TLR Users

Hi, I have just uploaded photos from the battle of Warsaw 1794 Reenactment in 2007, I used Rollei 2.8d (/w Xenotar 80/2.8) loaded with old (19 years after exp. date) Orwo NP15 and NP22, developed in Rodinal 1+35 at 22'C for (respectively) 10 and 12 minutes. Beyond that, I can note that people usually react well on someone approaching them with an old TLR, I had a pleasant talk with the guy on the second picture who had a Lubitel 166 ..then he called up his people to pose

Dennis etc, Mark contacted me before he set up this group, he had originally intended to call it the Rollei users group. I suggested that it should encompass other TLR users as well as it would broaden the potential membership, after all the cameras are all fairly similar, and based on the Rollei concept

Yes Mark, Black on White in Bristol have done an excellent job of servicing my two TLR's, less than a fortnight.
Ian

In the last month or so I've acquired a Mamiya C330. Although its repair history was unknown, with an 80mm (black) lens and 180mm (silver) lens it was $250, which seemed reasonable to me (and it was being sold through a local camera store I love to visit). And, as it turns out, it all works

I tested out the 180mm at a local event - it seems to be good for headshots, but too tight for other portrait work. So, I recently acquired a 135mm (black) for it. Haven't tried it out yet, but it looks good.

So, just wondering what focal lengths/lenses other Mamiya C* users prefer, and if you use each for a specific style/task.

Also, given what other people have recommeded, I'm considering getting a prism finder (not porrofinder), as I've missed some shots already from the WLF perspective.

I've also been testing the close-focussing capabilities - impressive

I had a 55mm for my C33 & C3 it was a great lens very sharp and contrasty, I got used to shooting fast with them and never considered a prism.

Ian

Mabman- The 135 lens pair is an excellent portrait lens, I too have the 180 lenses and as you say is good for tight head shots, but I mostly use the 135, especially in my small studio, or domestic rooms, you just have to be careful not to get dirt into the rear of the taking lens, where the diaphragm is behind the rear element of the lens, and exposed.

I had the 135 and 80 for my 330, the lenses were a lot higher in contrast than my Rollei. My film of the time was NPS 160(late 1980's) if I'd been shooting wedding on Agfa Portrait or Kodak Portra (which I started using later) I may have kept the camera longer.
I really loved the close up facility and for me that's the cameras other main advantage (along with interchangeable lenses)

A question to all Rollei owners.
What strap do you use?
I've seen scissors straps in various different conditions, are they secure?
I've noticed that some people feel that they aren't the best method are their fears founded in realty?
What strap should I buy?
Mark

I can't speak for others with an older Rolleiflex, but the leather strap of my new 2.8FX feels very sturdy and secure and can't imagine it snapping away, although I can understand an old, worn one to be needing a replacement.

I have never had a problem with the scissor part of the strap but some of the straps still around are dodgy looking and would make me nervous. I have a new one and the only problem I have with it is it is narrow but it actually looks more uncomfortable than it is. Straps in general make me nervous as I am awalys afraid I am going to be carrying the camera or taking if off the tripod and loop the strap around something and wrench the camera out of my grip accidentally. I don't use one for that reason and because I nearly always use a tripod. Otherwise a good condition Rollei strap is fine I think.

Dennis
Perhaps you can answer this.
The old Rollei I had had a post on the body of the camera for the scissors to clip on my T doesn't have that.
http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/rollei_e.htm
The above shows the post.
I hate to be a pain, but I don't want to have the CLA then have the camera drop on the floor....

Ok looking at your picture of your T, it looks like you have the kind of strap hanger that uses the alligator type strap. It clips over a "post" that is hidden under that raised chrome part on your camera. The old type strap connected to a post that was a bit below the chrome part, but that didn't use the alligator type clip as I understand it. There is another type of strap end for that.

I used a one with the scissor clips, but the leather of the strap was so worn out that it eventually broke. Now I have a decent strap with the metal rings, it's been working for two years now. it feels pretty safe.

Hi,

I've been using mine in its ever ready case with the leather strap that came with it, which seems to be in pretty good condition, I don't generally tend to use the strap though.

Thanks

Matt

Mark
With the 55mm lens to can focus down to about 9 1/2 inches without any accessories.

Hi,

Would anybody happen to know what could have made this occur:

http://www.apug.org/forums/members/m...uble-image.jpg

It was the first photograph of a roll of kodak from my Rolleiflex, could it have been the processing (I sent it off) or something I did when I loaded the film?

Many thanks,

Matt

Is this the sort of thing I need?
http://www.mwclassic.com/acatalog/42744L.jpg
I'd rather pay a load of cash than have my T drop on the floor....
Some of the worn straps I've seen cost nearly as much as a CLA!!!
Thanks
Mark

Matt looks like a double image, I don't think it's processing- did you hit a double exposure button?
How do the rest of the roll look?
My first film had a wind fault where the wind-on tripped the shutter- thats why I had a CLA.
These camera are 40-50 years old.
Mark

Hi,

Thanks, I don't think I did but I may have as I'm not sure where it is! The rest of the film was fine, that was the only one that came out like that, I've shot about 8 films through it now and they all have been fine. Maybe its time I get a CLA done.

With regards to the strap that looks exactly like the one on the every ready case I have.

Thanks

Matt

Yes Mark, that is the kind you need. You can still get them new but they are quite a lot of money like 80 or 95 USD so don't pay that much for a used one.

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/product...LR-Accessories

If you scroll down on this page a ways you come to the strap for an FX and it is 47 pounds new.. so I think that is about 90 or so USD. It is black instead of the old brown.
Dennis