Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/03/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> Tony Salce: >>I came across a lovely Rolleiflex 3.5F for a very reasonable priceand am >>thinking of purchasing it.. I've not used medium format before and I'm >>wondering whether users of Medium Format on this lsit could comment about >>the pros and cons of having a 35mm system and a medium format system. > >>I do not plan doing big enlargements and perhaps that is one of the primary >>reasons for getting into medium format. Some would argue however that with >>the quality of leica lenses you do not require medium format. Having said >>that square photos have some appeal. > > Here's my 2cents: > > I often print 6x6cm negatives full-frame onto 7x7in squares on a piece > of 8x10in paper, and in my belief the medium format tonality shines > through even on these small enlargements. > > Of course if you want to put the camera on a tripod, and shoot 100 Delta > or some other fine-grained film, then you can make outstanding enlargements. > (and whoever says that Leica lenses are equivalent to medium format is > engaging in an exercise of wishful thinking) > > A Rollei TLR is QUIETER than a Leica, and the right-angle viewing probably > makes it more discreet as well. > > A Rollei in its everready case is a true traveller's camera: the case > flips open very easily for use, but it also affords a lot of protection > against bumps and scrapes. When I'm on the road this is often the only > camera I bring. > > I'm trying to think of downsides to the TLR, but it's hard: obviously, > there are no interchangable lenses. The shutter is vibration-free, but > it's tricky to hand-hold the camera at waist-level for "available light" > shots -- perhaps a prism would make things easier here. > > Buy it! > > Byron. > 30 years ago when I was photographing motorsports for a living naturally I like everybody else used Nikon F's (no auto-focus or motor drive). I had a bet with a fellow staffer that I would cover the weekend with a TLR. Of course I was the butt of many jokes at the racetrack, but I had the cover shot for the next issue. hmmmmm maybe I will look around for another TLR. Steve Annapolis