Comparing Rolleiflex, Rolleicord & Rolleiflex T - Which Is BEST FOR YOU In 2024

Rolleiflex has 3 tiers of cameras and many different models from different years. If you're looking to get in to medium format film photography, these cameras are so much fun to use and produce amazing images. But which one is right for you? Let me breakdown the key differences between the different ranges to help you pick the right one for your situation and budget.
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[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Let me know which Rolleiflex model you're interested in buying or if you have one already, I would love to hear about your experiences with the camera. I absolutely LOVE these cameras and use them almost every day. They're a joy to use.

[@ballblurphotography8699]

I have 2.f,3.5fwf and T I Can not say which one the best for me cos i love both 😅❤ T is very Comfortable 3.5f is good feeling 2.8f is so mood pictures So i love yours vdo too ,May you tell me what camera strap is look good ,that is oliginal? Sorry for my poor English 🙏❤️📷🥰

[@wullieg7269]

love my f3.5

[@esotericist]

I'd always wanted a Rolleiflex T as my late departed dad had one. I finally settled on a Mamiya C3 - same quality of lens + interchangeable lenses (mid roll), plus a bellows design that allows macro shots to 50 cms from film plane. I used to have Voightlander Bessa II, Color Scopar. That was fun, too.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Mamiyas are certainly worth rivals to Rolleiflex and the advantages you mention are great to have. It is however, a different experience, and if budget allows, why not get both!

[@stevepringle2295]

After I watched this video I bought a Rolleicord IIId for a song. Great video❤

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

That's fantastic, please do share some of your photos when ready!

[@StudioBonn]

Well I’m going with a 1969th Mamiya C 220 with changeable lenses from 55 to 250mm. A bit bigger than the Rollei lineup, but more flexible. Thank you for your helpful informations about the stars in TLR-Cameras 👍

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Having changeable lenses is definitely a massive benefit that is worth having the extra bulk for.

[@franz6595]

Thanks for sharing this, really enjoyed watching it!

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for the comment. Sorry for the slow reply I’ve been sidelined, but I’m back now.

[@vipEmpire_]

I have purchased a 3.5F. It has a working meter and an upgraded Magicflex screen. Selling some Yashica Mats to make up for the purchase, which should even me out. I think a 2.8 would be nice, but I realize it's an unnecessary expense when I already have a Pentax 6x7 if I want a fast lens. Sure, completely different cameras, but to me a TLR is a style of camera where the speed of the taking lens doesn't particularly matter--- an SLR style camera best suits large aperture lenses in my opinion. And of course, compared to 35mm cameras, f/2.8 is nowhere near fast either.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Congratulations on your new f/3.5. I think that's perfectly okay and no need to pay significantly more for half a stop extra. I would love a 6 x 7 at some stage, but I don't have enough time to use all my existing cameras so I better not keep acquiring more gear.

[@garbageman9145]

Hi I have one that says its from the army Rolleiflex 3.5 MX-EVS is it rare/good?

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Yes it’s a decent camera. Enjoy it!

[@davethebarber3130]

Thanks for this review. I never knew about the “T” model differences, so that was appreciated. I have had a Rolleicord V for quite a few years now, and had it CLA’d about 15 years ago. I just started shooting with it again after several years of using Olympus M4/3 system exclusively. My ‘cord is a pleasure to use, and takes me back to my school days when I *wanted* a Rollei, but had to settle for the my first ‘ real’ camera, a used Richoflex, that I bought second-hand, and used all through high school. My view is that the Rolleicord, being simpler mechanically without a crank, might be more robust, although I have no evidence for that opinion. At any rate, I don’t mind the winding knob or the aperture and shutter speed controls; the lenses are still fantastic, and the camera is a pleasure to use.

[@WithCielo]

Such a good summary of the differences. Thank you!

[@eurostockweb2]

Thank You from Barcelona !!

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks, appreciate the comment.

[@Robutube1]

This is an excellent overview of the Rollei range with some very useful tips and views from an experienced user. Many thanks for putting this together!

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks it’s always great to receive some positive comments to keep me motivated.

[@derHörer]

Great review- thank you

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the comment.

[@anta40]

I have a few Rolleis: 2.8E, 3.5E, and a Cord. Which one I use the most? 3.5E. Small and convenient. Rolleicord is fine, but sometimes I don't like the feel of pulling the lever to take the image (unless you have the soft shutter). And of course, no way to prevent accidentally making double-exposure images. No issue on the Rolleiflex, because the film advance and shutter-cocking mechanism is integrated.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

The 3.5E shouldn't be that much smaller than the 2.8E. For the Rolleicord, for sure, the shutter release mechanism is not great, you can also accidentally move the camera when trying to take the photo, although it is not so bad with practice. Where can I view your photos?

[@KhunTui-jl5nj]

Is Baby Rolleiflex worth using now? Because it's small and beautiful, the price is cheap. Are there any disadvantages or advantages? Please give me some advice.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

The Baby Rolleiflex doesn't take 120 film, it takes 127 film which is a lot harder to buy as most major manufacturers don't make this size. You can cut 120 film to fit the 127 spool but that is a lot of trouble and expensive. Since the normal Rolleiflex is very light and compact, I don't feel there's any advantage to having the smaller Baby Rolleiflex.

[@KhunTui-jl5nj]

@@StreetPhotographyChina But the normal size is too expensive for me, 8-10 times the price.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

@@KhunTui-jl5nj It should not be that much difference, but if Rolleiflex is too expensive, you can get a Rolleicord for much less and yet it still uses full size 120 film. This is exactly why I posted this video so you can see that the cheaper models still are great cameras. Having to cut film to size every time is for me way too much work.

[@KhunTui-jl5nj]

@@StreetPhotographyChina Aha. Thank you for this knowledge. Last question: Which model of RolleiCord is a budget model? Worth the price.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

@@KhunTui-jl5nj I have the Rolleicord Vb and did a whole video on this camera kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWnLpHt8qbSgnLMsi=cVhh8GJxfOLin9lY

[@davidbrancaleone3039]

Thanks so much for your very articulate and accurate programmes. I dislike the term video, because it detracts from what people like you do with this mode of communication. I now own two Rolleis. A Rolleicord IV and a Rolleiflex Standard 3.5 with a Zeiss Tessar lens. Both from 1953, as far as I can tell from the serial numbers. I agree with you about the 3.5 vs 2.8. Such a big difference of price for half an f stop. I have already had excellent results with the Rolleiflex. The Cord has just arrived. I have a cable release for both. So that will probably improve the stability of the Cord. I don't see any major difference between the two. I am curious about the comparison with the two lenses. I used to have a Yashica which was easy to use. A few years ago I sold it to one of my students. I later regretted that. €80 was the price he paid. But now it made me move to the Rollei. The price difference between a IV or a Vb is also silly. The IV has all you need. You"d have to go as far back as the Rolleiflex III to get the weaker lens. Using the Rollei is forcing me to think before going click and thinking ahead even.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thank you David for you kind comments. Not many people realize how much work is involved in putting together one of these 'programmes' so your comment is very much appreciated. Would love to hear how you get on with the Rolleicord IV. My Vb is great, but I haven't experienced the earlier versions, so would love to know how you get on with yours. I have two Yashica MAT 124G cameras (I did a separate video on that). They are great too, just a bit more plasticky than the German brand. You're absolutely right about these twin lens film cameras slowing you down (in a good way). A very different experience to the modern cameras that, with electronic shutter, can capture 40 frames per second or what I like to call "spray and pray" mode, LOL.

[@JDPhotography7]

I have the Rolleiflex T and I could not find any information on adjusting the Aperture and Shutter Speed until this video. I appreciate you making this video and the detailed information you put into it. Mahalo

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for leaving a comment. I am really glad this video was useful. I will be adding more soon!

[@Blofeld76]

I got myself Rolleiflex Standard model 622, which has a 75mm 3.5 Tessar lens. The exterior of the camera is pretty rough, and it probably has gone through a war (ww2). Amazingly, shutterspeeds are pretty accurate. Except 1 second and 1/500s are half stop slower. The lens is decent and has no visible scratches or fungus. It would be nicer if I got a new mirror and focusing screen. I had a Rolleicord Vb model 1 which was in excellent condition, and CLAd. Difference between this Rolleiflex and Rolleicord I had is that Rolleiflex is much lighter. Also shutter release is much smoother with Rolleiflex.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Oh that's a much older model than my Rolleiflex cameras, I guess they were lighter back then. The ones I have I think are heavier than the Rolleicord, more metal, less plastic.

[@The8TrackChap]

I absolutely love my T. It’s so versatile and smaller than a 2.8. I also have a bright screen, prism finder, and a 16 exposure kit for it.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

The T is indeed a lovely camera and I think the pictures are really on par with the more expensive Rolleiflex range of cameras. Glad you're enjoying yours. Thanks for dropping a comment.

[@RichardPilon]

My wife has a 1961 Rolleiflex 3.5F. I’m looking at getting a Rolleiflex T in the near future.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

The 3.5F is great as is the T. Did you have any luck finding one yet? The way they work is slightly different to the standard Rolleiflex but if you run into difficulties I’ll be happy to help.

[@RichardPilon]

@@StreetPhotographyChinaYes, I found a nice condition Rolleiflex T. It came with a light meter and a 4 x 5.5 mask which can give me 16 shots per roll, a great option to have. The camera is so much fun to use and the results are great!

[@lukemerrill1272]

This is very helpful information... perfect timing for your video. Thanks :)

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Glad it was helpful!

[@codyallen3729]

I use a k4a automat. I assume you'd lump the automats into the weird middle quality level with the T.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

I believe that the Rolleiflex T launched in 1959 was the first attempt to appeal to non-professionals with a more affordable option and that the Automat, although a much earlier model, was still aimed at professionals. It was the first model to have the automatic film counter mechanism that all subsequent professional models have.

[@devispesaresi9069]

I pfer mamiya c330 vs c220

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

The Mamiyas are also great cameras, without doubt.

[@bernocreely4601]

Great vid thank you 🙏

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Glad you enjoyed it, appreciate the comment.

[@Dr.GeoDave]

Nice. I bought a Rolleicord and this helps me understand where it fits into the lineup of TLRs

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Glad it helped

[@ndhdernbach]

Yes, thank you very much. I have been waiting for your video for quite a while.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for the comment. I didn't go in to much detail for the Rolleiflex T specifically as this was more of a comparison between the 3 ranges, but I do plan to do an in-depth video on the Rollei T and each of the others soon! But I hope you found it helpful.

[@imac3355]

Well done for a great video:) Have you ever tried the Rollei Mutar lenses? I have a 2.8f and have thought of about the mutars for flexibility or maybe save up for a rollei tele 😍

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thanks for the kind comment. I haven't yet tried any modifications, I am quite happy with the current focal length which suits the kind of street portraits I do, but would love to give them a try at some stage. I often carry a Leica Q2 with me which is quite wide (28mm) so it's the longer focal lengths I miss which gives a nicer shallow depth of field for times when that's desired.

[@imac3355]

@@StreetPhotographyChina I'm also missing the slightly longer focal lengths for portraits and shallow depth of field. One look at a Tele Rollei and I know I'll be hooked. The optional pistol grip is my next purchase as I have the prism finder. It's mind blowing how flexible this camera system is for the age. Looking forward to the next video :)

[@john_murch]

Thank you for the comparison. Very helpful for when I'm ready to buy a Rolleicord/Rolleiflex. I've been thinking about this for quite a long while now. If I just want a Rollei, I would get the Rolleicord Vb. If I have a bit more budget, I would get the Rolleiflex 3.5F. I've handled some nice ones from reputable shops. However, they are a bit expensive where I live in Japan so, I will get the one I want when I'm ready.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Hi John, great to hear from you. I think your plan is pretty sound, the Rolleiflex 3.5F is a great camera, there's absolutely no need to spend significantly more to get the f2.8 lens. Japan may be expensive, but generally speaking the cameras are extremely well looked after and in great condition. I actually considered going to Japan to get a better quality model and then sell my older, battered ones.

[@john_murch]

@@StreetPhotographyChina Yes, that's true. You can get some really nice camera gear here, sometimes already CLA'd as well. Let me know if you're ever planning to come to my neighbourhood.

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

@@john_murch I may well take you up on that now that COVID restrictions are lifted. Which city in Japan are you located in? Would love to do some street portraits in Japan also.

[@john_murch]

@@StreetPhotographyChina I'm in Tokyo, it's a great place for street portraits.

[@praxis321]

Hi, I would like to suggest other Rolleiflex models you could also take into consideration that are not so expensive. For example the one I own is the Rolleiflex 3.5 MX-EVS (1952-1954), the top part can't be taken out like the later models but they have all the bells and whistles. You could look into other models as well. 😊

[@wullieg7269]

must have....weston and invercone duplex reading

[@user-py2vv4ou7s]

Thanks for video. ❤

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

You're welcome 😊

[@SteveKleinheider]

Nice informative video!

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Thank you!

[@stephenlumsden280]

I had a T, but had to sell it due to unreliability, now have yashicas, may try a cord in future though

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

The Ts are usually VERY well constructed cameras, so if it was unreliable, it could have been damaged or just a rare bad example. The Yashicas are more plastic, and therefore cheaper, but still great cameras.

[@stevehoffman9735]

Thank you!!

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

You're welcome!

[@zeldazazine]

This was very helpful, thank you so much for this video!

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Glad it was helpful!

[@drewh79]

Cheers for the great vid

[@StreetPhotographyChina]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!