.. skipped the 2 & 1/4 Format myself.. a pal had this camera but soon ‘had a Blad’.. never liked the ‘somewhat square’ for composition.. yet in the hands of the ‘masters’ those cameras captured so much of our ‘Visual History it’s astonishing.. as are the images themselves !
I love TLRs and had 2 Mamiya C330 bodies and 2 sets of lenses that I have shot for many years. They are really fun. I always used 400 speed film, or faster, in them because without a tripod, looking down through the top viewfinder makes it hard for me to keep the camera still.
I love TLRs! I have a Yashica MAT-EM and a Rolleicord IV. The Rolleicord is the less expensive sibling of the Rolleiflex, but still a great camera. They are great fun to use, though they do take getting used to. And you also have to get used to them attracting a lot of attention and curious comments.
I can' t even dream of owning one of these. Living in Brazil, these are very expensive. But, I do own a TLR: my mom's old camera, a Yashica D, which my dad gifted her in 1967. This camera was "abandoned" in the 80's. A few years ago, while visiting them, I got it and put it to use.
My film supplier has a nice stock of expired films, both color and b&w, and the results have been quite good. But it is about time I send it to specialists, for a good servicing. I wrote about it on this one: https://wcassiano.substack.com/p/story-behind-the-photo
Had a yashicamat, loved it. Also had a Mamiya universal press. Those were the days. 6x9 magazines. Used fugichrome to do large cibachrome prints. Starting to 😢.
I have a Graflex Miniature Speed Graphic, from the mid 40's, that's in perfect condition. I am tempted to find some plate film and shoot with it. I would need to read up on it's operation, but I would enjoy shooting it. I have also recently seen some interesting videos on Platinum Palladium prints, and I would love to shoot a medium format frame for something like that.
Oh, ok I got a M mount Zeiss (new) and it ended getting focusing ring locked in three or four years. Disgusting. Great brand indeed but out of my shopping list
I have seen the automat mentioned sometimes in descriptions, but usually this camera was titled as a 3.5 K4. I have never seen it referred to as a 6X6, although I know why it would be. Thank you for the reference link, it’s very comprehensive.
There are many similar models, it was hard for me to get what’s mine. I think all of them are in that link, perhaps there are some other name references. You’re welcome
As much as I love my Bronny ETRSi, there's a part of me that hankers for another tlr, especially Rolleiflex, though if a Yashicamat in fine fettle came along at the right price....
.. skipped the 2 & 1/4 Format myself.. a pal had this camera but soon ‘had a Blad’.. never liked the ‘somewhat square’ for composition.. yet in the hands of the ‘masters’ those cameras captured so much of our ‘Visual History it’s astonishing.. as are the images themselves !
I love TLRs and had 2 Mamiya C330 bodies and 2 sets of lenses that I have shot for many years. They are really fun. I always used 400 speed film, or faster, in them because without a tripod, looking down through the top viewfinder makes it hard for me to keep the camera still.
I would not mind a Mama, at all! I can understand about needing to use faster film with a TLR.
Especially true with the zoom (180mm) lens set. I almost always ended up using those on a tripod to keep the images sharp.
Damned auto-correct! MAMIYA!!!
I love TLRs! I have a Yashica MAT-EM and a Rolleicord IV. The Rolleicord is the less expensive sibling of the Rolleiflex, but still a great camera. They are great fun to use, though they do take getting used to. And you also have to get used to them attracting a lot of attention and curious comments.
Two fun cameras!
I can' t even dream of owning one of these. Living in Brazil, these are very expensive. But, I do own a TLR: my mom's old camera, a Yashica D, which my dad gifted her in 1967. This camera was "abandoned" in the 80's. A few years ago, while visiting them, I got it and put it to use.
My film supplier has a nice stock of expired films, both color and b&w, and the results have been quite good. But it is about time I send it to specialists, for a good servicing. I wrote about it on this one: https://wcassiano.substack.com/p/story-behind-the-photo
For the most part, the prospect of owning a Rolleiflex, in good condition, is beyond my means as well. I do like the Yashica’s too.
I have never done much shooting with expired film, though that is quite the thing these days. If I ever shot with expired film, it was by accident.
I used to have a camera like this. Someone stole it.
Damn!
Had a yashicamat, loved it. Also had a Mamiya universal press. Those were the days. 6x9 magazines. Used fugichrome to do large cibachrome prints. Starting to 😢.
I have a Graflex Miniature Speed Graphic, from the mid 40's, that's in perfect condition. I am tempted to find some plate film and shoot with it. I would need to read up on it's operation, but I would enjoy shooting it. I have also recently seen some interesting videos on Platinum Palladium prints, and I would love to shoot a medium format frame for something like that.
Keep the photos coming. Saw the pic of Bronica on tripod by one of your followers that was great too.
Thanks, Richard. I am working on a post right now. It should be up soon.
My first camera was an Argus C33, f3.5 lens. The Bakelite Box.
Fascinating. Really forward thinking for that time. I recall we had a Kodak with a light bulb in it. Yes, I could see you in Paris using it.
Property called Rolleiflex Automat 6x6 - Model K4B. I have a Model 2 = K4B, recently passing CLA and working really fine now.
http://rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/info/all_TLR.shtml
Also, George… as a side note. I used my Zeiss lens to shoot this Rollie’s Zeiss lens. It seemed fitting.
Fit on the bayonet you mean?
No, I use a modern Canon at work, but my lens for close work is my Zeiss 100mm.
Oh, ok I got a M mount Zeiss (new) and it ended getting focusing ring locked in three or four years. Disgusting. Great brand indeed but out of my shopping list
Sorry to hear that. Mine has been the best lens I’ve ever had.
Mine the worst, and expensive
I have seen the automat mentioned sometimes in descriptions, but usually this camera was titled as a 3.5 K4. I have never seen it referred to as a 6X6, although I know why it would be. Thank you for the reference link, it’s very comprehensive.
There are many similar models, it was hard for me to get what’s mine. I think all of them are in that link, perhaps there are some other name references. You’re welcome
As much as I love my Bronny ETRSi, there's a part of me that hankers for another tlr, especially Rolleiflex, though if a Yashicamat in fine fettle came along at the right price....
I could happily shoot a Yashicamat.
Imagine how cool you'd look using it now! :)
Damn straight!