The most beautiful camera ever made was built in 1956.

[@thebitterfig9903]

The main feeling I have shooting the Rolleiflex that came into my hands is mostly that of privilege. To use a camera like this--so well crafted, so mechanically perfected, so glorious to look through--is an act of joy. To use a piece of history like this? Something special.

[@3SmidgeEnergy]

Bro I love this channel so much. The production quality is so unnecessarily high, and I LOVE it. Edit: The creative vision is so inspiring. I love how you formatted the whole video to match the camera. You really nail the "experience" of the camera, and that's the most magical part of photography. This channel has legitimately reignited my love and passion for photography, something I had lost after professionally shooting at a corporate level. Keep on crushing it ace.

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much! This is exactly how I describe it as well, unnecessarily high production value hahaha

[@3SmidgeEnergy]

@@GxAce The creative vision is so inspiring. I love how you formatted the whole video to match the camera. You really nail the "experience" of the camera, and that's the most magical part of photography. This channel has legitimately reignited my love and passion for photography, something I had lost after professionally shooting at a corporate level. Thank you bro. Keep on crushing it ace.

[@segzeeman7356]

Yes! I was wondering why there was something different that I was enjoying about this video? The formatting and the photos were amazing!

[@sario9830]

Just because of this channel, Im planning to buy my first camera and start to shot with something different than iPhone. Its time. Thank you very much for bringing my passion to the next level !

[@bentsai6849]

Hey, just wanted to say how much this video has just done for me, in the span of around an hour. After watching your video, I had a conversation with my dad about how fascinating I found film photography, and how he grew up with similar technology. We were talking about our experiences with the seperate technological eras we grew up with, and connected on the ways we appreciate art and their many evolving mediums. Being an aspiring music producer myself, I can draw many parallels between the world of analogue synths and the world of film photography, and as someone born after 2000, I find older technology and their limitations beautiful and inspiring, and liberating from the world of digital media. At the end of my conversation with my dad, he suddenly remembered that he had an old film camera passed down from my great-grandfather stored away. He pulls it out to reveal, wouldn't you know, a 1956 Rolleiflex. You cannot imagine my excitement right now, and I can't wait to try it with my dad. Thankyou for this video, for the passion you have put behind it inspiring my own creative pursuits, and for helping me and my dad connect. Cheers from a new subscriber, Ben

[@alylyshua74937]

This comment made my day. Thank you so much. I hope you and your dad can make fond memories together, with or without photography ♥️

[@redoni3429]

Congrats, very nice of you to share this story, thank you!

[@Peshur]

Mate very cool! I just read your comment to my kids

[@GawxArt]

Best of KZbin for real! Huge inspiration man!

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much dude! You have quite an awesome style yourself! I appreciate the comment :)

[@gosho2248]

Dude. I never thought your content could get any better than your previous videos. I was wrong. This video is a masterpiece about a masterpiece camera. I would love if you talked more about film cameras. Also, huge compliments to Xiaoxing Han, the photos are amazing.

[@kyle_vr]

The only video I've watched in the correct aspect ratio in both portrait and landscape orientations 😄

[@Soupcan13]

Good lord I casually strolled in here and was leveled by how high quality this was. Bravo

[@MathieuStern]

I have nosebleeds with every new video. you really found a unique style

[@djronan1224]

I love these pieces (I dont even want to call them YT videos) so much!!

[@unknownperson8541]

I love the presentations of the video it is like a great director's great work.

[@AsianWithHat]

Ah yes, a masterpiece film produced by the one and only GXAce.

[@GxAce]

You were fast with that comment this time! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@Lukaz1989]

Your videos (short films?) literally blow my mind.

[@jordanlaine7412]

I recently got back into film after buying a used Sprocket Rocket and then picked up a Minolta Autocord L, Pen FV with like 5 lenses, and a Yashica Electro 35 for when I want to think less and blast away. The Autocord experience is so incredibly different than any of the film cameras or any of the mirrorless bodies I own; because of the longer process to meter, set settings, and focus, it's very meditative to shoot with.

[@fixedit8689]

Every time I’m out with my Rolliflex TLR or Hasselblad, I get interrupted by a random elderly gentleman that wants to talk and ramble on thus interrupting my creative flow and concentration. I usually grab one digital and one med format film camera and do a solo get away from the daily grind. This or the shooting range is my relaxation but unfortunately, the range has elderly gentleman there as well.

[@shxppard]

words cant describe how inspiring your channel is to me man. have always thought there were limits to how creative I can get with ideas and every video you release makes it more and more clear that there are no rules, and the only limit is my imagination. thank you for creating. so so so effing cool.

[@GxAce]

I really appreciate you saying that! Good luck on your own stuff! :D. Thanks for watching!

[@kenn6592]

What a memory. My father had one. He loved photography. How I wish I had it now.

[@4.0.4]

I don't even know anything about photography, but as soon as I started watching I couldn't look away. Such beautiful colors.

[@demimascot]

Wow! So you are the author of that short video! I saw it years ago but still remember the visual short story! Can't praise your styles and tastes more!

[@chrisloomis1489]

Amazing artistry , the Rollei is an incredible and never replicated system to catch light and moments. True Art.

[@martinsmyth5580]

This guy who makes these videos is a legend the content is so entertaining and informative

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much, Martin! :)

[@redoni3429]

8:02 that’s why I love old second hand technology. Cars, cameras, guitars, etc.. You rarely know anything about the past live of these objects but you know you will contribute to it and who knows what comes after that. It’s such a beautiful and philosophic idea and I’m all in for it.

[@Riccardo_Mori]

The way you shoot. The music you choose. The concise narrative. The resulting format is that every upload of yours is a mini-film. Keep up the good work! Cheers - //Rick

[@Searchingk9]

Dude you’re Star Wars when it first came out to the KZbin community. That feeling of watching a masterpiece detail after detail is so fun. I rewatch all your videos over and over, I LOVE THEM thanks for inspiring me!

[@stevendiffey9162]

That is an making video. Thank you. I’ve just returned from shooting on one of my Rolleiflex an hour ago and this video truly resonated with me. It’s like these cameras have soul. It’s difficult to put into words how special these cameras are and how they help you see the world whether you push the shutter or not. It’s total bliss just sharing time with a Rolleiflex.

[@t_h_visuals]

The production quality in your videos far surpasses anything I’ve ever seen on this platform. Your content is next level. And I agree, the camera is beautiful and a joy to shoot.

[@sachu.2941]

*this is the type of high end cinematography technique I'd like to watch !!!!❤️❤️❤️*

[@GxAce]

I'm glad you enjoy it! :D

[@sachu.2941]

@@GxAce really love your "visual" storytelling.... keep it up my brother you'll get there🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@joshmurrell2128]

Your work is so incredibly inspiring. After a few years away from photography and video work, seeing the work you create makes we want to jump back in myself. Thank you!!

[@Mousoukyou]

Absolutely beautiful photos. They make me feel a mixture of inspired and sad and desperately wanting to travel. I've always wanted a Rolleiflex simply because of the photo taking experience, I didn't know they could produce such incredible images. Thank Xiaoxing and you for this.

[@JaymesMedia]

This is breath taking. I saw the podcast on Patreon and all I can say is that I can’t wait see get fully integrated into a project that you love. Love that an amazing creator is here in Michigan.

[@gibsforgood7072]

I really love the celebration and admiration of the tools and craftsmanship of photography. Thank you for sharing.

[@marlonsouza9224]

Look man… I don’t even finished watching your video, but only for the fact that you made a squared video while talking about a rolleiflex, I know you are a genius. I cannot wait to finish this video and to be filled with wonder. 👏👏👏👏

[@JB-xi2yv]

Just picked one up. I learned to shoot on a pentax and was able to grab something similar to this. At last I can experience the warmth and clarity. Thank you for the this brilliant expose into the rolleiflex and introduction to a wonderful artist; Xiaoxing Han. Thank you.

[@JumpingWatermelons]

I used a friend's Rolleiflex a bit. Hers has a mirrored display, so looking in the viewfinder showed an upside down image. This made composing tricky as I had to move the camera in the opposite direction as what my brain told me based on the viewfinder image. I guess there must be other versions that correct the orientation and for me that would be WAY better. It is a very solid feeling camera. Fun and quirky. Feels good to press the shutter button THE FILM IS EXPENSIVE OMG

[@GxAce]

It definitely takes some getting used to! You can get a prism finder for certain models that will correct this! Thanks for watching!

[@triode1212]

All TLRs esp a Rolleiflex should not have an upside down image.

[@JumpingWatermelons]

@@triode1212 ok, I looked just now, and my friend's camera was not a Rolleiflex. It is a Yashika. Model: Mat 124G (or something very close to that). I looked at one Mat 124G on youtube and it has a 'right way' viewfinder image. I don't know the details of exactly why but my friend's viewfinder was definitely reversed or mirrored and it was definitely difficult to use.

[@triode1212]

@@JumpingWatermelons I think you mean that when you point the camera right the image goes left. It is flipped left to right. The Yashica 124G is basically a clone of the Rolleis and work the same way with slight difference in features. It takes time to get used quirk but you will eventually get used to i, just takes practice.

[@JumpingWatermelons]

@@triode1212 Oh, yes probably it was as you describe. I only used it one evening, for 5-10 pictures, and I didn't get all that used to it. But yeah after a while I'm sure it would feel ok

[@carbonejack]

I have a lot of cameras. But, my 3.5 planner is the one that stands out with its elegant design. A beautiful work of art.

[@AMTunLimited]

It looks like you shot the "hologram" Patreon section practically on a spinning persistence-of-vision display. What a great touch

[@GxAce]

Good eye ;). Thanks!

[@Shunbound]

This made me decide to buy this camera. The composition of her pictures moved me in a way that few have.

[@marciosousa2099]

This not KZbin. This is art. Thank you sir for your hard work

[@GxAce]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@carljuztine3328]

enough to make a grown person cry in awe

[@venom2k2]

I just don't understand how this man keeps getting better and better. This Episode is just insane and he somehow gets better with each one. How in the hell can you make such awesome videos?!

[@pennymarketenjoyer898]

the only youtuber that actually excites me whenever they put up a new vid is you! Keep up the good work!

[@GxAce]

I'm quite humbled. Thank you so much!

[@mattgermond7957]

Incredible video! I have a Yashicamat 124G which will have to do for now, but the experience of this TLR is second to none! 👍

[@tplover21pilots68]

This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen in my life. So much effort and passion. Is in this

[@Leiju344]

I worked in a Hollywood prop shop that had tons of these cameras used for film sets and some that still worked. I'd love to have my hands on one of them

[@Ranger4banger]

I inherited my grandfather's 1956 2.8 with a Schneider and no light meter and had it CLA'ed. I've been shooting the most beautiful photos I've taken in my life. And the connection I can have back to my grandfather every time I use it is second to none

[@eronic404]

Beautiful video as always, I'm pretty new to photography and the quality of your videos is inspiring. And the 1 to 1 aspect ratio of this video is actually a great aspect ratio for viewing this video on mobile device. It gave me no reason to flip my phone since the video is the same size either way it's turned. Also full screen, the video was in the direct center of my device which made a cool viewing experience.

[@Agnes.Nutter]

I love that this video uses a square aspect ratio!

[@piazzatron]

Pure artistry. I'm so glad to have discovered your channel years ago and watched it develop such a unique, refreshing voice. I hope you make it big, but regardless - you've created something original and true to your vision that resonates deeply with people. Bravo

[@devineandconquer9508]

the cinematography of this video is crazy good, like i was supersuprised

[@lewgoogle5530]

I completely agree about the Rolleiflex. Love it more than anything else I have ever owned, for both the camera itself and for the square format.

[@vince1987]

I've always wanted a rolleiflex, so much more when Vivian Maier's work came to light.

[@getjcn]

Another breathtaking cinematic experience, of one of the greatest cameras of all time!!!!

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much, Joseph! :D

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

I find there's something really special about medium format frames. Just this perfect aspect ratio that naturally centers your eyes on what's in the middle of the frame. At the same time it's not so wide that if you have something nice in peripheral parts of the frame you're missing out on seeing those details at a quick glance.

[@tsbrownie]

I worked in a photo store in the early 1970s. We carried a few brands of twin lens cameras. The light shutters and ability to hold tension on the neck strap made them rock steady, and slow shutter speeds were much less a problem. On the downside, the lenses were about twice as expensive because it's two lenses, over and under.

[@ob1_kb]

Stunning! Another masterpiece from GxAce. This channel is by far my favorite on youtube, and i always look forward to seeing your next video. Please don't stop making these :)

[@GxAce]

Glad you enjoy it! :D. I will definitely keep making these ;)

[@jpoconnor5744]

Your videos are absolutely amazing and wonderful. Clearly an inspired labor of love! My only “complaint” is they are too short. Of course, that is part of the genius of them; each is as long as it needs to be, and no more. I love the use of the square format for the entire video. Her photography is stunning. No complaints here if you find ways to incorporate her work in any future videos!

[@Playerdue]

I want to reiterate what everyone else already wrote in the comments, the quality of your production is incredible and the videos look like something that could come out from a William Gibson book! And every time I watch them I'm inspired to take pictures and make new videos!

[@Hamonchi]

The style of this video is so addicting. I just want to go through the rest of your videos. Literal instant-subscribe after the first 30 seconds. Now I am inspired to get back into photography and I can't thank you enough for that.

[@kiwikeith7633]

I owned a Yashica which looks almost exactly like this Rolleiflex. And it took the clearest sharpest still images with the best colour. Although not a Rolleiflex, I feel nostalgic watching this, and can identify the image quality.

[@ShawnPBruce]

I sold my Bronica last year and picked up a Yashicamat. No regrets. I love the TLR experience.

[@fikryahmadg4865]

I feel weirdly amazed by this video, the amout of detail and feels on this video is on another level. The 1:1 ratio really kill it. 🔥

[@Beingaroundbean]

The music, the detail shots, the audio, dang son you did it again.

[@GxAce]

Thanks so much Aaron! Also, I'll definitely catch you next time I'm out in Chicago!

[@kenorsua9595]

photography always had a soft spot in me, I love taking photos in a square format, or 6x6. someday, I would get a chance to have one of these cameras, hopefully...

[@housepandacrew581]

This is crazy. When my grandpa died i inherited a few old dusty cameras. Thought two of them looked beautiful and put them on a shelf for display. They have been standing there for years. Two years ago i got into video, but never thought much about the old dusty ones on the shelf. Today i see this video, and i instantly recognized the camera. Apparently i have a 2.8 and 3.5F Planar just sitting there on my shelf - and me being totally oblivious to it for years. Well, no more. All because of this video. Thank you.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

Aka the very meaning of picking up hobbies and what it means. I mean I rolled my eyes as being an avid knower of the past, because I know in the 1950's Kodachrome cameras were by far the finest, captured natural light, and atmosphere tame grading with a bit of a dark contrast in the darker colors, but still amazing. I sometimes call it hand in front of the sun photography.

[@boi_jason]

Thank you for making this beautiful video. I have a Rolleiflex 3.5, a Rolleicord and a Yashica Mat. I've carried them to mountains, islands, bustling cities to take pictures with them.

[@GxAce]

Thanks for sharing! They are so cool, TLRs!

[@matteorauer8564]

I knew my dad had an old camera in this Aluminium briefcase… I didn’t know what it was, or what it even did. But then I started getting into analog photography with my moms old Nikon, and I once again stumbled across my dads old camera. That was the point where I realized what I had in my hands. A pristine Rolleiflex F2,8 Zeiss Planar. The moment I realized I was holding this expensive piece of history, I even got a little scared. I put some fresh 120 film in it, but haven’t even filled one roll of film in the last two years. The value of this mechanical masterpiece just haunts me very time I take it out of its box to admire it. But I hope to take it on a new series of adventures next spring.

[@AeromaticXD]

I second that point on ground glass! It’s another level of beautiful!!

[@prashanthb6521]

This is the first camera I ever held in my hands as a kid ! Lifted it out of its custom bag, looked at it with excitement, then kept it back. I now have AGFA, Nikkormat, Nikon F80. I own no digital camera apart from my mobile phone.

[@TessaBury]

Been shooting on a Mamiya C330 for over a decade and it is by far my favorite camera. Nothing beats a TLR.

[@GxAce]

They are literally magic. LITERALLY

[@Videosbyme278]

Great video, the late magnum photographer Tim Hetherington used this as his main camera. He took it into war zones because he loved the look of the images and it made him slow down and look for the moment. Highly recommend his work.

[@chasejustchase487]

fun fact you can full screen this video on your phone in vertical orientation or horizontal. pretty cool.

[@trondsi]

I'm lucky enough to have two: one 2.8 with 80mm Schneider lens, and one Automat with 75 mm Tessar lens. Love them both.

[@0action847]

I love my Rolliecord for street photography. Looking down into the viewfinder, not making eye contact but being able to see people looking at me like, what's that guy doing.

[@mecowhy1601]

the sound and video quality blew me away, great stuff

[@marksutton5540]

That was so beautiful. How I wish I still owned one.

[@tsbrownie]

If you like composing through the ground glass of a TLR or Hasselblad, you should try a 4x5, 5x7, or 8x10!

[@gregcsokas]

This is kinda magic, I'm not a photographer, I have a Zenit E only and I don't used that in the past 15 years, but dude, I really want to start shooting photos now. Thanks for creating my favourite video on youtube.

[@ledheavy26]

Those photos are spectacular.

[@mynamesbert]

I just found you a day or two ago. The production value and story telling is just what my eyes needed to see and for me to hear. We share the same wavelengths. Keep at it creator.

[@anindyasur9384]

This man should receive his own Netflix Docuseries Special. I hope to soon be a part of the Patreon community and help fund these videos!

[@alex_inside]

This video just fits the screen of galaxy fold phones so well. Master pice.

[@MrBasjunk]

Love your Bladerunner style. One of my favourite movies. This is pure inspiration for all photographers. Thank you🙏🙏🙏

[@twoborders]

Love the square video, especially when watching it in Picture in Picture on the iPad.

[@GxAce]

Glad you liked it!

[@stuartgreenberg773]

Indeed a fantastic camera. I still have and use the Rolleiflex 3.5 that I shot weddings with in the 1970’s!!

[@rr6013]

Film has improved since ‘70’s. My Rollie B&W photos were awesome stark but the public-eye begged 35mm photos, even though a smaller medium. The square format was passé. Thx for the breakdown

[@jeg569]

Love using my Rolleicord VBII from 1967.

[@marius6019]

The production quality of this video is outstanding. One of the best I saw on KZbin for months, if not years... Thank you so much !

[@motonewyork1100]

*Unbelievable man! I never leave comments on youtube, but this work makes you feel, stop and think, rewatch and appreciate. Thank you*

[@RudeCanine]

I love funky aspect ratios so much!!! Thank you for this wonderful video

[@Dennis94913]

Love the 1:1 aspect ratio of the video that reflects the 6x6 format of a TLR. Keep up the good work Ace!

[@GxAce]

I'm glad you appreciated that choice ;). Thanks for watching!

[@staffordboy7824]

Superb video. I have the Rolleiflex 2.8C and it is simply gorgeous, my favourite camera that I've ever owned or shot with, simple yet magnificent.

[@safinahammed8543]

Wow I am blown away by the production quality of this video🔥🔥

[@anz44]

In love with all the photos of the video.

[@KrogenDragon]

This is one of the best videos I have seen on KZbin. Incredibly engaging from the start, gorgeous b-roll and overall super high production value. I'm subscribing.

[@chrisloomis1489]

3.5 75mm D model , took her to SAIGON , VIETNAM ....amazing street camera and also for distant scenery in DANANG .

[@jaewannjoseph]

Watching this masterpiece on my z fold was life changing..

[@johnradovich8809]

My dad had one. I remember very distinctly the day he dropped it.

[@bkid19]

I absolutely love this video. I have 2 of these beauties and this has motivated me to get it serviced and start shooting with them again!

[@TeddyCavachon]

I used a 2.8 Rollei with an eye-level pentaprism to shoot weddings in the early 1970s. The advantages over an SLR Hasselblad was not having the viewfinder blocked during exposure which allowed seeing if the subject blinked and the higher flash sync speed. The 2.8 aperture and 80mm focal length made it ideal for portraits lit with light from a north facing window which gave the lighting the look of an old master painting and also eliminated the need to carry around and set-up lighting gear.

[@JamesMincey]

I was about to watch this on my phone while brushing my teeth. Nope. Definitely saving this one to sit down and watch on TV.

[@ZoneFocused]

Happy Rolleiflex 3.5f planar owner and it's my dream camera. Not many cameras that are as good of as looker as it is a shooter. Great video!

[@cinedorks9331]

I work in a camera store and we're not allowed to buy used gear with our employee discount unless it sits on the shelf for 30 days to give our customers adequate time to purchase it. We've gotten a few Rolleis in and they've never lasted more than 48 hours. I wound up bypassing my discount and paying full price for a Yashica-Mat EM that was in pristine condition which was the closest thing I could get to a Rollei at a solid price. It's so much fun to use and you're absolutely right about composing the image through ground glass. It changes the entire experience of photography for the better.

[@triode1212]

Look out for a Rolleicord Vb. Just as good as the Rolleiflexes at a more affordable price. They are also more robust having less parts that can wear out or go wrong. Even though I have several Rolleiflexes, my Rolleicord Vb is the one I use most extensively.