🟡 My Holy Grail Camera! (Best Creative Tool) | Rolleiflex SL66 E Review

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

⭐️ Patreon: Join today for more videos - from £1+VAT! - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom ▶️ Watch Next: Medium Format Camera Reviews Playlist - bit.ly/2ZteAVT ✅ Check Prices on eBay: (US) ebay.us/TuM6rk (UK) ebay.us/43s1K0

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@larrymerrick6322 thanks Larry, it has 8 years of content and 300 ish posts so hopefully lots of info 👍🏻

[@cohenyehuda7225]

You all prolly dont give a shit but does anyone know a trick to get back into an instagram account? I somehow forgot my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@ignaciotitus8410]

@Cohen Yehuda Instablaster =)

[@cohenyehuda7225]

@Ignacio Titus i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@cohenyehuda7225]

@Ignacio Titus It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account !

[@johnbutler8929]

Thanks, Matt, for the video. I purchased my Rolleiflex SL66 when it first came out around 1966, and I sold it to my friend in 2004 when I lost my darkroom and moved into a retirement village. I had all the different accessories that went with it also, the poroflex viewfinder, multiple film backs including a sheet film back, lens adapter with a Leica thread to use Nikor enlarging lenses for macro photography and more. It was a great camera, and I was sorry I sold it now, as my grandchildren are using my old Olympus OM4 and Nikon film cameras. In 38 years of use, I never had any problems with it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi John, thanks and sorry I missed this. Great to hear you had this camera too. My issues were self inflicted. It worked when I used it like the manual says vs how I use a Hassy.

[@Xingqiwu387]

Agreed! The SL66 is my absolute favorite camera of all time. Harry Fleenor who is one of the top Rollei repairmen in the USA said a few years back that if the SL66 were to be produced today with all its capabilities, the camera would have to sell for more than $10,000. It's a superb tool with immense creative potential. Thank you for this very informative video.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! And thanks for that info, interesting and good to know thanks!

[@rbruce63]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Harry Fleenor repaired my Rollei 35S. Another expert is Krikor Malarian in New Jersey. Perhaps you can email them to ascertain if the SL68 can be repaired and rebuilt economically!

[@klauspetermann2373]

Like my two Rollei SL 2000f. The Most complicated 35mm, but a realy diva and expensive to repair.

[@Superbustr]

Compensating for interest the SL66 would cost around $12000 in todays money. Roughly double the price of what a Hasselblad 500 originally retailed for. If the Hasselblad 500 series and SL66 series were to have originally retailed for a similar price then they would have sold more SL66 cameras and likewise a lot more people would be shooting with the Rollei system today.

[@PedroLauridsenRibeiro]

Hi Matt, So glad to finally see a SL66(E) review on YT... I've got my father's original SL66, which has been with him since forever, so it has a special meaning to me - a large part of my childhood's photos were taken with this camera. I've got with it the 50mm Distagon, the 80mm Planar and the 250mm Sonnar, as well as three backs and a rather rare TTL meter-equipped vertical finder. The camera is indeed rather unique, and it sparked my interest for medium format to the point I've managed to get a Hasselblad 503cx afterwards. I really believe both systems rather complement each other - the 'blad is somewhat smaller and lighter (as far as medium format goes), and its operation is somewhat more intuitive (except for multiple exposures - the SL66 procedure for that is much simpler than the 'blad's). It also has a larger lens selection - lenses like the spectacular Planar 100mm you have on your 'blad don't have a SL66 equivalent. The 1/30 flash sync speed - the price to pay for the 1/1000 shutter speed - may have been a bummer for pros back in the day, but I've never used flash with mine so I don't really care about that. On the other hand, the macro and tilting capabilities of the bare SL66 can only be matched in the large-format realm if you don't want to resort to a cumbersome set of acessories like extension tubes and the like. People complain about the SL66 supposedly being more prone to jamming, but let's not forget the 'blad's infamous lens shaft jamming, something that will never happen with the SL66 as the lens doesn't even have a helicoid due to the bellows focusing system, let alone a leaf shutter. My only complaint about the SL66 is that lenses and accessories are usually difficult to find, much more than the 'blad's. The SL66's ultimate reference seems to be the "Rollei Report 2" by Claus Prochnow, one of the SL66's original designers. All "Rollei Reports" can be bought at the Rolleiclub website. Sean Ryan's back unjamming tip below also seems promising. It happened to me once shortly after I got the camera so I had to take it to repair, but the technician unjammed it rather quickly, so maybe he did something along these lines. If it happens to me again in the future, I'll give it a try. Please let us know if it solved your problem! Keep up the good work! (Edit: I hadn't seen your update when I first posted this... good to know your SL66E is back in business) (P.S.: apparently, according to JCH's review of the SL66, it was _more_ expensive than the 'blad when it was launched in 1966. That contributed to the model's low popularity)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Pedro, thanks very much for writing and sory for my late reply. Thank for the information you shared and nice to hear another person that has the SL66 and a blad so can compare the 2. Yes I got is working and have shot a test roll so will post some to social media once developed if they look OK. Thanks Matt

[@scottbrennan6450]

Your videos are fantastic. Your enthusiasm for photography (the images, regardless of the equipment) is matched only by your appreciation and knowledge of the cameras and lenses. If you really love photography, that relationship is always present. Basically, your videos are inspiring. Keep making them!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Scott! Very kind of you. I guess my obsession with cameras, lenses and photography can at least inspire others then ha, yes my life is never far from photography. Thanks for your feedback!

[@seanryan9838]

Here's some info on getting the back off when it's jammed. To get the back off you have to make a special dark slide to defeat the interlocks. Find a piece of metal (aluminum sheet is fine) no thicker than 0.3 mm and cut it to the same width as a dark slide (61.9 mm). Make it a bit longer than a dark slide so it's easy to push in and pull out. The end that's inserted into the back has to be slightly concave and of course the edges have to be smooth so it doesn't catch. One corner of the new piece has to be removed to clear an internal pin. Remove 2.5 mm * 30 mm on the concave end so that the new width is about 59.5 mm wide. If you insert the new piece into the back with the notched part to the right (film advance side) the back should come off when the release button is pressed. At this point you can see if the back or the body is jammed. If it's the body you'll have to send it off but I'll bet it's the back. Cock the body and advance the back (the cogwheel that the little finger points to on the back) and see if the back goes back on the body and if it starts working again.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Sean!!! That's really helpful and very thoughtful.. thanks so much. I will have a play this weekend and report back with a follow up video if I get it going.

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

@Sean Ryan @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Community! ❤️

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@Nearest_Neighbor yes! Always check the comments.. they are often better than the videos! :)

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Oh I don't know if I would say that but sometimes it ties together perfectly.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@Nearest_Neighbor Thanks as you say it helps build a really nice community :)

[@johncrossley-hall9366]

Very impressed with the knowledge of your viewers. You may not have a lot of subscribers, but the quality of them speaks volumes to the content you provide...plus you're such a nice person!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you John! Yes many are fellow M shooters so I always feel a bit bad doing non M vids but trying to extend the channel to a wider audience too!

[@michaelcase8574]

I owned the first version of the sl66. I shot it for years with absolutely no problems. I got mine from an estate with 2 backs filters and case for $499 12 years ago.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, mine was dumb user issues. I tried to use it like a Hassy not like a Rollei. Now it works great.

[@marcusharman]

After 40 years of wanting one, saving and searching, I finally purchased an SL66. Iam going to test this head to head with my Bronica EC and tilt/shift bellows.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great stuff, amazing camera, enjoy!

[@MrJollybox]

Matt, the SL-66 IS my Holy Grail camera. I have a non metered version - so as original as you can get (mine is a late 66-67 vintage) Back in the early '60 it is not very hard to find/research the shenanigans that went on between Victor Hassleblad and Rolleiflex... VH bullying Rfx into no research into SLR 6x6 as he knew that the Rfx research was far superior to VH, better lenses etc. I believe Victor said to Rollei at the time that Hasslebald would not delve into TLR cameras (traditionally Rolleis forte) if there was a gentlemans agreement that Rollei would not pursue the SLR route.. Optically it is far easier to produce a superior lens with a fixed lens system - then move the whole lens - rather than having to machine tolerances reliably of a barrel focus lens. Low and behold they can then engineer the tilt mechanism... and get the whole large format 'feel' into a 6x6 format. An extra 'feature' that most might miss is that the SL-66 can accept, with NO additional equipment - adapters etc., 220 film as well as 120 film. Only a flick of a small switch on the film back.... Hassy's I believe need a completely separate film holder insert... SL-66's might feel 'over-engineered' and a bit on the heavy side in comparison to a 500c series Hassy - but the capabilities are far outweighed by the SL-66 - and not so insignificantly I have had more interesting conversations from members of the public whilst out shooting about the fact that my beloved camera is NOT a Hassleblad :) I have NEVER had issues with the SL-66 jamming - owned it for 15+years. Lovely review Jbx

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I need to use my camera again and I’ll do a follow up video :)

[@vers1fier]

The original SL-66 model, perhaps due to having no electronics, have rarely had any jamming issues.

[@cuttercarlo547]

I got one by accident four years ago, turned out to become my alltime favourite 6x6 since then. What a masterpiece of a camera.. I was lucky it came with the manual, without knowing what has to be done in which order, it is probably easy to jam it. I really hope you got it working again!! thanks for the great review :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you, yes I read the instructions with fresh eyes after a 3-4 year break and yes it works if I follow the steps. I must do a follow up video one day when I get time. Great to hear you have one too!

[@sheepeck]

I will be also glad for follow up video - I got one just recently. And bought The Rolleiflex Way book with it - several hundreds pages loaded with information. Beautiful camera and piece of art.

[@steinsvideos3997]

Thank you very much my friend, I'm currently stalking a sl66 on ebay and I love the design and functionality. So having this review about the newer version was very, very interesting. Thank you

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Stein, good luck with eBay bidding! 👍🏻

[@Z2hstudio]

I just saw this video so late. I am an amateur photographer from China. You and I have the same criteria for choosing a camera, which is to really start from your own needs instead of blindly following other people's suggestions. I have owned an SL66E for more than ten years, precisely say, I have owned two. The first one had been with me for many years. I took it to travel to the UK, the US and Turkey, and took many wonderful photos with it. But in 2018 I placed it where I worked, and there was a fire. I found its unrecognizable body in the ashes, all the plastic parts of the camera melted, but to my surprise, because the lens is all made of metal and an UV lens is installed, it is still intact except for some peeling paint on the surface! I loved this camera so much that I quickly purchased another one. But there was something wrong with the back of this one, even though I followed the exact steps, it kept getting stuck. So I took it apart and studied its structural principles, and found that the main problem causing it to get stuck was the gear on the back that was coupled to the main body. I found that there is a spring responsible for keeping the gear rotating upward to the end, and this spring has a problem of insufficient elasticity, causing the gear to become slightly loose and unable to maintain its final position. Once the back is installed, even one tooth is misplaced, that will cause the back stuck. Fixing this problem is not difficult. About the film stacking problem, one is forgot to turn the film forward knob to the automatic stop position after loading the film (this stupid problem occurred several times when I first started using this camera ╥﹏╥), and the other is that the frame counter does not work properly. Because the diameter of the rotating shaft gradually becomes thicker when the film is passed, Rollei designed the counter to be linked to the film passing distance to solve this problem. However, the mechanism that drives the counter is very sophisticated and complicated. Dried grease or incorrect adjustment will cause it to malfunction. Although I am not a professional repairman, I am very happy to try to repair it myself, and even later helped several netizens repair problems such as loss of low shutter speed, inaccurate light meter, the SL66SE light meter sensor cable breakage(that's a common fault of SL66SE, SL66E doesn't have such problem). All for free of course. If you have any problem about this camera in the future, I will be happy to help you! (≧▽≦) (sorry about my poor English >_

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for sharing and yes a great camera! I fixed mine, it was user error

[@hansalbers9894]

I like the Carl Zeiss lenses.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Hans, me too!

[@Xingqiwu387]

Same here! The BEST, hands down. Nothing compares to the Zeiss look.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@Xingqiwu387 Yes love the Biogons especially!

[@marcusharman]

The SL66 is on my bucket list. Bronica did it first with their S and S2 models with a special bellows with tilt and rise. I first handled an SL66 back in 1985 in Exeter. To this day it is the best build quality. I own a Hasselblad 500C, Bronica S2a, Fuji GX680, mamiyaflex and Mamiya C330. The SL66E is superb. Off the film plane flash metering, two leaf shutter lenses, a large range of focal plane lenses. Gorgeous to use.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Interesting about the Bronicas too, thanks!

[@stephanedubarry8624]

I bought such a camera with 3 lenses (80,50,150), 2 backs 120 and the prism 40 years ago second hand. Still in perfection condition. The downwards tilt is wonderful for landscapes to gain DOF with any lens using the Scheimpflug rule and even quite wide opened I used in extensively in Sahara with no problème. Gorgeous

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! Yes I bought the camera mostly for the tilt but eventually for portraits it became an overused look. Great camera but a bit too complicated for my small brain when I’m always jumping between different camera systems.

[@stephanedubarry8624]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom hi Matt. I am non 71 years old and I do not carry heavy stuff any longer, including this Rolleiflex and large format cameras. If you can help me selling it I will pay you à commission (notca joke). Best

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@stephanedubarry8624 your timing is perfect. Please visit MrLeica.com - see buy/sell link. I just setup a service to help people like you sell Leica & nice film cameras more easily. (I get asked quite often so I set it up)

[@rexypoooo]

When I was looking for a camera to replace my troublesome Kiev 88, I looked at the Fuji GX-680III, specifically for the tilt function. But being a electronic camera, the system is easily prone to failure and servicing support is far less than Mamiya. Thus I op for a RB67 instead. Being a commercial photographer who photograph product in lots of room scenes and architecture, what I would really want is a system that has a front tilting standard and can accept a digital back, which eventually might lead to a Graflok 4x5 system that can adapt to Hasselblad H-mount backs. Always sad to see a legendary camera goes, but I think I saw a SL66 non E at my local camera store last weekend.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I think we think alike, I wanted the tilt function hence got this but later wanted more so got into 4x5 cameras.

[@walterglover3423]

Possibly. more nostalgic than is good for me. When I was a young guy starting out I shot with an SL66 from 1969 to 1982. A truly sublime instrument, unmatched by any other roll film SLRs with one massive Achilles heel. The FILM MAGAZINES! On later magss there was a small recessed stainless. button on the underside that could be depressed with a ball point which would pop-out the winding knob if you wished to wind out the remainder of a half-shot roll. I seem to recall that doing that solved some issues which were often caused by the film not spoiling evenly and crinkling along one edge and jamming the advance which in turn jammed the entire. mechanical sequence. At that time we had a Rollei factory trained techo with a shop here in Sydney who was able to fix such stuff. Much as I've often. come very close to clicking "BUY NOW" on SL66 cameras on the auction site I restrain myself on the basis of present day servicing experts on the incredibly intricate high points of camera design. and fabrication. Walter Glover

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Walter, some new information there for me so much appreciated. Did you see my update post. I did get it working again. I will make a future video once I’ve used the camera more.

[@TheHumanPhotographer]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt, thank you so much for your content. I know this video is 3 years old but so helpful and I am so glad you were able to fix the film back issue. I hope you see this, I was hoping you could point me to your "update post" ..when I was searching around your YT and blog I couldn't find it. Thank you! - Nadine

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Matt, Yes I new of the camera, but never used one. It the 1980's I did shoot with Sinar 5x4, 5x7, Bronica and Hasselblad Now am old and been shielding for the last 11 Keep well, keep safe and have fun.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks John! You too

[@siufaiau1191]

Glad to read read you got your camera working. I'm a big Rollei fan and uses both TLR as well as the SLX/6000 series. Always wanted to get an SL as well, and recently did. I just got the SL66E with the 80mm f4 LS Distagon lens. Can't wait to shoot with it, especially with the tilt. BTW: yours is actually a later SL66SE. The SE has in addition a spot meter while the earlier E is integral metering only. The film back you use is from the E and later SE backs has a crank and needs line-up the start position when loading. All backs are compatible but the E back has auto film start like the Rolleiflex Automat TLR.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Wow thanks. I’ve had many knowledgeable people comment on this video but you are the only person to see this. Thank you! Yes this is the second back and the other jammed. It sound like all user error (again) with that back. (I’m used to simple Hasselblad). Thank you for your time and I’m happy you got one too!

[@siufaiau1191]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom once I got mine I hope I don’t jam it since I’m use to use the 6008 which is much more fool proof. That camera just refuse to work if you do something it doesn’t like. There are indeed not that many repairman that are willing to work on these SL66. Love your channel and your photos. Keep up the work!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@siufaiau1191 thanks and for support. Yes if you follow steps I think it won’t jam.

[@JosephTraub-v9v]

21:24 These large format fotos look amazing, the others aswell, but here I can smell the big format :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes once you see LF (and MF) vs 35mm it’s hard to unsee it!: see my 4x5 vids!

[@MarcelSauder]

My Favored Camera since years.. It becomes my most used and most important camera in 2021

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats!! It's like nothing else isn't it :)

[@MarcelSauder]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yes very true.Rock Solid and reliable. I have 4 SL66E and one SL66. Use it nearly every day.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@MarcelSauder wow impressive!!

[@roybixby6135]

I've lusted after that SL66 since I first saw one in the 1970s. The other camera I would love is the Bronica D. Although I have 3 blad cameras a fuji GX680 a Bronica ETRs and a Mamiya RB67.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Roy, yes I think we all lust after what we don't have! I like the idea of a Rollei 2.8F but I generally prefer SLR style cameras to TLR for portraits. I like blads and have a RZ67 and others (see videos).

[@roybixby6135]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I still have a RB67 and 3 V blads and a H blad...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@roybixby6135 Great! I have similar but RZs & Hassy not RB 👍🏻

[@tompaste387]

Hi Matt in my teens it was my dream camera way before yearning for a Hassy lol Now i have my Hassy but never got my SL66

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Tom, they are great but a Hassy is much easier to use and should lat longer without complications.

[@Xingqiwu387]

Gorgeous images! You're a real talent for the SL66. There's a tiny catch or a kind of button (for multiple exposures) under the winding crank. If you've accidentally depressed the button under the crank, the camera will jam and will not go further. You could try pressing it again or seeing if you can unlock it that way.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your kind words. I’d like to think I can do better photos now with 6 years more experience. Thanks for details on the camera I will check it thank you 🙏🏻

[@IndroneelMukerji]

This is a landmark camera. It’s history of its development is fascinating. This is the only non-rangefinder SLR medium format camera I would get - if I had the money and if it had been 6 x7! I’d put it in my list of great cameras as follows : Mamiya 7 / 7ii Plaubel Makina 67/670 Rolleiflex SL66E Mamiya RZ67 Notice that there are no usual suspects in my list. (The 8 degree tilt and the reversal of the lens are two wonderful differentiators.)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, I’m very fortunate to have 3 on you list. I’d rank SL, RZ. 7 of those I have. RZ is amazing no question and I love the VF but I prefer 6x6 so I use 66 backs on mine. See those videos if interested.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I never got the PM67 in the end but I did consider it quite a few times. The gem you forgot to put on your list is the Fuji GF670. That blows the pants off the 7 and is as sharp as the Hasselblad 120 macro.. making it sharper than all cameras mentioned from my real world tests. Video to follow!

[@MadAntz970]

I get all of the front tilt/shift movement of a LF camera on my Fuji GX680. Its a hefty beast but does fit about in a Lowerpro rucksack. Not as versatile as the SL or Hassy but has a certain appeal that I love as it slows you down to about the same speed as shooting 5x4.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Anthony, yes I forgot about the GX680 actually, I did look at them once ages ago. Nice but bigger as you say. Yes it's funny, my Intrepid 4x5 setup is lighter than my RZ and probably lighter than the Hassy too if I exclude the tripod! As you say going slow can be nice sometimes.

[@canarbak]

Hi Matt, If you are looking for a medium format camera with all the large format camera movements you should check for Fujifilm Gx680 series cameras. You won't be disappointed.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you. Yes a few others told me to check this too. Thanks!

[@nevilleholmes1324]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Due to there weight, not that expensive.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@nevilleholmes1324 ok I’ll cautiously check eBay, thanks! :)

[@Chris-wj4ze]

Interesting. I would rather tilt the front standard forward and take advantage of the Scheimpflug principle, though.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice yes any tilt is good fun

[@peterquick7956]

G'day Matt, Great vid, totally agree with your Holy Grail rating for the Roliflex SL66… not sure about the E, I’ve had a SL66 for a couple of dozen years. Glad you got yours working, yeah, gotta stick to the operating steps 1, 2, 3. I’ve made the unlock slide, which was a fiddly bit of craft work. Those 1, 2, 3 steps are easily forgotten when there’s a year or two between the lump coming out of the cupboard. Managed to lock it up more than once. Also got a half frame back, double the number of shots on a roll. Late comer to your channel, love your work. Cheers from Oz, PeteQ

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Peter and welcome to the channel! Yes I think I didn't follow the 1,2,3 steps and that's what got me! Agreed compared to most film cameras they are easy to mess up if you forget! I need to post more MF camera vids soon + LF still! Stay tuned :)

[@henryplenty1293]

Hola Matt Osburne , I owe a Rolleiflex 6006 . Had my camera for over 25,years . I will never get rid of it . I'm looking for a 6008 . They are amazing camera .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great stuff Henry, yes Rollei made some lovely cameras.

[@TL-vt8uk]

Cool video, always wanted to try one of the SL66's after picking up the 80mm lens from that camera that was adapted for Leica M-mount. It is a bit big for a M-mount, but it sits well on my SL. I may need to check out one of these Rollei bodies! Cheers!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes nice lenses and yes the results will be very different on the 6x6 body :) ..in a good way!

[@frauh1157]

Thanks for the video! the manual says something like: we assume this camera is used by experienced photographers- so this manual is short….Like your explanation of the tilting function and will check it out now. For mechanics: there is a whole plan of the camera online. However if you read everything beforehand and use it regularly, it should last.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! When I first bought it I didn't have the experience I thought I had (I could take nice photos but no experience with such cameras). Now it works no issue, I just need to follow the steps.

[@rolandchambers878]

I think I can help. I own two of these and three film backs. At one point both bodies and all backs were locked up. Remedy: first get the back off with a dark slide cut to avoid the gear but trip the release catch. Google for directions. Next remove the lens. Now the body should free up. So far so good. Now take the back and rotate the gear with the upward pointing finger beneath it. It will resist. Use a soft piece of would to ‘gently’ force it. Turn it in the direction of the finger until it’s done turning. Don’t be frightened! Now tension the shutter, put it all together and hopefully you’re done. I like your videos Matt. Let me know if this works. If not google a guy called Brian who is the wizard of Rolleiflex in the Uk. He’s in retirement but he can’t help himself. A genuine romantic. DM me if you need more info (and if you can DM on KZbin!). Thanks again for your videos.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Roland! Sorry for my late answer. Did you see the follow up post, I got it working! I will do a future video all being well with new SL66 work. Thanks for your kind words!

[@rolandchambers878]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I’m looking forward to that video! There are a couple of decent reviews of the SL66 but not so many considering what an amazing camera it is. Nobody but you talks about the SLL6E. I’m not surprised people are wary of the jamming issues but once you’ve got the trick of it the problem seems to go away. I’d love you to help bring this amazing beast back into popular use.

[@rolandchambers878]

Ps I saw the follow up after my comment. Good to hear and thanks again for your work.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@rolandchambers878 thank you 🙏🏻

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@rolandchambers878 no pressure but I will do my best! Now all I need is models :)

[@SachaSommer]

I own a Rolleiflex SL66. I love it. But it is a complicated machine. And it is my favourite camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks agreed!

[@gerryhardman9060]

I totally agree with you that the Rolleiflex SL66 is by far the Holy Grail of 6 x 6 cameras.I had one with the 50, 80 and 150 lenses and used them for shooting weddings. I sold the set up to pay for my wedding. But it was my all-time favourite Camera, it was so much better design than Hassleblad, even simple things like, each back has a place for the dark slide.Hasselblad you had to put it in your pocket. Each back was 120/220 film. Double exposures were easy without having to remove the back to cock the shutter.The SL also came with lenses that can be removed and reversed, for close up photography and the 80 mm and the 50 mm have scales on the focussing track to show distance. Tilt mechanism is excellent as well and I believe with an 80 mm lens. You can get everything in focus from 2 m to infinity with a wide-open aperture. All the lenses focus closer than Hasselblad and having a focal plane shutter was an advantage from a weight and maintence point of view. The focussing knob also has built depth field scales for different lenses. The camera is very awkward without the grip which was made for the SL much easier to hold. The main modern disadvantage is that the Hassy can be adapted to digital backs where as with a focal plane shutter it was impossible for the SL. Still my all time favourite camera although after selling I bought a Rollei 3.5f TLR and shot with that for many years before just recently selling it. Nice review. regards Gerry

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Gerry! Great to see you have fond memories of this camera.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

I have an old 66, it’s worked great from day one. As I klutzed about getting to know it I recall jamming it a couple of times, might have been from trying to remove the back without advancing and cocking, I’m thinking. If that happens, and it hasn’t for me ever since (about 20 yrs.), you just push the back firmly against the body and wriggle the dark slide in. The back should come off. Then rotate the exposed cog gear on the camera side of the back until it locks. You may have an internal jam but it’s a start. Anyway, I’ve had both Hasselblad and Rollei kits and I’m liking the latter more each outing. Sorry for this long ramble. Thanks Matt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you James! I appreciate the tips! I managed to get it going so with a bit of luck I will do a follow up video. I need to revist the Hassy vs Rollei in 2021 and see if I still like the SL66E more :) ..I may have grown out of tilting though haha

[@Photinos]

Matt, I congratulate you for your excellent videos and for your images, in reality all cameras eventually fail so you have to treat them with care and not abusing them, in my experience the ones that have failed me the most are the Hasselblads and the Carl Zeiss lenses because the shutter is another mechanism what I recommend is to use them with care, and when they are not used activate them so that the mechanisms are well lubricated and active. The advantage of mechanical cameras is that most can be repaired, although with the digital revolution parts are scarce. Indeed, Rolleiflex has always stood out for being a pioneer in camera design and especially the SL 66 the SL 66E and Rolleiflex 6000 series models are devices of admirable quality, light years ahead of Hasselblads but they arrived late to the main market, the Japanese always were inspired by German advances until they surpassed them mainly because of the price.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Pablo, thank you! I have the camera working again, dumb user trying to use it like a Hassy and not like a Rollei. Interesting point re. Hassy lenses, I must try to fire them all from time to time to keep them fresh. (I used the 50mm, 60mm, 100mm 150mm at a wedding at the weekend - Zeiss).

[@DC-sp5ds]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Can you share with us *how* you got it working again? Was it as suggested above, just a matter of pressing the hidden button?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@DC-sp5ds just following the manual lol ..jiggled a few things, followed how to use instructions and it worked

[@bobbadley8347]

Hello Matt, the loveliest ode of the Rollei SL66 ever heard. ;-) Great video. I’m very surprised about your comments about the Rollei SL66.I have one an the 80mm and the 150mm lens and the prism view finder and magazines. The Rollei SL66 has the advantage to shift 8° up and down, that’s great. Haven’t used it with a film for many, many years and my wife ask me why I don’t sell it. For a moment…… I was thinking about and had a look into some offers. Hm, nice the price. ;-) But then I’ve taken it in my hands again and (the box always stored close to me, all that time long) and turned the winder and,…..clack, clack. What a sound. ;-) Solid mechanical masterpieces. No, I’ll keep it. That’s something women never can understand. Ok, we are livelong boy how needs toys but this is one of the wonderful toys, like an old car. ;-) And, take pictures with an old Rollei of a young girl in an old car, it’s so exiting. ;-) Your SL66E is a bit better than the SL66 but I’ll not change it for another. We stay together for 30 years and I hope for 30 years more. By the way, I even have still my Nikon F4 and after I used an D700 and now an D750. But if Nikon would have manufactured the digital back for the F4, as it was designed but never built, I would even use the F4. Regards from Germany. NB: I like le look of your photos. ;-=

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Bob and great to hear you’ve had yours for 30 years! I really need to use mine again too (it is working now).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I have my f4 still too and many others!

[@MrDCB1234]

You should try the Fuji GX 680...full large format movements and bellows focus. Great video

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes that’s what many watching this video tell me, I will have to look at it again :) Thanks!

[@christopherauito7262]

I looked at both as well. The ttl metering with the waist level viewfinder of the sl66 won out over the added movements of the GX680 for me. Difficult decision, but I already had a 4x5 field camera for when I want to take my time. Plus, with the focal plane shutter, any lens with sufficient coverage within the limit of the bellows draw can be used (such as antique large format lenses).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@christopherauito7262 thanks Chris, hmm yes that’s an interesting point. I have quite a few LF lenses for 4x5. I should try to mount them onto the SL66E :)

[@jeromearnould9940]

Wow what an amazing camera .... need to test one of those sometime... thanks for sharing Matt... it is great !

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jerome, if I get it working and we ever meet you can try it 👍🏻

[@luissalazar2021]

Wow , I hope somebody can help you with that camera, I been shooting with my RB67 since 2000+ and being in the shop 4a few times for maintenance only. on my RB if you take off the lens it will unlock. Know in this days I don’t think there’s too many people that might have or use the Rollei . Thank you for sharing your passion. Good job on those photos.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Luis, yes I have the camera back in action thanks. Great to hear you have the RB. I have the RZ so I appreciate these cameras too (see my other videos for that one) :)

[@toulcaz31]

The SL66 lenses are Zeiss designed lenses too so kind of double dipping for you knowing you can use the extension tubes (13cm with 80mm) or macro bellows. Good move to get the multi coated HFT lens. Something interesting is the flange of SL66 lenses is one of the longest among MF, opening some opportunities to adapt them on bodies with shutters.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Nico, good info! I thought I read that ahead of the video then couldn't see CZ mentioned on the lens itself so thought safer not to mention it! Yes the HFT came with the camera so I was lucky I guess. I like the red coating.. kinda has a nice look to it I think

[@nevilleholmes1324]

as I understand it, Rollei bought the Zeiss factory in Germany when Zeiss went to Japan for the lens ellements..@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@oldnewstock]

I've had this issue - the solution ended up being quite simple. You need to open the back, remove the magazine insert, and try advancing the shutter. If that doesn't work, take the back off (with the darkslide in, otherwise it won't let you), push the gear in the direction indicated by the arrow, and put it back on after advancing the shutter. The jamming is caused by the insert misgearing when its placed inside, which can cause the shutter gear to skip a tooth. This can also happen if you're using a magazine insert that doesn't match the serial of the magazine. Oh, and always make sure the shutter is cocked before removing and placing the magazine back on. Bad things happen otherwise.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! My issue was not following the manual/ Rollei method and trying to shoot it like a Hasselblad/ other MF camera.

[@justinmueller9579]

Hi matt, great vid, I have a sl66, my second one. Not for the feint of heart. I treat mine with kid gloves. I read somewhere that if you shoot it upside down it will jam. The other problem is the inserts are matched to the backs and if you interchange them you will get overlapping frames. On the bright side not in your vid is the backs have a place to stash the dark slide and the mirror returns after firing the shutter. The shutter release is very exposed to potential damage I feel. Lastly I think it is an overly tolerance camera which could be why its prone to lock ups.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Justin! Ah great info, that explains the overlaps and probably some of the jams.

[@mobiusflight5430]

Need to check out the Rollei 2000/3000 35mm system cameras. I shot many a wedding in the 80s with a Mamiya 645 with a 70mm 2.8 LS lens. It did very well for me, but I always wanted a SL66E

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! I have the M645 + 70 2.8 LS lens :) Perfect setup if using flash. I prefer the Hasselblad H2 cameras to the M645 but I know there is a big price difference (see those vids).

[@mobiusflight5430]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I first found your work on Flickr and was astounded by your photos. Since I have past the 60 year mark, I don't shoot events anymore. I am retired and take landscapes and still life mostly. I have the itch to get a large format camera, but oh, the aching back.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@mobiusflight5430 Thanks! I still need to share some of my LF cameras :). I will

[@GeorgeStar]

The first camera I lusted after in my youth when I saw it on the cover of a 1968 Popular Photography mag. Never acquired one so it's still an unrequited love.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, I got it working so will try your do a follow up video with new work later this year. If you ever win the lottery get one on eBay!

[@borromine]

Rollei made a bunch of outstanding cameras. They were all very pricey back in the day. If you want to do this kind of manipulation my preference is one of my all time favorite is the medium format view camera by Arca Swiss the compact field camera. You get 6x6, 6x7, or 6x9 backs. And movement you want and 47mm to 500mm. And every lens is macro with extension up to 600mm. But if I was shooting film for fashion I’d use a Pentax 645N. Motor drive. Wonderful camera. Anyway fun video.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Joseph! Yes it’s a balance of speed and output for fashion stuff. My Hasselblad H2 is excellent (I guess a bit like the Pentax) and I sometimes use my 4x5 view cameras with 67,69,612 roll backs. I’ll do a video on this when I get chance. Thanks about the Arca, I’ll check those too. I know of them. Many thanks!

[@puppetyr]

Are you aware of the Fuji GX680 cameras? 6x8 medium format, and offers bellows focusing, tilt + swing and rise/fall/shift with all lenses. The drawback is they are absolute behemoths that pretty much require tripod use.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes I found them when researching years ago but then forgot to mention in the video. I think the weight put me off! :)

[@erichung9043]

Yes I know this camera. But finding parts and shops for repair could be an issue. My favorite is still the fully mechanical Rolleiflex TLR. At least quite a few shops can still service it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Eric. I got my SL66 working so fingers crossed it was user error and keeps going. I have a Rolleicord but no Rolleiflex TLR.

[@cyphermote6857]

Some years ago I went through the same process of justification - the camera had to do something quite different... otherwise I can use the many film cameras I already have. That investigation saw the SL66 surface at the top of the list but I could not rationalize dropping more than $2k (USD) on something which had a high probability of breaking down... with such expensive, specialist only repairs. It still occasionally tugs at me and this video does not help me at all Matt 🤨 ... I am resisting looking at ebay listing for this again. It is really good that you mentioned the breakability factor for potential buyers. To me it looks like the Hasselblad is your most unique, useful camera (video title maybe should have been "dream" camera). Great videos... love your photos. Thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! Sorry to mention the SL66 again but did you see that I got it working on a post I made? Lots of people wrote to me with great repair guys names. If you (me) follow the strict steps when operating the camera it shouldn’t jam. Famous last words perhaps but I plan to make a follow up video later in the year once I have more example images, all being well.

[@cyphermote6857]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hey that's really good to hear. The 80/2.8 Planar for this make has a nice painterly effect. I plan to premiere my channel later this year and the chacterististics of the double gauss in this iteration and the quest to replicate it will be one of my topics. Thanks Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@cyphermote6857 thank you and sounds good!

[@alanclark9471]

Hay Matt. I've spoken to Brian. He said to check that the dark slide is fully down with the black "handle" flush with the camera body ( I'm not sure it is having viewed the video again) or try reversing the dark slide. Let me know.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Alan, thank you! That is very kind. Yes since making the video I have got it working. I still need to develop the test roll but the camera works again. Thanks! (I will try to post new samples to social media when I get chance).

[@davidduffy9806]

Matt, I’ve just purchased a SL66, in excellent condition, with all accessories. Is there any chance you’d do a “How to use your SL66” going into the excruciating detail SL66 use as oxygen.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats David! Make sure you operate the camera per the online manual and NOT try to use it like a Hasselblad (as I did). You can jam it easier if don't follow the manual. I found out! (I eventually sold mine as I needed a more simple camera for my small brain! ..plus I shoot 90% 35mm)

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

So yes, the extension rings for the Hasselblad when corner to corner exacting detail is of critical importance. For portraits or nature close-ups, the Zeiss Proxar lenses I, II & III are the way to go. These are dioptres which allow one to focus closer. I have used the Proxar I quite often. 👌

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

For the Rolleiflex 6000 series, Schneider made a Super Angulon 55mm Tilt/Shift lens. It never went into production as a Hasselblad lens for the 2000F series, but I knew that a small number of them were out there. I found one on eBay and jumped on it. 🥰

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes I prefer the SL66 for easy close ups.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Wow great find, congrats and thanks for the info!

[@thisjaredrussell]

Great video, Matt. I hope you managed to get the SL66 repaired. I think the only camera which offers comparable features is the Fujifilm GX680. It adds tilt and shift on both axes but lacks the ability to reverse mount the lenses. It is more than twice the size and weight though, but considerably cheaper, and if the batteries die it's an expensive doorstop.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jared! Yes the GX680 size weight and batteries put me off. SL is working again now thanks. I need to dust it off again sometime!

[@GreatWaterCircus]

Matt regarding the back... if its still stuck... go into a darkroom and open the back up, pull the film holder and film... that way you should be able to pull the dark slide. What I suspect has happened is someone has cranked the back out of sequence, or forced the dark slide into place out of sequence. I have 2 SL66SE bodies and a bunch of lenses... shot on these cameras for years... So I have plenty of hands on time. Also always keep the film holder with the back, they have matching serial numbers... never mix them up as they were hand finished to match.... it makes a big difference. Also I assume you know how to shoot double exposures... this maybe another reason the back has locked up Good luck...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! I actually got it working after the video. Thanks for the tip on matching the backs - hand finished, no wonder it's easy to have issues if mix things. Many thanks!

[@annabaguina4280]

I read you got the camera working . It is a process of getting to know Rolleiflex SL66 and its minor misbehaviours . To my opinion it is the best camera ever made , it was my first medium format that I purchased in 2006 and every time I will look for a new option to “improve” , I only was underwhelmed . It gets increasingly harder to fix a camera if an issue arises , however , instead of giving it up , i just bought a second one and looking to buy one more . I guess it is my forever Love , as we have been together since I was 19 :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Anna! Aww great story. Yes it was user error from my side. If you follow the SL66 rules they work fine!

[@CM-cb2km]

I'm usually free-lensing my Mamiya 645 80mm f1.9 on a digital full frame camera. Works really good!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! I actually free lens Kiev88 lenses on the M645 :) Some of the Mir glass is great

[@LucyS565]

I shot with medium format, Bronica SQ-A. Their PS series lenses were amazing.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy! Good to know thanks 🙏🏻

[@naaldvoerder]

I do have a SL66 with some lenses and multiple magazines. I do like your tilt portraits on flickr. Can you tell me what aperture you used most of the time? At 2.8 getting the focus right is a challenge at minimum. Did you use a tripod?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jaap, handheld when I started and later a monopod, yes all at 2.8, full tilt

[@davidventura1424]

You should look into Fuji GX680iii huge neg and all your movements... and different backs... only down fall shit ton batteries and huge... but nice to use. Just purchased one and it on a tripod... maybe I might invest in a mono pod to move and more quickly with it... we shall see...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks David, yes a few others mentioned this camera to me.. I think it was the batteries that put me off but great suggestion thanks!

[@Zetaphotography]

Second Video reference the Rolleiflex 66.... Is this the new hot camera. Are more and more videos about to pop out 2021 February lol

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha I got it working but I won’t post a 2nd vid until I have time to shoot some samples :)

[@MrTrainsaw]

Thought on the Jam, Hi Matt had a jam on my sl66 once, and luckily I was able to free it up (though I don't remember exactly what I did since I was a bit panicked!) Took the camera into the dark and slid the switch (on top of the back) and took the in progress film out of the back. At that point I believe I was able to finish Advancing the body, but the back and body were now out of sync. So I had to take the back off with the darkslide and the finish advancing the film back's cog that interfaces with the body. I actually believe the (sl66) manual on butkus addresses the out of sync back/body in a troubleshooting page. May be worth a shot to open the back up and see if you can finish the advance cycle (or then cock it with the double exposure switch)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Zach, I will try to have a play around with it this weekend.

[@res.publica]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom any luck?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@res.publica yes all working again now thank you!

[@paata799]

Rolleiflex SL66E my dream camera ❤

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes it was for me too before buying!

[@dektol76]

I had an sl66 from 1993-2005. It was my studio camera. It came it a beautiful hand hammered aluminum case. Affectionally called the rich man’s Hasselblad. I had the 50, 80, 120, 150 with built in leaf shutter, and the 250. Bayonet filters and hoods. All the lenses were reversible, so any lens can become your macro lens. Even had a set of bellows for it. I was lacking a Polaroid back, when I called one of the outfits in New York looking for one, the salesperson said good luck and happiness on your journey. I finally located one, it cost me $750 back in the late 1990. The backs were the standard 4x5 Polaroid back, sent to Switzerland to be literally carved by Arca Swiss so the back can fit over the back of the camera, next to the focusing knob. The Hassy did not have the focusing bellows, when the back is removed, there is nothing there, it’s flat, so a Polaroid back was easy to make. I had the grip with the quick release on it, but for lighter and aerial work I used a Mamiya 6. As someone mentioned in another comment, the backs were problematic. The insert and the back had matching serial numbers, and you had to make sure of that, once you messed up, it was off to the shop in Oceanside, California along with $200. I had the chimney hood and the 45 prism. The sound and feel of the camera, and the way it operated were an absolute joy. In 2005 I bought my canon 1Ds MKii for $8000, so I had to bid the Rollei farewell. At that time the cost was $50 to scan a single 6x6 image. A costly expense for the client, but a money maker venture for me to be able to deliver a digital file on the spot. A few years back when the factory closed, someone posted online photos of the place, including all the raw stock material. I wish I did not have to part with it, but money was tight and digital was the way of the future. Soon after sold the mamiya too. I still have the owners manual somewhere, along with the quick release foot.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Wow you had a great setup! Yes I understand why you went to digital at the time. Nice memories I still and thanks for the tips.

[@khanscombe619]

Oh brilliant. What a beautiful camera. I am looking into the older Rolleifoex SL66. What sets them apart from the newer E version besides TTL ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes very cool camera :). I think the main difference is the TTL/ metering. I'd get a basic one so less electronics. (I knew less when I bought this a long time ago).

[@khanscombe619]

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ja. I have my heart set on the SL66 for its rear shutter dor special lens use (imax projector & like) & tilt. How would u compare to the Hass 500 Cm ? They both cost a bomb bit prices come down a tad

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@khanscombe619 as I say in this video the pros of the 66 but I keep the Hassy as more simple

[@Renzsu]

I used proxon filters/lenses on my Hasselblad to get close, not sure if they fit the newer lenses though?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, I use extension rings / tubes on my Hassy / Kiev 88 / Mamiya 645 but love the ease of close focus with the SL66E and RZ67 Pro II

[@andyvan5692]

Matt, the Hasselblad's can focus closer, you just add a 10/16/20/32 extension tube onto the camera between the lens and body, this effectively gets you closer, and also a bellows unit exists as well, to give 3-6" of extension if the fixed tubes are not enough. Also, if you want tilt, swing go for the arcbody or Flexbody hasselblads these can do the real bokeh effects!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Andy, yes I have 3 Hassy 500 series so use extention tubes. I did look at the arcbody/ flexbody some years ago! :)

[@davidjenkins8009]

With the Rolleiflex SL66 you can reverse the lens for better than 1:1 (approx. 1.5:1) but if you really want to get close with accessories (16mm Luminar) you can get a magnification of 360x. For close-ups it is far superior to the Hasselblad. The Rollei was designed to be a Hasselblad killer, but Rollei went so OTT in the design and quality that the price killed it. When the SL66 was launched the Hasselblad didn't even have an instant return mirror. Both cameras can give really good results and which one is best for you depends on a number of factors including what you want to use if for. But as a tour de force of how to make a camera, the Rolleiflex SL66 is without peer. I do have a Rolleiflex SL66 but I have Mamiya's, a Pentax 67 and a Fuji GX680 camera, I have used a Hasselblad and every one of them has its good points and when I go out, I chose the one that is best for the day's shooting envisaged.

[@nirodaniroda1870]

I bought a sl66 yesterday. Also jammed. Cant seem to get it to tilt either. Beautiful box though 😁

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Check the online manual. If you do one think different to what’s specified in the manual and it will jam 100%. Follow it and it works. (Talking from experience!)

[@nirodaniroda1870]

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom it was jammed when i bought it. Might still be jammed when i sell it. It was at a nice price. Ill find someone that appreciates it more than me. 😉

[@nirodaniroda1870]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom got the tilt working. Read some of the manual. Thanks for sharing thf video

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@nirodaniroda1870 great. Yes it takes practice, even I forgot how to sometimes.

[@erikvos5539]

Very nice enthousiastic video! I was wondering what film you use for the beautiful photos in the street at dark, since I find it difficult to photograph 'out of my hand' with low light. Thanks and good luck with the film-jam.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Erik! I fixed the jam. Currently I use mostly Leica for film

[@erikvos5539]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Happy to hear toy fixed the jam. Perhaps my english is not so good, but i ment by what film you use: is it Tri-X 400 or Ilford HP5+? Because an almost 2 kg. camera is hard to photograph out of hand on a 1/30 or even 1/60. Cheers!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@erikvos5539 trix for some photos in video

[@westonsmith4572]

Great video. Thank-you for posting. I wonder, when you are using the Tilt function with a camera like this, do you see the region of the image that is in focus as it is happening? I have experimented a bit with a 180mm short barrel lens and Tilt/Shift for a Mamiya RZ but I have not been able to accomplish anything useful yet, but I am still trying to see what I am doing. Cheers from Canada

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Weston, sorry I missed this. Yes with the SL you see a band of focus that you can move across the frame.

[@crissignori7482]

I had heard of this camera in the past but never paid much attention as I was using Hasselblad. BTW, the 120 macro planar is a nice lens, too. Anyhow, i can certainly see why this camera turns your creative crank .... when it's working.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Cris, I have the 120 Makro on the Hassy, great lens. Yes the Rollei is fun but you have to follow the manual so not to jam it.. spot the dumb user! It was fine after.

[@ulfjonsson2122]

As always, you know - I repeat myself. My photographic journey started with Monolta 101 - 103, then came the Pentax Lx, Leica M4p, Rolleiflex 6006and Hasselblad 500 cm then back to Leica, Contax (rf) and mft. I love the journey! Enjoy the weekend. / Ulf

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ulf, yes I seem to have gone from 35mm to MF to LF (briefly) then currently back to 35mm! I’m waiting for the next cycle of MF camera use! :)

[@markcohen9758]

Matt great videos. I am a not a professional photographer but am about to take the plunge and purchase a mint SL66E (£1,400 inc lens) - it works so far though having seen your review I am going to keep everything crossed! I love the look of being able to alter the plane of focus.

[@markcohen9758]

Matt this may seem a silly question but when you use the Rolleiflex SL66 and you shift the lens I assume you will not see the effect until you develop the film or am I wrong?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Mark, congrats! Mine is actually the SL66SE i've been told but very similar. Make sure you follow the online manual so not to jam it. They seem to work if you follow the strict 'rules' of use.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

No question is silly.. no wrong, you see it in camera, you need to otherwise you'd miss focus.

[@markcohen9758]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt thank you so much for your swift response which was very good of you. Make I wish you well and keep up the excellent videos that you produce. They are great!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@markcohen9758 thank you Mark!

[@KNURKonesur]

Matt! This strikes so close to home with me! A couple years back I used to use a Pentax 67 with an Aero Ektar 178/2.5 adapted on a flexible rubber mount called "Freestyler", made by TheBokehFactory in Poland. I really considered the Rolleiflex (one of my friends used to shoot that as a wedding camera with the Aero Ektar as well), but I disliked the square format and wanted something more rectangle-like. Nice one mate!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah thanks! I can got one better for you... the photo of the camera in the field in the video is the same Aero Ektar!! On my Speedgraphic! :) It would be cool to have on the SL66!

[@gregorpichler5899]

Always nice to watch your camera and lens Reviews :)! Have you ever considered to try the Hasselblad Flexbody? Best regards from Innsbruck

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Gregor! I have looked at the cle body yes :) ..some years ago now but I have.

[@timanderson6005]

There is a release 'knob' for the tilt/shift function. It should not require force. Might be useful to buy a user's manual if u haven't already(I'm guessing u have). Great camera and great photos however!!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Tim, yes great camera for sure (and yes online manual, thanks!)

[@andyvan5692]

Great video, but one correction, the hassleblad does have tilt and shift, there is the arc body and flexbody, as well as the bellows set , for the 500/200 series cameras as well as the hts 1.5 t/s adapter for the h system

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Andy, I meant the standard 500 series but yes good point. I can’t do fast portraits with arc/flex or bellows. I use H system with v adapter but not t/s so noted thanks.

[@sgroadie6367]

I do know the SL66. It’s superb. Fuji also makes a huge monster - the GX680 which has tilt built in, and uses bellows. Much more modern. And much bigger and heavier.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes sorry I forgot to mention the Fuji!

[@guillermoperezsantos]

Get a Graflex, a Century Graphic, its 6*9 but you can use 6*6 backs

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I have a speedgraphic if that is similar? I will Google it, thanks

[@MB-or8js]

Hasselblad 500 C/M from my experience to answer the intro question :). The 6x6 format is unique and forces to compose differently. Fantastic DoF effects with 6x6, camera still very portable and not intrusive. Close focus can super easily be achieved with quite cheap Hasselblad tubes between lens and camera as you mentioned. I prefer this setup much more than the Mamiya one where lenses have NO focus ring and therefore can't be used with adapter on any other camera system! The Rolleiflex 66E is a great option, too - but much harder to find alt lenses for this system compared to finding V-lenses for Hasselblad. The tilt-option of the Rolleiflex 66E is great indeed. Can it also do shifting?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Martin, yes as you know from my other videos I love the Hassy system, I really hope to get back into MF as i've been shooting nearly all 35mm for ages. No shift sadly so limited verses 4x5 but still somehow enough to have some fun with it. yes I ended up using the 120mm a lot on the Hassy to give me free movement though I have e-rings too.

[@MB-or8js]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Your video inspired me to look at T/S options for the Hassy, and there is one - but it is hyper expensive.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@MB-or8js sadly yes! The one for the H system is £4.4K!

[@johndaubney7311]

Matt, you’re the best !!!! That was a great great great video. I love your passion to push yourself to create differently. Bro thanks for the inspiration. I gotta get a medium format film camera. I bought the the Fuji gfx 50r but you’re giving me the film itch. It’s been 20 years since I’ve shot film but gotta do it now

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you John! Yes film is awesome! :) I hope you can get a film camera!

[@ruijorgemilitaomilitao3303]

Superb camera that is the Rolleiflex SL66.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Agreed! :)

[@ianlambert1316]

I’m curious what you think of the 6000 series particularly the 6008 versions

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Ian, sorry I have no experience on the 6000 series so i'm not the best person to ask. The SL66 was very complicated so if anything similar this is to be aware of.

[@TheGermanCompounder]

I own it and i absolutely adore it! It doesn't really matter if you get the SL66 or the SL66e. Get the one you have available or find cheaper online :) The functionality and build quality of this camera is unmatched and the carls zeiss glass for it is amazing!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks TJ! I'm happy i'm not alone on my love for this amazing camera :)

[@TheGermanCompounder]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom You're kind of responsible for me getting one together with JCH haha i read your reviews and decited i need to try this camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@TheGermanCompounder haha sorry! Well hopefully you’ve made money on your purchase :)

[@andyvan5692]

Great video, shame that it jammed on you; as these are electronic, how about changing your batteries?, might solve the problems ( it might have jammed mid-cycle , hence all interlocks being engaged simultaneously??), and the fresh set will advance everything to set position to fire again. I noticed another thing, in the video the film advance knob is exposed ( not flush with the magazine body ), this is used to manually advance to frame 1, but when exposed Some cameras disengage a clutch connecting the mag and the bodies advance knob, this would only be re-established upon knob return to flush position.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes sorry it was just dumb user issues..trying to use like a Hassy..it all works ok now thanks

[@andyvan5692]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom no worries, I have Autism, so get to know the system mechanics, it's quirks, oddities, etc, so I kind of run off a bit, but, like the way I deal with things, look at what the problem is, its symptoms, and imagine the manuals diagram of operation in real life- go through a shot cycle in your head step by step, what systems, interlocks are involved and say to yourself, if this 'failed' what would the flow on effects be; this should develop a sound troubleshooting routine, so if in doubt, step back, have a coffee, then attack things one step at a time. ( I said about the batteries, due to a mistake I made, I purchased a hassy 500 EL-M and it worked like it had tourettes sindrome, NO offence intended!!, so I returned it, thinking it was a short in the electronics; but all it was was the battery cage put in the camera arse about!!- got the polarity mixed up !!!, all down to NOT having an idea of system operation!!, thats all, so simple a fix.

[@chrisloomis1489]

To anyone in UK: ACCRETECH , made parts for SPACE SHUTTLE , yes... Use Long Lens head , and also indexed head with demarcations ... These are fine work , Aircraft CNC made, and if damaged...you send in and they repair or rebuild. I have their " correct " Arca Swiss rails and the Long Lens Head coming. Have their Ultimate Ball Head too. Matt, I know you have 4x5...give them a look. Cheers: Troll ....

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Chris, I’ll check it out

[@BernhardGolz]

Insert Dark Slide to remove back. Fire shutter and cock to check there is no problem film cog turns. Or, you could remove film cassette with camera in Change Bag or under dark cloth, close back and fire shutter, to check for film jam. If it works, just reload film onto spool & into back. Good Luck!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! It was dumb user error (trying to use it like a Hassy and not following the SL66 process). I got it working again after the video.

[@BernhardGolz]

Good!

[@tobiaslange9147]

Hi Matt, a colleague and friend of mine used to have a SL66 (not SL66E). While working on a project together a few years ago he told me that he'd sent his camera to a repairshop in Duesseldorf / Germany owned by Dieter Paepke for an overhaul and repair. You can find him on the internet. I recall that my friend was quite satisfied with the result, though he said it wasn´t a bargain. I don´t know if Mr. Paepke can help you with fixing that problem, but it might probably be worth a try. I enjoy your Channel a lot! Greetings from Dresden, Tobias

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your support. I will post an update on the SL today.. I’ve got it working! 5 years have past and with fresh eyes and info from viewers I got the back off and now it all seems to work if I follow the ‘strict’ order of how this camera must be operated.

[@tobiaslange9147]

I am glad that you could fix it! So it was just an "operation fault"? Best wishes

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@tobiaslange9147 yes I think just a dumb user (trying to use it the same as similar cameras and not following the must do steps of the SL66)

[@tobiaslange9147]

I reckon most of those over-engineered gems of that era have some quirks that we have to get used to today. But once yo do, they are a joy to use! I can tell that from my beloved Leica M5 (which is a completely different camera of course). Enjoy your SL66E and keep on the good work on your Channel!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@tobiaslange9147 thanks Tobias!

[@ElecBrane]

Thanks for learning my dad’s camera

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! Thanks for watching

[@TwizyMan]

I have owned my Rollei SL66 since 1979 and used it professionally until 2004 when I reluctantly went digital. It is a camera that, like my Nikon F2 35mm system, I will never part with. As a first step to unjamming your camera, I suggest removing the film back by first inserting the sheath in the slot between the rear of the camera and the film back. As you know the sheath is stored in a slot in the rear cover of the film back. What you may not know is that the rectangular pull on the end of the sheath has a slot in it to hold part of the end tab from a 120 film box. that way you can easily tell what type of film you have loaded in a back. I also suggest you remove the film from the back. If the sheath will not go into the slot, just put the whole camera in a changing bag. If you then open the back in darkness, I suggest winding the unused part of the film onto the take up spool, then, at least you can then rescue the shots that you have exposed. Remove the complete insert with both spools too whilst you are at it, if you have not been able to remove the film back. Have you tried operating the double-exposure release to free the winder? If you can remove the back it may free everything. Most problems with the SL66 are caused by not doing things in the correct sequence. You must for example always wind the camera on BEFORE putting in the sheath to remove the film back. The secret is never to force anything, if it doesn't work smoothly, then you are doing something wrong! These cameras were completely hand built, so differ slightly, when buying a film back, always ensure the number on the film insert matches the number of the film back itself. If it is completely jammed, I can recommend a repairer who knows these cameras very well indeed. He is called Brian Mickleboro, he worked for the official Rollei UK service centre when these cameras were new. He has repaired and serviced my Rollei cameras many times and is thoroughly recommended, although I have not needed his services recently. If you want to discuss anything about the SL66 I can give you my e-mail address and mobile number. I recommend joining Club Rollei, I have been a member for 40 years. our website is www.rollei.org.uk It would be great to have some younger members, we are nearly all over 60 and dying off fast!! If I had your camera in my hands, I may be able to get it working. How far away are you from Norwich?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Andrew, thanks for your message and all the information your shared. I posted an update on KZbin last weekend. I got the camera working. I’m not sure how I just wiggled everything. It now fires and transports film correctly it seems. I think when I was using it 5 hrs ago I often didn’t do the correct sequence and that was the issue. Now I’m a bit older and wiser hopefully I can keep it working correctly! Thanks for the Rollei invite. If I start using the camera enough I will have a look.(I have a Rolleicord too)(see that video). Thanks again!

[@aiofilms]

How about the built-in light meter of the SL66E? Would you talk about it in a future episode, please?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Derek, I rarely use built in meters on cameras so i've never even noticed it in the SL66E. I can't promise but if I start using the camera more and the meter then I will not problem.

[@ortonphotoart5770]

Wow! What a camera 😍 Loved this video Matt, so interesting and some beautiful images too. I recently bought a meostigmat 100mm f1.7 projection lens for my GFX for exactly the reasons you seek out cameras like this. I'm waiting on a clamp arriving before I can use it normally, but now I'm thinking making a makeshift hand held bellows in the mean time for some shift experiments 😅

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks ah that sounds a very cool setup! Yes I hope to use my 4x5s again after lockdown for the same idea :)

[@stonehenges5722]

I have had my eye on that Rollei SL66 but it is a bit over my skill level. I belive that you have to make a journey to earn a "permit" to use certain level equipment. Sorry if my english fails to express my thoughts. If you start to run you have respect the experience. You shouldn't try to run marathon for your first run. Anyways.. Yes, that Rollei is also one of my dream cameras.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes I see what you mean. I was lucky that I had used the 6x6 Kiev88 before it for 'practice'. That said i'm not overly happy with any of the images shared 6 years on so I hope I can fix the camera to see what 6 years more experience gives me with this camera!

[@mauriciohernandez5151]

Matt, you can have close-up capabilities with the Hasselblad V system with extension tubes, or Proxars (attachment lenses on the front of the lens). Also, with bellows and a Planar lens like the 120 macro-planar you already have or a 135 f/5.6 S-Planar that only attaches to the bellows. These options should not be very expensive. The adapter HTS1.5 provides limited tilt and shift capabilities, and I believe it can be pretty pricey. I think the way to go for you with creative photography is to get the Rolls Royce of large format photography, which is the Sinar system (Studio-Industry-Nature-Architecture-Reproduction). You can have a tailored solution to your needs and grow as you wish with it. There is one that is lighter, the f2 (and f1 too). The f stands for "field". The more elaborate and heavier model is the Sinar p2 (p = professional) is more precise, as it has micrometric movements, though. I have had both models for a long time. Both of them have basically the same options (2 standards on one rail that slide, the lens standard and the film standard; therefore, they are called monorail). Both standards rise, fall, tilt, shift as you wish in a very precise way. I would recommend a system that has a probe with a light meter that measures the light that reaches the plane of the film, of course. It is very important because the length of the bellows is not uniform with all the possible movements and you can get a wrong exposure easily. These cameras are available on eBay and they are very well regarded. There are medium format film magazines that can be attached to the rear standard. There are also adapters that make it possible to connect a digital back like the ones from Hasselblad to the film standard. Mysteriously, the prices of the camera can be lower than the simpler Deardorffs cameras and similar ones that are more rigid and have fewer options. You can find superb Rodenstock or Schneider-Kreuznach lenses that are not very expensive, as well. If you have a question, please let me know. You are a good photographer and a nice person, and your videos are fun to watch, by the way!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your time! I have a Sinar P2 and 4x5 lenses :) I will share in future video. You probably will not be interested but if you search my old macro video you will see the camera in action :). Thanks about Hasselblad, yes I have the extension tube and 120 Macro and yes tilt option is very expensive, I did look :)

[@mauriciohernandez5151]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you for your reply! It has been a pleasure to play again with my Sinar p2. I have seen your macro video, and I found it quite interesting. Please, keep going with your enthusiasm for photography. It is very enlightening for other people like me!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@mauriciohernandez5151 thanks I will do!

[@nickfanzo]

I have one and the lenses are amazing.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Nicholas, agreed! :)

[@nickfanzo]

@@wilbertvandenberg3158 yes unfortunately the sl66 shutter is thin and delicate and can tear easily as well

[@andyvan5692]

Matt, to loosen the tilt, turn the lever and the knob; these are both brakes on the mechanism.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah thanks Andy!

[@lugentaubner6853]

Great vid! Wonder what kind of reaction you get from models when you suddenly start extending, tilting, shifting that massive front part. 🧐

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Haha, for portraits it’s not extended too far from memory and only a slight tilt from memory :) ..models get more of a shock with 4x5!

[@freewps]

I stumbled into your video... and I can only underline it, SL66 is also my all time favorite camera as you might guess looking at my avatar picture 😀 the SL66 is an amazing mechanical work of art, I got mine in the early 1970th and is still in perfect shape! Is your SL66 SE working again? 🤞🏻

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! Yes my cameras was working again thanks. Dumb user problems. I was trying to use it like a Hassy not a Rollei!

[@freewps]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 😉😅 there are some minor differences 😅 great that all works fine at least 👍🏻 (btw I have two SL66 + 50/80/150 and 80 leaf shutter 😎)

[@midosherif5727]

You need to try the medium format Fuji gx680 III, as it can shoot 6x6 with the right mask, and has more large format like movements. As a bellows-focusing camera, I presume minimum focusing distance can be short. Considered by lots of people as the best film camera ever made. I had model I and regret selling it. It is huge though 😁

[@midosherif5727]

Please note that the "S" version is the one to avoid as it has no movements.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Mido! Yes I think the size put me off too when I looked years ago. Maybe I need to give them another look but I might just use my 4x5 cameras with the roll film backs I have. Thanks for S info too!