Looking through the viewfinder of a Rolleiflex or any camera with a waist level viewfinder can be rather surprising and even a little disconcerting the first time. If you ever have the chance, take a look at the book Vivian Maier Self-Portraits for some inspiration. Avoid scams, deal locally Beware wiring (e.g. We are a supportive and encouraging community for film photographers to learn, share, & grow. The Rolleiflex 2.8F is a fully mechanical camera with all manual focus and manual exposure, meaning no battery needed. My Rolleiflex 2.8E (Xenotar), which I bought used while I was in college,c. 1963, is my most often used camera. Thanks for the info. To be able to use these viewing options, youll need to press in the front panel of the viewfinder hood and snap it into place. I use the camera strap every time I shoot, but it is nice to be able to remove it so quickly and easily by squeezing the alligator and sliding the strap off the camera. And its this manufacturing skill that makes a 50-year-old Rolleiflex feel relevant and demand to be picked up, appreciated, and used. Also, as re carrying cases, I strongly recommend the Amazon Basics Large DSLR shoulder bag. Price: 1.750,00. Harry Fleenor offers this service, and while its easy to install a focus screen, Fleenor will check and adjust the focus to accommodate any variances introduced by the new screen and align focusing mechanisms to factory tolerances. This takes a bit of getting used to when first shooting with a TLR. I use almost all of the accessories pictured above. I have had the urge for a long time of getting one, but never have. Because it has a leaf shutter, its also very quiet. QR Code Link to This Post. The Planar version was produced for less time, so it is less common than the Xenotar version. In 1982, after filing for bankruptcy, Rollei was bought by United Scientific Holding (UK). I can guesstimate the diameter of the lenses and the nameplate, but if you wouldn't mind measuring those too, I'd be grateful. And yeah, old leather camera straps can be a recipe for disaster. I spent 3 months shooting with an Instamatic to produce a Blurb book titled,If You See Something. By the end of the year, I was ready to upgrade, and I bought a Rolleiflex 2.8F. :[EX++] CARL ZEISS Planar 80mm f/2.8 Lens for Rolleiflex SL66 System - $544.23. I strongly suspect that has more to do with the difference of the 3.5 vs 2.8 than Planar vs Xenotar. The famous 6th element added to the 3.5 lenses is not something that causes a difference that can be detected easily. Properly functioning Rolleiflex 2.8f cameras generally sell for between $900 and $1,500, with finer examples commanding a premium. I very rarely miss focus with this camera, and my keeper rate is nearly 100%. Find great local deals on used film, disposable & single-use cameras for sale in SM73PX Shop hassle-free with Gumtree, your local buying & selling community. I own a mint condition 2.8F that I love and shoot with often. He did that for me with an Art Deco 1933 Rolleicord model. It used B1 film and produced six 6x6cm frames, which were more than four times larger than 35mm film. rolleiflex models to avoid June 23, 2022/ It handles quickly, and has all the most important features for professional photography. Presently, Rollei cameras are manufactured by Franke & Heidecke GmbH. June 22, 2022; Posted by lisa marie michael jackson; 22 . There's also the Rolleiflex T model - however, I seldom see those with lenses that don't have issues. Many people, including Harry Fleenor, prefer nylon over leather. Richard Avedon used a Rollei for most of his fashion work. For example, a Bay I Rolleinar close-up filter might cost around $50, but a Bay III Rolleinar could cost $150 or more. 5 days ago. It is not my intention to misinform, and I apologize if I get some details incorrect. In the late 40s the first 2.8 was introduced, and in the mid 50s the Automat was replaced with what is generally referred to as the 3.5C or 3.5E. 600mm. I think your reply partly illustrates my point, Dennis. Exercising a shutter at different speeds can, in some cases, help distribute lubrication where its needed and result in more accurate shutter speeds. And then the conversation will continue down different roads depending on what other information the person has to share. And while I am not a street photographer like she was, I loved the look and feel of the camera, its ease of use, and the square format. ROLLEIFLEX FOR SALE , TRADE or WANTED Applause from customers Books, Users Manuals For Sale. I use the lens caps every time my camera isnt in use. He did a beautiful job and the Rolleiflex works wonderfully. Attaching the bayonet lens hood after making this hole ensures a tight connection. We've been selling used cameras . Do you need f/2.8? "Date your Rollei TLR" chart Cleaning Lenses Rolleiflex WWW links Return to Oceanside main page Date your Rollei TLR Guide Rolleiflex TLR models with Fixed Focusing Hood Rolleiflex TLR models with Removable Focusing Hood Return to Oceanside main page One good thing about Rolleiflexes, you can generally use them for a few years, and sell them for what you paid -- they hold their value very well. :) Thanks! Rolleiflex 2.8 C Common Particulars: Bayonet III filter mount. Because one of the beauties of focusing with a Fresnel lens is watching the image pop into focus, and because a central rangefinder can be distracting, many photographers opt for a plain focusing screen, or one with a grid. I am thinking of maybe picking up a Rolleiflex. You are using an out of date browser. However, make sure that any vintage finder with a prism is free of balsam separation. It really is a lot of fun, but ithis part isn't retro. Bay III cameras are all the 2.8 models, except the 2.8A, CURATED PHOTOSTREAM | JANUARY 29, 2018 | LUCY WAINWRIGHT. Many chimney finders have adjustable eyepieces for easier focusing, as well. I used and loved a Rolleiflex for a lot of years. A Xenar equipped Automat will provide images nearly indistinguishable in quality with images from a Tessar equipped Automat, and likewise, a Planar equipped 2.8 wont really perform better than a Xenotar equipped 2.8. A great help when servicing lots of lenses and TLRs. When you opened the Rollei, you might have noticed that you could see the entire interior of the camera and that there was no shutter. I've been a 35mm and now digital person my whole adult life (as a kid I had a Kodak Brownie - 626 film TLR and a couple of Kodak I-forget-the-modelsize 127 film cameras- remember these with the flashcubes? Other finders are available, such as 90-degree or 45-degree eye-level pentaprism, which are heavy but allow photographers to view subjects without the image appearing reversed horizontally. Appears little used. It sold for $75about $1127 today. Related: Hasselblad 500 C/M Film Camera Review. Again, Rolleiflex cameras are designed to perfection, making them so easy to use. Choose how many points and other parameters that appeal to you. xbox series x outer shell; how do i convert timedelta to hours? Subsequent Automat and E/T/F models had 75/3.5 lenses. I had been shooting my Rolleiflex for years before I realized what this was. surfing france west coast; rolleiflex models to avoid 21.02.2022 AU $384.11 AU $44.12 postage Rolleiflex3.5E planar75mmF3.5 exposure meter operation from Japan AU $1,904.27 AU $53.50 postage I will always own and use a Rolleiflex! Thank you Dan Wagner for this great article. I still remember him suggesting I try to get one. Leaf shutters mean that there is no mirror slap like there is in an SLR camera, so the Rollei can be shot at very low shutter speeds hand-held.. rolleiflex models to avoidrsum farce normande maupassantrsum farce normande maupassant Despite it being a more budget friendly model, it is still a superb camera, and interestingly it seems to sell for around as much as a similar condition type 1 3.5F. While all Rolleiflex models command a premium over most other TLRs, the Letter series does so at an even higher level. Its what the photographer sees when looking through the viewfinder. Finally, last year I unpacked it and sent it to Mark Hama in Atlanta. FOR SALE! Maximum format: 35mm full frame. rolleiflex models to avoid. 2. Any wisdom on how to get one on a tight budget? It accommodates the camera, with lens shade, and can be nicely configured to hold a light meter, extra film, cable release, filters, etc. The camera comes with a Compur-Rapid shutter that offers shutter speeds of 1 . Older cameras from the 1930's can be found relatively cheaply, but have uncoated optics normally Tessars. Case options include: The Wonderful World of Rolleiflex TLR Photography is a three-part series. Honestly, you cant really go wrong with any model of Rolleiflex, assuming its in good working condition. The odds are that if it has a meter in it, the meter is toast, but that's ok- you were going to use a handheld meter anyway, Aren't the lenses of that system the same as Hasselblad's? Most of these problems can be repaired, but you want to be aware of any issues before buying, and the price should reflect any issues. Ones with removable lenses are normally called interchangeable lens cameras. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our cookie policy. My solution to that dilemma is to create a 3-D "identical" faux-Rolleiflex (like the one that she would have used in the late 1930's, early 1940's), but using artist materials over a cardboard substructure. With four little ones in mycare, I've been too busy to keep developing and processing my own film. Fortunately, there are superb Rolleiflex repairmen, such as Harry Fleenor, in California, andKrikor Maralian, whose service is called Krimar, in New Jersey, both of whom have websites describing their services. The film counter on the right side of the camera should show 1. I'm not sure what you mean by one of the mirrors - the one under the focusing screen can't be it. It is identifiable by the selenium meter array just below the Rolleiflex name, the silver meter switch on the upper corner of the nameplate, and the older style focusing hood. I checked out the Apple IOS app -- that looks great - except a reveiwer mentions a compatibility issue with iPhone 6 -- however I don't know if this applies to the latest software update. The lever at the front of the camera base that looks like a little foot is the film door latch. Speed: F/5.6. I could say the same about my Contaflex single lens reflexes for that matter. And you can use this stacked design to attach them to the camera and remove them from the camera. Odds are that the camera you purchase will need a cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment (CLA). Like others have said, any fresh example with pristine optics should not disappoint you. And while it has always been a popular camera, it has enjoyed a recent revival of its fame since the discovery and publishing of the Vivian Maier archive in 2011. And you canpick up a Rolleiflex TLR film camera for yourselfat KEH Cameraoron eBay! I loved my Autocord - no longer have it but wish I did. About 100 colour prints from original negatives, some rediscovered but . For Bay III, you may like this:Heliopan #308 Adapter Ring (Bay 3 Lens Size to 49mm Filter Size) B&H # HEARB349 MFR # 700308. Rolleiflex SL35m - $350 . For a professional result, one can bring the alligator clips to a leather repair or saddle shop, such as Schatzlein in Minneapolis, Minnesotaask for Gary. The 3.5F was the f/3.5 counterpart of the 2.8F, and other than the taking lens and the Bay II filter mount, it basically shared the same features and followed the same progression as the 2.8F and its variants. and a grey hardshell case and neckstrap. I haven't shot with one, but I hear the lens renders beautifully and that the 2.8c are a bit lighter than the f models. The other thing that is strikingly unusual is that the image is flipped horizontally so that what appears to the eye to be on the left side of a shot, looks to be on the right side of the frame when looking through the viewfinder. Very complex, hard on batteries, difficult to repair. Being in central Iowa there's not to many camera shops. If you scan your film, then you can add star effects in image editing software. For many Rolleiflex aficionados, the last models of the 2.8F mark the end of the classic Rolleiflex TLR. Unlike an SLR camera, the TLR has a stationary mirror, not a moving one. A 3.5F is, to me, the best package. And while this sounds like a great story, its not exactly accurate. Lets get back to shooting your first frame. Its my desert island cameraassuming I get stuck on an island where film grows on trees and theres a lab around the corner. You can also check out more of Jens work on herwebsiteandInstagram. They began to develop what would become the industry standard for TLR cameras. My Rolleiflex 2.8F camera is my favorite camera. Like Dan says I'd avoid pre-WWII Rolleiflex acmeras more because the lenses aren't coated and have lower contrast, I'm using an early 1950's Automat MX with an Opton Tessar and it's a lovely camera very sharp lens. A 1969 camera will usually cost more than a 1954 camera, and a 2.8 model will typically cost more than the same era 3.5 model, etc. One must be very carefull when buying from ebay . Going from shooting square format with the Rolleiflex to a smaller square with the Instamatic was a fun experience. Ironically, while Rolleiflex Ever-Ready cases are nice to look at, theyre not very practical for shooting. The 35mm adapters are 3D printed by Randy Smith of Holgamods.com, and can be used with 35mm film in any medium format camera. The Rolleiflex 2.8f, 3.5f, and some later 2.8e and 3.5e models have removable viewfinders. Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 Model 1 (type K4C2) has the removeable finder hood too. The pop up finder magnifier helps as well. Mount and Flange focal distance: Interchangeable mount (T) Diagonal angle of view: 8.2. My experience with my 2.8C Planar and 3.5F Xenotar is that the 3.5 Xenotar is a sharper lens while the 2.8 Planar has better character. Top photographers use the Rolleiflex. Other companies copied the TLR style of camera, but Rolleiflex was always the industry leader. . In a Rolleiflex TLR, 120 film, also referred to as 2-film, provides 12 square-format exposures. Its also difficult, at first, to hold the camera level. The 2.8A is a bit of an oddity within the group of 2.8 models. It is also true that the Xenotar and Planar designs have not undergone significant change from beginning to end. Leather strap options include: One commonly sought Rolleiflex TLR accessory is the ubiquitous Ever-Ready case. Underneath that panel is a mirror, so when you look through the round magnifier, you can see what the viewing lens sees. The bottom lens is the taking lens. 6008i. The Rolleiflex is largely user-serviceable if you have a general grasp of mechanical repairs and feel comfortable tinkering with mechanics. When you do, youll notice that your thumbs line up with the two knurled wheels on each side of the camera. The biggest difference is the most obvious one: the TLR has two lenses. There is no better street camera IMO. Home; About Us. If for some reason you need to hold the camera higher than youre able to use the waist level viewfinder, you can use this one instead. rolleiflex models to avoid. Now you just need an Honeywell 65D w/510V Power Pack and you're good to go! prince hussein girlfriend; jackie tuttle colorado; what does 25g of butter look like We will not declare items of a lesser value to avoid taxes, fees or custom duties. The pricing is a little out-of-date, but the information is not. Of course, the more minty in condition the more pricey they are. I first tried putting "step down" bushings inthe camera,but found a much better alternative: the Manfrotto 088LBP adapter, with flange. It also was available with or without a built in meter. Can you still get film for that thing? Each camera has a unique blend of style, function, features, and limitations. But now that you say it, I am going to make sure to try it again the next time I am out shooting. Most Rolleiflex TLR owners will indicate a firm preference for a particular model or lens type when asked to make a recommendation, but the thing is that there is no unanimity among their recommendations or even a majority recommendation when the recommendations are viewed overall. And this one even still has the Yashica branded silica packet . Find the Rolleiflex TLR film cameras at KEH Camera or on eBay. by | Jun 10, 2022 | flying saucer bar locations | metro flexline service manual | Jun 10, 2022 | flying saucer bar locations | metro flexline service manual Remember, if you need it, pop up the magnifier to fine tune your focus. Condition. It appears to function perfectly. nahkakotelo, linssisuoja ja diffuusori, alkuperinen laatikko, toimintaa ei testattu Thank you, Brett! Reverse the process when you want to remove and store the filters. ***If this posting is. Use it till this day for portraits and wedding photography. But be warned: everything is upside down. Once again, the shutter installation involved is absolutely immaterial to the absence of a retracting reflex mirror. It appears horizontally reversed because the eye is actually seeing a reflection of the scene in front of the camera. Here's a link to their page:https://bit.ly/3OJkfhV. Speed: F/8. As the cursor is moved, you will see the image get lighter or darker, because the meter is calculating the exposure for the area under the cursor. Counter and rewind knobs not factory fitted. If opting for a Baier finder, one will probably need a diopter for the finder they select. I hope to visit Germany one day and shoot with my Rolleiflexes. Rolleinar filters are available in magnifications of +1, +2, and +3. It appears to function perfectly. The cost of a Rolleiflex can vary drastically, but in a general sense the newer the camera and the better the features, the more it will cost. It was also the last Rolleiflex to use a 10 bladed aperture. TLR style cameras had been around for about 30 years. The most important thing to know about loading a Rolleiflex camera is that the film MUST go underneath the silver bar at the bottom of the camera before it is secured in the take-up spool. This was what I've been wanting but didn't know the name, until I had a discussion with a sales representative at a local camera shop. I know that when I first started looking at Rolleiflex, I couldn't make heads or tails of it. Even owners of pre-war Rolleiflex models with an uncoated Tessar or Xenar lens affirm the excellence of their cameras and claim complete satisfaction with them. This is important for wide-open shooting, where depth of focus is at a minimum and fractions of an inch can make or break critical focus. I am not looking at spending thousands of dollars but just a user camera that works. Loading the camera is quite straightforward. I was using one of my favourite 35mm SLRs today, a Bessamatic model circa 195960 manufactured by Voigtlnder. That would have a Tessar lens. Takes fabulous pictures, however. Simply leaving a camera in a hot car for too long can break down the lubricants and cause problems. Turning 27 soon so decided to gift myself an early present besides some cameras: an extra collimator. Visita il negozio! Many photographers say that they love shooting with film cameras because they slow down and take the time to really choose their shots, frame them carefully, and make sure they are in focus before pressing the shutter button. Figure if I am going to , I'd best be doing it before its to late. I might get some facts wrong, but I will attempt to dispel some of the confusion. I don't know who does their repairs now, but it doesn't quite carry the same weight having it done by someone with the good reputation of Jimmy. Mount and Flange focal distance: Interchangeable mount (T) Diagonal angle of view: 4.1. Your comment: "I love the process of setting up the camera, composing the image and capturing it and the peace that it gives me." Sadly, due to age, the leather on most original Rolleiflex neck straps will be brittle, cracked, and in need of replacement. It helps to put the camera face down on your lap to do this. Any leads woild be great. Seller representations that inspire confidence are, I will supply paperwork for CLA performed on specific date, please e-mail for larger photos with additional details, and returns may be made within 14 days.. Another option is to attach connectors to the alligator clips for use with other straps. Rollei XF Series User Manual XF-35 - U.M. There is also an optional adapter called the PhotoPlug that you can buy on ebay which actually measures timing of the light through the shutter to an optical sensor that transfers timing via the microphone jack. There are distance markings on the edge. Before I had kiddos, I enjoyed using a Canon AE-1 my father gave me. This is one of the features that makes the Rollei such a great camera. There are few TLR (twin lens reflex) cameras as iconic as the Rolleiflex (Vivian Maier, Diane Arbus, Cecil Beaton, Robert Capa, Imogen Cunningham all shot exclusively or at some point in their lives on the Rolleiflex) and the Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex never reached those levels. I acquired my first Rolleiflex camera shortly after the phenomenon of the worlds fascination with her work took off. First, on all the Rolleiflex models, you will find no light sealing foam. I own a Kalart Focuspot, which is somewhat similar and affixes to the bottom of the camera and uses two projected dots of light for focusing. This site uses cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our website. No1SuperCleaner. Thank you so much, Jen! Thanks for reading the article. The mirror in a TLR is set at a 45-degree angle behind the viewing lens. Ste. Both lenses come in single-coated Planar and Xenotar versions and produce sharp photos with beautiful rendering. Why was one camera selling for $300, and another that looked the same selling for $4000! Also, this is not the best place to achieve your selling goal. Photographers also look through SLRs, or single lens reflex cameras. There is both a 2.8C Xenotar and a 3.5E Planar on KEH right now in ugly condition (i.e. Busy right now will add later today. Great article and resources! I think Rollei made a star filter or two - but they're not always available on eBay or other places. The reason its simple is that the holes are already there. The 3.5E2 and 3.5E3 were sold concurrently with the 3.5F, and both were available with or without the built in meter. If you have a 3.5 taking lens, then it should be a Bay II size. If you hold the camera up so you can look at the back of the viewfinder hood, youll see two openings. Thank you B&H! June 14, 2022 . It's a cool device. I dont think it took me more than a roll or two of film before I knew I loved this camera style! If money is no object then by all means go for the newest most current model. Thanks for all the great information . Rolleiflex repair, servicing a Rolleiflex Automat TLR. Its impossible to hear the shutter when shooting in a busy public space. Later variants had crank wind with auto stop, but retained the red window for lining up the first frame, as well as automatic shutter cocking with film advance. It's viewlens is a 2.8 and the capturelens is a 3.5 (serial number 5585417). We have quite a few 49mm size star filters at B&H. It could be converted to use 120 or 620 film to produce the 12 frames we are familiar with today. Unless your camera is equipped with a 12/24 switch, it will only accept 120 film. From 1992 to 1999, Rollei has been a part of the South Korean Samsung Group. And while there are flashes and flash brackets that can be used with Roleiflexes, most photographers find that unlimited sync speed most valuable in the studio with strobes and remote flash triggers. For a nominal amount of money, a matching neck pad can be made, as well. So, when I am photo walking, I try to snap a self-portrait with my Rollei whenever I can. model name / number: SL35M. Office No.042-37245953 Ali Akbar 0300-4103013 info@maccatraders.com Therefore, buyers should be prepared to spend an additional $300 or more to have their newly purchased camera serviced. You could think of the two lenses as being the same food dish (as an analogy) but made by two different chefs at different restaurants. First-time Rolleiflex buyers frequently ask for advice on internet forums about which Rolleiflex model they should prefer, or which lens would be the best choice. Franke and Heidecke went bankrupt in 1981 and was bought by a different company who restarted TLR production in 1987 with the 2.8GX. The video below walks you through how to use the Rolleiflex 2.8F. by Eddie Vaughan Wed Nov 26, 2014 10:38 am, by Eddie Vaughan Thu Nov 27, 2014 2:17 pm, Discuss all you like about the Rolleiflex TLR and Rolleicord TLR. & Why? I never tried to use it, but after I got the retro-bug I tried various places to see if I could get it serviced. This means that the Rollei can be shot at very low shutter speeds hand-held. unit 3: personal and business finance grade boundaries. Other factors, while not necessarily deal breakers, are also important. E-E2s-E3s were an F prototype series with a slightly different front face layout and from the E2 on with the removable WLF, I now use it with a Rollei prism, a great help to my less than perfect 72-year old eyes. Focusing screens are available with or without grid lines, with a horizontal or diagonal split-image center rangefinder, or plain. If you're in the NYC area, you may wish to try Nippon Photoclinic. - Model : MC - Compatible Brand : For Leitz - Type : Light Meter - Brand : Leica - UPC : Does not apply; Buy It Now : US $188.32; . Join us for weekly film photography inspiration and tutorials. What makes a Rolleiflex TLR so special? Wish I was armed with such good info before buying my Rolleiflex 2.8c Planar. Ive been complimented on my cool handbag and stylish necklace when Ive been out shooting with my Rollei. The film was advanced with a knob, and there was no frame counter. If youre in the market for a Rolleiflex, take a look at this must-read article from B&H on what to look for and what to avoid. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests, Rolleiclub is an initiative of Jacob the Photographer in Australia, Re: Rolleiflex model choice does not matter. In short, there is no unanimous or even majority opinion on which model or lens is the best choice. launchpad classlink nmusd; cantonese text to speech; 15 second tv commercial script examples Thank you so much for sharing it. Even if a camera has had a CLA, it can need another one -- these are vintage cameras and may require adjustments from time to time. Where do I find out more about a Rolleiflex i recently was gifted ? I use the lens hood when shooting in bright sunlight. :). I have a vintage Rolleiflex with a 75mm f3.5 Tessar that I bought at a used camera shop in Vermont years before digital took over. The most important consideration is the condition of the lenses, especially the lower taking lens. There are many accessories available for Rolleiflex cameras. To start, TLR stands for twin lens reflex. What makes these mirrorless cameras truly different from both DSLR cameras and modern point and shoot digital cameras is a sort of "best of both worlds" scenario. Until the 2.8F though, these model names weren't actually printed or engraved on the camera, so identifying the model can be tricky. Always nice to find a full kit like this. The 2.8E2 replaced the 2.8E, and was available with or without the built in meter. You can focus in almost complete darkness withit. They include: There are many more accessories than these if you want to dig deep into Rollei culture and lore. Also, the mirror in a TLR is stationary and does not move, so there is no mirror slap or vibration from the mirror when you press the shutter. Fun fact: Reinhold Heidecke and Paule Franke both worked at Voigtlander together (one was an engineer and the other a sales rep). I want to sell it to someone who will care for it at any reasonable offer. I think the Rolle Magic models are cool. Compur-Rapid MX CR0 shutter, 1/500s, M and X synchronisation. Rolleiflex added features to its TLR camera such as a light meter and 35mm capabilities, but this was not enough to keep the brand profitable, and in 1981, the company filed for bankruptcy. They differ from a single lens reflex camera (SLR) in several ways. To attach them to the camera, first attach the narrow filter to the lower taking lens. Very well cared for by its meticulous original owner who used it extensively. Condition is most critical. One of the differences between the two is that the SLR is held at eye level, and the TLR is held at chest level while the photographer looks through a waist-level finder. That withstanding, most people are drawn to TLRs because they love shooting with a square format camera, and find it fun. ALL my posts are to be read with an aMaZeBaLLs BARRY WHITE voice. Because the design is mirrorless, the camera body is much simpler, smaller, and easier to carry. rolleiflex models to avoid. Avoid Cute Camera Co. . The X can be distinguished from these earlier models by the cable release socket in the center of the shutter release. Those were easy to buckle to a Dompke "Gripper" strap which IMO, is far better than any leather strap. If you go this route, be sure to bring lens-cleaning supplies and a few paper towels to wipe off your camera. I just acquired a Rollei for the first time, and one of the mirrors clicks whenever the camera is moved laterally. In shopping for a used Rolleiflex, there are some things you want to be aware of. Anyway, the old Vivitars are easy-to-use and get the job done. It isnt uncommon to run across Rolleiflex with haze and/or fungus in the taking and viewing lenses, as well as element separation (breakdown in the glue used to cement lens groups together). Because the clips bend outward and away from the camera, when a photographer lifts the camera, the neck strap will fall to the sides instead of getting in the way.