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srichards

srichards

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Suz
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Well. Thinking of another compact range finder to replace a broken Nikon 35ti AF compact. Utterly fed up of it. Paid a lot of money and it's been the most unreliable camera I've ever owned. Had all sorts of different geriatric ones and they've been fine. Strangely it's never been a go to camera even though it's all what a lazy sod like me wants. My go to is the tiny Voigtlander. I have to put tape on the film door or it flaps open but somehow it's the one I use the most given the chance.

Glass fixed lens, range finder. Not olympus or Minolta as I've done those both and don't want to have the same again. Prefer the easy distance guessometer not the matching squares overlay type.

Can't be silly battery sizes, plain AA, AAA, CR2/CR123A or the button cell things. Nothing weird like hearing aid ones or requiring strange adaptor.

Tried minox GT but I just didn't like it as it was too heavy and too fiddly as you had to control aperture and shutter speed on two tiny rings which aren't easy. Don't like fiddly small buttons. I have a Pentax 17 so something that sort of size and shape is probably what I'm looking for.

Definitely want Automatic exposure. My brain doesn't like working out distance and then having to think about exposure as well. A mode is my favourite mode so control of aperture and ignore everything else :)

The weird agfa optima I have is most of it but lacks the aperture control which I'd like to have. That is full auto exposure only.

Any ideas for a bit of gas reduction?
 
What about the new version of the Rollei 35AF? Sounds like what you are after...
 
One of the Contaxes? (I'd suggest a GS645S but I suspect that's larger than you want... nice vertical vf though, metered and all, fabulous lens.)
 
ChrisR said:
One of the Contaxes? (I'd suggest a GS645S but I suspect that's larger than you want... nice vertical vf though, metered and all, fabulous lens.)
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Already had one of those Fuji medium formats. Do regret selling it!
 
I'm kinda confused with the "compact" factor.
When people say a compact, I'm seeing mju, Ricoh GR, XA, Yashica T, Fuji natura, etc, which are all mostly PAS, not RF or distance MF.
Much bigger than those and they're no longer a compact either, at least that's what is in my head.
Since a Pentax 17 is not a compact, I think we're looking at a straight full function RF/MF with a diminutive dimensions bonus if possible...:)
 
Jammy Dodger said:
I found the original Rollei 35SE to be fantastic! Still sorry I sold it TBH.
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I preferred the 35B, because it was so much simpler, but the people I ran into who had any of the Rollei 35 series were very pleased with them.
 
Jammy Dodger said:
Lens was nowhere near as good as the SE though
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Well, it was a Triotar instead of a Sonnar.

Mind you, I think my standards aren't high enough. That little Triotar was good enough for me! ;) :exit:
 
joxby said:
I'm kinda confused with the "compact" factor.
When people say a compact, I'm seeing mju, Ricoh GR, XA, Yashica T, Fuji natura, etc, which are all mostly PAS, not RF or distance MF.
Much bigger than those and they're no longer a compact either, at least that's what is in my head.
Since a Pentax 17 is not a compact, I think we're looking at a straight full function RF/MF with a diminutive dimensions bonus if possible...:)
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Olympus XA is a range finder (*) with aperture priority auto exposure.

* Very short base range finder due to the small body and can be difficult to use as the RF mirrors are known to deteriorate.
I do tend to use mine as a guess the distance and rely on the DOF of a 35mm lens camera.
 
zx9 said:
Olympus XA is a range finder (*) with aperture priority auto exposure.
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Sad to say, I didn't get on with either the XA or the simpler XA2. I think it was the viewfinders, neither of which seemed to suit my eyes.

On the other hand, the "shoe leather" LT-1 was a delight to use, apart. on occasion, from the squeaky voice that would instruct me that the illumination was "too dark, use flash"!

Olympus LT-1 leather bound camera.JPG
 
Now you are making me tempted Suz! Let us know how you get on (as it was my fault for suggesting it, I feel a little responsible!)
 
lindsay said:
Now you are making me tempted Suz! Let us know how you get on (as it was my fault for suggesting it, I feel a little responsible!)
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It's interesting. I will have to read the manual on how to load the film as it's a strange one. Not the usual wang the back open and drop it in type!

Did watch a review of it and the 17 that made me think it's a good companion camera for one. It's better built feeling than the 17 but it's got the odd choice in it you wonder what they were thinking. The lens cap that falls off easily is the main one. Closest focus distance is apparently 30 cm.

View: https://youtu.be/Utony3TfsUQ?si=Li91LXTL5NDPKH9g
 
First impressions. Hmm. It's agricultural. Film loading is a bit of a pig. The pressure plate flaps open constantly and the back is almost impossible to shut. You hear it snap shut but it doesn't seem to be and the only clue is the tiny OLED window showing a wirring loading symbol instead of OK. Will take photos though which is a bit weird. Some bits are hard to turn or push. Feel like it was made for someone with tiny hands that could crush a granite worktop with a finger pinch.

Took a while to find the tiny A symbol to make it Aperture priority with auto shutter speed. The quick start manual with it is hopeless. It doesn't mention the symbols on the screen at all otherwise I would have known immediately it wasn't probably shut quite right. Doesn't have a exposure counter anywhere that I can see which is a bit unhelpful.

Apparently minimum focus distance is 70cm not 30cm that I saw elsewhere.

This guy loading a roll below shows how tricky it is. Good tip on checking the windy bit underneath though so I think my film has caught ok even after just using the instructions in the manual which are bit weak.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orEBf1mOnJ4


I think it's one of those cameras that you have to load about 10 rolls in before you get the knack of it. First impressions seriously made me wonder about just returning it as it felt so difficult to do compared to every other film camera I've ever had.
 
srichards said:
I think it's one of those cameras that you have to load about 10 rolls in before you get the knack of it. First impressions seriously made me wonder about just returning it as it felt so difficult to do compared to every other film camera I've ever had.
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I had not taken enough interest in it to watch any videos around the time of release but was curious as I would be with any new film camera on the market, I am actually quite shocked that it is so unpolished.
I hope that you get to know it's odd ways and it grows on you and that we get to see some of the resulting pictures, good luck and enjoy.
 
I agree with Keith, I hope you get to grips with its quirkiness and enjoy it. I think I could tolerate the loading faff, personally as it's like loading the old Leica iii series a bit, but I had expected it to be a bit more user-friendly.
 
There is a film counter! Half press the shutter button and it's in the tiny display which isn't always easy to read. Think that was in a video somewhere.

The film loading difficulty definitely puts a negative feeling on the camera before you even start. I think just making that a bit more straight forward and reliable would make a huge difference to how this camera comes across.
 
Oh dear. It's not going well. First trip out was rained off. Second trip and it decided to jam and not focus at all. Tried all sorts, turned it off and on again in case I'd hit the self timer (which is in a really stupid place) but nope.

Won't take a shot and won't wind on. Rewound what had been shot. Probably half the roll if that. Have emailed the seller to enquire about returning it as it's just no good.
 
Seller got back to me and directed me at Rollei as they deal with the warranty. Not impressed. I bought directly from their shop front.
 
If it was new then you're entitled to a refund from the store.

Trade descriptions act. Not fit for purpose.
 
GreenNinja67 said:
If it was new then you're entitled to a refund from the store.

Trade descriptions act. Not fit for purpose.
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Yep. Consumer Rights is on my side. Bought with a credit card so if the seller won't process a return I go to the credit card provider and get a full refund that way.

Have emailed Rollei anyway.
 
Rollei told me to go back to the seller for a refund as it wasn't bought from them. Seller has finally agreed to a return fortunately.
 
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What a disappointment. I'm sorry to hear it was a flop.
Back to the drawing board I guess in searching for the right camera...
 
lindsay said:
What a disappointment. I'm sorry to hear it was a flop.
Back to the drawing board I guess in searching for the right camera...
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Leica Minilux crossed my mind as that has AF as well like the Nikon. It also has more manual modes for focus so if the AF system doesn't work you aren't stuck completely.
 
srichards said:
Leica Minilux crossed my mind as that has AF as well like the Nikon. It also has more manual modes for focus so if the AF system doesn't work you aren't stuck completely.
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I currently own the 35Ti and it is a cause for concern if/when its ever gives up. It's a beautiful item and takes lovely images. I am not sure the Minilux is any more reliable though? It has other issues that are prone to failure, like most of the high end compacts. I am a sucker for punishment though and do really enjoy some of the premium cameras. The Contax G1 was really nice. That again is likely to fail though. If you don't mind paying a premium for a compact, I know they are really popular now and therefore the price has gone up, but the lens and AF system on the MJU II is superb. In time though, the lens can suffer from circular light leaks as the gasket around it moves/breaks down. I have gotten some lovely images from one though.
 
Downhill Specialist said:
I currently own the 35Ti and it is a cause for concern if/when its ever gives up. It's a beautiful item and takes lovely images. I am not sure the Minilux is any more reliable though? It has other issues that are prone to failure, like most of the high end compacts. I am a sucker for punishment though and do really enjoy some of the premium cameras. The Contax G1 was really nice. That again is likely to fail though. If you don't mind paying a premium for a compact, I know they are really popular now and therefore the price has gone up, but the lens and AF system on the MJU II is superb. In time though, the lens can suffer from circular light leaks as the gasket around it moves/breaks down. I have gotten some lovely images from one though.
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I'm hoping a friend of mine is going to be able to rescue the 35ti.

The minilux has the E02 with the broken flexi from what I've discovered from a quick google. There were people that were having issues with it from new so that puts me right off.

Will consideran MJUii perhaps. Light leaks with a failed gasket are a lot easier to sort out than electrical issues. The voigtlander minox clone I have had a light leak and that just needed a bit of tape inside the viewfinder to fix. The film back is also taped down as it loves falling open if you nudge the rewind leaver by mistake.

Supposedly some of the Canon sureshots are really good as well.
 
srichards said:
I'm hoping a friend of mine is going to be able to rescue the 35ti.

The minilux has the E02 with the broken flexi from what I've discovered from a quick google. There were people that were having issues with it from new so that puts me right off.

Will consideran MJUii perhaps. Light leaks with a failed gasket are a lot easier to sort out than electrical issues. The voigtlander minox clone I have had a light leak and that just needed a bit of tape inside the viewfinder to fix. The film back is also taped down as it loves falling open if you nudge the rewind leaver by mistake.

Supposedly some of the Canon sureshots are really good as well.
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Having handles most of the premium compacts, depending on budget and what you need from it is considered the MJU, Ricoh GR1 (top LCD is prone to fail - but the 28mm lens is SUPERB), 28/35Ti. After that the prices get silly for things like the Contax T.

The Olympus slides into a pocket really nice: prices are silly now but don't seem to be falling and it uses a very good AF system compared to other P&S.
 
I have a Yashica T3. It takes ok quality photos (good but not as good as a random small SLR with kit prime lens) and still rattles on after many year of usage.

Not as compact/pocketable as a Rollei 35 or an XA though.
 
Gone off piste and decided a cheapish Canon tele multi half frame/ full frame compact might be a fun camera to have as it's not massively expensive, totally auto and it's a bit weird. Wilkinson cameras seem to offer a 12 month warranty as well so that's handy. It was £80 so not hugely expensive. It will also be interesting to compare it to the Pentax 17 which is half frame.

Trawled through a lot of camera shops and there was even some Contax kit in a fancy brief case. Looked awesome but far too nice to actually use.
 
FishyFish said:
I've got several Sure Shot models (Sure Shot Supreme, Sure Shot Telemax, Sure Shot Ace & Sure Shot Z135) and they all take really nice pictures. Much cheaper than a Mju II as well!

The Sure Shot Ace has a built-in waist-level finder, which can be really useful.

I do tend to notice that there can be some vignetting from them, but it's not unpleasant vignetting.
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I'm very partial to a Canon Sure Shot as well. They generally work well (unless you drop them - broke 2 of mine that way) & mainly use a lithium battery that are easily obtainable and gives you loads of rolls before replacing.

srichards said:
Gone off piste and decided a cheapish Canon tele multi half frame/ full frame compact might be a fun camera to have as it's not massively expensive, totally auto and it's a bit weird. Wilkinson cameras seem to offer a 12 month warranty as well so that's handy. It was £80 so not hugely expensive. It will also be interesting to compare it to the Pentax 17 which is half frame.

Trawled through a lot of camera shops and there was even some Contax kit in a fancy brief case. Looked awesome but far too nice to actually use.
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Got one of those, fine things. You can't switch frame sizes mid roll. Half frame takes a little getting used to. Enjoy.
 
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srichards said:
First impressions. Hmm. It's agricultural. Film loading is a bit of a pig. The pressure plate flaps open constantly and the back is almost impossible to shut. You hear it snap shut but it doesn't seem to be and the only clue is the tiny OLED window showing a wirring loading symbol instead of OK. Will take photos though which is a bit weird. Some bits are hard to turn or push. Feel like it was made for someone with tiny hands that could crush a granite worktop with a finger pinch.

Took a while to find the tiny A symbol to make it Aperture priority with auto shutter speed. The quick start manual with it is hopeless. It doesn't mention the symbols on the screen at all otherwise I would have known immediately it wasn't probably shut quite right. Doesn't have a exposure counter anywhere that I can see which is a bit unhelpful.

Apparently minimum focus distance is 70cm not 30cm that I saw elsewhere.

This guy loading a roll below shows how tricky it is. Good tip on checking the windy bit underneath though so I think my film has caught ok even after just using the instructions in the manual which are bit weak.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orEBf1mOnJ4


I think it's one of those cameras that you have to load about 10 rolls in before you get the knack of it. First impressions seriously made me wonder about just returning it as it felt so difficult to do compared to every other film camera I've ever had.
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The mind just boggles at how they can get the fundametals of the camera wrong, some of this stuff must have come up in testing surely. I really think the intentions were there to build something of worth and appeal to old analogue fans but i really think it has not hit the mark for them at all. Not many people seem to be talking about and even less using it a real shame. I would love to see a new full size film slr 35mm camera but iam losing hope of ever seeing that beofre i depart this mortal coil. Hopefully pentax have something up their sleeve but all seems to have gone quiet there as well as far as their film photography project. So i suppose i should be quiet and put a few frames throug my Canon FTB QL it keeps going despite the acid from the rubber marking the prism. I really hope you find a camera you are happy with again :-)
 
todders said:
The mind just boggles at how they can get the fundametals of the camera wrong, some of this stuff must have come up in testing surely. I really think the intentions were there to build something of worth and appeal to old analogue fans but i really think it has not hit the mark for them at all. Not many people seem to be talking about and even less using it a real shame. I would love to see a new full size film slr 35mm camera but iam losing hope of ever seeing that beofre i depart this mortal coil. Hopefully pentax have something up their sleeve but all seems to have gone quiet there as well as far as their film photography project. So i suppose i should be quiet and put a few frames throug my Canon FTB QL it keeps going despite the acid from the rubber marking the prism. I really hope you find a camera you are happy with again :)
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Baffles me as well. Had they sent me one I'd have given them a flea in the ear straight away.

There's sub 20 people on the Flickr group. There's a few YT videos with comments saying how they had one and it stopped working within a couple of rolls altogether.

Rollei did say they're improving the battery door and adding a filter thread but that's tinkering and not addressing the main problem - the film transport mechanism itself. It's just too poor. Hard to load and seemingly unreliable.
 
It seems almost unbelievable that with 100 years of 35mm cameras requiring a film loading and advance mechanism, the designers could not replicate something so fundamental to the design of a new 35mm camera. My first SLR was an Exa IIB which required the whole back and base plate to be slid off; it was easy to remove and there was no "squeeze it here to get it half back, then squeeze somewhere else to fix it".
 
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