL66E and keep on the good work on your Channel!
@@tobiaslange9147 thanks Tobias!
I’m curious what you think of the 6000 series particularly the 6008 versions
Hi Ian, sorry I have no experience on the 6000 series so i'm not the best person to ask. The SL66 was very complicated so if anything similar this is to be aware of.
had one...never, ever. should have sold it. Cheers from Victoria , BC
( I had the earlier SL 66 without the electronic and I believe more reliable.)
Thanks Bruce! I got mine working, user error. If you follow the strict Rollei steps they work but shoot them like a Hassy/ RZ and they stop :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom don't know what that means as I've never used a Hassy or RZ..glad it works though.
@@brucecggallagher1949 thanks, I mean you just advance the shutter and fire. You don’t need to stand on one leg, rub your stomach anti clockwise with your left hand and then take the photos haha (feels like that sometimes with the SL) :)
It's strange when you ask Google a question and then they refer you to yourself. I mean seriously, if I knew, would I be asking? The upside is that it's very flattering. Your videos are always engaging.
Haha thanks Carl, sorry about that and I appreciate the feedback.
Hay Matt. I've spoken to Brian. He said to check that the dark slide is fully down with the black "handle" flush with the camera body ( I'm not sure it is having viewed the video again) or try reversing the dark slide. Let me know.
Hi Alan, thank you! That is very kind. Yes since making the video I have got it working. I still need to develop the test roll but the camera works again. Thanks! (I will try to post new samples to social media when I get chance).
Matt, I’ve just purchased a SL66, in excellent condition, with all accessories. Is there any chance you’d do a “How to use your SL66” going into the excruciating detail SL66 use as oxygen.
Congrats David! Make sure you operate the camera per the online manual and NOT try to use it like a Hasselblad (as I did). You can jam it easier if don't follow the manual. I found out! (I eventually sold mine as I needed a more simple camera for my small brain! ..plus I shoot 90% 35mm)