It would be great to be able to know what these old cameras had seen in their time. But it's like I just made up: She don't have to be pretty to dance at the county fair. But, yeah, old cameras keep running better for longer than new ones. Newer components are built for planned obsolescence or planned replacement. Old gear was built with integrity and longevity in mind.
Thank you David. Always a pleasure to watch our videos! I just got an oldstandard 622 and was happy to see you'd made a video about something similar. The 622 has a 3.5 tessar and 1/500th shutter.
Great explanatory video Just picked up an old standard Rolleiflex. a most useful tutorial about getting started. can't wait to put a film and see the results.
I just got a Rolleiflex 2.8 camera and I know nothing much about it. Your video was very helpful in explaining the functions. I am an amateur photographer and think this camera is a work of art. Thank you for doing this video.
Thanks for the video! Impressive that you made that old camera work, considering the condition. I am lucky enough to have two Rolleiflexes from the 50s. They are truly outstanding cameras, so there's lots more to talk about here if you are so inclined (and if you can get your hands on them). The rollei pictures are actually the ones that most often impress my family (maybe they like the square format, but the sharpness is also absolute top notch)
Thanks really appreciate the in depth info. I have a 621 and am just getting ready to try my hand at shooting film. I had a CLA done on mine, if the original mirror is in there the manufacture date of the mirror for said camera is on it. Mine was Jan 30, 1932.
@21.43 you say to line up the 120 with the back center window. Actually with working camera you align and 6x9 B2 window. The earlier 120 films were only marked for 6x9 and Agfa and other makers would call that film B2. Once #1 is aligned with B2 window and the transport is working, you get correctly spaced frames.
That Rolleiflex reminds me of the family Rolleicord V that introduced me to "serious photography." (Focusing the image, setting the shutter speed and f/stop, cocking the shutter and "taking the shot.") This 1950's vintage camera had an MXV selector, so I could (and did) use flash with it. The local drugstore was my processing lab, turning out processed black-and-white negatives and small (4"?) prints.
This camera can use both 117-film (B1 6x6) and 120-film (B2 6x9). The reason for the red window on the back is that 117-film only had markings on the back paper for 6x6. 120-film at that time had only markings for 6x9, and that's why the red window for it had to be at the bottom. You wind the film until the number 1 shows up in the window and then start the counter. Then you put the metal lid over the red window and only used the counter. And you get 12 exposures on B2-film (120-film), not nine.
Hello David, Wonderful video! One thing to note is that this was neither the only nor first Rollei to feature the cruciform sports finder. The 4x4 "baby" Rollei of 1931 (Also first model to feature winding crank) and the 4x4 "sports baby" rollei of 1938 have a cross sports finder.
Nice video; thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have one that was manufactured in 1954, as per the serial number and the web site - just received it yesterday. Seems like everything is working as it should. I shot a roll today and will have it processed tomorrow. Got my fingers crossed :)
You are correct. 117 is a format I haven't come across yet, so I didn't realize it could be used in 120 cameras. I guess 105 is the same width, too. Hopefully later this year I'll do a video on my KW Reflex Box. I wonder if that's supposed to take 105 instead of 120. Getting 120 in it sure is a pain.
There were a whole bunch of accessories, yes. Your best bet will be to find a push-on filter. I forget the proper diameter for that, though. An after-market filter will be easier to find and cheaper than a Rollei accessory without really sacrificing quality.
I have the 4.5, 3.8 and 3.5 models, and the Original 3,8 model. 18:24 The lug is for the original type of leather strap. It has a little hole and a slit on each end. The lug on the other side is combined with the button to start the counter.
I Find these old TLR and folding cameras rather interesting as to me it is impressive that some of these work to this day (With maintanance of coarse) i have a Voigtlander Inos II withba Compur shutter it takes 6x9 photos, its kinda nice to just slow down compose the shot make sure every setting is correct. Anyways it seems the way you do camera reviews nowadays is somewhat diffrent tho i do like both styles. Might i ask do you think the reason the counter might be acting up is possibly beacuse somebody din't reset it after reaching number 9 a few times?
Thank you and I agree that these are fantastic and exciting to use. Their engineering is simply spectacular, too. As for the counter, no idea. Old cameras have weird quirks, spring fail, parts wear and don't always align properly. Hard to say.
Great video, I just purchased a standard 622 serial 183xxx. wondering if in the near future you could provide a video of how to clean and maintain these cameras. i will need to clean both sides of the lens with 5 part 90% rubbing alcohol and 1 part windex and will also need to dial back in the focus prior to putting back on the camera face. You seem to have great knowledge of these cameras and i learned a lot about the model throughout your video. If you could make another about the model and interior components, it would be of great help to me and probably many others! -Gordon
+Gordon Lameyer Thank you, I'm very glad to hear that my review helped. Those repairs are a bit beyond my skill level (not really the lens cleaning, but the disassembly is.) I'm not sure if the guys over at Fix Old Cameras have any Rolleiflex videos or not. They have such a vast camera repair knowledge that I could study it for the balance of my life and not come close.
What sort of lubricant would have been used in the focusing gear system, I want to free up my focus knob but don't want to wreck the existing lube? thanks! great vid
The best I can say is probably oil-based, probably a light grease of some sort. Old lubricant that's gotten thick tends to thin out when things like lighter fluid are added.
I think I have an old standard but I'm not super sure. Kinda new to film and also new to tlrs. To scared to tinker with it tho given its age but it definitely could use some restoration. Stumbled upon your video on it trying to find more info
Nice! I'd avoid restoring this camera unless you have a lot of experience. The same is true for anything Rollei. These are VERY complicated cameras. Rollei made them overly complicated as a way to prevent copycats in other countries from copying the engineering.
6x6 center window is for 117 6 exposure film. Notice when you advance the film your middle numbers don't align with the center of the film gate, hence you get overlaping frames. I have been there and done that. Great camera nevertheless keep shooting film.
You'll need a hand-held light meter to obtain settings. If you're in full sun, you can use the Sunny 16 rule (f/16 and the shutter speed is the number nearest your film speed.)
Hi. Thank you for that Video. It helped me a lot. I have a 621 and there are not many videos about these old ones. Any chance you know how to remove the bottom lense? I want to open mine up to try to fix something but I don’t want to break anything.
This video covers all the basic operation. Once you know that, then a good photo is a matter of a proper exposure (correct aperture and shutter settings for your light) and how you want to compose the image. That last part is up to you.
thank you for this video.. I got camera like that recently, in slightly better condition.. hehe.. serial number 226429 I did put a film in it, but have not tried it.. it's the darkest part of the year here in Iceland now.. but soon I'll try it.. looking forward. But again, thank you for that video
You're very welcome. You know, with this camera's lens and bulb setting, you could probably take some really nice star trails images with it. I don't think I've ever tried a star trails with a TLR, but I imagine the results could be compelling.
Hello David, I also got an old standard, only with a different back. My back hasn't got the red dot in the center, but on the leftside of the camera and on the bottom. I was playing around with the backing paper of a 120film and if I want to see the numbers I can only do 8 frames and not 12.......is this correct?? Or should I just wind until I see number 1 in the red dot and close the little door and just shoot 12 frames and not looking at the numbers but only check the numbers near the crank arm??? Regards
So what you have is a slightly different interface. If yours works like other Rolleis and TLRs like that then line up the "!" in the red window and after that the camera will advance the required amount automatically. If you have a roll of expired film sitting around it might be worth trying it with that first to make sure that my guess is correct. The Zeiss Ikoflex has a similar system for loading film.
@@DavidHancock .......Thank you....I will try with some Tmax 400..........btw you don't load the movie behind the roller and I see some people doing it, does it matter?
aww I have a 620 and i love it :) by cereal number is no284078. do you know if they had lens filters? I keep seeing them for sale but not for the standard models.
Ouch. How big of a hole? If it's a pinhole, that can be fixed with electrician's tape (temporary) or you can do an Internet search for camera bellows repair. There's a compound that can be made at home (I forget the ingredients) that fixes pinholes. If it's a tear, then there's likely no way to fix the bellows. That requires a new bellows. There are a few places making replacement bellows now or you may luck out on eBay and find an original one that's in good shape which you can swap out yourself.
Its about 1/2 an inch long. This may sound ridiculus, but I was thinking electrisens tape as the bottom layer, and a top layer or two of aluminom tape.
@@DavidHancock 117 was the same film than 120, but half the length. Only 6 6x6 pictures per roll. The spool was thinner. I have to cut the plastic extremes in order to fit in place.
Sandi, google Butkus Rolleiflex Manual and click on the first link of the search results, and you can probably find the manual for your camera model there. :-)
In which camera? I don't recall my copy having a light leak. In general, light leaks occur where the camera's door meets the body. They can occur from degraded light seal material or small bends or damage. With cameras that have a red window, light constantly enters the window. Old-time films had very little red sensitivity, so that wasn't an issue. Modern films see red very well, so red windows can cause film to fog or be otherwise damaged by the red light coming through them.
22:30 Yes, there's a plate adapter, but it's called Plate Adapter. The Rolleikin is another adapter, for 35mm film, also called Kino-film (movie film). With the Plate Adapter you'll get a viewing screen for the back, that makes you see exactly what the taking lens sees, good for for example extreme macro shots or for taking reproduction shots of old photos or paintings, when you want the perspective to be perfect.
Thank you, it was a very helpful video! A friend of mine gave me this exact same camera to test, it was his grandfather's and he doesn't understand much about photography so he gave it to me to test. I think it's working alright, I'm just worried about the fungus on the taking lens. And also the mirror is in very bad conditions, so focusing will be a problem... But well, thank you for the video!
Thank you! The fungus could be easily cleaned. The front cell of the taking lens should unscrew fairly simply. If the fungus is on the back of the cell, then it can be cleaned easily. If it's between the elements then it may need a bit more work or not be cleanable. The rear element can be accessed if you leave the shutter and aperture open. The mirror can be replaced, too, with a cut-to-size surface-coated (this is vital, the lens has to be surface-coated) mirror. Those are available on eBay for a few dollars.
Thank you for this interesting video. I have just CLA'd a 621 with a very low serial number too (207049). I'm going to test it today and will include it in the camera section of my website theobsoletecamera.com
It would be great to be able to know what these old cameras had seen in their time. But it's like I just made up: She don't have to be pretty to dance at the county fair.
But, yeah, old cameras keep running better for longer than new ones. Newer components are built for planned obsolescence or planned replacement. Old gear was built with integrity and longevity in mind.
Thank you, and you'll be happy with it. I can't ever get over just how much better my Rollei is than many of my newer cameras.
Thank you David. Always a pleasure to watch our videos! I just got an oldstandard 622 and was happy to see you'd made a video about something similar. The 622 has a 3.5 tessar and 1/500th shutter.
I love the 622 cameras. They're just really nice and simple cameras. Great find!
Great explanatory video Just picked up an old standard Rolleiflex. a most useful tutorial about getting started. can't wait to put a film and see the results.
Thank you!
I just got a Rolleiflex 2.8 camera and I know nothing much about it. Your video was very helpful in explaining the functions. I am an amateur photographer and think this camera is a work of art. Thank you for doing this video.
I realise this is 9 years old, but if you get this I enjoyed the video. I've got a 620 f4.5....less than 5000 made. Still takes great shots.
Very nice! That's a great camera.
Thanks for the video! Impressive that you made that old camera work, considering the condition. I am lucky enough to have two Rolleiflexes from the 50s. They are truly outstanding cameras, so there's lots more to talk about here if you are so inclined (and if you can get your hands on them). The rollei pictures are actually the ones that most often impress my family (maybe they like the square format, but the sharpness is also absolute top notch)
I love the way that Rolleis render images. I could see myself being quite happy with only one TLR and it being a Rollei.
Thanks really appreciate the in depth info. I have a 621 and am just getting ready to try my hand at shooting film. I had a CLA done on mine, if the original mirror is in there the manufacture date of the mirror for said camera is on it. Mine was Jan 30, 1932.
Nice! Who did the CLA?
@21.43 you say to line up the 120 with the back center window. Actually with working camera you align and 6x9 B2 window. The earlier 120 films were only marked for 6x9 and Agfa and other makers would call that film B2. Once #1 is aligned with B2 window and the transport is working, you get correctly spaced frames.
That Rolleiflex reminds me of the family Rolleicord V that introduced me to "serious photography." (Focusing the image, setting the shutter speed and f/stop, cocking the shutter and "taking the shot.") This 1950's vintage camera had an MXV selector, so I could (and did) use flash with it. The local drugstore was my processing lab, turning out processed black-and-white negatives and small (4"?) prints.
Thank you and you'll be very happy with your camera. Manuals in downloadable PDF format can be found on line for more model-specific information.
This camera can use both 117-film (B1 6x6) and 120-film (B2 6x9). The reason for the red window on the back is that 117-film only had markings on the back paper for 6x6. 120-film at that time had only markings for 6x9, and that's why the red window for it had to be at the bottom. You wind the film until the number 1 shows up in the window and then start the counter. Then you put the metal lid over the red window and only used the counter. And you get 12 exposures on B2-film (120-film), not nine.
Hello David, Wonderful video!
One thing to note is that this was neither the only nor first Rollei to feature the cruciform sports finder. The 4x4 "baby" Rollei of 1931 (Also first model to feature winding crank) and the 4x4 "sports baby" rollei of 1938 have a cross sports finder.
Thank you!
And I did not know that the 4X4 was earlier than these. Thank you for that, too!
Nice video; thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have one that was manufactured in 1954, as per the serial number and the web site - just received it yesterday. Seems like everything is working as it should. I shot a roll today and will have it processed tomorrow. Got my fingers crossed :)
Nice! These are good cameras and 1954 is early-middle-aged for them. So it has a lot of usable life left.
That's good to know. Thanks, David.
You are correct. 117 is a format I haven't come across yet, so I didn't realize it could be used in 120 cameras. I guess 105 is the same width, too.
Hopefully later this year I'll do a video on my KW Reflex Box. I wonder if that's supposed to take 105 instead of 120. Getting 120 in it sure is a pain.
There were a whole bunch of accessories, yes. Your best bet will be to find a push-on filter. I forget the proper diameter for that, though. An after-market filter will be easier to find and cheaper than a Rollei accessory without really sacrificing quality.
I have the 4.5, 3.8 and 3.5 models, and the Original 3,8 model.
18:24 The lug is for the original type of leather strap. It has a little hole and a slit on each end. The lug on the other side is combined with the button to start the counter.
I Find these old TLR and folding cameras rather interesting as to me it is impressive that some of these work to this day (With maintanance of coarse) i have a Voigtlander Inos II withba Compur shutter it takes 6x9 photos, its kinda nice to just slow down compose the shot make sure every setting is correct.
Anyways it seems the way you do camera reviews nowadays is somewhat diffrent tho i do like both styles.
Might i ask do you think the reason the counter might be acting up is possibly beacuse somebody din't reset it after reaching number 9 a few times?
Thank you and I agree that these are fantastic and exciting to use. Their engineering is simply spectacular, too. As for the counter, no idea. Old cameras have weird quirks, spring fail, parts wear and don't always align properly. Hard to say.
@@DavidHancock Yeah thats the unfortunate part when it comes to cameras of this age.
You need to use the bottom view window for film alignment. You only get 11 frames when using the back window.
Thank you!
Great video, I just purchased a standard 622 serial 183xxx. wondering if in the near future you could provide a video of how to clean and maintain these cameras. i will need to clean both sides of the lens with 5 part 90% rubbing alcohol and 1 part windex and will also need to dial back in the focus prior to putting back on the camera face. You seem to have great knowledge of these cameras and i learned a lot about the model throughout your video. If you could make another about the model and interior components, it would be of great help to me and probably many others! -Gordon
+Gordon Lameyer Thank you, I'm very glad to hear that my review helped. Those repairs are a bit beyond my skill level (not really the lens cleaning, but the disassembly is.) I'm not sure if the guys over at Fix Old Cameras have any Rolleiflex videos or not. They have such a vast camera repair knowledge that I could study it for the balance of my life and not come close.
Thank you for your video
Thank you!
What sort of lubricant would have been used in the focusing gear system, I want to free up my focus knob but don't want to wreck the existing lube? thanks! great vid
The best I can say is probably oil-based, probably a light grease of some sort. Old lubricant that's gotten thick tends to thin out when things like lighter fluid are added.
I think I have an old standard but I'm not super sure. Kinda new to film and also new to tlrs. To scared to tinker with it tho given its age but it definitely could use some restoration. Stumbled upon your video on it trying to find more info
Nice! I'd avoid restoring this camera unless you have a lot of experience. The same is true for anything Rollei. These are VERY complicated cameras. Rollei made them overly complicated as a way to prevent copycats in other countries from copying the engineering.
6x6 center window is for 117 6 exposure film. Notice when you advance the film your middle numbers don't align with the center of the film gate, hence you get overlaping frames. I have been there and done that. Great camera nevertheless keep shooting film.
What's sugru? I had thought about seeing if I could find someone with a 3-D printer to make one for me.
if there r no iso setting will it limit in taking pictures? like you were only able to take pictures in the light
You'll need a hand-held light meter to obtain settings. If you're in full sun, you can use the Sunny 16 rule (f/16 and the shutter speed is the number nearest your film speed.)
Hi. Thank you for that Video. It helped me a lot. I have a 621 and there are not many videos about these old ones. Any chance you know how to remove the bottom lense? I want to open mine up to try to fix something but I don’t want to break anything.
Thank you! If I recall (I sold this a few months ago) the front element unscrews for cleaning.
Can someone point me in the direction of a video or course where I can learn how to set the Rolleiflex camera to take good pictures?
This video covers all the basic operation. Once you know that, then a good photo is a matter of a proper exposure (correct aperture and shutter settings for your light) and how you want to compose the image. That last part is up to you.
The Rolleiflex Standard uses 28,5 mm push-on filters and sun shade.
thank you for this video.. I got camera like that recently, in slightly better condition.. hehe.. serial number 226429 I did put a film in it, but have not tried it.. it's the darkest part of the year here in Iceland now.. but soon I'll try it.. looking forward. But again, thank you for that video
You're very welcome. You know, with this camera's lens and bulb setting, you could probably take some really nice star trails images with it. I don't think I've ever tried a star trails with a TLR, but I imagine the results could be compelling.
Hello David,
I also got an old standard, only with a different back. My back hasn't got the red dot in the center, but on the leftside of the camera and on the bottom.
I was playing around with the backing paper of a 120film and if I want to see the numbers I can only do 8 frames and not 12.......is this correct?? Or should I just wind until I see number 1 in the red dot and close the little door and just shoot 12 frames and not looking at the numbers but only check the numbers near the crank arm???
Regards
So what you have is a slightly different interface. If yours works like other Rolleis and TLRs like that then line up the "!" in the red window and after that the camera will advance the required amount automatically. If you have a roll of expired film sitting around it might be worth trying it with that first to make sure that my guess is correct. The Zeiss Ikoflex has a similar system for loading film.
@@DavidHancock .......Thank you....I will try with some Tmax 400..........btw you don't load the movie behind the roller and I see some people doing it, does it matter?
aww I have a 620 and i love it :) by cereal number is no284078. do you know if they had lens filters? I keep seeing them for sale but not for the standard models.
Wow that camera has seen a lot of "love" :)
You could use sugru to make a silicone lens-cap :)
I have an agfa billy compuer that has a hole in the bellows. I want to shoot a role of film it it. What do you suggest for me to fix the hole with?
Ouch. How big of a hole? If it's a pinhole, that can be fixed with electrician's tape (temporary) or you can do an Internet search for camera bellows repair. There's a compound that can be made at home (I forget the ingredients) that fixes pinholes.
If it's a tear, then there's likely no way to fix the bellows. That requires a new bellows. There are a few places making replacement bellows now or you may luck out on eBay and find an original one that's in good shape which you can swap out yourself.
Its about 1/2 an inch long. This may sound ridiculus, but I was thinking electrisens tape as the bottom layer, and a top layer or two of aluminom tape.
It's worth a shot. That would definitely be light proof.
I have the Original one, that uses 117 film rolls. I have to adapt 120 spools to fit in there...
Nice! The 120 must give you a slightly panoramic image.
@@DavidHancock 117 was the same film than 120, but half the length. Only 6 6x6 pictures per roll. The spool was thinner. I have to cut the plastic extremes in order to fit in place.
@@unpocodeluz_atill Of that's right. Thank you! I was thinking of 116.
Sandi, google Butkus Rolleiflex Manual and click on the first link of the search results, and you can probably find the manual for your camera model there. :-)
How is the light leak happining in the camera?
In which camera? I don't recall my copy having a light leak.
In general, light leaks occur where the camera's door meets the body. They can occur from degraded light seal material or small bends or damage. With cameras that have a red window, light constantly enters the window. Old-time films had very little red sensitivity, so that wasn't an issue. Modern films see red very well, so red windows can cause film to fog or be otherwise damaged by the red light coming through them.
is a rollei 621 for $100 a good deal??
22:30 Yes, there's a plate adapter, but it's called Plate Adapter. The Rolleikin is another adapter, for 35mm film, also called Kino-film (movie film).
With the Plate Adapter you'll get a viewing screen for the back, that makes you see exactly what the taking lens sees, good for for example extreme macro shots or for taking reproduction shots of old photos or paintings, when you want the perspective to be perfect.
You should do a review of a argus argoflex e they take 120 it's a tlr cheep to get I have one the pre 1946 model
Michael Doherty I'd love to. Hopefully one will come my way at some point.
127. Rols..??
No, this is for 120 film.
Cool. I think I'll stick with my Argoflex and or my Lubitel 2.
Nice!
where is the ISO/ASA setting?
I don't recall there being one on the camera because it has no light meter.
@@DavidHancock thanks for the info my brother
Thank you, it was a very helpful video! A friend of mine gave me this exact same camera to test, it was his grandfather's and he doesn't understand much about photography so he gave it to me to test. I think it's working alright, I'm just worried about the fungus on the taking lens. And also the mirror is in very bad conditions, so focusing will be a problem... But well, thank you for the video!
Thank you!
The fungus could be easily cleaned. The front cell of the taking lens should unscrew fairly simply. If the fungus is on the back of the cell, then it can be cleaned easily. If it's between the elements then it may need a bit more work or not be cleanable. The rear element can be accessed if you leave the shutter and aperture open.
The mirror can be replaced, too, with a cut-to-size surface-coated (this is vital, the lens has to be surface-coated) mirror. Those are available on eBay for a few dollars.
Thank you for this interesting video. I have just CLA'd a 621 with a very low serial number too (207049). I'm going to test it today and will include it in the camera section of my website theobsoletecamera.com
The one I have is 219XXX serial number.
120 rolss
Yes, this takes 120 film.
is a rollei 621 for $100 a good deal??
is a rollei 621 for $100 a good deal??