Rolleiflex 2.8 FX Medium Format TLR

The Rolleiflex 2.8 FX Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex camera is an intriguing tool – a long list of inspiring and master photographers considered it one of their favorites. Some famous Rolleiflex camera users include Richard Avedon, Robert Doisneau, Diane Arbus, and Vivian Maier, among others.

This was my first time using the Rolleiflex and thus, the review below is geared towards beginner Rolleiflex users.

1) Product Specifications

• Camera Type: Manual focus, leaf shutter, Twin Lens Reflex (TLR)
• Format: 6 x 6cm
• Film Back/Loading: Standard manual loading, match arrows, close back and wind to first frame
• Film Type: 120 film ONLY: 6 x 6 (12 frames)
• Lens/Mount: Built-in 80mm f/2.8 Rollei Planar HFT; Equivalent to a 52mm lens in the 35mm format; Angle of view = 53 degrees; Bay III filter mount size
• Shutter: Seiko mechanical lens shutter; Shutter speeds 1 sec. to 1/500th and B
• Shutter Release: Lock-able button release on camera body lower front; Accepts standard mechanical cable release
• Self Timer: Not Applicable
• Flash Synchronization: Flash synchronization possible at all shutter speeds; Standard PC connection for electronic flash connection on camera body lower front; TTL flash dedicated hot shoe on camera body lower side; TTL/OTF flash metering possible with SCA compatible flash units when used with optional SCA356 adapter
• Mirror Lock-Up: Not Applicable
• Exposure Metering: TTL center-weighted manual exposure; Metering range EV 3-18
• Exposure Bracketing: Not Applicable
• Exposure Compensation: Possible for TTL flash via ISO setting dial
• Depth-of-Field Preview: Not Applicable
• Viewfinder: Folding viewfinder hood is supplied as standard and is interchangeable with optional 45 degree and 90 degree prism finders. Parallax compensation corresponding to distance set. Interchangeable standard focusing screen is a split-image/micro prism type with grid-lines. Note: This camera uses the same focusing screens as the 6000 series Rollei models.
• Viewfinder Info: Metering indication by five LED’s
• Film Transport: Permanent manual film winding crank located on camera body side which simultaneously advances the film and cocks the shutter.
• Multiple Exposure: Yes
• Focusing System: Manual with rotating knob on camera body side; Minimum focusing distance = 1m (3.3 feet). This camera includes a gold-plated Rolleinar II close-up lens set. The Rolleinar II set is only available with this 75th Anniversary model. Optional Rolleinar I close-up lens set #ROR1SB3 allows for focusing at distances from 39 1/2 to 17 3/4″ (100 to 45cm).
• Power Source: PX28 type 6V silver oxide or lithium battery. Battery powers light meter only
• Tripod Mount: 1/4″ standard socket with integral mounting plate for rapid mounting with the optional Rolleifix quick-release tripod mount #96548
• Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.3 x 4.25″ (147 x 109 x 108mm) HWD
• Weight: 1.275kg (45 oz)

2) Initial Impressions

As soon as I received this camera, the first thing I did was read the manual and load the film. The instruction manual was not as descriptive as I would have preferred.  Instead, I googled “how to load film in the Rolleiflex” and came across numerous youtube videos which solved my confusion.  I was able to get the film loaded rather easily after watching a few video tutorials.

All the images from this camera are shot on 120 medium format film.  The negative is 6 x 6, which means that all the images from this camera will be square format.

After loading the film, I then started looking through the viewfinder.

The Rolleiflex has a waist level viewfinder.  This means that images are viewed by holding the camera at your waist, and looking into the viewfinder from above.  The viewfinder image is seen upright, however the image is reversed left to right.  What you view is actually the reverse of what is in front of you, which can make things a bit more difficult if you are not used to that sort of viewfinder.  I spent 20 minutes just composing images around my office without even taking a picture, trying to get used to this foreign way of looking through the viewfinder.

Below: A view from above looking into the viewfinder while the camera is pointed out a window.  You can see the image is upright, however the image is reversed left to right.

The camera feels somewhat heavy– it weighs close to 3 pounds.  A camera strap is useful since the camera is heavy, but I wasn’t impressed with the camera strap that comes with this camera.  While it attaches very easily to the camera, the material feels cheap.  But, this is not a deal breaker for me– camera straps are easy to replace and there are many good options on the market as a replacement.

I also tested the focus before I started shooting any frames.  I found it difficult to feel confident about focusing without using the magnifying piece. All of the images that I shot were with the the magnifying piece.

While I used the battery (it was easy to install) it is only necessary if you are planning to use the light meter.  If the battery dies while you are on a shoot, you can use an external meter or the Sunny 16 rule to meter, and you can keep shooting. I do like that feature!

3) Usage

After spending an hour and a half to two hours reading the manual, loading the film, and practicing composition and focus, I was finally ready to start taking some images.

It is a fun camera to use and it is a conversation starter as it looks different from modern digital cameras.  People are curious to know about it!

Even with the magnifying piece, it is still hard to nail focus.  A lot of my images came back soft and some were wildly out of focus.  But, I expected that as I only had about a month to use this camera.  I am sure with continued use my focusing would improve.

I sometimes spent 30-40 seconds trying to get my composition how I wanted it.  Looking through the viewfinder is counter-intutive as what you see in front of you isn’t what you see with the twin-lens waist-level viewfinder.  But instead of it frustrating me, it felt more like a fun creative challenge.  Regardless, I did still end up with crooked images– you will see examples of those in section 4.

I did not take this camera to any weddings.  I knew I would be far too slow at focus and composition, so I used it for personal use and at an editorial shoot.

I sent my rolls of film off to my favorite lab, Photo Impact Imaging, and there were lines that looked like scratches going through the image.  I asked my lab if it was something on my end or theirs, and they said something inside the camera was scratching the film.

I tried to blow out any particles that might have found their way into the film back, but every roll was the same.  While I could not figure out the culprit of the scratches during the course of the review, I figured out my problem after mailing back this camera.

Because I used You Tube videos to teach me how to load film, the videos showed older models of the Rolleiflex.  Apparently with this newest model, the way of loading the film is different.  Past models required to load the film under the first and second rollers in the back of the camera.  The new FX model does not want you to load the film under the first roller.  Completely  my mistake!

4) Samples

These are the first few images I have ever taken with a Rolleiflex and and I know they are not all great in the technical sense.  However, they show the trial and error necessary when using a new camera, especially when that camera is film where there is a considerable wait between shooting the images and seeing the images!

These are all taken in natural light on Portra 400 film.

I found flowers are a great way to practice because they do not move! :)  They are patient when I take up to 1 minute to focus and compose. :) :)

Below:  You can clearly see the scratch marks that are on the negative because of my film loading problem.

Below: A self-portrait in a mirror ;)

Below: More unfortunate scratch marks.

Below: This was was super out of focus, but I converted it to black and white and called it “artistic” ;)  But clearly, this would not be one for the portfolio!

Below: This “winner” is both out of focus and crooked.  You win some, you lose some sometimes. ;)  I could tell it was crooked when I took the photo, but I could not, for the life of me, figure out how to get the lines straight on this particular frame because of the counter-intuitive viewfinder.

5) Summary

This camera is not easy to use – it is the type of camera that makes you slow down, which is actually nice. I wouldn’t call the experience of using this camera frustrating, but there is a learning curve.

This would not be my go-to camera when photographing, but I did find it to be a nice creative challenge.

6) Pricing and Where to Buy

The Rolleiflex 2.8 FX Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex Camera is available at B&H Photo Video and costs $8850.00.