Twin Lens Love | Rolleiflex 2.8F Review

One of the oldest cameras in my collection in the sense that I've had it longer than almost all my other current film cameras. The Rolleiflex 2.8F is the perfect TLR; matched with a Carl Zeiss 80mm f/2.8 lens, it is a joy to use and produces impressive results.
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Written Review: www.alexluyckx.com/blog/index....
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0:00 - Introduction
1:36 - Camera History
6:07 - Camera Tour
9:28 - Camera Experience
12:11 - Camera Optics
15:13 - Conclusion

[@joseerazevedo]

I've got two 3.5F, one from 1964, the other from 1971. I Find them much more practical to carry around than an SLR. And the Rolleiflex system is one of the most ingenious I've ever seen. The solutions found by their engineers are amazing even today. Bought my first on 2003, had it CLA'd when I bought it and by 2018. The second one was bought last week and is being CLA'd. Quality is superb. I'll probably sell my SLRs (except my F2A). I have a small darkroom and printing 6x6 from the Planar is a pleasure! I didn't knew you had a YT chanel! Just sobscribed. I like your content, thanks for sharing your experiences and vision here too! My best!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Agree completely, Rollei’s are some of the best around! Cheers and thanks for watching 🍻

[@nadominhoca]

I love my Yashica Mat 124 G! For someone with a big nose and glasses, shooting regular cameras with their viewfinders are extremely challenging for me... the TLR certainly address that issue!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

I can totally understand the glasses bit! And the Yashica’s are really sweet cameras! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@TomNorthenscold]

I picked up a recently CLAd 2.8c Xenotar locally for around 800 USD. It isn’t a looker but it’s mechanically and optically sound. It has the Oleson focusing screen. I was looking to get into medium format without committing to a system of lenses and without breaking the bank. This camera fit the bill. The fixed lens is perfect for me. I’m getting accustomed to shooting a TLR. I wouldn’t say I’m a natural at it yet, but I’m getting better. My main issue is never feeling quite certain I’ve nailed focus, even with the Oleson screen. But, when I look at the images, I needn’t have worried. Focus is spot on.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Oh that’s an good price! And the SK optics are top notch! Thanks for watching!

[@SinaFarhat]

A 6x6 tlr is a great experience! I switch between a focusing screen upgraded Rolleicord III and a Yashica mat 124g. I am so happy to not have to deal with the red window as it is so easy to miss a frame! The auto stop until frame one when loading a roll is so valuable! Have a good week!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Cheers! Yes, I love a good TLR and certainly hope to get an updated screen for mine! Thanks for watching! 🍻

[@shred3005]

I’ve got a Rolleicord Va. It’s in great condition but I find the screen dim and hard to work with. Not much better than the Lubitel 166B I bought 30 yrs ago new (£14.95 😊) Is it worth doing a screen upgrade on the Rolleicord and where did you get it ?

[@SinaFarhat]

@@shred3005 It was upgraded via Rick Oleson many years ago, I don't know if he is stil active or sells focusing screens.

[@shred3005]

@@SinaFarhat thanks. I’ve heard that name before regarding screen upgrades so clearly he has a reputation for doing these

[@sushi_donut]

9:55 - "I'm just trying to get home, dude." 😄 Great video, Alex! Probably gonna go 67, but I've always wanted a Rollei for the experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Oh yeah, I had a good chuckle when I turned around and saw them walking past and quickly apologised to them, which they apologised also, it was all very Canadian! Keep an eye out later this year, I have a video review on the Pentax 67II and Fuji GX680iii! Thanks for watching!

[@sushi_donut]

@@AlexLuyckxPhoto UGH 😳67ii!! Can't wait!

[@lynnemaclean7201]

I recently acquired the ROLLEIFLEX 2.8f (1965/66) from my late father and even though I am an experienced film and digital photographer, to my shame I have been terrified of using it (ridiculous, I know) 😵‍💫 This video was wonderful for me. Simply explained and very relaxed content. Wonderful. I’m full of confidence now. For the first time using this camera I will be shooting in Kodak 160 Portra. The film loading tip was great . Thank you 😊 🇦🇺

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

That warms my heart! Thank you so much and all the luck in shooting! 🍻

[@davidoquias6061]

Same here, bot my dads rollei, manual and 35mm converter with remote shutter release. Still works

[@rolandthomasset1713]

Hi ! Good video however I want to comment on one thing that you and many others seem to overlook. That is the small magnifier lens (simiar to the one on top of the viewfinder) which is in the vertical ‘wall” (where the cut-out is for frame viewing)actually is. This is unique ti these Rollei models. People should not limit to shooting either at wait level or from under the chin although the camera seems to be designed with this in mind….try and use the “open sport finder” for shots that need kuick action and……(important) you can use the magnifier mentioned for very accurate focusing before moving your eye one inch or so above it for the “kill” ! It will take a little practice…maybe 15 minutes ! and you’ll be hooked. I have shot all my wedding photos that way. one more advantage from that: your focusing image is more shielded from the sun. Now you will, of course, notice that the image is upside down but that is of no importance at all, believe me. Try it and let me know…..it’s your grandfather talking !!!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Yup! I totally did over look that feature but I will make a point to give it a good next time I’m out with the Rollei! Thanks for pointing that out and for watching 🍻

[@Uwe_Ludolf]

I think the German manual is quite clear, but your understanding was the problem 😆 Probably you can consider me as a fan of TLR's, in my camera collection are 3 if them: Mamiya C330f, a Rolleiflex 3.5F and a 2.8C. The Rolleiflexes are rather new in my collection - less than a year - and I've had them serviced. Both have a Xenotar lens

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Oh the manual is clear now, but not 13 years ago! It helps to be able to read German. That is a fine collection of TLRs! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@rolandthomasset1713]

Nice video. I’ve been in love with TLR since 1950 using a Zeiss Ikoflex until I bought my 3.5 Rollei which I still and keep alive ! For you enjoy your Rollei even more try this….Start doing most of your focusing and viewing with your sportfinder and its upside down focusing below the opening. I guarantee you after a day or so you won’t even notice the reversed image but you will gain so much speed in shooting. I later fell in love with my SLX for weddings, with the prism, but that can be your next move ! Meanwhile use this oneas often as you can ! Enjoy !

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

I will give that a go! Glad you’re a fellow Rollei fan and thanks for watching 🍻

[@vedranr.glavina7667]

Excellent as usual ! Congrats !

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

🍻

[@Eclectachrome]

Wow love this video and just clicked into your channel discovering your videos!! Can't wait to watch more :)

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Cheers! 🍻

[@alexpurcell2012]

Hi Alex, great video. My brother just recently and quite unexpectedly has given me a Rolleiflex 3.5f that my dad bought before I was born. I’m used to and love my YashicaMat but this thing is incredible. I think I’ll be taking it everywhere for the foreseeable future 😊

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Family cameras are precious! What an amazing gift! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@theoldfilmbloke]

I got mine many years ago when i was in Barking Photographic Society. The Chairman had got the 2.8F Planar off a bloke who said he never used it BUT he could not get 'sharp Photos' so was willing to sell it to me for £250 -- so I bought it and looked and found out the FOCUS SCREEN was upside down and also the Film Wind was so stiff -- so I took it to the ROLLEI SERVICE in LONDON and they did it for £50 and the Club Chairman deducted off that Cost so I got it for £200 and did many weddings with it when I was working.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Amazing how some simple thing will cause problems! Glad it served you well! And thanks for watching 🍻

[@geradebowden2692]

I’ve owned a 2.8 F planar since early 90’s . Its its the only camera in my collection ill never sell.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Awesome! Same here, my Planar will never be sold! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@theoldcameraguy]

I’m not a big TLR guy, but those dual f2.8 lenses are pretty sweet!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Indeed! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@amersadik3926]

Rolleiflex still alive 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Yes!

[@amersadik3926]

@@AlexLuyckxPhoto 👍👍👍

[@Maiya_Amiya571]

I have one of this camera and my grandfather use to take pictures by it

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Excellent! What an amazing connection to your grandfather! I have a K1000 and Instamatic from my Opa and Oma! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@larsbunch]

My first TLR was a Yashica which I managed to drop on its face about 35 years ago. I probably ought to get it fixed some day. I then inherited my father’s Mamiya C33 which came with all but one of the available lenses (all of which need CLAs). A lot of people seem to like Mamiya lenses, but I’ve owned an RB67 and this TLR and the lenses have all been soft and disappointing. If I’m going to shoot 6x6, I’ll use a Hasselblad. But I love TLRs as a “walking around and shooting” kind of camera. It’s a low maintenance sort of camera. It gets out of your way and lets you get the shot. The Rolleiflex is probably the best TLR for my tastes - good lens with sound mechanical design - but I’m not sure I want to spend that kind of money on one.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

There are lower cost Rollei’s out there, Rolleicord and SK Optics Rolleiflexes. And ouch on that Yashica, you should totally get it fixed!

[@stephenlumsden280]

Looks really nice. I may go for one in the future but right now have too many Bay 1 filters to switch, so will stay with my yashica d and b

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Totally worth getting as a next step from the Yashica. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@chrisloomis1489]

75 mm 3.5 D Rollie TLR , want the 2.8 F model though. Love my 75 mm 3.5 took it to VIETNAM and got some good images.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Any Rollei is a good Rollei! And those 75/3.5 are Superb! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@dylanhill1640]

I love my Rollei!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

They are good cameras to love! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@geradebowden2692]

I’ve had mine since the mid 90’s . I’ll never part with it. It will be passed on to my daughter some day.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

An excellent plan! I have several cameras that will be passed onto my son! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@canadiantraveller604]

I just recently purchased a 2.8F and am still exploring it's features; this video is excellent. Do you know of Canadian firms that have expertise in doing a CLA for this camera?

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Best bet is Lens Medic YYC! He’s on Instagram!

[@jiml989]

You called the dial on the side an EV meter. Looking at the manual, it is described as a way to adjust for the filter factor of whatever filter you are using. Maybe it's the same thing?

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Yup! Same thing you can compensate for filter factor.

[@MIRRAPIX]

Good video. In regards to the light meter that will eventually give out. Would you say it’s highly reliable in any most situations or would you still bring a light meter for tricky lighting situations?

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

It’s good 95% of the time, it handled lighting inside abandoned buildings which is some of the trickiest work I’ve done. So if you have a good example you can trust the meter. It’s made by Gossen actually!

[@MIRRAPIX]

@@AlexLuyckxPhoto thank you for the reply, loved the video

[@rolandthomasset1713]

Excellent question. keep in mind that when you have a tricky situation there is no real best exposure, what we do is use what seems to be the best, and if the shot is very important and that we have enough film left in the camera, it is nice to shoot two more shots one over and one under. All three will present their own advantage. Hand meters will always have their place in a camera bag. Likewise, we all think that perfect alignment of our focusing screen little circle is a must before pushing the release button but if you were a real good distance guesser or used a tape measure your focus would be just as perfect !!!! But our brains become programmed a certain way (which is good most of the time ! but can be bypassed sometimes !)

[@alanhuntley55]

Though I do like the interchangeable lenses on my Hassey 500C/M, I enjoy many outings "curzin fer snaps" with my Rolleiflex 3.5. Personally, my hands find the Rollei easier to operate handheld making it a great walk-about camera.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Oh totally! Love my 500c with multiple lenses! But yeah the Rolleiflex is perfect for grab and go! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@davidoquias6061]

Got my dads rollei, tried a roll, still works,had to recondition it, hope its good, But the screen i blurry, where to replace it.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Oh what a special camera! As for the screen look for a Maxwell Bright Screen! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@janjasiewicz9851]

I have the white face 3.5..love the thing..

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

They are special cameras for sure! Also nice on having a white face model! Thanks for watching! 🍻

[@janjasiewicz9851]

@@AlexLuyckxPhoto Keep up the good work!