Considering Buying a TLR Camera

DowntonMini

DowntonMini

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Since shooting my first roll of film trough my Nikon SLR and inheriting a couple of lovely old film cameras. I keep looking at TLR cameras and thinking that it would be fun to use one.

I have no real idea about them other then they so was hoping for some pointers

I understood they are 120 cameras but I've just looked at on on Ebay (I was bored while on hold) and sound one that says its a 35mm camera.

I don't have a massive budget as its more of an experiment to start off with any advise would be gratefully received
 
Almost all of them are 120 (medium format). There are a few toy-project TLRs which take 35mm film, such as the Recesky TLR and a couple of older niche models, but the vast majority of them are 120. What's not a massive budget? You can pick up a pretty decent Yashica TLR (Yashica Mat, Yashica 124) within the £80-150 range, and several models of Rolleicord within the higher end of that price range. The market for TLRs is strong, and certainly over the last 5 years their value has stayed stable and on the higher end appreciated, so if you don't like the camera, you should be able to recover the cost when you sell it.

Big things to bear in mind - they are very old cameras, much older than most 35mm SLRs - for instance, my newest TLR is from 1958 - and that can often mean they are in a bad state.

I'd consider something like this, for £150 - http://mwclassic.com/product/rollei...ith-75mm-f3-5-xenar-er-case-instructions-box/
 
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Do it! I think TLRs are the most fun to use and are the prettiest types of cameras (that's a totally legitimate reason to buy a camera!). I think a Yashica Mat or Rolleicord V would be good, and they often sell on ebay for 80 to 100 nuggets. My first one was a Mamiya C220 which was superb, but it's pretty heavy and a bit more expensive than the Yashica or Rollei.
 
Have a look here

http://www.tlr-cameras.com/

Lots of info on what's available. Definitely worth getting one, they are great fun.

Andy
 
freecom2 said:
Almost all of them are 120 (medium format). There are a few toy-project TLRs which take 35mm film, such as the Recesky TLR and a couple of older niche models, but the vast majority of them are 120. What's not a massive budget? You can pick up a pretty decent Yashica TLR (Yashica Mat, Yashica 124) within the £80-150 range, and several models of Rolleicord within the higher end of that price range. The market for TLRs is strong, and certainly over the last 5 years their value has stayed stable and on the higher end appreciated, so if you don't like the camera, you should be able to recover the cost when you sell it.

Big things to bear in mind - they are very old cameras, much older than most 35mm SLRs - for instance, my newest TLR is from 1958 - and that can often mean they are in a bad state.

I'd consider something like this, for £150 - http://mwclassic.com/product/rollei...ith-75mm-f3-5-xenar-er-case-instructions-box/
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I thought they were mostyl or all 120 film to be honest like my great uncles Kodak Vest Pocket Camera (which I still have to get checked and use). With regards to budget yes some where between £100-£150 ish

This is the one I thought was 35mm but it appears it has a 35mm conversion kit http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381609769424?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Now that one in the link look very nice will have a better look in a bit.

Carl Hall said:
Do it! I think TLRs are the most fun to use and are the prettiest types of cameras (that's a totally legitimate reason to buy a camera!). I think a Yashica Mat or Rolleicord V would be good, and they often sell on ebay for 80 to 100 nuggets. My first one was a Mamiya C220 which was superb, but it's pretty heavy and a bit more expensive than the Yashica or Rollei.
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I must admit it is (partly) the look of them that appeal to me!
 
I shoot with a Yashica 635 so it gives me the option of both 120 or 35mm (using the adaptor kit). As above, any of the Yashica TLRs are excellent and they will all give excellent results. I've used a Yashica Mat and a Yashica 124G before the 635 and they all handle pretty much the same way.
 
Long ago I always wanted a Mamiya 330, but couldn't afford one as I was buying lenses for my OM1's. I did buy a new Yashicamat 124G, but it only lasted less than a year. It was on a tripod (unfortunately it was cheap and flimsy) and my body was shielding it from a very strong wind. As I moved away from it the wind blew it over and the front caved it, a write off. Ten years back I bought an immaculate Mamiya C220 with 80mm lens, and it had already had the light seals replaced. I preferred the C220 to the C330, it was lighter. It didn't have interchangeable focussing screens as the C330, and you had to cock the shutter after winding on, no big deal. I added 55mm and 135mm lenses. Reliability has been very good. The only issue with this kit was 5 years ago the 55mm lenses shutter jammed. That was repaired economically by Black on White in Bristol. It doesn't get used as much as it should, and when it does I usually shoot B&W IR film. A TLR is great for IR, with the opaque IR filter on the taking lens you are free to compose and focus through the bright viewing lens. I even found an accessory that holds a grad ND filter over the viewing lens to adjust, then swings it over the taking lens to shoot. The C220 is a great camera, I can recommend it.
 
Thanks for all the replies so far guys I defiantly want to get one. My interest in them was raised after a talk by one of our camera club members about Vivian Maier and subsequently watching the documentary which I found fascinating


I was hoping to go in the Clock Tower Cameras in Brighton but it appears they are closed on a Sunday and that's when I'll be there for the L2B Mini run got a day in London on Saturday first
 
Andysnap said:
Have a look here

http://www.tlr-cameras.com/

Lots of info on what's available. Definitely worth getting one, they are great fun.

Andy
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That's a great link thanks Andy I will keep reading the various bits
freecom2 said:
.

I'd consider something like this, for £150 - http://mwclassic.com/product/rollei...ith-75mm-f3-5-xenar-er-case-instructions-box/
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I'm really tempted by the one in the link it looks to be very nice and I think buying off a dealer then eBay I know you get the buyer protection but most I've looked at on eBay look to be very nice but are untested
 
MWClassic are pretty good and that's a reasonable price for a very nice camera. They are a little smaller and lighter than a Rolleiflex and the image quality is excellent. Go on, you know you want to. :D
 
I'd get a cord over a flex. I've owned both and the cords are excellent value for money. Get a later model and you're smiling. Don't get me wrong, a planar 2.8 is lovely, but not 10x more lovely! In most situations you won't be able to tell the difference.
 
Andysnap said:
MWClassic are pretty good and that's a reasonable price for a very nice camera. They are a little smaller and lighter than a Rolleiflex and the image quality is excellent. Go on, you know you want to. :D
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Stop tempting me :p I may well be clicking add to cart later tonight...........
 
Carl Hall said:
Aha I joke :D I've always wanted a Rolleicord but I've got enough cameras that I don't use at the moment. If you buy it make sure to take some photos and put it in the new film toy thread for us all to see :)
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Phew [emoji1]
 
Now for my next question (I'm sure there will be loads more when it arrives so sorry in advance I will search for the answers before asking I promise)

What film is best to use would like to try both colour and B&W
 
Downton Mini said:
Now for my next question (I'm sure there will be loads more when it arrives so sorry in advance I will search for the answers before asking I promise)

What film is best to use would like to try both colour and B&W
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Depends what you want to shoot and how much you want to spend.
 
RaglanSurf said:
Depends what you want to shoot and how much you want to spend.
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TBH you cant go wrong with Fuji Acros for b&w and Kodak Portra for you colour.
 
Downton Mini said:
What film is best to use would like to try both colour and B&W
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Anything from the major brands (i.e., Kodak, Fuji, and Ilford) is more than up to the task; there is no bad film. Some may meet personal needs better than others, however.
 
Just spoken to MWClassic to see when I would receive the camera and they had already sold it over the phone but not updated the website :(. But they are going to a Fair this weekend and may be able to sort one out.......
 
Downton Mini said:
Just spoken to MWClassic to see when I would receive the camera and they had already sold it over the phone but not updated the website :(. But they are going to a Fair this weekend and may be able to sort one out.......
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This happens all the time with them, unfortunately. It drives me crazy.

I would ignore their website; it's always better to phone them.
 
Downton Mini said:
Just spoken to MWClassic to see when I would receive the camera and they had already sold it over the phone but not updated the website :(. But they are going to a Fair this weekend and may be able to sort one out.......
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They wouldn't get a second chance at my custom.
 
Downton Mini said:
Just spoken to MWClassic to see when I would receive the camera and they had already sold it over the phone but not updated the website :(. But they are going to a Fair this weekend and may be able to sort one out.......
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Maybe hundreds saw the link posted :(
 
I thought their new website was meant to solve a lot of these issues; guess I didn't account for that! I've bought plenty of good stuff from MW before, but they are pretty sloppy when it comes to online sales. Phone is the way to go!
 
freecom2 said:
I thought their new website was meant to solve a lot of these issues; guess I didn't account for that! I've bought plenty of good stuff from MW before, but they are pretty sloppy when it comes to online sales. Phone is the way to go!
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skysh4rk said:
I would ignore their website; it's always better to phone them.
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I always phone, it's a little frustrating but ultimately saves time.

abdoujaparov said:
They wouldn't get a second chance at my custom.
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I can see your point but you'd be missing out on some great bargains.
They might not be the most organised secondhand camera sellers on t'web but their stock is full great value classics.
 
The negative being a 6 X 6 square format makes composition interesting, it will defiantly make you think about your photography. In addition, you may want to consider a hand held light meter to help gain an accurate exposure.
 
I have a Rolleicord Va and its a wonderful camera, it must be as had it for 4 years or so and not sold it!!! Fun and very easy to use and great IQ.
 
I ventured into the TLR world with a Lubitel 166D. It cost me £29 on ebay and it's great fun. If i didn't like it, then i hardly broke the bank and can resell, but now i'm looking at maybe a Yashica as TLRs are brilliant and a very cool talking point when out shooting in public.
 
chunky71 said:
I ventured into the TLR world with a Lubitel 166D. It cost me £29 on ebay and it's great fun. If i didn't like it, then i hardly broke the bank and can resell, but now i'm looking at maybe a Yashica as TLRs are brilliant and a very cool talking point when out shooting in public.
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That cost £12 when it was brand new ! Love the clockwork self-timer on those.
 
http://www.collectablecameras.com/list.htm

"Rolleicord V, with 75mm f3.5 Xenar lens. Good condition, working well. With metal cap and ever ready case with strap. exc+ £99"

A very clean Rolleicord for a bargain price, considering the condition and that its from a dealer. I'd buy that over any Yashica for sure.
 
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