@@kurtozan251 You can pretty easily dismantle the hood and just clean it in the camera with an alcohol wipe. The easiest camera I have owned to take apart and put back together. No proprietary screws or anything like that.
@@certs743 thx! I just threw a roll into this old one I was gifted and then realized I couldnt see out of the ground glass. Have been shooting w the sport finder stopped down. Hopefully the lens works!
I've got a Ciro-Flex Model B and I love it! I have had to do quite a bit of work on it to make it work but that's one of the things I love about it. It's not this super complex and expensive camera so I don't have to baby it. It can take a beating and if something goes wrong it's not too difficult to fix. Also I have gotten very good photo results with it.
2 or 3 things. 1. I think it may still be a step above my Argus E. 2. Your microwave dinner is ready. & 3. I have both the Seagul TLR & the their folder. Cheap but functional. Fun to use.
I got one of these years and years ago on ebay for 25 bucks, frozen in time, perfectly preserved, no dents or scratches, and it works fine. I also found a light meter for it, same thing all metal, frozen in time. It's basic but 100 percent reliable, no light leaks, works every time. I wish newer cameras were built as solid.
Very cool. I have a Lubitel 166B and yeah, pretty much into Holga territory. Well, maybe a notch or two above. It is a glass lens after all and does give a lot better control over exposure settings. Hope to see a Lubitel in your TLR shoot out. It'd be interesting to see how it fares against others in its class.
Thanks Ted, I love TLR's for some stuff like car shows and street work etc. and you don't have to lay on the ground for that low perspective shot. They're much more stealth and people just seem to go about their business in a natural state unlike the attention caused sometimes by using an eye level camera. It seems we are in a camera sensitive society these days, I guess in part from security cameras and all. One of my favorite TLR's for such outings is my Yashica 44 in 127. It is extremely compact and returns very respectable images..........Oh and I cant wait for the shootout ...
I was given one with a stuck shutter. It might be time to break out the mini screwdrivers and a can of Ronsonol and see if I can make it work. As always, thanks for sharing!
I had never shot through a TLR until I bought this camera in pristine condition 2mos ago. Prior, I had given up film photog when the Canon 10D came out, so using the Ciroflex has been a very satisfying adventure, and has rekindled the love I had for film photography. Im pretty happy with this camera, but during cold weather shoots, such as winter waterfall and rapids scenes, she has a very finicky shutter, and needs to be warmed up, and to be treated like an old folk, carefully. It has personality for sure. Thanks for doing a vid on this, and hopefully you will do a follow up when you get the time. Vids like that are alot of work. Your a great teacher! If you need sample images using Tmax 100 using 120 to simplify your work load, send me a message.
I'm excited to see the shootout, but of course I wish was included. I did pick up a Ciro Flex (actually two) because of one of your previous videos as an intro to TLRs. I had no idea how they worked and I learn best hands-on. The first thing I did was take it apart and did my own basic CLA and have a few rolls through it now. As you mentioned, without a hood and a flocked interior, these are fairly susceptible to flaring. But they *are* cheap and fun.
I've shot my Rolleicord V in a theatre at night, using DoF scale focus. I turned the camera upside down overhead to frame and shoot. The low light mandated a slow shutter speed and produced good sharpness. Try that with a digital camera or an SLR.
So cool seeing that shutter in a TLR. I’ve sold off most of my antique gear but I still have the larger cousin to that lens, a Wollensak Socillor Raptar 75mm f/1.9 - Alphax. I’d love to have it go to someone that will get use out of it. Nice episode. cheers.
I think in the $250 range you can't go wrong with the Mamiya's - well made and unlike most others- interchangeable lenses ( and they make very good lenses ) - I am still hanging on to my C330 which I bought in Japan (used) for $200 in 1988 with a brand new 105mm lens - also they have a lot greater range of movement ( long bellows ) which gives you some near closeup capabilities...I also have a 124G Yashica which was given to me and it's nice enough but nowhere near the Mamiya in design...on the downside , the Mamiya's are heavy - almost more like studio cameras than something to hang on your neck ( tripod pretty much necessary)...so that's one in favour of the Yashica....but all TLR's are great fun and these days...pretty much conversation starters...I can't tell you how many times I was stopped on the street in Saigon to ask about my camera ( and had a few offers for it too - and that was just the Yashica! )
Hi Ted I really liked the 35mm shot you shared in this video. I saw a RUclips video recently where a guy spent ages replicating this kind of scene in Photoshop. I guess he spent a fortune on a DSLR and Photoshop, and all he needed was an old TLR. Looking forward to seeing the comparison shots when you get round to it.
Very, very helpful. Last week I lucked up and found the Ciro-flex E and the Ricohflex at a thrift store. I love them. They are so cool. The only problem with the Ciro-flex is that the focusing knob isn't connected so it just turns without moving the lens bed in and out.
Hi interesting u mentioned the seagull these were sold in the UK during the 70s and 80s also a seagull copy of the Minolta srt101 also available were 3 other twllrs the ester qiwgdao sf2 the friendship and a cpy of the leica m3 made by the red flag camera company which is said to be rare but using. Regards
GREAT SHOW! I can't wait to see those photographs you shot with your TLR collection. I'd like to make a comment about the flair around the film focal plane area. I would think you could tape black 3M photographic tape on the surface of those reflective areas.The tape has a matt finish.
Nice video! Never heard of Ciroflex before. Very cool what you did with the 35mm film. I'd love to see a TLR shoot-out! I'm very curious about the results!
Hey there -- did you ever do the video comparing a few TLRs? Same film, subject, settings? I'd love to see it -- contemplating what my first TLR (has to be inexpensive!) will be -- thanks!!!!
I agree with your assessment of the Ciroflex. I have had several over the years and a Graflex 22. While not in the class of Rollei or Meopta (I have had both), they are a better alternative TLR than the awful Richoflexes, and the Lubitel, and better than the Argoflex line. The biggest problem with any of these older TLRs are that the reflex mirror often desilvers to the point of making viewing very difficult. One solution to that is to take the mirror from a Polaroid 600-series camera and cut it to replace the original mirror. I have never done it, but there are folks that have done it with good results. For a $20-$35 TLR, the Ciroflex is a fun camera and can deliver pretty good images.
Hello. I just recently bought a Ciro-flex and a Ricohflex to help with research for my latest novel. I've been watching a number of your video and you seem to me to be an expert :) I was wonder if you by any chance knew how much 120 Kodax film cost in the 1970's, and how much to get it developed? Thanks in advance for your help and for all the great videos you have posted. They have helped me a lot.
Hi ted. How about the Brit microflex made by MPP with a Ross expressed lens and a local made copy of a prontor which very unreable and can't be repared regards
Did the comparison ever happen? I was thinking of doing this myself. I have the following TLR cameras: Rolleiflex 2.8c (xenotar) Rolleiflex 3.5f (6 element planar) Rolleiflex MX-EVS (tessar) Rolleiflex T ("reformulated tessar") Rolleicord VB (xenar) Mamiya C330s with the latest 80mm Minolta Autocord CDS III Minolta Autocord LMX (same lens as above, but older) Zeiss Ikoflex III (2.8 Tessar uncoated) Voitlander Superb (Heliar) Ansco Automatic Reflex WZFO Start II Would anyone be interested in seeing something like this?
Oh wow okay I see the interesting sides too this camera. I was asking myself «well why a cheaper version of rolleiflex but better than box camera». You sure know how to broaden one's horizon. Now that you covered some TLR, might I ask a question: what makes them different in a context of a shoot vs. others medium format camera. A friend lend me a Pentax 6X7 and I am pretty fin with that. But what makes TLR different then others Medium Format?
10 лет назад
The biggest difference is the lack of a mirror in my opinion - you can handhold TLR's at shutter speeds you'd have to put the Pentax on a tripod for, and they are a lot quieter. You lose out with regards to lenses, as there are maybe two TLR systems with interchangeable lenses, in most cases you're stuck with 80mm 'standard' lenses.
10 лет назад
Then there are the rangefinders like Mamiya 7 and Fuji (which released quite bit of models), which, again, offer a different experience. They tend to be pretty expensive, at least compared to most TLR's and MF SLR's like the Pentax, Pentacon or Bronicas.
One big advantage of a TLR is that when you release the shutter, there is no image blackout while the mirror moves up in a camera like the 6X7. The reflex view is not hindered by the shutter, so you can see the subject while you are making the exposure. Second cool thing, is that you are looking down into the camera instead if staring directly at your subject, which often puts people at ease. Third, the leaf shutter is quiet, so you can take relatively unobtrusive images.
Max Lamdin Max, I use fingernail clippers (the larger size) to cut my 120 spools down in a pinch. Works just fine for me but don't be afraid to respool 120 onto 620 spools. It's wicked easy. Ya just need darkness ie: a changing bag or a dark closet and of course the film and spools...... I think the answer to your other question is 6x6cm or 2 1/4x 2 1/4" if it is a TLR Brownie. . Although I don't think the Brownies are considered true TLR's by most........... Sorry to cut in Ted!
Sullivan Tim thank for that, i'll have to try nail clippers next time! i've heard from many websites that its 6x6 although theres a lot that say 6x9? i know that it lets you get 8 or 9 frames on one roll of HP5 because i have a test film? but thank you for those answers!
+Max Lamdin I have an unmodified 120 spool in my Six-20 model D for the supply, but the take up must be a genuine 620. It works just fine, hasn't damaged anything.
I think the shootout is a great idea! I would be really interested in seeing some portraits out of these cameras. Maybe you could find someone willing to sit for you in the interest of science? ;-)
I love my Ciro-Flex, and it was my first TLR that I ever bought...for a whopping $20. Thanks for covering them on your show. I do wish you would have shown one with the Rapax shutter. Top end is 1/400th but it's not self-cocking. The Model C is a worthy choice (Rapax f/3.5) if you can't find the F. And interestingly enough, I just finished a blog piece about the Ciro-Flex, and comparing it to a Rolleicord. lightsquared.tumblr.com/post/89066099663/ciro-flex-the-american-tlr
This was my first serious TLR after watching this 5 years ago. Great camera. They can be rusty but they are super easy to disassemble and clean up.
any tips on cleaning the viewfinder?
@@kurtozan251 You can pretty easily dismantle the hood and just clean it in the camera with an alcohol wipe. The easiest camera I have owned to take apart and put back together. No proprietary screws or anything like that.
@@certs743 thx! I just threw a roll into this old one I was gifted and then realized I couldnt see out of the ground glass. Have been shooting w the sport finder stopped down. Hopefully the lens works!
Did you forget about the comparison, or did I miss something?
Would be interesting to see!
I've got a Ciro-Flex Model B and I love it! I have had to do quite a bit of work on it to make it work but that's one of the things I love about it. It's not this super complex and expensive camera so I don't have to baby it. It can take a beating and if something goes wrong it's not too difficult to fix. Also I have gotten very good photo results with it.
2 or 3 things. 1. I think it may still be a step above my Argus E. 2. Your microwave dinner is ready. & 3. I have both the Seagul TLR & the their folder. Cheap but functional. Fun to use.
I got one of these years and years ago on ebay for 25 bucks, frozen in time, perfectly preserved, no dents or scratches, and it works fine. I also found a light meter for it, same thing all metal, frozen in time. It's basic but 100 percent reliable, no light leaks, works every time. I wish newer cameras were built as solid.
Very cool. I have a Lubitel 166B and yeah, pretty much into Holga territory. Well, maybe a notch or two above. It is a glass lens after all and does give a lot better control over exposure settings.
Hope to see a Lubitel in your TLR shoot out. It'd be interesting to see how it fares against others in its class.
My parents had one of these when I was a kid. I use to love to play with it. Most of the pictures my mom took had our heads cut off.
Thanks Ted, I love TLR's for some stuff like car shows and street work etc. and you don't have to lay on the ground for that low perspective shot. They're much more stealth and people just seem to go about their business in a natural state unlike the attention caused sometimes by using an eye level camera. It seems we are in a camera sensitive society these days, I guess in part from security cameras and all. One of my favorite TLR's for such outings is my Yashica 44 in 127. It is extremely compact and returns very respectable images..........Oh and I cant wait for the shootout ...
I was given one with a stuck shutter. It might be time to break out the mini screwdrivers and a can of Ronsonol and see if I can make it work.
As always, thanks for sharing!
I had never shot through a TLR until I bought this camera in pristine condition 2mos ago.
Prior, I had given up film photog when the Canon 10D came out, so using the Ciroflex has been a very satisfying adventure, and has rekindled the love I had for film photography.
Im pretty happy with this camera, but during cold weather shoots, such as winter waterfall and rapids scenes, she has a very finicky shutter, and needs to be warmed up, and to be treated like an old folk, carefully.
It has personality for sure.
Thanks for doing a vid on this, and hopefully you will do a follow up when you get the time.
Vids like that are alot of work.
Your a great teacher!
If you need sample images using Tmax 100 using 120 to simplify your work load, send me a message.
I'm excited to see the shootout, but of course I wish was included.
I did pick up a Ciro Flex (actually two) because of one of your previous videos as an intro to TLRs. I had no idea how they worked and I learn best hands-on. The first thing I did was take it apart and did my own basic CLA and have a few rolls through it now. As you mentioned, without a hood and a flocked interior, these are fairly susceptible to flaring. But they *are* cheap and fun.
I actually like the challenge of getting a good shot on a crappy camera. I'm wired strange like that.
I've shot my Rolleicord V in a theatre at night, using DoF scale focus. I turned the camera upside down overhead to frame and shoot. The low light mandated a slow shutter speed and produced good sharpness. Try that with a digital camera or an SLR.
So cool seeing that shutter in a TLR. I’ve sold off most of my antique gear but I still have the larger cousin to that lens, a Wollensak Socillor Raptar 75mm f/1.9 - Alphax. I’d love to have it go to someone that will get use out of it. Nice episode.
cheers.
A comparison of the tlrs would be fantastic Ted! I'm looking forward to it.
I think in the $250 range you can't go wrong with the Mamiya's - well made and unlike most others- interchangeable lenses ( and they make very good lenses ) - I am still hanging on to my C330 which I bought in Japan (used) for $200 in 1988 with a brand new 105mm lens - also they have a lot greater range of movement ( long bellows ) which gives you some near closeup capabilities...I also have a 124G Yashica which was given to me and it's nice enough but nowhere near the Mamiya in design...on the downside , the Mamiya's are heavy - almost more like studio cameras than something to hang on your neck ( tripod pretty much necessary)...so that's one in favour of the Yashica....but all TLR's are great fun and these days...pretty much conversation starters...I can't tell you how many times I was stopped on the street in Saigon to ask about my camera ( and had a few offers for it too - and that was just the Yashica! )
Another great vid. Always enjoy old school stuff.
Hi Ted
I really liked the 35mm shot you shared in this video. I saw a RUclips video recently where a guy spent ages replicating this kind of scene in Photoshop.
I guess he spent a fortune on a DSLR and Photoshop, and all he needed was an old TLR.
Looking forward to seeing the comparison shots when you get round to it.
Heh... only cost me $25 + film and processing ;-)
I assume that you covered the film window with black tape when you shot 35mm.
Very, very helpful. Last week I lucked up and found the Ciro-flex E and the Ricohflex at a thrift store. I love them. They are so cool. The only problem with the Ciro-flex is that the focusing knob isn't connected so it just turns without moving the lens bed in and out.
Nice series on the TLR's, I have 4 (+ a "toy" Halina ) looking forward to the shoot-out.
Hi interesting u mentioned the seagull these were sold in the UK during the 70s and 80s also a seagull copy of the Minolta srt101 also available were 3 other twllrs the ester qiwgdao sf2 the friendship and a cpy of the leica m3 made by the red flag camera company which is said to be rare but using. Regards
GREAT SHOW! I can't wait to see those photographs you shot with your TLR collection. I'd like to make a comment about the flair around the film focal plane area. I would think you could tape black 3M photographic tape on the surface of those reflective areas.The tape has a matt finish.
Did you ever do the TLR shootout? Didn't see it on your channel.
Nice video! Never heard of Ciroflex before. Very cool what you did with the 35mm film. I'd love to see a TLR shoot-out! I'm very curious about the results!
What is the link to the TLR shoot out?
If you ever do a ferrania elioflex I would enjoy
I have one
Hey there -- did you ever do the video comparing a few TLRs? Same film, subject, settings? I'd love to see it -- contemplating what my first TLR (has to be inexpensive!) will be -- thanks!!!!
what is a self cocking shutter
Please make a video about the Welta Perfekta, with it's really unique design!
Hi how about the British microcode and microflex Twrs. Regards
Why do so many cameras use the "flex" suffix?
TLR=twin lens reFLEX :-)
ARRIFLEX ;)
I agree with your assessment of the Ciroflex. I have had several over the years and a Graflex 22. While not in the class of Rollei or Meopta (I have had both), they are a better alternative TLR than the awful Richoflexes, and the Lubitel, and better than the Argoflex line. The biggest problem with any of these older TLRs are that the reflex mirror often desilvers to the point of making viewing very difficult. One solution to that is to take the mirror from a Polaroid 600-series camera and cut it to replace the original mirror. I have never done it, but there are folks that have done it with good results. For a $20-$35 TLR, the Ciroflex is a fun camera and can deliver pretty good images.
Hey, have you made the tlr shootout video yet? I just brought myself a japanese Yashica C TLR and would like to see some of your photos :)
Hello. I just recently bought a Ciro-flex and a Ricohflex to help with research for my latest novel. I've been watching a number of your video and you seem to me to be an expert :) I was wonder if you by any chance knew how much 120 Kodax film cost in the 1970's, and how much to get it developed? Thanks in advance for your help and for all the great videos you have posted. They have helped me a lot.
Hi ted. How about the Brit microflex made by MPP with a Ross expressed lens and a local made copy of a prontor which very unreable and can't be repared regards
Where is the TLR shoot out?
Did the comparison ever happen? I was thinking of doing this myself. I have the following TLR cameras:
Rolleiflex 2.8c (xenotar)
Rolleiflex 3.5f (6 element planar)
Rolleiflex MX-EVS (tessar)
Rolleiflex T ("reformulated tessar")
Rolleicord VB (xenar)
Mamiya C330s with the latest 80mm
Minolta Autocord CDS III
Minolta Autocord LMX (same lens as above, but older)
Zeiss Ikoflex III (2.8 Tessar uncoated)
Voitlander Superb (Heliar)
Ansco Automatic Reflex
WZFO Start II
Would anyone be interested in seeing something like this?
Yes, me ✌️
Oh wow okay I see the interesting sides too this camera. I was asking myself «well why a cheaper version of rolleiflex but better than box camera». You sure know how to broaden one's horizon.
Now that you covered some TLR, might I ask a question: what makes them different in a context of a shoot vs. others medium format camera. A friend lend me a Pentax 6X7 and I am pretty fin with that. But what makes TLR different then others Medium Format?
The biggest difference is the lack of a mirror in my opinion - you can handhold TLR's at shutter speeds you'd have to put the Pentax on a tripod for, and they are a lot quieter. You lose out with regards to lenses, as there are maybe two TLR systems with interchangeable lenses, in most cases you're stuck with 80mm 'standard' lenses.
Then there are the rangefinders like Mamiya 7 and Fuji (which released quite bit of models), which, again, offer a different experience. They tend to be pretty expensive, at least compared to most TLR's and MF SLR's like the Pentax, Pentacon or Bronicas.
One big advantage of a TLR is that when you release the shutter, there is no image blackout while the mirror moves up in a camera like the 6X7. The reflex view is not hindered by the shutter, so you can see the subject while you are making the exposure. Second cool thing, is that you are looking down into the camera instead if staring directly at your subject, which often puts people at ease. Third, the leaf shutter is quiet, so you can take relatively unobtrusive images.
I recently bought a Kodak six-20 brownie and I was wondering if you HAVE to respool 120 film onto a 620 spool or is there any other way of doing it?
You could use a dremel and shave the sides of the spools. Still some work.
Okay I'll have to give that a go? Also do you know what format the negs are? I can't find a consistent answer anywhere
Max Lamdin Max, I use fingernail clippers (the larger size) to cut my 120 spools down in a pinch. Works just fine for me but don't be afraid to respool 120 onto 620 spools. It's wicked easy. Ya just need darkness ie: a changing bag or a dark closet and of course the film and spools...... I think the answer to your other question is 6x6cm or 2 1/4x 2 1/4" if it is a TLR Brownie.
. Although I don't think the Brownies are considered true TLR's by most........... Sorry to cut in Ted!
Sullivan Tim thank for that, i'll have to try nail clippers next time! i've heard from many websites that its 6x6 although theres a lot that say 6x9? i know that it lets you get 8 or 9 frames on one roll of HP5 because i have a test film? but thank you for those answers!
+Max Lamdin I have an unmodified 120 spool in my Six-20 model D for the supply, but the take up must be a genuine 620. It works just fine, hasn't damaged anything.
Nice
I think the shootout is a great idea! I would be really interested in seeing some portraits out of these cameras. Maybe you could find someone willing to sit for you in the interest of science? ;-)
I'll see what I can do!
I can't wait for the TLR shootout its going to be great!
Check out the Minolta Autocord ;)
That's so cool, I love you.
They were cheap until you made this video. Now all the ones on ebay sell for more than $100 , at that price its just better to get a Yashica.
谢天谢地中国的价格还没涨起来
Interesting vid
I love my Ciro-Flex, and it was my first TLR that I ever bought...for a whopping $20. Thanks for covering them on your show. I do wish you would have shown one with the Rapax shutter. Top end is 1/400th but it's not self-cocking. The Model C is a worthy choice (Rapax f/3.5) if you can't find the F.
And interestingly enough, I just finished a blog piece about the Ciro-Flex, and comparing it to a Rolleicord.
lightsquared.tumblr.com/post/89066099663/ciro-flex-the-american-tlr
i have a model f and i got it for 15 bucks
Lets be honest here, a Ciroflex, with its 1940's lens blur and unique bokeh, is hands down better than a Holga....
Anything that the US made is a fail compared to the Japanese and German cameras. Nothing can touch those.
Seems anything that's not perfect is a toy camera