Street Photography On The Rolleiflex 3.5T

[@davidhillier6216]

Well done on the video and on pushing to get outside your comfort zone.... Just purchased a Rollei 3.5 MX-EVS type 2 and one of my projects is to step into and onto the street, get out of my comfort zone (at 61) thanx for posting your experience, inspires others to be a bit more vulnerable in life. Glad I came across your channel, keep pushing out of that comfort zone... Cheers..

[@texturner5940]

The algorithm did a good thing and brought me to a hidden gem, awesome video and even better photos! Rollies are incredible.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

I don't know how your comment slipped through the cracks but thank you so much! It really means a lot 🙂

[@mariosiotto2196]

Tous les portraits sont d'une grande beauté 👍👍📷📷

[@peterroberts9580]

Well done Josh. Being a Rolleiflex use you inspired me.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you! ☺️ I'm glad to hear it! Really appreciate you watching and commenting! Happy shooting, Josh

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Don't worry about it, I'm 65 and still get nervous about asking people for a portrait. Using a TLR seems to make life easier!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you, usually I wouldn't talk about it but I think it's good to be honest and pretend to be something I'm not. I'm definitely working on it and wanted to share this as I'm sure a lot of people feel the same 😊 it's always nice knowing you're not alone. I couldn't agree more with you there on the TLR. There were a few reasons for choosing the rollei... People take much more of an interest with the Rollei around my neck and the quality and sharpness continue to amaze me with every roll ☺️

[@CareerVidz]

Great video, gents 👍. Love London! 👌

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you ☺️

[@alfredobustamante3770]

Smooth operator 🎶 I really dig the way you composed your subjects. If your first shot goes well it really sets a the tone for the rest of the day. Here in LA you need a little extra street awareness when shooting portraits. That feeling of a successful meet and shot can be very addictive. Keep shooting!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you very much 😊 It really does! There's more coming very soon in terms of portrait videos 😊 It usually takes me a while to get comfy but once it's flowing there's no stopping it 👌 Yeah I can imagine. It's not always plain sailing in London either, but for the most part I've had a good success rate! Thanks for watching and commenting. It means a lot 😊

[@The_Truck_Photo_Agency]

Doing research as I just picked up a Rolleiflex today. Glad I came upon this video. Well done and subbed!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hey! Best of luck with yours 😊 Thank you very much, it means a lot! There will be more coming soon with the Rolleiflex 👌

[@taylorbernier7966]

These photo's are so great! Inspired me to get out with my Rollei and take some beautiful photos of strangers.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear it's inspired you, it means a lot! 🙂 Really appreciate you watching and commenting! All the best, happy shooting Josh

[@timothybarker6191]

I just purchased a vintage Rolleiflex 2.8 / 80mm, so I'm very much enjoying videos like yours, where you've put your Rollei to such fine use. Just shot my first roll (architectural subjects) yesterday, and I'm over the moon at the quality for a first try. I found composing my shots to be very tricky given the reverse image in the viewfinder, but I was also pleasantly surprised at how well they came out. Great camera! Next, I intend to attempt street portraits. Your efforts are excellent, your manner with potential subjects is terrific -- sincere, polite, and humble. Keep up the good work!

[@stephenscott2802]

A lovely collection of portraits on a single roll - you cracked it. Well done!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you ☺️ I really appreciate it!

[@ponymoore6140]

What a great way to get some stunning portraits. Thanks for sharing.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you I really appreciate that! Thank you for watching and commenting 🙂

[@williamshaffer9216]

You got some beautiful shots!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@antbarrett]

Love the portraits, and respect your creativity and vulnerability - it's what makes your work authentic. More please 🙏

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you very much! I'll definitely start to embrace it a bit more now ☺️ thanks for watching and commenting, it means a lot!

[@katebr1737]

Found your channel by chance today and am really enjoying the content. The portraits are really fantastic, I especially liked the first in the hat shop but they are all great. The portrait in the Shanghai video was excellent too. Would love to see more, I also wanted to say how well you came across asking for permission to take the portraits, super friendly and polite. I’m sure that goes a long way towards engaging with your subjects!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hey! Welcome to the OA family 🙂 That's really kind, thank you so much! I've had a lot of struggle in the past with my photography... portraiture in particular but that really means the world so thank you! 🙂 Looking forward to hearing from you again, all the best! Josh

[@dueviastradatravel7536]

What a fantastic experience and absolutely one of the best ways to boast your confidence great job!

[@andywalczak7659]

Jesus christ josh smashing it with the street stuff defiantly got a Vivian mier style to it and your looking confident doing it

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you very much, Andy!

[@Owtyg23]

Class video man, often get good responses to street stuff up north as well.

[@davidbrancaleone3039]

Well done. The shots are good. I like the way your way of shooting is casual. or seems casual. And yet the effect is also intense. People being themselves rather than performing for the camera. They don't. I think it is because you approach people with respect and somehow you convey that to the people. The Rolleiflex high tonal values are amazing, because you get the whole range of greys, high key I think. Yes, I think attitude is key. It's your strong point and your eye too, of course. So yeah, well done. It also takes guts to do this and not to back off. One guy who has written about how we approach other people and made it the centre of his philosophy is Emmanuel Levinas. The "Other" is the person I meet, the stranger, the one with a story I don't know. But will tell me if only I listen without arrogance and airs of superiority. Can I do that? Dunno. But you can. I'm a lecturer in photography and art history and non Hollywood film, by the way.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hello, thank you very much, I say it so often but it really does mean a lot! The Rolleiflex definitely packs a punch, I can't get enough of looking at results from this beauty. I really need to take it out more often! I will definitely check out Emmanuel Lewis ☺️ Again, thank you so much! Josh

[@davidbrancaleone3039]

@@OnlyAnalogue Emmanuel Levinas is his name. He is I think the most important thinker of the 20th century. But only being deeply understood more recently.

[@nearlyalmostdead]

What an amazing video! super calm to watch, great pictures, and lovely people and interactions.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hey, thank you so much that means a lot! I feel I had a very lucky day and the stars aligned for me to get back into portraiture ☺️ I'm so glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@thomaschipman]

you managed a very high number of keepers on that roll; definitely continue your street portraiture journey. don't let the anxiety stop you from continuing to grow and refine your talent.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

I was so pleased seeing the results from this roll while I was developing and scanning! I definitely will do, thank you very much!

[@wabamusic5273]

Great portraits, it seems like you've been doing this for a long time, great characters, please keep it up!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you so so much!!! It really means a lot 🙂

[@iansimpson9351]

You nailed it, great pictures , nicely done and a splendid video.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you so much! 😊 Really appreciate you watching and commenting

[@Vadim.vangog]

very very excellent work and beautiful portraits, I am delighted! well done, inspiring video, thank you, subscribed, waiting for the next videos and good luck!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you so much, it means a lot!! Really appreciate you watching and commenting! And welcome to the only analogue family 🙂 All the best, happy shooting! Josh

[@chrisloomis1489]

Mate ; I have an MX - EVS Rollei / 75mm 3.5 with the 10 aperture blades , I did a few portraits with it in Vietnam 6 years ago the first time I had it out ...was new to me. She performed magnificently , and I am so pumped to do more street traveling again . I am getting use to my newest Rollei , the 55mm F4 DISTAGON Wide Rollei , she has a meter and the meter is accurate though not a " linked " meter , that baby was attended to by Harry Fleenor in USA . Your work is very nice , the first shot , and the shot of the man with long beard ...I like .

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Oh nice! They really are amazing bits of kit. I'm so thankful to have mine 🙂 That sounds amazing! My preferred shooting style is wide so I can only imagine the results you will have out of that 😁 Really appreciate you watching and the kind words. It really does mean a lot! All the best, happy shooting! Hopefully we will hear from you again. Josh

[@Jake-g9l7i]

This is not easy, but you nailed it . I like your off centre framing which can add a lot to an environmental portrait. I could see a portfolio of work on the people of Camden Town being very successful for you . Just get the shots, you can decide what to do with them later. Liked and subbed, very best wishes, Jake Everyman.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hey Jake, welcome to the OA family! That really means a lot so thank you very much! ☺️

[@Jake-g9l7i]

You're very welcome. If you want to see a few of my pictures have a look at a slide show of mine on Black and white profusion. Hope to be posting more soon. Very best wishes from Jake E.

[@thephotochad]

Well done, Brother. Keep up the Chadly photos

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you ☺️

[@trainant5155]

I think that, in a way, the choice of camera may have helped put your subjects at ease here. Amazing shots. Great vid.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hey, hope you're well! I think you're right, the Rollei always produces some amazing results but one of the reasons I chose to shoot with it on this particular day was the fact that people take much more of an interest with the Rollei round my neck 😊 Thank you so much as always. I really appreciate it!

[@randallstewart1224]

What a magical day. The TLR seems to be native to this environment and portraiture. Personally, I find that I'm not enough of a people person to do this type of photography comfortably, but I applaud those who can.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you very much! I think most of us can agree with that one... It's mentally draining conversing with a lot of people in one day 😂 Really appreciate you watching and commenting ☺️ all the best!

[@tonywilding9137]

Love your work, envious of your people skills. Must find the couarge just to ask.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you so much! Honestly, take the leap 🙂 I've struggled for a long time with portraiture due to some bad experiences in the past but it's always been something I've wanted to pursue. Head out with a strong mind and make the jump and ask the first person... I can't say I don't still get nervous but it gets a lot easier. And when you see great results it only makes it easier still! You might miss the best photograph of your life from not asking someone... And you'll regret not doing it after. At least that's what I tell myself now. But honestly just take it at your own pace and see what happens 🙂 I hope there's something in that... All the best, happy shooting! Josh

[@tonywilding9137]

@@OnlyAnalogue Thank you Josh. Seems a strange thing to say after shooting gigs / street for the past 10 years. Confidence took a knock 18 months ago, not took a camera out since. In fact have been selling gear off.

[@stevecooney1361]

Great vlog

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you! ☺️

[@trix-4656]

Superb! Do you develop your own negatives? If so, what chemicals are you using? Continue your beautiful work.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hey. Thank you so much!! 🙂 We do indeed. I like to go use Ilford Perceptol when using HP5, I love the balance of contrast and fine grain that it gives 🙂 almost has that silky smooth look to it. Although it's very hard to find any Perceptol at the moment unfortunately. Really appreciate you watching and commenting, it means a lot! All the best, happy shooting Josh

[@iKickstand]

Hi guys, I really love these shots and this video for the behind the scenes look at how you got them. The first shot especially in the hat shop is a favourite and one I keep looking at on Instagram. Thinking of finally pulling the trigger on a Rolleiflex myself, to use it for street portraits an still life shooting. Do you have any tps on how to get the most out of the image quality? There seems to be a lot of variation online which I think might come down to the lighting/flare control and how the negatives are scanned. I know you two proably develop and scan yourselves but do you have any recommendations for quality development and scanning online services, that I can post, to for similar results to yours? Keep the photo and video uploads coming, would love to see more street portrait work. Luke

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hey! Thank you so much! I'm so happy with how these turned out, Mathew in the hat shop is definitely one of my favourites from the day 🙂 I'd definitely say go for it! They are such a breeze to use, they do all the work and even at wide open seem to have incredibly sharp results! We do a lot of our scanning but will occasionally use a local lab known as Nik & Tricks. They offer a postal service and are honestly second to none. Their quality control and equipment are absolutely incredible and we couldn't fault them! We really appreciate your kind words. It honestly goes a long way! All the best, and do let us know if you decide to get your hands on a Rolleiflex 🙂 Stay safe, happy shooting! Josh & Tom

[@thevoiceman6192]

Nice work and interesting subjects..I am not a street photographer but I would probably take photos of the same exact people you have because they are interesting. What is the brand of the light meter you are using if I may ask?

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you very much! Really appreciate you watching and commenting! It's a Gossen, great light meters.. they can be quite expensive but you can find some good ones on eBay for a good price occasionally ☺️ hope that helps! All the best, Josh

[@lensman5762]

To be honest, usually when I watch most of the videos with similar titles, the end resullt is a disappointing array of the usual cliches. Here, I stand corrected. Excellent portrait photography using the TLR which is not at all easy. Well done.

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Ah that really means a lot!! Thank you so much! ☺️

[@TitanPhotoUK]

Nice work Josh 👌 TLRs are the best! What apertures were you shooting at? I like to shoot at or near wide open but have just missed focus a few times so stick to around f5.6-f8 for quick shots

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you very much, Richard! They really are... That Rolleiflex continues to amaze me with every roll! There were a couple at f3.5/4, some at f5.6/8 and a couple at f11 as well 😊 I prefer the look and feel of the wider apertures for portraits as you said ☺️

[@Mattwillo]

Awesome video! What light meter are you using??

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Thank you very much! I use a gossen sixtomat 2 🙂

[@Mattwillo]

@@OnlyAnalogue fantastic! I just picked up a Leningrad 4!

[@donball9777]

got tolove a rollei

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Can't beat 'em! How are you getting on with your Rolleicord Don? ☺️

[@davidmartinprovideo6349]

Did you developed it yourself? What kit did you use? Greetings!

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hello, I did yes. It's been a while now but it would of probably been either Nucleol BF 200 or Ilford perceptol 🙂 all the best!

[@michaelhall859]

What aperture where you shooting your portraits at mate?

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hello, it was a mix throughout the day. The first was wide open and the rest would of been around f5.6, 8 and 11 🙂

[@michaelhall859]

@@OnlyAnalogue yeah found with my TLR, very hard to get the whole face/head in focus at 3.5, I thik 5.6-8 is the sweetspot

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Yeah it's not always easy, especially if the ground glass has lost it's clarity, which is a problem I have with a couple of my TLRs. Always safer to go with the smaller apertures for sure 👌

[@chrisloomis1489]

The T Rollei is sharp 75mm 3.5 is great . Images on that Ilford film is terrific too , Killer Mate. 💀

[@OnlyAnalogue]

Hey! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! 🙂