I own both a Rolleicord and a Rolleiflex. My thoughts: If you’re just starting medium format photography like I was, get a Rolleicord. It’s a lot cheaper, and it will help you understand the process. You will NOT miss anything by shooting with a cord. Very few people could accurately tell the difference between photos taken on a flex or cord. Secondly, the cord is still built like a tank, even though it is cheaper. It’s not the same as a rolleiflex, but some people like that it’s a bit lighter. Third, shutter mechanism takes a bit of getting used to. Cock the shutter to the right, take the picture by pushing left. It’s not exactly intuitive. Four, once you’re ready for the Rolleiflex, do it! It is THE classic camera, and if you’re like me, you’ll get the itch sooner or later. It is heavier, and imo more solid than the cord. The other great reason to get a flex, is that the shutter is so much more intuitive to use. Both attract a lot of attention, because they are so unique. People LOVE these cameras, and you will be meeting people left and right who want to ask you about it. Big (and I mean BIG) beautiful negatives come from the 120 film so you get a ton of detail. Scan them and the files can be huge. Lastly, Go out, shoot and enjoy!
hey man I really appreciate that comment. Everything you said is spot-on. We should have done a collaboration to put this video together LOL. I have several photos of me print it on the wall in 20 by 20 that I can see the detain in my clothes fabric I've actually gone back to 35mm TMax because the medium format images were looking almost digital and I was missing some of that film grain. If you look at some of my film videos I also shoot a Mamiya m645. those lenses are so perfect I see no need for manufacturers to make newer models unless they only need autofocus.
Glad you agree, great video! I’m not great at posting videos like you are, but I’ll see what I can do as far as putting something up, though your video gives so much great info. Keep up the good work!
@@jcollins1305 Hello no, i wound up selling it on ebay. I think for about 160.00, I dont miss it really because I can even run 35mm film str8 thru thru cord with no adaptors. I also got a Leica iiif a few months ago and the image quality is so great I dont miss Medium format,.
Thank you JB I really appreciate that. You know this is going to sound cheesy but it's something I learned after running this RUclips channel at its best to just be yourself and be honest. Once you do that everything will fall into place. By the way I just got a Mamiya 645 with a 55 mm lens and I'm blown away by my first rolls. I hope to do a comparison video in the future comparing and medium format SLR versus a tlr because they both have advantages and disadvantages. Thanks for taking the time to comment and definitely share your photos with me as well
I’ve had been using a Rolleiflex MX-EVS for years, then my youngest daughter became interested in photography, so she “borrowed it” for a while .... 6 years later, I found another at an estate sale, so I’m back in business again. I also enjoy 35mm with my trusty F3. Life is good...:)
Awesome, I shoot digital but I just dont have a passion for the images or the process but it has its place. feel free to share your work also if possible.
Much respect bro, thanks yes, let me know how you get along with it and share some of your results. Don't be afraid to develop yourself either. No pressure
Thanks, I learned a lot from your video. Back in the 70's, I inherited my grandfather's Rolleicord. It is a pre- WW2 model, and has even fewer features than yours, i.e. no provision for flash of any kind, no self-timer, aperture and shutter speed not linked. My grandfather was an accomplished amateur photographer, and many of his photos were exhibited at shows in the midwest in the 40's and 50's. I used the Rolleicord myself a few times many years ago, but now it has an honored place in my collection. My wife bought me a beautiful 50's vintage Rolleiflex a few years ago, but it too is part of my collection, as I sadly no longer actively use film cameras...
I've worked with Rolleicords for ages (lllA and Vb), but I never knew that with the Vb one could press the diaphragm lever in order to be able to move it freely. Razor sharp optics, far, far better than the Japanese competitors. Excellent review and comparison. Thank you.
Hahaha thank you so much. Yes I still prefer it to my other cameras. I'm curious how you were able to separately adjust your shutter speed and aperature without pressing it in. I've been using the rolleicord alot now using darkroom paper at six ISO and it's very interesting being able to take shots and develop them three minutes later in the bathroom
@@Raychristofer I am really glad you told your viewers about this, because, oh unlucky me, I used force to change the shutter speeds. And, indeed, even changing them the right way is cumbersome. With the Rolleicord lllA this was much easier. But I love the results of this camera - superior optics by Schneider-Kreuznach. I am curious to know what kind of b/w procedure you are using. I've been a b/w photographer since I was a boy, but I am not familiar with the procedure you use. I'd very much like to know more. Thanks in advance. Cheers, Gerald
@@leslumieres1237 thanks Gerald no problem. I develop in rodinal at home and I scan with an Epson v600. Finally I use a free editor called fast Stone image viewer but any of them will work. How do you do your black and white work ?
@@Raychristofer Rodinal is my kind of "soup" as well. I always used Agfapan 100 fir both 35mm and 120. Nice sharp images and fine tonalty. I've always did my own darkroom work, but since a couple years I use an Epson scanner too. But...in comparison real "wet" darkroom prints are more beautiful.
@@leslumieres1237 you're so right about the real prints. Working with the paper in camera has made me curious especially for shooting the ilford positive paper. I can't draw myself though to do the darkroom thing as it's just more space and equipment and you have to go through a lot of paper with the test strips to get it right, I would like to try it but I don't have the guts at the moment
Came across this video as a suggestion from RUclips. Really enjoyable video and you have a wonderful presence in it. I’ll certainly be checking out your other videos!
Thank you Christopher I appreciate that and I try to be as thorough as I can when I produce my videos for that reason they sometimes take weeks to put together. I was surprised when I saw this video show up on Google as well. if you're shooting medium format film I have several film reviews on the channel you may be interested in as well. Have a good day
@@RaychristoferI suspect RUclips figured out that I had an interest in Rolleis as there is a Rolleiflex 2.8D on the way to me from KEH right now. I've watched a couple of videos to understand the slightly unique loading of the Rolleiflex, which is a bit different than my YashicaMats and other medium format cameras. I'll be sure to check out your other film content.
Thank you that's awesome. Definitely share your images. I got a leica 3F about 3 weeks ago and it was made in 1954 it's still running like a Swiss watch,
The Cord loads like a Yashicamat which I use. I just wanted to see you, Ray, and your work. Thanks. It's just a few days since the last horrid murder so it's soothing to meet a good caring man.
Hey thanks man, feel free to check out my other film videos medium format. Ive been avoiding the news so im not aware of the murder. yeah ive had it up to my throat with that stuff.
So i just purchased a Rolleicord vb and i am super happy it. But all the time shooting it i was having so much trouble with trying to set the aperture and shutter speed separately because instead of pushing the aperture button 'in' i was pushing it 'down'. But now that i've figured that out its no problem. Also i think the issue with having to move the camera ever so slightly to read your setting is such a small issue, i can even see the readings without moving the camera to be honest. Great video, i'm glad i watched it before making the purchase.
Thank you I really appreciate you stopping by. I guess since I started on the rolly Flex with all those convenience features I was spoiled when I went to the rolleicord but after having the cord I really prefer it because it's lighter and the motion of advancing the Salem and caulking the shutter are separate I actually like that. And I forgot to mention in the video you can actually put a 35 mm roll of film in there and run it without any adaptor to make sprocket panorama's. I'm glad this video was helpful and when you get comfortable with it I challenge you to make your own video review, no pressure.
Ray, such a satisfying video. I watch it over and over again, and I am always so pleased to see you talk so directly and so relaxed, and be humbly knowledgeable, too. BTW, one advantage that all TLRs had over SLRs (but not rangefinders) was that you could see the scene/subject at the moment you tripped the shutter. The SLRs' mirror movement got in the way. Very useful when doing portraits or people work. Nice photo work as well. Hope all is well and take care.
You have to beautiful specimans there, what gorgeous cameras. I have a Rolleicord, got it for around $700, much less than a Flex would be. I love the view finder, taking shot at my stomach height, give such a beautiful perspective. Thank you for the comparison video, I love learning anything and everything about these beautiful cameras.
Thank you, Ray! It was really informative - there was a lot of useful information, including the narrative you placed on the post. Please don't tire of doing this great service of yours!
Thanks so much Larry. I have been shooting the cord alot more lately even though I have a mamiya m645. really glad it helped. Ive got a few more medium format film reviews on the channel also if youd like to check them out.
Thank you Ray. I just bought a rolliecord on eBay with a sticky shutter for next to nothing; however, the repair videos on RUclips make it seem pretty straight forward and electronics repair is what I do for a living. I'm excited to finally have a medium format film camera and I look forward to going through it and restoring it to great condition.
MrandMrsOdie that's awesome, and realistically if your speeds above 60 seconds work you should be able to mess around and shoot some rolls before taking it apart. I think the slower speeds use a different set of Springs. Let me know how it goes and if you're going to be shooting black and white Fuji acros is a good film to start with. It's going to be discontinued in a few months though.
Thanks for taking the time to check it out and leave a comment Antonio. That means a lot because every video I make sometimes takes days or weeks to put together because I'm trying to be thorough. If you decide to get one let me know. Respect
Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. The images made for family and friends are precious. I am just appalled that there were still "thumbs down" for such a "non-offensive" video.
Hello thank you so much. Don't worry about the thumbs down it's a reflection of a segment of society that is degenerating. I'm using my rolleicord alot lately for in camera cyanotypes. Check my Instagram link on my home page you may be surprised at the results
Whaat! I never knew you followed my channel Khairil . I must be big tyme and dont know it lol. yeah if you ever get a chance to shoot medium format try it because with micro four thirds Im always chasing shallow DOF and its a compromise between tele lenses without much of the environment and wide lenses without much bokeh. this gives me both. yeah man thanks for checkin it out.
My first serious roll film camera is/was a Rolleicord V of the 1950's. The original focusing screen was a trial to use in low light, which changed when I sent it off to Rollei for a CLA. The replacement focusing screen was much better, and the tuneup made "this old Rolleicord" good enough for Verichrome Pan and Tri-X Pan. The 75mm f/3.5 Schneider Xenar lens is a good Tessar-type lens, though there aren't many accessories for this "junior grade" camera.
Hello brother Otokichi thanks for watching and taking the time to comment , I agree the rollei is great . I just bought a mamiya 645 slr to be able to change lenses and have accessories, it's awesome but it's heavier and a lot louder then the Rollie and if I take it in public for street photography people won't look at it as cute and interesting as the Rollie. It makes me appreciate both of them for different things. I hope to do a comparison video of the two in the future. What film camera have you graduated to and are you from Japan?
Sorry to say, I used to be a film camera user. These days, I'm a "trailing edge" technology digital camera user, with a Nikon D7000 and a Fujifilm X30 up front. In the 1990's, I had a Bronica ETR-C system with the usual 50/75/150mm Zenza lens array. It was my "substitute Hasselblad," since the total was pretty close to a 500C/M with normal lens. I sold the outfit to a fellow who wanted to try the wedding photographer game. I'm a Hawaii resident and my screen name honors my paternal grandfather who took the unusual step of relocating his family to the beach during the 1918-1919 Flu Pandemic. Keep on truckin'.;)
Thanks so much Warren , glad it was helpful. Right now Ilford stopped making film and I predict others will follow. I'm on hold using film for now due to world conditions. If you get one let me know how you do
Great video man, really really helpful. I'm currently shooting 35mm film but I'm really thinking about medium format. This video really makes me want to try the Rolleicord!
Thanks man, don't think about it just get it. When you scan it and see the image quality of the negative and the fibers of your clothing and hair it's hard for me to go back to 35 mm but I am working on a review of a 35 mm rollei rangefinder ironically the XF 35
@@fabrizioleonardocuccu8495 check out this rollei album. some are from that rolleiflex and some are from the cord but they both have the same lens, check out my medium format film reviews also if you like flic.kr/s/aHsmdcTHPw
Thanks! Your video work is simply gorgeous. And you speak so clearly with an economy of words that it’s a delight listening to you. Also: I love seeing you photographs.
Fantastic video, can't thank you enough for putting it together! Super informative about the different functionalities of each camera, and a pleasure to watch. :D
I appreciate you taking the time to comment Claire yes it took prob 3 weeks to put this together. glad it helped. I needed the same help when i was looking into film. respect
Hello Claire how are you? I took some time to look at your channel and I'm Blown Away by your artistic drawings question is if someone has artistic skill like you what can they do to monetize it?
Ray, just discovered this video from you. Great job, well done indeed.Very concise explanations combined with useful observations.I have both models and to be hones the weight of the Rolleicord is a huge advantage from my perspective.Image quality is almost identical. Also loved the images you shared, with some great tonal range being shown. Again thanks and congrats of a professional job. Andy
hello Andy thanks man and I got to tell you that's one of the reasons I make these videos because when I get appreciative comments like yours it shows I'm helping folks. I feel the same way you did because after I sold the flex I didn't miss it one bit. And as an added bonus I can put a 35 mm roll of film directly into the cord and shoot it showing the sprockets and all without needing an adaptor. I don't miss the wind crank either. Hey feel free to share your images as well I like to see what others are doing. Peace
Nick Lindsey thanks Big Nick it's a learning process. One thing I learned from doing RUclips for years is it's always best to review and talk about things you know and are passionate about that way you never have to try hard or pretend. When I first started I reviewed a hair clipper and a knife stuff that I would never review now LOL. I plan to do a review of Fuji acros as well as ultrafine Xtreme films. Hopefully I'll find time to put that together soon. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment
Nice video! These are very inspirational cameras. I am lucky enough to have two Rolleiflexes: one Rolleiflex Automat with Tessar lens, and one 2.8E with Xenotar lens. The last one is probably my best camera, but the Automat is nice and light. I actually also have accessory close-up lenses that you can add on top of the inbuilt lenses.
Really well made video my friend. I am in the UK and have used twin lens cameras since the early 1960 s! You also have the Yashicas, Mamiyas, Autocord and many others. Good luck in your photography.
Nice video. It would be useful for a new buyer of either camera to show the basics or to someone contemplating which camera to purchase. Thank you. I also thought your video has a nice flow to it. Some people beat around the bush and take too long to get to the point. Your presentation was clear and a very nice pace for absorption.
Hello thank you I really appreciate that. When shooting RUclips it's important to respect folks time. If I know I said a lot in one chapter I'll try to include example photos with music as a sort of intermission. when RUclipsrs come on and start talking about the coffee they're drinking or they're sorry they haven't uploaded a video in a while because of this and that I lose patience also LOL
You're welcome and I appreciate that. Believe me when I was looking to buy a rolleicord I couldn't find any video explaining the shutter and aperture controls properly among other things. I've been shooting a Mamiya 645 for about four months now and it is a marked improvement in certain ways but it's bigger and heavier and louder also. At some point in the future I will put together a review comparing the tlr advantages compared to the SLR advantages. What are you shooting with at the moment?
Excellent video. I have both these cameras, and I agree with everything you say. I would advise your viewers to also check out the Rolleiflex T. The viewing lens is v2.8 so the image on the screen is a little brighter. It also tends to be more expensive, so a Rolleicord is still the best bang for buck.
Hey thanks for commenting it's good to hear from another user of these. I just might challenge you to also do a video comparison also showing your image results, No pressure LOL
Nice review, it shows that rolleicord is as capable as a rolleiflex with the same lens, it's the lens which counts not the camera. I have the rolleicord III which has a little less features than the V but the lens is still a xenar. I bought it because the CLA was done. God advice to tell people not to buy such old cameras without CLA. I have a collegue who had a bad experience trying to fix shutter problems on his rolleiflex bought on ebay without CLA. Rolleicord is a god and cheeper way to go into medium format, love it!
Fujimichel Thanks Fuji, really appreciate your comment and real world experience. Few days ago I shot some 35mm in the cord and it came out great, I just put it in and used a changing bag to remove and develop, has the sprocket lines and all ill put a link here. I almost don't miss the flex after getting familiar with the cord. flic.kr/p/23oiSoE
Great video! I`ve had a Rolleicord for some time now, but got my first Rolleiflex TODAY from eBay (my brother got my dad`s). It`s a bit scruffy cosmetically (1939 model) but it works like a charm. The "cord" has a "Xenar" lens but the "flex" has a "Tessar". Both are great lenses. Can`t wait to compare results. Cheers! Ian.
Ian Mcphail nice Ian, I like getting real feedback like this. Yeah man these old cameras have a field to them that just makes them enjoyable to use. As much as I love the image quality of my Panasonic and its lenses once I'm done using I put it away I don't think about it anymore but these I keep looking for excuses to shoot them. Let me know how it goes and share your photos to
Thank you for this. I currently have a Yashica-Mat and I’m thinking about buying a Rolleicord VB as an upgrade. I have the Rolleinar close up lenses, which also work well on my Yashica.
Honestly the good thing about the cords is they are quite lighter but the build quality and German craftsmanship is the same as the rolleiflex. If you can afford it though and already have a Yoshi the flex would be a cool upgrade
ghlyall hey thank you I appreciate that. I just spent an hour in downtown Miami attempting to do some street photography with that Rollie cord so maybe one day in the future I'll have another film video. Peace
I've used both Rolleiflex and Rolleicord. I use a Yashica Mat which is the same method of loading as the Rolleicord with the advantage of the lever wind of the Rolleiflex.
Really great video. My father told me the link between shutter and aperture on the cord was so junior photographers would learn to use the camera without looking. You could feel for where one was and know exactly what aperture or shutter speed was being used. Having inherited his VA model I’m now incredibly jealous of the upgraded screen on the VB.
I really enjoyed this video. You made sense, had a point, and presented your opinions in a logical manner. These things are sadly lacking on many YT videos. Thanks. Btw, I have a few Rolleiflexes and I will toss out a slightly different opinion. I think it is wiser to buy a Rolleiflex that has some problems and spend the money saved to have it CLA'd by a known Rolleiflex technician. Anyone can call himself a camera tech and Rolleiflexes really should only be worked on by a knowledgeable person. Anyway, thanks for the video, Take care.
Ian Butler thanks man I really appreciate that, sometimes I have to dig through tons of RUclips videos and still don't find what I'm looking for. You're right if you can find a flex that just needs basic repairs you can get a deal, sometimes the owner thinks it's a huge problem and it isn't. Hey id I really like to see you do a video review also, it's good to get other viewpoints sometimes. Peace
Ray, I subscribe to a few other RUclipsrs (Peter Elger and The Art of Photography). While watching their videos, your video on the Rolleicord v Rolleiflex came up on the right as a suggested video. The professional quality of the thumbnail and the subject matter being summarized with a few words on the thumbnail made me click on it. The quality of the videography and the content is what caused me to check out your other videos.
Ian Butler thanks man big respect, you wouldn't believe sometimes I'll shoot a take nine times before I get it decent lol and after uploading a video I always see mistakes that flew under my radar so every subsequent video I try to tighten it up. Good looking out
Excellent video. Worthwhile for TLR buyers. All of them are old and should be serviced by a competent repair facility. Buying one that’s been gone through already excellent advice. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Beautiful cameras, well done review... I have a Mamiya C330, it's heavier and bigger than the rolleis... It's 80/2.8 Mamiya lens is really very good and I have taken lots of photos with it in 20 years... Even used it for some portraits in weddings... But I sure would like to try out a rollei... Hugs from Sicily.
Thank you, it took me months to put that together and they deserve nothing less. I got a leica iiif a few months ago and really have not touched medium format since because using fine-grained film like TMax it's incredible the results I'm getting. I hope to do a review of it also. Thanks for passing through
Thank you for this video. I have the Yashica Mat EM and I got it locally in my country of Trinidad and Tobago but the person bought it from KEH and it works perfectly.
I had my Rolleiflex MX EVS CLA'd by Harry Fleanor, who resides in California. It was a bit pricy, but he does excellent work. It's working like brand new. From my research, many say he's the best. I highly recommend him.
Hello thank you, yes I heard of him definitely. I think he gave me a 3-month turnaround time when I called.. if you don't mind me asking what was the cost of your CLA and what did it include
Hi Ray, very nice review.The name Sneiders-Kreuznach sounds I from like and the word coint and the letter z sounds like ts, Nach sound like the composer J.S. Bach. Phonetically Snider-Kroitsnag. I hope it will helps you a little bit. I'm Dutch. But speaks German and Dutch.
Hello my brother thanks so much for that technical pronunciation, I would never have gotten it perfect otherwise and im usually good with language. youre in a great part of the world. I love german technology from old times and would love visiting the antique shops there one day.
You're welcome Marc I was pulling my hair out trying to find a video that explained it in detail properly. I knew someone out there could benefit from this. Since you're so choked up do me a favor and send me a Hasselblad to do a comparison on lol. Thanks in advance, respect
Great video! Thank you for making it. I have an Minolta Autocord I love. Now I realize I can afford a rollei! Great explanations of the differences. Love your photos too.
Thank you, Ray!!! Excellent! I was thinking of selling my dad's cord and now maybe not. I have 3 or 4 Nikons from way back when, but I hardly ever used this one. I have a scanner for the negs and 35mm slides I'd kept and use every once in a while. Where are you buying the film and getting it processed?????? That's pretty hard even here in Chicago.
I just realized I asked you where you're from in another post so ignore that lol. Yes one bottle of developer for about $16 can last me eight months. but yes if you're shooting lots of film the price can definitely add up last year when covid hit I cut back a lot. Look at my last video or latest video on this channel it's a trailer for a tutorial I'm working on how to shoot dark room paper you're going to see some nice images I was able to get but they do have a slightly different look than film
That's how a great manufacturer does an "entry-level" offering. Taking away some features which are either just nice to have or geared towards demanding professionals, leaving the core capabilities intact. Surely some of the 'flex sport more premium lenses, but the ones on the 'cords are great lenses in their own right, and they deliver every bit the user needs.
great video, thanks for all the info! i got 2 rolleicords (a II and a V) from someone in my family and i was a bit sad they were not rolleiflexes, but now after watching your video i am quite happy with them! :D i love photography, but i havent used a film camera since i was a kid, so its exciting. i ordered some film today! :)
Hello that's awesome man you're welcome to the channel. If there's anything I can do to help you just ask. Feel free to look at some of my film reviews also. Where are you from?
Hello cousin Greg thanks for taking the time to visit my channel, one thing I learned that you and Max do is the importance of trying to be detailed and entertaining as possible. I'm actually shooting a leica 3F for about 3 months now and haven't touched my medium formats since. I want to do a review of it but you guys didn't leave any wiggle room for me LOL
Very nice comparison and review…I have a Yashica Mat 124G but want one of the German ones…based on your assessment I think I’m inclined for the Rolleicord! Thanks for sharing and be safe… Cheers..
This is a great video. You explain the differences extremely well. I have a Rolleiflex on the way from KEH. I spent a little more than maybe I would have from the auction site, but if was worth it to me, as I want a camera that works well. Thank you for this video.
I liked you review and love the Rollei. I have a couple of flexes and cords myself. But, I have found, although a little heaver, the Mamiya TLR is every bit as impressive, as far as photo quality. It has the advantage of interchangeable lenses. Don't sleep on the Mamiya TLR.
Hello thanks so much. Yes the Mamiya tlr is the pinnacle of tlr tech. I have a Mamiya m645 slr and the image quality is so perfect I almost stop shooting it because it reminds me of digital lol. Respect
A very informative video. Although I own neither camera, I do have a Yashicamat 124, and it is interesting see how these two cameras compare to the Yashica.
Hello rook thanks so much I had a good time putting this together as I love both cameras. I want up selling the rolleiflex on eBay because of the shutter issue but I have since gotten a Mamiya m645 reflex camera and I love it so much I haven't touched the Rollie in a few weeks. I fully intend to do a review comparing both of them but that video might take a month or two for me to get around to putting together. feel free to share some of your images with me if you have an online album I like to see what others are doing.
*I can not thank you enough for this video. I saw few TLR's which had the wordings "CLA'd" on them and now you have cleared my doubt. I wanted to purchase a Rolleiflex 2.8F but they are way above my budget. Therefore, I might get a Yashica Mat 124 G which I initially liked. Hope it's not that bad. Respect*
My second serious camera was a Rolleicord V, which is more basic than the later Vb model. I bought a Rolleiflex in the 1970's from a reputable Shutterbug Ads seller and stumbled with the "feed the film leader INTO the first set of rollers" step. (I wound the 120 roll through the camera without stopping at the first frame.;) I still have the Rolleicord, which went through an epic CLA and had a much better focusing screen installed.
It's been decades since the Rolleicord V was sent to what was then an official Rollei service center. The focusing screen was plastic, with fine fresnel lines and a split image focusing spot st the center. It made focusing a "bang-on" turn of the focusing knob instead of a "is it sharp?" back-and-forth hunt.
What an amazing informative and helpful video. You have such a calm and natural way of explaining things so I really appreciate your work. :) Ps: you've got a great voice - looking forward to more videos!
Really to purchase one and you have really helped me become more informed. Not sure which one though. After seeing this I want both. Great video. Thank you!
Excellent well thought out video with lots of valuable information. I've had both types and for some reason don't anymore. But I do have a few Yashicas that I'm very happy with and got them for very little money. I first got a Yashika A TLR. Really simple, easy to use little camera. Then I got a Yashica D off EBay that had a stuck on Bulb shutter. Getting repaired as we speak. Got another D on EBay that works perfect and I like it so much that I decided to get the other one fixed. I find I prefer the knob winders much more than the crank wonders myself. I will get another VB one of these days but people should be told how great the Yashicas are too. So affordable and really great little cameras. I like the D more than the 124 G to be honest and my working great one cost me about $100 ! I have more fun with TLR's than any other medium format camera and I have a few other types too ! Keep up the good work sir , LarryMac
Thanks for that info my man yes they are amazing what can be done with them. About three months ago I got a Leica iiif and when I use fine-grained film like tmax100 it's hard to tell the difference with some medium format. If you love the yashicas and you're bad you ought to put together a review like this yourself. No pressha
@@Raychristofer , I also just got a IIIF ST and am loving it. Got a 50 mm f3.5 Elmar and a 135 mm f4.5 Hektor and a 90mm Hektor coming soon. Looking for a 35mm too, that's my favorite lens right now. LarryMac
Hey thanks man I appreciate that. sometimes I pull my hair out when I watch RUclips reviews and they leave out important things or assume you know, I try not to annoy people like that with my videos. I'm curious how did you come across this video, I notice it's finally ranking on Google also
Raychristofer yeah man, you put out a quality video and I enjoyed it on my commute to school. I came across your video while searching for a comparison of the two cameras because I had a guy in the local area selling a ‘cord and wanted to know what I may be missing out on if I went with that instead of the ‘flex. I believe your video popped up in the top 3 while searching for flex vs cord
@@s.j.249 the coincidences I haven't shot the cord in about 4 months but I happen to have it with me in Miami Beach today and I'm shooting some black-and-white . I never thought I would say this but it's refreshing to only have 12 frames instead of 36
Raychristofer I think I’ll feel the same, really makes you want to make all 12 frames count, I feel like at the end of my 36 rolls I end up just shooting anything just to finish the roll
Thanks for the video, really great work! Only thing I might have missed is the exposure meter. I read the flex has one and the cord doesn‘t - that‘s the only reason keeping me from the cord tbh!
Hello thanks. Most flexes don't have built in meters, it was optional on some models.i use a handheld vintage meter. To find one with a working meter will cost quite more
I have no interest in medium format photography, but your presentation was very interesting and informative that I watched the whole thing, great video!
Hello Vera thanks for watching to the end rhat is a great compliment lol. How did you come across my video? RUclips recommendations is hard to figure out I noticed.
@@Raychristofer Ah, most likely because I was looking into the Helios lens to adapt to my Sony E-mount, after watching a few videos about that lens RUclips recommended this. I didn't really know anything about TLR cameras before today.
@@verablack3137 I don't know if you stumbled on it but I did a thorough review of the Helios lens on my channel also. I highly recommend you use a focal reducer for your crop sensor Sony to get the most out of the he Wheels. This is a review I did of how focal reducers work if you haven't heard of them before. Let me know what you think. ruclips.net/video/q8PmStB3Rbs/видео.html
The rollers which sense the beginning of your film roll and automatically set the frame counter is the most troublesome mechanical feature of the Rolleiflex, as they get out of adjustment and fail to set the frame counter. When Rollei stopped regular manufacture of the "Flex and went to $4000 limited production models, they dropped this auto-start feature and started using the manual endex starting like the Rolleicord. Although outside the scope of this video, the Minolta Autocord is like a Rolleicord, but adds most of the upgraded controls and features found on the Rolleiflex.
Randall Stewart Hello Randall thanks bro I appreciate that tech and historic info. I didn't know the new ones dropped it you're the type of viewer I need more of. Respect. What film cameras do you use now?
After 55 years in film photography, the volume of my use is much reduced these days. However, when the 35mm spirit moves me, I use a Nikon F100 or a Contax T2 (bought long before the current nutty craze for same). Mostly I use Pentax 67 system with a newly added Fuji GA645Zi for when the weight of the Pentax 67 overcomes my 71 years. Oddly, I've never owned a Rollei TLR but collected a fair number of other brands of TLR.
Randall Stewart Randall you've seen a lot. From what I see a good photo is a good photo and many of the classic black and white images from the greats could not have been done better with a modern camera in my opinion.
Randall Stewart can you help me understand something. When I scan my negatives I edit each one individually with time and the care. My question is in 1970 when you took a roll of black and white film to a lab how did they develop each photo individually for example if one was Overexposed and one was under. Did they treat each image differently or did they just run it through a machine? I get the feeling being able to manipulate a negative did you tell me it's a big part of what makes film photography comeback so strong
In 1970, a local camera store or Walmart-type drop would pass the film to a local lab, which would batch process same type films in some type of automatic processor, always using the same developer for everything. The dried film was fed through a printer, sort of an automatic enlarger set to print the whole roll to fixed sized prints, Printing time for each print was controlled by a light meter reading each negative before it was printed. Prints were usually made on rolls of paper, maybe 5" by 300 feet long, then the strip of prints went though an automatic paper processor, then cut into individual prints as the finished strip came out of the processor. What I said aside, the message I meant to convey was my opinion that a significant part of the renewed interest in film is based on being able to shoot film, have it processed in a lab or DIY, then scan the negatives to digital processing, as opposed to having to equip a full darkroom and get involved with the alchemisty and secret ways of wet print making, whether B&W or color. My personal experience is that the accumulated cost and time spend learning and doing digital printing is almost as burdensome as the same for wet darkroom processing, at least as to B&W. If you wanted an enlargement of a given print, or some modifications to the image, the negative went back to the lab for custom printing by a professional printer, done much like you'd do it in a home darkroom.
Manny Calavera thanks Manny. Word up I'm surprised there aren't more detailed review comparisons of these. You make one next and we will have the market cornered
Manny Calavera I need to know everything you're into, I love weird cameras. That's the perfect RUclips channel subject if you were going to create your own. Send me a link to some of your work please
Great video as usual but sadly it gave me sellers remorse, I had a Mamiya C330 and a yashica 124G but at one point or another I sold them probably to buy something else most likely my Pentax 645n !!
Where it up Kirby, that's my whole reason for shooting this video I was pulling my hair out trying to find out different things about this camera. But sometime in the future I will be doing a comparison with the tlr verses and SLR medium format, I've been shooting a Mamiya 645 and I actually haven't touched the rolleicord in a few months
Nice review. You did not mention three awsome features the Rolleicord has over the Rolleiflex. 1. you can do double exposures 2. on the fucus wheel the Rolleicord shows you ALL the values of F stops while the rolleiflex skips them and 3. The Rolleicord is lighter, not noticable inmediatly but at the end of a days shooting and carrying it around
The Xenar lens is the only lens ever used in the Rolleicord. The Rolleiflex shown here, also with Xenar, is relatively uncommon, the more common version using a Zeiss Tessar. The Tessar and Xenar are practically identical optically. While other Rolleiflex models use more complex (and "better") lenses, even an expert would be hard pressed to tell the difference between prints. The "auto-start" film sensing rollers are the number one source of problems which compel a trip to the repair shop, not really an advantage. Nice coverage of these cameras.
Hey Randall thanks for that technical expertise, always good to have a viewer who knows something about the subject. About four months ago I got a like a Leica iiif and I realize when I shoot it with Kodak TMax and the 50 MM Summitar sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between that and my medium format cameras. For portraits , in fact I prefer it because I can get more of that film grain. Thanks for stopping by
Yes in my 'cord the film counting roller is totally non functional. Luckily I can simply use the red window to advance the film. Also my one is much older than the one in this comparison. It does not have linked shutter/aperture and can not take filters.
@@Raychristofer I just double checked. Mine is a 1a Model 3 built between 1938-47 and probably the beginning of that period due to the serial number. I also fixed my frame counter. Turns out it was just halfway through a counter "reset" procedure so I just needed to press the button, that i didn't know was a button, in the centre of the advance knob! Its mirror is really bad so needs replacing. Otherwise its all working fine and currently has some FP4 in it (with a few double exposures due to me forgetting to wind on lol). I have no idea if its ever had a CLA but seeing as I have so many old cameras with the compur shutter like this one I may just learn to CLA them myself.
LOL you're welcome I love them too. I'm actually shooting cyanotypes in the cord now. It's a great way to enjoy using the cameras without having to buy film.
@@jaysphotographytearound2239 thanks for checking it out. I just figured how to add my social media links here. Let me know if you get a medium format.
Hey man, I got a Rolleicord VB, I think it's the same as yours, I'm taking the first roll now, the viewfinder is amazing, but now I have a problem with the focusing knob, it's loose, it turns freely. I tried to fix it, it looks simple, the brass screw in the focus knob is loose, I tightened the screw, and I can move the lens out to focus the closest things, but I can not move it back to the end, to reach the infinity. Do you have any idea about this? Thanks!
Hey man repairing these things is something I don't know anything about. When I got my rolleicord from KEH the self-timer was frozen solid and wouldn't turn fortunately I bought it from KEH and when I told them about it they sent me a return label to mail it back and they fixed it and also did a clean lube and adjustment. Where did you buy it from and was there anything in the description describing its condition? If you're able to return it I suggest do that or otherwise look up a vintage camera repair service. One thing you can do is shoot a short video showing the problem and upload it to a Facebook group for rolleiflex and rolleicord now that I think of it there is a Facebook vintage camera repair group you could reach out to also.
@@Raychristofer I bought it from a photographer, it was good when I got it, I'll search the Facebook group first, or find Sb to fix it, I don't think it's a big problem. Thank you!
Well done. However, you should please point out that your Rolleiflex is a slightly older model that your Rolleicord, just a couple of years later Rolleiflex ended up with the same removable hood and its advantages. They are both great cameras it’s a matter of saving a couple of Dollars. If you can afford the difference I still say go for the Rolleiflex.
I bought my Rolleicord Vb I from KEH several months ago, and I love this camera. Surprisingly, I got used to manually cocking the shutter rather quickly. It's worth noting that, if you're not into the shutter firing mechanism, you can buy a threaded shutter release. The receptacle is (facing the lens) between the shutter cocking lever and the lever for adjusting the shutter speed.
Hello Michael, yeah KEH is legit. my self timer wasnt working when i got it they apologized, fixed the timer and did a full CLA before returning. that shutter button is hard to find , its usually about 50 bucks. had fun making this, ill try to put together a KEH vs Ebay vid some time in the future
I have several Rolleiflexes and Rolleicords from different time periods, and as you say, it's easy to get used to how they work. I can use a late Rolleiflex one day and an early Rolleicord the next without even thinking about the differencies. It becomes second nature pretty quickly.
spajdude yeah man. And you know what else, I started shooting 35mm film in the roli cord but not using the adapter just putting it in. So I can get the widescreen sprocket look. The cord is more conducive to that because there are larger gaps between each frame and with the cord I can crank it partially and use the double exposure liver 2 add more shots per frame since my Flex broke down I don't miss it at all though it feels heavy now when I pick it up LOL. Check out this image on my Flickr. flic.kr/p/24M7Ewp
Nice shot! And the sprocket holes makes sure that everyone knows it's FILM! :-D And I agree with you again, the Rolleicord models are lighter and easier to carry. I sometimes use the really early Rolleiflexes because they weigh a lot less than the late models. 80 year old cameras still working fine.
Excellent video Ray!!! Thank you for sharing your experiences and beautiful pictures!!! Do you print your pictures or scan it? I have a Rolleiflex. I bought it to a camera technician friend of mine and till today It produce a gorgeous pictures!!! Thank you again!!!
Hello Jose thanks so much im glad this was helpful. its cool that google is actually ranking this video highly. I scan with an epson v600 as well as develop myself.
I sell "untested" vintage electronics and it's worth noting that there are collectors who buy them for display and with no intention of using them. Untested is just another way of saying it's most likely faulty but worth testing yourself if you have experience or resources to do so.
Bert Z hello you mean the yashica mat? Yes I've seen that camera and a lot of people love it, one thing I notice about its images that I don't like is in backlight situations there is a glow almost like the coding is not resisting flare as well as I would like. I think the Minolta Auto cord is a model I would try. I used a lot of Fuji acros but they're discontinuing it in October so I'm going to stop buying it I've been using ultrafine Xtreme which is one of the lowest price films out there. I prefer portra 400s looks to 160 and now I'm testing out some tri x. feel free to chack out my rollei album here. what do you shoot with? flic.kr/s/aHsmdcTHPw
I am going to Las Vegas in few weeks hope to go to death valley and shoot using my Yashica mat 120 G with some Ilford 120. I bought some 100 and 50, I will see how it goes. I just recently found you channel. Keep up the good work and more camera review and if you can some film review.
Thanks man i appreciate the encouragement, I hope to review Ultrafine Xtreme and Acros in the future. youre smart to purchase ISO 50 film because its tough in bright midday when youre trying to use smaller aperatures and blur the background. its always a good idea to bring your digital cam also they say use the right tool for the job. good lookin out
I own both a Rolleicord and a Rolleiflex. My thoughts:
If you’re just starting medium format photography like I was, get a Rolleicord. It’s a lot cheaper, and it will help you understand the process. You will NOT miss anything by shooting with a cord. Very few people could accurately tell the difference between photos taken on a flex or cord.
Secondly, the cord is still built like a tank, even though it is cheaper. It’s not the same as a rolleiflex, but some people like that it’s a bit lighter.
Third, shutter mechanism takes a bit of getting used to. Cock the shutter to the right, take the picture by pushing left. It’s not exactly intuitive.
Four, once you’re ready for the Rolleiflex, do it! It is THE classic camera, and if you’re like me, you’ll get the itch sooner or later. It is heavier, and imo more solid than the cord. The other great reason to get a flex, is that the shutter is so much more intuitive to use. Both attract a lot of attention, because they are so unique. People LOVE these cameras, and you will be meeting people left and right who want to ask you about it. Big (and I mean BIG) beautiful negatives come from the 120 film so you get a ton of detail. Scan them and the files can be huge. Lastly, Go out, shoot and enjoy!
hey man I really appreciate that comment. Everything you said is spot-on. We should have done a collaboration to put this video together LOL. I have several photos of me print it on the wall in 20 by 20 that I can see the detain in my clothes fabric I've actually gone back to 35mm TMax because the medium format images were looking almost digital and I was missing some of that film grain. If you look at some of my film videos I also shoot a Mamiya m645. those lenses are so perfect I see no need for manufacturers to make newer models unless they only need autofocus.
Glad you agree, great video! I’m not great at posting videos like you are, but I’ll see what I can do as far as putting something up, though your video gives so much great info. Keep up the good work!
@@jcollins1305 thanks John and hey man I'm scared of your profile pic. Reminds me of a Stephen king character lol
Good eye! Lol that’s it. Never got around to changing it, so up it stays. Did you ever get the rolleiflex fixed?
@@jcollins1305 Hello no, i wound up selling it on ebay. I think for about 160.00, I dont miss it really because I can even run 35mm film str8 thru thru cord with no adaptors. I also got a Leica iiif a few months ago and the image quality is so great I dont miss Medium format,.
i like your style ray, you have a very charming personality you take really nice photos too
Thank you JB I really appreciate that. You know this is going to sound cheesy but it's something I learned after running this RUclips channel at its best to just be yourself and be honest. Once you do that everything will fall into place. By the way I just got a Mamiya 645 with a 55 mm lens and I'm blown away by my first rolls. I hope to do a comparison video in the future comparing and medium format SLR versus a tlr because they both have advantages and disadvantages. Thanks for taking the time to comment and definitely share your photos with me as well
I’ve had been using a Rolleiflex MX-EVS for years, then my youngest daughter became interested in photography, so she “borrowed it” for a while .... 6 years later, I found another at an estate sale, so I’m back in business again. I also enjoy 35mm with my trusty F3. Life is good...:)
Awesome, I shoot digital but I just dont have a passion for the images or the process but it has its place. feel free to share your work also if possible.
Just picked up a Rolleicord without really knowing anything about it. This video was very helpful, thank you! And great shots!
Much respect bro, thanks yes, let me know how you get along with it and share some of your results. Don't be afraid to develop yourself either. No pressure
Thanks, I learned a lot from your video. Back in the 70's, I inherited my grandfather's Rolleicord. It is a pre- WW2 model, and has even fewer features than yours, i.e. no provision for flash of any kind, no self-timer, aperture and shutter speed not linked. My grandfather was an accomplished amateur photographer, and many of his photos were exhibited at shows in the midwest in the 40's and 50's. I used the Rolleicord myself a few times many years ago, but now it has an honored place in my collection. My wife bought me a beautiful 50's vintage Rolleiflex a few years ago, but it too is part of my collection, as I sadly no longer actively use film cameras...
I've worked with Rolleicords for ages (lllA and Vb), but I never knew that with the Vb one could press the diaphragm lever in order to be able to move it freely. Razor sharp optics, far, far better than the Japanese competitors. Excellent review and comparison. Thank you.
Hahaha thank you so much. Yes I still prefer it to my other cameras. I'm curious how you were able to separately adjust your shutter speed and aperature without pressing it in. I've been using the rolleicord alot now using darkroom paper at six ISO and it's very interesting being able to take shots and develop them three minutes later in the bathroom
@@Raychristofer I am really glad you told your viewers about this, because, oh unlucky me, I used force to change the shutter speeds. And, indeed, even changing them the right way is cumbersome. With the Rolleicord lllA this was much easier. But I love the results of this camera - superior optics by Schneider-Kreuznach.
I am curious to know what kind of b/w procedure you are using. I've been a b/w photographer since I was a boy, but I am not familiar with the procedure you use. I'd very much like to know more. Thanks in advance. Cheers, Gerald
@@leslumieres1237 thanks Gerald no problem. I develop in rodinal at home and I scan with an Epson v600. Finally I use a free editor called fast Stone image viewer but any of them will work. How do you do your black and white work ?
@@Raychristofer Rodinal is my kind of "soup" as well. I always used Agfapan 100 fir both 35mm and 120. Nice sharp images and fine tonalty. I've always did my own darkroom work, but since a couple years I use an Epson scanner too. But...in comparison real "wet" darkroom prints are more beautiful.
@@leslumieres1237 you're so right about the real prints. Working with the paper in camera has made me curious especially for shooting the ilford positive paper. I can't draw myself though to do the darkroom thing as it's just more space and equipment and you have to go through a lot of paper with the test strips to get it right, I would like to try it but I don't have the guts at the moment
Came across this video as a suggestion from RUclips. Really enjoyable video and you have a wonderful presence in it. I’ll certainly be checking out your other videos!
Thank you Christopher I appreciate that and I try to be as thorough as I can when I produce my videos for that reason they sometimes take weeks to put together. I was surprised when I saw this video show up on Google as well. if you're shooting medium format film I have several film reviews on the channel you may be interested in as well. Have a good day
@@RaychristoferI suspect RUclips figured out that I had an interest in Rolleis as there is a Rolleiflex 2.8D on the way to me from KEH right now. I've watched a couple of videos to understand the slightly unique loading of the Rolleiflex, which is a bit different than my YashicaMats and other medium format cameras. I'll be sure to check out your other film content.
Great video. I inherited my fathers Rolleicord, still working after +60 years of service.
Thank you that's awesome. Definitely share your images. I got a leica 3F about 3 weeks ago and it was made in 1954 it's still running like a Swiss watch,
Great Video! Inherited a Rolleiflex from my father who was a commercial photographer and cinematographer. Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Thank man. Make it sing. And share your work. Respect
The Cord loads like a Yashicamat which I use. I just wanted to see you, Ray, and your work. Thanks. It's just a few days since the last horrid murder so it's soothing to meet a good caring man.
Hey thanks man, feel free to check out my other film videos medium format. Ive been avoiding the news so im not aware of the murder. yeah ive had it up to my throat with that stuff.
So i just purchased a Rolleicord vb and i am super happy it. But all the time shooting it i was having so much trouble with trying to set the aperture and shutter speed separately because instead of pushing the aperture button 'in' i was pushing it 'down'. But now that i've figured that out its no problem. Also i think the issue with having to move the camera ever so slightly to read your setting is such a small issue, i can even see the readings without moving the camera to be honest. Great video, i'm glad i watched it before making the purchase.
Thank you I really appreciate you stopping by. I guess since I started on the rolly Flex with all those convenience features I was spoiled when I went to the rolleicord but after having the cord I really prefer it because it's lighter and the motion of advancing the Salem and caulking the shutter are separate I actually like that. And I forgot to mention in the video you can actually put a 35 mm roll of film in there and run it without any adaptor to make sprocket panorama's. I'm glad this video was helpful and when you get comfortable with it I challenge you to make your own video review, no pressure.
Ray, such a satisfying video. I watch it over and over again, and I am always so pleased to see you talk so directly and so relaxed, and be humbly knowledgeable, too. BTW, one advantage that all TLRs had over SLRs (but not rangefinders) was that you could see the scene/subject at the moment you tripped the shutter. The SLRs' mirror movement got in the way. Very useful when doing portraits or people work. Nice photo work as well. Hope all is well and take care.
You have to beautiful specimans there, what gorgeous cameras. I have a Rolleicord, got it for around $700, much less than a Flex would be. I love the view finder, taking shot at my stomach height, give such a beautiful perspective. Thank you for the comparison video, I love learning anything and everything about these beautiful cameras.
Thank you, Ray! It was really informative - there was a lot of useful information, including the narrative you placed on the post. Please don't tire of doing this great service of yours!
Thanks so much Larry. I have been shooting the cord alot more lately even though I have a mamiya m645. really glad it helped. Ive got a few more medium format film reviews on the channel also if youd like to check them out.
Thank you Ray. I just bought a rolliecord on eBay with a sticky shutter for next to nothing; however, the repair videos on RUclips make it seem pretty straight forward and electronics repair is what I do for a living. I'm excited to finally have a medium format film camera and I look forward to going through it and restoring it to great condition.
MrandMrsOdie that's awesome, and realistically if your speeds above 60 seconds work you should be able to mess around and shoot some rolls before taking it apart. I think the slower speeds use a different set of Springs. Let me know how it goes and if you're going to be shooting black and white Fuji acros is a good film to start with. It's going to be discontinued in a few months though.
Hello how did your shutter repair turn out?
@@Raychristofer since you got no reply, I'm guessing... not so good?!? Thanks for the comparison Raychristofer!
@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt Sorry Steve my husband passed away in March 💔😢
@@Raychristofer oh no! I'm soo sorry to hear that. You must be hurting incredibly, I can't even imagine. My heart goes out to you and your family 💞💔💞
This is by far the best video of the two I've come across. thank you for the effort in making this video.
Thanks for taking the time to check it out and leave a comment Antonio. That means a lot because every video I make sometimes takes days or weeks to put together because I'm trying to be thorough. If you decide to get one let me know. Respect
Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. The images made for family and friends are precious. I am just appalled that there were still "thumbs down" for such a "non-offensive" video.
Hello thank you so much. Don't worry about the thumbs down it's a reflection of a segment of society that is degenerating. I'm using my rolleicord alot lately for in camera cyanotypes. Check my Instagram link on my home page you may be surprised at the results
Excellent, concise review.
Thom Bennett Thon you've got a unique name. I'm glad it helped I was wondering if many folks would be interested in these cams, glad it helped.
Dude, really nice pics you got with these!
Whaat! I never knew you followed my channel Khairil . I must be big tyme and dont know it lol. yeah if you ever get a chance to shoot medium format try it because with micro four thirds Im always chasing shallow DOF and its a compromise between tele lenses without much of the environment and wide lenses without much bokeh. this gives me both. yeah man thanks for checkin it out.
My first serious roll film camera is/was a Rolleicord V of the 1950's. The original focusing screen was a trial to use in low light, which changed when I sent it off to Rollei for a CLA. The replacement focusing screen was much better, and the tuneup made "this old Rolleicord" good enough for Verichrome Pan and Tri-X Pan. The 75mm f/3.5 Schneider Xenar lens is a good Tessar-type lens, though there aren't many accessories for this "junior grade" camera.
Hello brother Otokichi thanks for watching and taking the time to comment , I agree the rollei is great . I just bought a mamiya 645 slr to be able to change lenses and have accessories, it's awesome but it's heavier and a lot louder then the Rollie and if I take it in public for street photography people won't look at it as cute and interesting as the Rollie. It makes me appreciate both of them for different things. I hope to do a comparison video of the two in the future. What film camera have you graduated to and are you from Japan?
Sorry to say, I used to be a film camera user. These days, I'm a "trailing edge" technology digital camera user, with a Nikon D7000 and a Fujifilm X30 up front. In the 1990's, I had a Bronica ETR-C system with the usual 50/75/150mm Zenza lens array. It was my "substitute Hasselblad," since the total was pretty close to a 500C/M with normal lens. I sold the outfit to a fellow who wanted to try the wedding photographer game. I'm a Hawaii resident and my screen name honors my paternal grandfather who took the unusual step of relocating his family to the beach during the 1918-1919 Flu Pandemic. Keep on truckin'.;)
Thanks for that. Been lusting after a Rolleiflex for far too long. Very informative.
Thanks so much Warren , glad it was helpful. Right now Ilford stopped making film and I predict others will follow. I'm on hold using film for now due to world conditions. If you get one let me know how you do
@@Raychristofer Ilford overproduced many items before they stopped manufacturing so their warehouse was given a good top up.
@@dlarge6502 they only stopped cos of the COVID-19 and they do have a skeleton staff on as soon as it’s over production will be back to normal
Great video man, really really helpful. I'm currently shooting 35mm film but I'm really thinking about medium format. This video really makes me want to try the Rolleicord!
Thanks man, don't think about it just get it. When you scan it and see the image quality of the negative and the fibers of your clothing and hair it's hard for me to go back to 35 mm but I am working on a review of a 35 mm rollei rangefinder ironically the XF 35
@@Raychristofer can't wait to see it! Thanks for the advice!
@@fabrizioleonardocuccu8495 check out this rollei album. some are from that rolleiflex and some are from the cord but they both have the same lens, check out my medium format film reviews also if you like
flic.kr/s/aHsmdcTHPw
Thanks! Your video work is simply gorgeous. And you speak so clearly with an economy of words that it’s a delight listening to you.
Also: I love seeing you photographs.
Fantastic video, can't thank you enough for putting it together! Super informative about the different functionalities of each camera, and a pleasure to watch. :D
I appreciate you taking the time to comment Claire yes it took prob 3 weeks to put this together. glad it helped. I needed the same help when i was looking into film. respect
Hello Claire how are you? I took some time to look at your channel and I'm Blown Away by your artistic drawings question is if someone has artistic skill like you what can they do to monetize it?
Ray, just discovered this video from you.
Great job, well done indeed.Very concise explanations combined with useful observations.I have both models and to be hones the weight of the Rolleicord is a huge advantage from my perspective.Image quality is almost identical.
Also loved the images you shared, with some great tonal range being shown.
Again thanks and congrats of a professional job.
Andy
hello Andy thanks man and I got to tell you that's one of the reasons I make these videos because when I get appreciative comments like yours it shows I'm helping folks. I feel the same way you did because after I sold the flex I didn't miss it one bit. And as an added bonus I can put a 35 mm roll of film directly into the cord and shoot it showing the sprockets and all without needing an adaptor. I don't miss the wind crank either. Hey feel free to share your images as well I like to see what others are doing. Peace
Thanks. I have a Rolleicord Vb and always wondered what the difference was. Now I know...
You're welcome. I'm in Toronto as we speak shooting street on my cord with Portra 160. Thanks for stopping by
This video was fantastic. I would love to see more from you! You clearly know what you're talking about and you present it in such a good way.
Nick Lindsey thanks Big Nick it's a learning process. One thing I learned from doing RUclips for years is it's always best to review and talk about things you know and are passionate about that way you never have to try hard or pretend. When I first started I reviewed a hair clipper and a knife stuff that I would never review now LOL. I plan to do a review of Fuji acros as well as ultrafine Xtreme films. Hopefully I'll find time to put that together soon. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment
Brilliant Video!
I’ve had a cord for 20 years and always wanted to know about the flex. Thanks so much!!❤
I LOVE my 1958 Rolleicord VA. After a good CLA from Mark Hansen...it’s butter. Thank you for the video.
Snap Jackson yeah man you're welcome, I bet you don't love it more than I love mine LOL. Feel free to share your images as well.
Nice video! These are very inspirational cameras. I am lucky enough to have two Rolleiflexes: one Rolleiflex Automat with Tessar lens, and one 2.8E with Xenotar lens. The last one is probably my best camera, but the Automat is nice and light. I actually also have accessory close-up lenses that you can add on top of the inbuilt lenses.
Really well made video my friend. I am in the UK and have used twin lens cameras since the early 1960 s! You also have the Yashicas, Mamiyas, Autocord and many others. Good luck in your photography.
Nice video. It would be useful for a new buyer of either camera to show the basics or to someone contemplating which camera to purchase. Thank you. I also thought your video has a nice flow to it. Some people beat around the bush and take too long to get to the point. Your presentation was clear and a very nice pace for absorption.
Hello thank you I really appreciate that. When shooting RUclips it's important to respect folks time. If I know I said a lot in one chapter I'll try to include example photos with music as a sort of intermission. when RUclipsrs come on and start talking about the coffee they're drinking or they're sorry they haven't uploaded a video in a while because of this and that I lose patience also LOL
Amazing video! Thanks for taking the time and patience to explain the differences between these two!
You're welcome and I appreciate that. Believe me when I was looking to buy a rolleicord I couldn't find any video explaining the shutter and aperture controls properly among other things. I've been shooting a Mamiya 645 for about four months now and it is a marked improvement in certain ways but it's bigger and heavier and louder also. At some point in the future I will put together a review comparing the tlr advantages compared to the SLR advantages. What are you shooting with at the moment?
Excellent video. I have both these cameras, and I agree with everything you say. I would advise your viewers to also check out the Rolleiflex T. The viewing lens is v2.8 so the image on the screen is a little brighter. It also tends to be more expensive, so a Rolleicord is still the best bang for buck.
Hey thanks for commenting it's good to hear from another user of these. I just might challenge you to also do a video comparison also showing your image results, No pressure LOL
Nice review, it shows that rolleicord is as capable as a rolleiflex with the same lens, it's the lens which counts not the camera. I have the rolleicord III which has a little less features than the V but the lens is still a xenar. I bought it because the CLA was done. God advice to tell people not to buy such old cameras without CLA. I have a collegue who had a bad experience trying to fix shutter problems on his rolleiflex bought on ebay without CLA. Rolleicord is a god and cheeper way to go into medium format, love it!
Fujimichel Thanks Fuji, really appreciate your comment and real world experience. Few days ago I shot some 35mm in the cord and it came out great, I just put it in and used a changing bag to remove and develop, has the sprocket lines and all ill put a link here. I almost don't miss the flex after getting familiar with the cord.
flic.kr/p/23oiSoE
Great video!
I`ve had a Rolleicord for some time now, but got my first Rolleiflex TODAY from eBay (my brother got my dad`s).
It`s a bit scruffy cosmetically (1939 model) but it works like a charm.
The "cord" has a "Xenar" lens but the "flex" has a "Tessar". Both are great lenses.
Can`t wait to compare results.
Cheers!
Ian.
Ian Mcphail nice Ian, I like getting real feedback like this. Yeah man these old cameras have a field to them that just makes them enjoyable to use. As much as I love the image quality of my Panasonic and its lenses once I'm done using I put it away I don't think about it anymore but these I keep looking for excuses to shoot them. Let me know how it goes and share your photos to
Cheers!
Hello Ian how are you getting along with the cameras
Thank you for this. I currently have a Yashica-Mat and I’m thinking about buying a Rolleicord VB as an upgrade. I have the Rolleinar close up lenses, which also work well on my Yashica.
Honestly the good thing about the cords is they are quite lighter but the build quality and German craftsmanship is the same as the rolleiflex. If you can afford it though and already have a Yoshi the flex would be a cool upgrade
That was a treat to watch. Thanks very much, very informative, and I liked your style.
ghlyall hey thank you I appreciate that. I just spent an hour in downtown Miami attempting to do some street photography with that Rollie cord so maybe one day in the future I'll have another film video. Peace
Reminds me of the film "Casablanca" wherein the great actor Humphry Bogart said: "Play it again Sam, I like your style."
I've used both Rolleiflex and Rolleicord. I use a Yashica Mat which is the same method of loading as the Rolleicord with the advantage of the lever wind of the Rolleiflex.
Yeah man 6x6 tlr is one of the most unique MF cameras
Really great video. My father told me the link between shutter and aperture on the cord was so junior photographers would learn to use the camera without looking. You could feel for where one was and know exactly what aperture or shutter speed was being used. Having inherited his VA model I’m now incredibly jealous of the upgraded screen on the VB.
Nice comparison of two equally capable cameras. Thanks!
Peters Photography Thanks Peters, I had fun making it and learned a few things in the process.
I really enjoyed this video. You made sense, had a point, and presented your opinions in a logical manner. These things are sadly lacking on many YT videos. Thanks.
Btw, I have a few Rolleiflexes and I will toss out a slightly different opinion. I think it is wiser to buy a Rolleiflex that has some problems and spend the money saved to have it CLA'd by a known Rolleiflex technician. Anyone can call himself a camera tech and Rolleiflexes really should only be worked on by a knowledgeable person.
Anyway, thanks for the video, Take care.
Ian Butler thanks man I really appreciate that, sometimes I have to dig through tons of RUclips videos and still don't find what I'm looking for. You're right if you can find a flex that just needs basic repairs you can get a deal, sometimes the owner thinks it's a huge problem and it isn't. Hey id I really like to see you do a video review also, it's good to get other viewpoints sometimes. Peace
Ian Butler hello Ian, I'm curious how you came across this video. I'm trying to figure out how the RUclips algorithm thing works.
Ray, I subscribe to a few other RUclipsrs (Peter Elger and The Art of Photography). While watching their videos, your video on the Rolleicord v Rolleiflex came up on the right as a suggested video. The professional quality of the thumbnail and the subject matter being summarized with a few words on the thumbnail made me click on it. The quality of the videography and the content is what caused me to check out your other videos.
Ian Butler thanks man big respect, you wouldn't believe sometimes I'll shoot a take nine times before I get it decent lol and after uploading a video I always see mistakes that flew under my radar so every subsequent video I try to tighten it up. Good looking out
Excellent video. Worthwhile for TLR buyers. All of them are old and should be serviced by a competent repair facility. Buying one that’s been gone through already excellent advice. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Beautiful cameras, well done review... I have a Mamiya C330, it's heavier and bigger than the rolleis... It's 80/2.8 Mamiya lens is really very good and I have taken lots of photos with it in 20 years... Even used it for some portraits in weddings... But I sure would like to try out a rollei... Hugs from Sicily.
What great presentation. A thorough, comprehensive comparison of those two Rollei's.
Thank you, it took me months to put that together and they deserve nothing less. I got a leica iiif a few months ago and really have not touched medium format since because using fine-grained film like TMax it's incredible the results I'm getting. I hope to do a review of it also. Thanks for passing through
Thank you for this video. I have the Yashica Mat EM and I got it locally in my country of Trinidad and Tobago but the person bought it from KEH and it works perfectly.
Thats legit, Keh is great for old cams. I guessed right your accent is trini
Raychristofer yes you did guess correctly!
@@AnthonyWeekesE1Tech rude bwoy a weh you seh
I had my Rolleiflex MX EVS CLA'd by Harry Fleanor, who resides in California. It was a bit pricy, but he does excellent work. It's working like brand new. From my research, many say he's the best. I highly recommend him.
Hello thank you, yes I heard of him definitely. I think he gave me a 3-month turnaround time when I called.. if you don't mind me asking what was the cost of your CLA and what did it include
Hi Ray, very nice review.The name Sneiders-Kreuznach sounds I from like and the word coint and the letter z sounds like ts, Nach sound like the composer J.S. Bach. Phonetically Snider-Kroitsnag. I hope it will helps you a little bit. I'm Dutch. But speaks German and Dutch.
Hello my brother thanks so much for that technical pronunciation, I would never have gotten it perfect otherwise and im usually good with language. youre in a great part of the world. I love german technology from old times and would love visiting the antique shops there one day.
Thank you, excellent - just the video I was looking for. Finally I understand the difference between the 2 models.
You're welcome Marc I was pulling my hair out trying to find a video that explained it in detail properly. I knew someone out there could benefit from this. Since you're so choked up do me a favor and send me a Hasselblad to do a comparison on lol. Thanks in advance, respect
Great video! Thank you for making it. I have an Minolta Autocord I love. Now I realize I can afford a rollei! Great explanations of the differences. Love your photos too.
Hello thank you I appreciate that. And your Minolta can produce world-class images just like these it's the man behind the wheel that's important
@@Raychristofer Absolutely.
Thank you, Ray!!! Excellent! I was thinking of selling my dad's cord and now maybe not. I have 3 or 4 Nikons from way back when, but I hardly ever used this one. I have a scanner for the negs and 35mm slides I'd kept and use every once in a while. Where are you buying the film and getting it processed?????? That's pretty hard even here in Chicago.
I just realized I asked you where you're from in another post so ignore that lol. Yes one bottle of developer for about $16 can last me eight months. but yes if you're shooting lots of film the price can definitely add up last year when covid hit I cut back a lot. Look at my last video or latest video on this channel it's a trailer for a tutorial I'm working on how to shoot dark room paper you're going to see some nice images I was able to get but they do have a slightly different look than film
That's how a great manufacturer does an "entry-level" offering. Taking away some features which are either just nice to have or geared towards demanding professionals, leaving the core capabilities intact. Surely some of the 'flex sport more premium lenses, but the ones on the 'cords are great lenses in their own right, and they deliver every bit the user needs.
great video, thanks for all the info! i got 2 rolleicords (a II and a V) from someone in my family and i was a bit sad they were not rolleiflexes, but now after watching your video i am quite happy with them! :D
i love photography, but i havent used a film camera since i was a kid, so its exciting. i ordered some film today! :)
Hello that's awesome man you're welcome to the channel. If there's anything I can do to help you just ask. Feel free to look at some of my film reviews also. Where are you from?
@@Raychristofer hey thanks, i will check out your channel for sure! i live in berlin, germany.
Hello Ray Christopher. Well done. It realy enjoyed to see a video from you.
The fotos you have taken are great. Best regards, Greg from analoginsight
Hello cousin Greg thanks for taking the time to visit my channel, one thing I learned that you and Max do is the importance of trying to be detailed and entertaining as possible. I'm actually shooting a leica 3F for about 3 months now and haven't touched my medium formats since. I want to do a review of it but you guys didn't leave any wiggle room for me LOL
Very nice comparison and review…I have a Yashica Mat 124G but want one of the German ones…based on your assessment I think I’m inclined for the Rolleicord! Thanks for sharing and be safe… Cheers..
This is a great video. You explain the differences extremely well. I have a Rolleiflex on the way from KEH. I spent a little more than maybe I would have from the auction site, but if was worth it to me, as I want a camera that works well. Thank you for this video.
I liked you review and love the Rollei. I have a couple of flexes and cords myself.
But, I have found, although a little heaver, the Mamiya TLR is every bit as impressive, as far as photo quality. It has the advantage of interchangeable lenses. Don't sleep on the Mamiya TLR.
Hello thanks so much. Yes the Mamiya tlr is the pinnacle of tlr tech. I have a Mamiya m645 slr and the image quality is so perfect I almost stop shooting it because it reminds me of digital lol. Respect
A very informative video. Although I own neither camera, I do have a Yashicamat 124, and it is interesting see how these two cameras compare to the Yashica.
Hello rook thanks so much I had a good time putting this together as I love both cameras. I want up selling the rolleiflex on eBay because of the shutter issue but I have since gotten a Mamiya m645 reflex camera and I love it so much I haven't touched the Rollie in a few weeks. I fully intend to do a review comparing both of them but that video might take a month or two for me to get around to putting together. feel free to share some of your images with me if you have an online album I like to see what others are doing.
*I can not thank you enough for this video. I saw few TLR's which had the wordings "CLA'd" on them and now you have cleared my doubt. I wanted to purchase a Rolleiflex 2.8F but they are way above my budget. Therefore, I might get a Yashica Mat 124 G which I initially liked. Hope it's not that bad. Respect*
Thank you for those explanations. You have a wonderfull family.
Hello thank you that means a lot. Feel free to check out my film reviews also if you're interested
My second serious camera was a Rolleicord V, which is more basic than the later Vb model. I bought a Rolleiflex in the 1970's from a reputable Shutterbug Ads seller and stumbled with the "feed the film leader INTO the first set of rollers" step. (I wound the 120 roll through the camera without stopping at the first frame.;) I still have the Rolleicord, which went through an epic CLA and had a much better focusing screen installed.
Cool man. I need a sharper screen also. What model screen do you recommend
It's been decades since the Rolleicord V was sent to what was then an official Rollei service center. The focusing screen was plastic, with fine fresnel lines and a split image focusing spot st the center. It made focusing a "bang-on" turn of the focusing knob instead of a "is it sharp?" back-and-forth hunt.
What an amazing informative and helpful video. You have such a calm and natural way of explaining things so I really appreciate your work. :) Ps: you've got a great voice - looking forward to more videos!
Thanks so much Hilde, what country are you from and what cameras are you shooting?
Hi Ray, Enjoyed watching your video. Well done.
Thanks for watching
Awesome video! Great shots and super informative!
Thanks so much, yes I dont mess around with my camera reviews. glad it was helpful.
Very informative, simple, and straight-forward. :) Thanks, learned a lot about the Rolleis!
Yes sir thanks. When you get one don't forget to share your results
Very well presented video. I’d say the best one that I’ve seen! Thank you. I’m going for the Rolleiflex.
Really to purchase one and you have really helped me become more informed. Not sure which one though. After seeing this I want both. Great video. Thank you!
Thank you Randy. Buy the best one you can afford. They both make great images
Excellent well thought out video with lots of valuable information. I've had both types and for some reason don't anymore. But I do have a few Yashicas that I'm very happy with and got them for very little money. I first got a Yashika A TLR. Really simple, easy to use little camera. Then I got a Yashica D off EBay that had a stuck on Bulb shutter. Getting repaired as we speak. Got another D on EBay that works perfect and I like it so much that I decided to get the other one fixed. I find I prefer the knob winders much more than the crank wonders myself. I will get another VB one of these days but people should be told how great the Yashicas are too. So affordable and really great little cameras. I like the D more than the 124 G to be honest and my working great one cost me about $100 ! I have more fun with TLR's than any other medium format camera and I have a few other types too ! Keep up the good work sir , LarryMac
Thanks for that info my man yes they are amazing what can be done with them. About three months ago I got a Leica iiif and when I use fine-grained film like tmax100 it's hard to tell the difference with some medium format. If you love the yashicas and you're bad you ought to put together a review like this yourself. No pressha
@@Raychristofer , I also just got a IIIF ST and am loving it. Got a 50 mm f3.5 Elmar and a 135 mm f4.5 Hektor and a 90mm Hektor coming soon. Looking for a 35mm too, that's my favorite lens right now. LarryMac
@@larrymccormick3226 your a baller and shot caller lol
Nice video Keep up the good work. I have a basic Rolleicord I got off ebay I got lucky it still worked. I love it.
Word up Keith thats awesome, not having to bother with CLA is a plus. let me know how you get on with it.
getting my very first TLR which is the Rolleicord tomo. well explained in the video. I got all the infos I need .great job.
Awesome man let me know how you get on with it
Thank you for this great summary. I learned a ton of things I didnt know
Word up Stewart, now go forth and conquer your photographic destiny. Respect
Excellent video man, answered all my questions between the two, thanks
Hey thanks man I appreciate that. sometimes I pull my hair out when I watch RUclips reviews and they leave out important things or assume you know, I try not to annoy people like that with my videos. I'm curious how did you come across this video, I notice it's finally ranking on Google also
Raychristofer yeah man, you put out a quality video and I enjoyed it on my commute to school. I came across your video while searching for a comparison of the two cameras because I had a guy in the local area selling a ‘cord and wanted to know what I may be missing out on if I went with that instead of the ‘flex. I believe your video popped up in the top 3 while searching for flex vs cord
@@s.j.249 the coincidences I haven't shot the cord in about 4 months but I happen to have it with me in Miami Beach today and I'm shooting some black-and-white . I never thought I would say this but it's refreshing to only have 12 frames instead of 36
Raychristofer I think I’ll feel the same, really makes you want to make all 12 frames count, I feel like at the end of my 36 rolls I end up just shooting anything just to finish the roll
Thanks for the video, really great work! Only thing I might have missed is the exposure meter. I read the flex has one and the cord doesn‘t - that‘s the only reason keeping me from the cord tbh!
Hello thanks. Most flexes don't have built in meters, it was optional on some models.i use a handheld vintage meter. To find one with a working meter will cost quite more
Raychristofer oh cool, there goes my last reason not to buy a rolleicord, guess I‘ll have to go shopping soon :D thanks again! :)
I have no interest in medium format photography, but your presentation was very interesting and informative that I watched the whole thing, great video!
Hello Vera thanks for watching to the end rhat is a great compliment lol. How did you come across my video? RUclips recommendations is hard to figure out I noticed.
@@Raychristofer Ah, most likely because I was looking into the Helios lens to adapt to my Sony E-mount, after watching a few videos about that lens RUclips recommended this. I didn't really know anything about TLR cameras before today.
@@verablack3137 I don't know if you stumbled on it but I did a thorough review of the Helios lens on my channel also. I highly recommend you use a focal reducer for your crop sensor Sony to get the most out of the he Wheels. This is a review I did of how focal reducers work if you haven't heard of them before. Let me know what you think. ruclips.net/video/q8PmStB3Rbs/видео.html
Great video, sir! I’m looking forward to my first medium format camera, and this vid will help!
Awesome man. Yes tlr is a special thing to use
A beautifully shot and informative video. Thanks so much.
Nicely shot video and good information. Thanks.
Thanks so much my man. Really appreciate that.
The rollers which sense the beginning of your film roll and automatically set the frame counter is the most troublesome mechanical feature of the Rolleiflex, as they get out of adjustment and fail to set the frame counter. When Rollei stopped regular manufacture of the "Flex and went to $4000 limited production models, they dropped this auto-start feature and started using the manual endex starting like the Rolleicord. Although outside the scope of this video, the Minolta Autocord is like a Rolleicord, but adds most of the upgraded controls and features found on the Rolleiflex.
Randall Stewart Hello Randall thanks bro I appreciate that tech and historic info. I didn't know the new ones dropped it you're the type of viewer I need more of. Respect. What film cameras do you use now?
After 55 years in film photography, the volume of my use is much reduced these days. However, when the 35mm spirit moves me, I use a Nikon F100 or a Contax T2 (bought long before the current nutty craze for same). Mostly I use Pentax 67 system with a newly added Fuji GA645Zi for when the weight of the Pentax 67 overcomes my 71 years. Oddly, I've never owned a Rollei TLR but collected a fair number of other brands of TLR.
Randall Stewart Randall you've seen a lot. From what I see a good photo is a good photo and many of the classic black and white images from the greats could not have been done better with a modern camera in my opinion.
Randall Stewart can you help me understand something. When I scan my negatives I edit each one individually with time and the care. My question is in 1970 when you took a roll of black and white film to a lab how did they develop each photo individually for example if one was Overexposed and one was under. Did they treat each image differently or did they just run it through a machine? I get the feeling being able to manipulate a negative did you tell me it's a big part of what makes film photography comeback so strong
In 1970, a local camera store or Walmart-type drop would pass the film to a local lab, which would batch process same type films in some type of automatic processor, always using the same developer for everything. The dried film was fed through a printer, sort of an automatic enlarger set to print the whole roll to fixed sized prints, Printing time for each print was controlled by a light meter reading each negative before it was printed. Prints were usually made on rolls of paper, maybe 5" by 300 feet long, then the strip of prints went though an automatic paper processor, then cut into individual prints as the finished strip came out of the processor.
What I said aside, the message I meant to convey was my opinion that a significant part of the renewed interest in film is based on being able to shoot film, have it processed in a lab or DIY, then scan the negatives to digital processing, as opposed to having to equip a full darkroom and get involved with the alchemisty and secret ways of wet print making, whether B&W or color. My personal experience is that the accumulated cost and time spend learning and doing digital printing is almost as burdensome as the same for wet darkroom processing, at least as to B&W. If you wanted an enlargement of a given print, or some modifications to the image, the negative went back to the lab for custom printing by a professional printer, done much like you'd do it in a home darkroom.
Excellent video! I love my Rolleicord III.
Hey thanks much bro
Oh snap. I gotta collection of these back home inTx.
SeargentMcWoof do it poppa, they're not cheap as chips but a boss as yourself will have no prob lol.
Very humble review. Loved it!
Manny Calavera thanks Manny. Word up I'm surprised there aren't more detailed review comparisons of these. You make one next and we will have the market cornered
I'm not nearly as experienced as you, I've only entered the analog market since late 2016, but more into the niche corner with weird cameras ;)
Manny Calavera I need to know everything you're into, I love weird cameras. That's the perfect RUclips channel subject if you were going to create your own. Send me a link to some of your work please
Great video as usual but sadly it gave me sellers remorse, I had a Mamiya C330 and a yashica 124G but at one point or another I sold them probably to buy something else most likely my Pentax 645n !!
dont worry bro theres many out there to buy again, I had to buy 4 leica iiif to find one that works well
Excellent answered a lot of question,s you dont get from other vid,s .
Where it up Kirby, that's my whole reason for shooting this video I was pulling my hair out trying to find out different things about this camera. But sometime in the future I will be doing a comparison with the tlr verses and SLR medium format, I've been shooting a Mamiya 645 and I actually haven't touched the rolleicord in a few months
Nice review. You did not mention three awsome features the Rolleicord has over the Rolleiflex. 1. you can do double exposures 2. on the fucus wheel the Rolleicord shows you ALL the values of F stops while the rolleiflex skips them and 3. The Rolleicord is lighter, not noticable inmediatly but at the end of a days shooting and carrying it around
What camera did Vivian Maier use? She is so big here in Chicago. Beyond anything!!!!!
Hello she used many different cameras and rolleis but she is best known for the flex
The Xenar lens is the only lens ever used in the Rolleicord. The Rolleiflex shown here, also with Xenar, is relatively uncommon, the more common version using a Zeiss Tessar. The Tessar and Xenar are practically identical optically. While other Rolleiflex models use more complex (and "better") lenses, even an expert would be hard pressed to tell the difference between prints. The "auto-start" film sensing rollers are the number one source of problems which compel a trip to the repair shop, not really an advantage. Nice coverage of these cameras.
Hey Randall thanks for that technical expertise, always good to have a viewer who knows something about the subject. About four months ago I got a like a Leica iiif and I realize when I shoot it with Kodak TMax and the 50 MM Summitar sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between that and my medium format cameras. For portraits , in fact I prefer it because I can get more of that film grain. Thanks for stopping by
Yes in my 'cord the film counting roller is totally non functional. Luckily I can simply use the red window to advance the film. Also my one is much older than the one in this comparison. It does not have linked shutter/aperture and can not take filters.
@@dlarge6502 thanks man. I find that even the oldest versions can take world class images.
@@Raychristofer I just double checked. Mine is a 1a Model 3 built between 1938-47 and probably the beginning of that period due to the serial number. I also fixed my frame counter. Turns out it was just halfway through a counter "reset" procedure so I just needed to press the button, that i didn't know was a button, in the centre of the advance knob!
Its mirror is really bad so needs replacing. Otherwise its all working fine and currently has some FP4 in it (with a few double exposures due to me forgetting to wind on lol). I have no idea if its ever had a CLA but seeing as I have so many old cameras with the compur shutter like this one I may just learn to CLA them myself.
@@dlarge6502 that's a good idea man, I heard that shutter is a good starting point to learn other shutters. My slow speeds are starting to drag also
Great Video and photos, always had liked these cameras thank you.
LOL you're welcome I love them too. I'm actually shooting cyanotypes in the cord now. It's a great way to enjoy using the cameras without having to buy film.
@@Raychristofer that's sounds interesting. Great instagram account
@@jaysphotographytearound2239 thanks for checking it out. I just figured how to add my social media links here. Let me know if you get a medium format.
You take very good pictures! I love them all.
Hey man, I got a Rolleicord VB, I think it's the same as yours, I'm taking the first roll now, the viewfinder is amazing, but now I have a problem with the focusing knob, it's loose, it turns freely. I tried to fix it, it looks simple, the brass screw in the focus knob is loose, I tightened the screw, and I can move the lens out to focus the closest things, but I can not move it back to the end, to reach the infinity. Do you have any idea about this? Thanks!
Hey man repairing these things is something I don't know anything about. When I got my rolleicord from KEH the self-timer was frozen solid and wouldn't turn fortunately I bought it from KEH and when I told them about it they sent me a return label to mail it back and they fixed it and also did a clean lube and adjustment. Where did you buy it from and was there anything in the description describing its condition? If you're able to return it I suggest do that or otherwise look up a vintage camera repair service. One thing you can do is shoot a short video showing the problem and upload it to a Facebook group for rolleiflex and rolleicord now that I think of it there is a Facebook vintage camera repair group you could reach out to also.
@@Raychristofer I bought it from a photographer, it was good when I got it, I'll search the Facebook group first, or find Sb to fix it, I don't think it's a big problem. Thank you!
Well done. However, you should please point out that your Rolleiflex is a slightly older model that your Rolleicord, just a couple of years later Rolleiflex ended up with the same removable hood and its advantages. They are both great cameras it’s a matter of saving a couple of Dollars. If you can afford the difference I still say go for the Rolleiflex.
Happy 4th of July to my American friend. Stay safe and cool!
Thank you. And it's the hottest I've felt it here it's like something is happening globally
The colours on the video are great
Hello thanks so much. I'm using the Panasonic G7 standard picture profile . In my opinion it doesn't need any color grading. Good looking out
I bought my Rolleicord Vb I from KEH several months ago, and I love this camera. Surprisingly, I got used to manually cocking the shutter rather quickly. It's worth noting that, if you're not into the shutter firing mechanism, you can buy a threaded shutter release. The receptacle is (facing the lens) between the shutter cocking lever and the lever for adjusting the shutter speed.
Hello Michael, yeah KEH is legit. my self timer wasnt working when i got it they apologized, fixed the timer and did a full CLA before returning. that shutter button is hard to find , its usually about 50 bucks. had fun making this, ill try to put together a KEH vs Ebay vid some time in the future
I have several Rolleiflexes and Rolleicords from different time periods, and as you say, it's easy to get used to how they work. I can use a late Rolleiflex one day and an early Rolleicord the next without even thinking about the differencies. It becomes second nature pretty quickly.
spajdude yeah man. And you know what else, I started shooting 35mm film in the roli cord but not using the adapter just putting it in. So I can get the widescreen sprocket look. The cord is more conducive to that because there are larger gaps between each frame and with the cord I can crank it partially and use the double exposure liver 2 add more shots per frame since my Flex broke down I don't miss it at all though it feels heavy now when I pick it up LOL. Check out this image on my Flickr.
flic.kr/p/24M7Ewp
Nice shot! And the sprocket holes makes sure that everyone knows it's FILM! :-D And I agree with you again, the Rolleicord models are lighter and easier to carry. I sometimes use the really early Rolleiflexes because they weigh a lot less than the late models. 80 year old cameras still working fine.
Raychristofer very nice shots 👍
Excellent video Ray!!! Thank you for sharing your experiences and beautiful pictures!!!
Do you print your pictures or scan it? I have a Rolleiflex. I bought it to a camera technician friend of mine and till today It produce a gorgeous pictures!!! Thank you again!!!
Hello Jose thanks so much im glad this was helpful. its cool that google is actually ranking this video highly. I scan with an epson v600 as well as develop myself.
@@Raychristofer Thank you for answer!!!
Awesome job buddy ,great video ,thank you kindly for sharing your experience .
Hello thanks so much, I always try to be as informative as possible, glad it helped, feel free to check out my film stock reviews also.
I sell "untested" vintage electronics and it's worth noting that there are collectors who buy them for display and with no intention of using them. Untested is just another way of saying it's most likely faulty but worth testing yourself if you have experience or resources to do so.
What's up Owen. Yes that's for sure using them as display. What kind of store do you use to sell?
EXCELENTE!! Explicação e comparação perfeitas. Perfeito!
Thank you so much. Glad it was helpful
@@Raychristofer And you do it with art. Maravilhoso!
@@fernandocorreia163 hey thank you again. what kind of camera are you shooting and feel free to share your images, I like to see what others are doing
Very good review and very pleasent to watch
Awesome thanks
Have u considered the Yashica 120? What film are you using for the camera?
Bert Z hello you mean the yashica mat? Yes I've seen that camera and a lot of people love it, one thing I notice about its images that I don't like is in backlight situations there is a glow almost like the coding is not resisting flare as well as I would like. I think the Minolta Auto cord is a model I would try. I used a lot of Fuji acros but they're discontinuing it in October so I'm going to stop buying it I've been using ultrafine Xtreme which is one of the lowest price films out there. I prefer portra 400s looks to 160 and now I'm testing out some tri x. feel free to chack out my rollei album here. what do you shoot with? flic.kr/s/aHsmdcTHPw
I am going to Las Vegas in few weeks hope to go to death valley and shoot using my Yashica mat 120 G with some Ilford 120. I bought some 100 and 50, I will see how it goes. I just recently found you channel. Keep up the good work and more camera review and if you can some film review.
Thanks man i appreciate the encouragement, I hope to review Ultrafine Xtreme and Acros in the future. youre smart to purchase ISO 50 film because its tough in bright midday when youre trying to use smaller aperatures and blur the background. its always a good idea to bring your digital cam also they say use the right tool for the job. good lookin out