How to buy a used Rolleiflex camera, what to look for.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Todd, what a great assignment for you. Five weeks in asia; lucky you! Two years ago I purchased Gary's Rolleiflex 2.8D. Shot a few rolls through it and knew I'd be keeping it for a very long time. I am lucky that I live 30 miles from Oceanside Camera Repair in Manhattan Beach, CA (aka Harry Fleener). He was able to perform a complete overhaul. This camera is a joy to hold and shoot; it puts a smile on my face every time I take it out. And yes, I almost always get someone asking about it. This camera will have to be "pried from my cold dead hands." My lucky nephew will inherit it from me. I also have a Rolleicord Vbii and it's a joy to shoot too. Looking forward to seeing the YT video of Vietnam.

[@toddkorolphoto]

@@SteveMillerhuntingforfood yes that is a nice one, I did see that one. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Fleener.

[@paulatterby7507]

Great cameras. I have a 3.5f and a f4.0 FW which I bought unused. I have put a few films through it and it remains in genuine mint condition. A fantastic camera.

[@utekopka7920]

Great video Todd! During the pandemic I bought a Rolleicord V and love it. The seller was the granddaughter of the original owner and although she was a photographer herself she didn't want to keep it but kept the Canon AE1 of her late grandfather instead. The camera came with the leather case, three filters and an accessory booklet. It's in great shape and I was lucky to get a decent copy. Warm greetings from Braunschweig, Germany, the birthplace of the Rolleis!

[@toddkorolphoto]

@@utekopka7920 Sounds like it went to a good home, I need to come back to Germany. Cheers.

[@wolfganggerlach1868]

Thank you for this video! In my world the Rolleiflex is the most beautiful camera of all! I bought a Rolleiflex T White Face from 1975 for 400,- dollars some years ago, with the new designed Zeiss Tessar f/3,5 . The shutter however broke down suddenly, but is repaired now. The screen in the view finder was a bit dark in the corners, so I bought a modern screen from Rick Olesen, USA, which I could put in myself easily. Now I have a very bright view finder. Congratulation to your second Rolleiflex! The Planar 2,8 hast been in my dream for years! Kind regards from Sweden!

[@toddkorolphoto]

@wolfganggerlach1868 Those 3.5 Rolleis are simply fabulous. Thanks for watching.

[@stephen_mcateer]

Very useful thanks Todd. [I have a 3.5 F - probably my favourite camera ever.]

[@toddkorolphoto]

Thanks for watching.

[@garyclennan2993]

Thanks for the shout-out Todd! 🙏

[@toddkorolphoto]

Anytime, thanks for looking after my cameras!

[@gordonshkurhan]

Really happy that you've been enjoying being sucked into the Rollei world. I bought my first Rollei almost 30 years ago and never looked back. I've had many different ones over the years and have been using the exact 2.8F model you just purchased. It's the pinnacle of the TLR range. The beauty of that particular model, and some of the later 2.8/3.5 E models, is that the waist level finder is removable so you can change over to a prism finder if you like. The meter on mine still works as well but after checking against a proper light meter, found that it's a bit off. Just need to make a slight adjustment each time I shoot. No big deal. You're right too about these being conversation pieces. The portrait opportunities actually come to you! Have fun with it!

[@toddkorolphoto]

Thanks, I really love the camera, and I have a prism finder as well. ;-)

[@TheSchnauzie]

Thanks Todd, interesting video

[@toddkorolphoto]

Thanks for watching.

[@jacquesgude]

Never been first to like or comment on a video, so... first time! Watching as I type this but, as a two Rolleiflex owner myself -- Rolleiflex 3.5B (Xenar lens) and Rolleiflex3.5E (Planar lens and fully working light meter) -- I know I'm going to love this. I'll still likely grab a 2.8 at some time, as well as a 3.5F, so thanks for the buying guide, Todd!

[@toddkorolphoto]

@@jacquesgude no matter which model, they are great cameras!

[@b991228]

As a child my grandfather kept me supplied with a f/2.8, TLR Rolleiflex that alas is no more. My grandfather and I vacationed in the Canadian arctic. I wish I could have that camera now.

[@Wpoolesf]

+ 1 for Rollei-love. There is something very special about the photos from those cameras. Will look forward to a vid from Vietnam.

[@toddkorolphoto]

Thanks for watching, stay tuned.

[@MrCodyswanson]

Beautiful looking Rollei!

[@toddkorolphoto]

@@MrCodyswanson Thanks they are great! 👍

[@leonardodecesaris4987]

Very useful video thank you

[@toddkorolphoto]

Just all of the things I've learned from various people, sharing some good info. Cheers

[@davidottman9501]

Thanks Todd. Those Rolleis are sure nice cameras. It struck me when you mentioned their age, many have been sitting unused much of that time, which is usually worse than those that have had film running through them. Any machine needs maintenance and occasional repair, a qualified technician is worth gold!

[@toddkorolphoto]

Things can seize up in old mechanical cameras if they sit unused, something to be aware of for sure.

[@The_Truck_Photo_Agency]

Great video, Todd. I bought a Rolleiflex 3.5 off Facebook Marketplace a few months ago for $125.00. It looks like it's been put thru the wringer. From what I can tell, it was manufactured circa 1939. Leatherette is missing on the crank side as I had to remove a dent in the plate to allow the frame counter to return to zero. 2 of the 4 feet on the bottom are missing so gaff tape is blocking those holes from light leaks. Aside from a real need for a CLA, the camera works quite well. Keep up the great work!

[@toddkorolphoto]

The other beauty of them is they are built so well and are tough as heck. Cheers

[@adamalthus]

50 years ago, when I was 12, my first photo mentor was an RAF Photographer who taught me to shoot on a Rollei 3.5f. It’s amazing to think that camera could still be in use today. The same will not be said about my Sony A1 :-)

[@toddkorolphoto]

@@adamalthus That is what I really love about these cameras, they are still going strong if proper care is taken with them. And, they will run for another 25 years!

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Thanks for the tips, happy new year

[@toddkorolphoto]

@@jamesbarnes3063 Thanks for watching.

[@darrelltheriault5793]

Hands on inspection of used cameras is always the best option unfortunately unless you live in a major centre (New York, Tokyo etc) or are fortunate enough to visit that can prove difficult. When that is impossible and you wish to acquire a used camera, in my experience the best strategy is buy from a well known reputable source, one where you can have some confidence in the grading system and returns are easy. I also tend to opt for the highest grade available or at least 8+ on a scale of 1-10. That hopefully will reduce the additional costs you might have to absorb for repairs or CLA and if you can maintain the conditions, make resale at some point easier. Thanks Todd.

[@toddkorolphoto]

Yes indeed, that was the problem I had as well, I had to wait until I went to one of these cities to finally get a good one. And there are some very good dealers out there to buy from.

[@lupindeweir]

If you haven't you should really try a Rolleimeter. A little cumbersome maybe but turning your TLR into a rangefinder has it's place.

[@toddkorolphoto]

I actually just one of those online, was thin king of trying it out, wish me luck ;-)

[@sbills]

I would love to get one to go along with my Hasselblad 500CM. I just don't know anything about them or what model to get. It's so difficult to know what's what and I feel you're gonna have to get a CLA on whatever you get. Look forward to seeing your video on how to use them.

[@toddkorolphoto]

Here is a good place to start. And once you get them serviced, they will last for a long time. www.filmshooterscollective.com/analog-film-photography-blog/rolleiflex-buying-guide-1-11

[@Nightwatch1986]

Hi, I’m a fairly new user of the Rolleiflex, and I have a question about the aperture wheel on the 3.5F model. Should the aperture wheel make distinct, hard clicks as you adjust it, or does it spin more freely without noticeable stops?

[@Schlipperschlopper]

I have to say that the inexpensive Lubitel 166 from USSR makes exactly the same good pictures as well as the great Chinese Seagull camera 203 and 4 !

[@toddkorolphoto]

Not really.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@@toddkorolphoto my one does it even makes as good pictures as my Rolleiflex, i think it depends on adjustment and the quality of lens assembly.

[@chriscard6544]

I dont trust japanese sellers on ebay anymore. About old cameras, I recommand to shoot at least one or two films

[@toddkorolphoto]

So much of what I see they list says "Mint" or "like new", but you can see all the marks and dents on the cameras. You have to be very careful on eBay now, I will only buy something if I can actually see it and test it.

[@chriscard6544]

@@toddkorolphoto I agree but I need a second Deardorff and it's difficult to find in Europe. I've bought one from the US and it was not mint, dusty but everything works fine. I love american LF cameras, they have a soul

[@chrisloomis1489]

Great : After I see everyone traveling to the countries I want to see , what is even the reason to go ? Already been there 🤣

[@toddkorolphoto]

Lots of photos left there. 😀