Comparative Chart of Rolleiflex Twin-Lens Cameras
via Comparative Chart of Rolleiflex Twin-Lens Cameras.
| Model Features | Rolleicord Va / Vb | Rolleiflex T | Rolleiflex 3.5 F / 2.8 F | Rolleiflex 2.8 GX / 2.8 FX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| years of fabrication | from 1957 to 1977 | from 1958 to 1976 | from 1958 to 1981 | 1987-2002 / 2001- |
| film format | 120 and 135 (Rolleikin) | 120 and 135 (Rolleikin) | 120, 220 and 135 (Rolleikin) | 120 |
| images on 120/220 rollfilm | 12 frames 6×6, 16 frames 4.5×6 or 24 frames 28mmx40mm (120) |
12 frames 6×6 or 16 frames 4,5×6 (120) |
12 frames 6×6 (120) or 24 frames 6×6 (220) |
12 frames 6×6 (120) |
| adaptor back for 6,5×9 plates and cut-film | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Zeiss Optics (taking lens) | no | Tessar 3.5 / 75 mm 4 elements 3 groups |
3.5 F: Planar 3.5 / 75 mm 5 or 6 elements 4 groups |
Planar 2.8 / 80 mm 5 elements in 4 groups, made by Rollei under Zeiss license |
| 2.8 F: Planar 2.8 / 80 mm 5 elements 4 groups |
||||
| Schneider Optics (taking lens) | Xenar 3.5 / 75 mm 4 elements 3 groups |
Xenar (rare) 3.5 / 75 mm 4 elements 3 groups | 3.5 F : Xenotar 3.5 / 75 mm 5 or 6 elements 4 groups | no |
| 2.8 F : Xenotar 2.8 / 80 mm 5 elements 4 groups | ||||
| viewing lens | Heidoscop 3,2 / 75 mm 3 elements | Heidosmat 2.8 / 75 mm 3 elements | Heidosmat 2.8 / 75 mm or 2.8 / 80 mm 3 elements | Heidosmat 2.8 / 80 mm 3 elements |
| standard focusing hood | folding hood, 2.5X lupe, ” sport ” viewfinder | folding hood, 2.5X lupe, ” sport ” viewfinder | folding hood, 2.5X lupe, second 4x lupe and second mirror (” sport ” setup) | folding hood, 2.5X lupe , ” sport ” viewfinder |
| optional viewing accessories | Va : fixed hood, Vb : as T-model | removable ground glass, rigid 2.5X hood, 1.5X prism | removable ground glass, rigid 2.5X hood, 1.5X prism | removable ground glass, rigid 2.5X hood, 1.5X prism |
| bayonet mount for filters or close-up lenses (internal) and lens hood (external) | size I | size I | size II (3.5 F), size III (2.8 F) | size III |
| between-lens mechanical leaf shutter | Synchro-Compur size CR00, B – 1s to 1/500s | Synchro-Compur size CR00, B – 1s to 1/500s | Synchro-Compur sizes CR00 or CR0, B – 1s to 1/500s | Synchro-Compur CR0, then Seiko / Copal no 0, B – 1s to 1/500s |
| mechanical self-timer | yes | yes | yes | no |
| standard flash shoe | no | no | no | yes |
| X-synch, electronic flash | all speeds | all speeds | all speeds | all speeds |
| M-synch, flash bulbs | yes (first models only) | yes (first models only) | yes | no |
| first frame film setup | semi-auto, paper arrow <-> red dot | semi-auto, paper arrow <-> red dot | fully automatic, roller-feeler system | semi-auto, paper arrow <-> red dot |
| film advance | winding knob, not coupled to shutter | folding crank, coupled to shutter | folding crank, coupled to shutter | folding crank, coupled to shutter |
| shutter cocking | separate, manually on taking lens | coupled to film advance | coupled to film advance | coupled to film advance |
| safety lock against double exposure | yes, can be switched off | yes | yes, can be switched off | yes, can be switched off |
| speeds and f/stops controls | lever on taking lens, EV coupling | lever on taking lens, EV coupling | front thumb-wheels on side of lenses | front thumb-wheels on side of lenses |
| display of speeds and f/stops | side windows on taking lens | top windows on viewing lens, with printed belts | top windows on viewing lens, with geared engraved rings | top windows on viewing lens, with geared engraved rings |
| built-in exposure meter | no | external un-coupled selenium cell (optional), diffusor for incident light readings | external inter-coupled selenium cell (optional), diffusor for incident light readings | silicon sensor for available light (viewing lens), and TTL flash SCA 300 (metered by reflection off the film) |
| camera works without battery | yes | yes | yes | yes, except exposure meter system |
| weight (without film) | Va 875g, Vb 940g | 1020g | 1220g | 1235g |
Common features:
- twin-lens reflex, 6×6 format on 120/220 rollfilm, non-removable twin-lens panel,
- focusing by translation of the twin-lens panel, controlled by a left-hand focusing knob,
- automatic compensation for parallax by moving frames under the ground glass.
Other twin-lens Rolleiflex models built in the same period:
- Rolleiflex 3.5E / 2.8E, very similar to 3.5 F / 2.8 F, uncoupled optional exposure meter,
- Rolleimagic with battery-less automatic exposure system,
- Tele-Rolleiflex (fixed telephoto lens, 135 mm)
- Wide-Angle Rolleiflex (fixed wide-angle lens, 55 mm)
- ” Baby ” Rolleiflex 4×4 (127 film only)
Common accessories:
- twin lens cap, leather neck strap and leather ever-ready case,
- bayonet filters, close-up twin-lenses with built-in parallax compensation,
- quick-release tripod plate “Rolleifix” (highly recommended)
References:
- “Rollei-Werke, Rollfilmkameras”, Prochnow, Claus, Rollei-Report Volume II (twin-lens Rolleiflex and SL66), ISBN 3-89506-118-2, LINDEMANNS (1994)
- “Rollei-Werke, Rollei Fototechnic 1958 bis 1998”, Prochnow, Claus, Rollei-Report Volume IV (projectors, flashs, 2.8GX), ISBN 3-89506-141-7, LINDEMANNS (1997)
Dual Format TLR
A video review
Back in 1958 Yashica produced what was then the one and only dual format TLR, the Yashica-635, capable of taking both 120 and 35mm. When I saw this camera it was most definitely love at first sight! “I must have this camera!” I exclaimed, I scanned the internet for a complete one since a lot of them unfortunately seemed to be missing the 35mm kit and fount this one with an original case and kit.
The Yashica-635 has an 80mm f/3.5 Yashikor lens although later models had a higher quality Yashinon lens, a Copal MVX shutter and originally came with a 35mm adapter kit so you could shoot either120mm or 35mm film.
The shutter needs to be primed before you can shoot which is done by pushing down the lever on the camers front, this is actually a bonus as it means the shutter is not coupled with the film advance making double exposures quick and easy!
The two discs in between the lens are used to change the f-stop and shutter speed which ranges from Bulb mode to 1/500. I’ve found that the slower shutter speeds on my Yashica can be a little sticky resulting in over exposure, this is likely just this particular camera and could be resolved with a little maintenance. Unless you have a light meter to hand, exposure times are guess work as there isn’t one built into the camera. I use the Sunny 16 Rule as a guide since I don’t have a light meter.
I absolutely love shooting 120 film with this camera, of course its a little slower to operate than an SLR and it can be disorienting looking at the reverse image on the view finder, but in return you get a beautiful 6×6 crisp image and its great for street shooting as people often don’t notice your holding a camera since its shot from waist level.
Shooting 35mm with the Yashica-635 is good for portraits as the film is oriented that way within the camera. The view finder has a marked area so you know what’s going to be in shot since 35mm is a lot thinner than 120. The kit has a mask to give you a 24×36mm image but its also possible to shoot 35mm without using the mask giving you a 60×35mm long image with wonderful sprockety goodness! I used the 35mm holder but left in the 120 take up spool, taped the 35mm on the spool and shot as if it was 120. This advanced the film the correct amount after each shot.
Shooting with this camera really is wonderful and I hope we have many years together.
Review of Light Meters
if you are a TLR lover, you probably own a light exposure meter or you are in the middle of searching for a good meter.
below is a review of some common light meters used in photography
The first light meter to be able to calibrate to your camera settings. A great meter. Cont…
The Sekonic L-358 Flash Master has the perfect blend of excellent features, user-friendly functions and affordability combined in one light meter. Cont…
A Classic designed analogue light meter for battery-free ambient light readings, incident or reflected. Light readings in an inexpensive, compact, design. Cont…
The Gossen Digisix Ultra Compact Digital and Analog Incident and Reflected Light Meter delivers accuracy and reliability in a compact, portable package. Cont…
The Gossen Digipro F is a light meter for measuring ambient and flash light. It will measure in either incident or reflected light modes. The mid-priced meter is great for both the professional photographer and the Cont…
The highly sensitive instruments allow for accurate readings that can assist in fine tuning any photo shoot. Although the Dual 5 is a professional quality tool Cont…
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