TLR Buying Advice

Jakemico AE-1P

Jakemico AE-1P

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Jake
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Howdy,

So I’ve been slowly falling in love with TLRs. What’s a good model to start with that won’t break the bank and what should I be looking out for? Common issues etc?
Not bothered with light meters.
 
I've been using a Rolleiflex Automat for quite a while and it's really good for what it does. Not the brightest viewfinder in the world, but it's light, relatively small, and takes really good photos.

My second one had a sticky shutter button so I sent it for a CLA. Quite a few people still servicing them and not much to go wrong. Just make sure the lens is clean.

Quite a few folks on here with a Yashica Mat which is a slightly cheaper alternative and also seems to take great photos.
 
Harlequin565 said:
I've been using a Rolleiflex Automat for quite a while and it's really good for what it does. Not the brightest viewfinder in the world, but it's light, relatively small, and takes really good photos.

My second one had a sticky shutter button so I sent it for a CLA. Quite a few people still servicing them and not much to go wrong. Just make sure the lens is clean.

Quite a few folks on here with a Yashica Mat which is a slightly cheaper alternative and also seems to take great photos.
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I have a Yashica-Mat, it's a great starter camera that didn't cost a fortune although I've had it for some time now so can't say what the prices are like these days. Not much on it by way of features and you need a meter as it doesn't have one built in.
 
There is (or was?) a rollei on here - Love mine, can't really go far wrong, as log as seals are good and everything clicks as it should.
 
cambsno said:
There is (or was?) a rollei on here - Love mine, can't really go far wrong, as log as seals are good and everything clicks as it should.
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I completely overlooked that, Made an offer. Thank you for pointing me in the direction!
 
The bargain that the snobs ignore, so keeping the price low, is the Chinese Seagull,

The 4A is the model to go for (the 4B series are cheapened versions). I've owned a couple of these and, while no Rollei killers, they're simple, dependable machines with decent lenses...

Seagull TLR.jpg
 
I have an automat as well. Viewfinder and mirror can be replaced so it makes it easier to use. I did that with mine. No idea on prices either as I bought mine years ago. Don't use it much. I don't bother with a meter. I just have the Sunny 16 cheat sheet on the back instead :)
 
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