New to Rollei MF buy Rolleicord V or Rolleiflex MX-EVS (II) Zeiss Tessar

Hello,

 

I've spent several addictive hours on the MF forum and have learned

alot..but would like advice on a choice between a Rolleiflex MX-EVS

(Type II) and a very clean Rolleicord V. From my research I would

lean toward the MX-EVS but some really love the R'Cord V (1955). The

MX-EVS is being repaired for a wind problem and will get a look-see

but likely not a full CLA. The Cord is clean with a case and lens

cap and shutter speeds seem good (perhaps off by less than half a

stop).

 

Assuming the Flex can be repaired and is in comparable condition to

the Cord, which would be better? I realize the Cord is the consumer

line, and that both are at the lower end of the line. The Flex would

be $100(Cdn) less than the Cord. In earlier posts these two have both

been highly rated for the beginner and are often suggested as

comparable choices. I look forward to your advice. Thanks very much.

Kara,

In a quantary! Dilemma between two excellent cameras. No differences to take good shots. Go to the most clean lens and less expensive.

Michel from France

They are both very high quality cameras, and the Xenar and Tessar are equal. The Rolleiflex is faster to use than the Rolleicord, but the image quality will be the same. I have used both models but I sold the Rolleicord V and kept the Rolleiflex since I liked it better. Now I have a collection of Rollei TLR's. :)

You have already received the best advice Kara; choose the camera with the best, clearest and cleanest (looking) taking lens. Everything else is a wash, but do yourself a favor and start saving for a aftermarket screen (like a Maxwell) now. It is really needed on these models! I have no problem with a knob wind, crank wind, manual cocking shutters or what have you. Both are excellent, and both are capable of providing incredible images. In the vintage TLR world, always pick the camera with the best glass. Rolleiflex TLR's are cameras you can keep, and shoot for a lifetime. They're not just a beginner camera. In its focal range, a Rollei TLR can compete (image wise) with anything currently available. Shoot for the stars!

If you are buying an old camera as a collector or for occasional use then fine, but don't expect to get as much use out of it as you would a new or recent one. Some people may dispute this, but buying a ~45 year old beast for regular use does not make sense. If you really must have a Rollei then look at a clean late 3.5F or a 2.8GX as it will be much nicer to use and less worn. Don't buy something that is in need of repair! Unless you are stuck on a classic don't dismiss the modern options such as the Fuji, Bronica, and Mamiya rangefinders. They may not have 'classic appeal' but are almost invariably better photographic tools.

Kara, I have the MX_EVS 3.5 Tessar it is very excellent. Mr.Woodbury is correct. I am sending you the E-Mail address of the Rollei web page fpr all kind of info. on the Cameras. http://foto.no/rolleiflex/index.html Regards Peter

For the record Kara, I strongly disagree with Vartan Grigorian that the vintage (or in this case sub-vintage, to coin a phrase) Rolleiflex is only good for "collecting or for occasional use." I use a variety of older TLR's from various makes, and they have proven ultra-reliable...in some cases more so than the modern or newish equipment I have purchased. As a matter of fact, I have -literally- traveled the world with old Rollei's and the like, relying on them for once in a lifetime chances at certain subjects. Certainly, choose the machine that is in the best possible condition, but if you do happen to find a Rollei, Minolta, or other quality TLR with a clean taking lens needing other repairs (for example, needing service to the wind or shutter) don't be afraid to go out on a limb and pick it up. Very often, you can find a "diamond in the rough." My best, sharpest Rollei TLR (an early 50's MX model) was purchased with the knowledge if had a broken iris blade. I didn't even unpack it, but sent it directly to my service person. For the cost of a decent zoom lens I have a really wonderful, very special camera. The Rolleiflex's you are considering are quality, well made cameras; they are worth fixing and using. You *can* be a active, successful and inspirational photographer using old Rolleiflex cameras. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

Kara, I too disagree with Vartan and have disagreed with him on this subject earlier. The Cord and the Flex are very sturdy cameras. They will not be worn in your lifetime. Ferdi.

These are fine, classic cameras and are capable of excellent performance for many, many years, not just a collector's item. I would be partial to the 'flex all other things being equal. Because they are old either will need a CLA (clean, lube, adjust) in the near future (unless already done). Also, a brighter screen will make a huge difference. Bill Maxwell can do the screen and a CLA for you, as can other competent repairmen (Paul Ebel comes to mind).

Since as I sit here at the computer I can see four Rolleis on various shelves and desktops and I know one is out for repair and there is at least another one somplace here, I thought I ought to weigh in on this topic.

 

Some of this has been said before; some of it is general and applies to any situation.

 

First, buy the BEST LENS that you can afford; the lens is the heart of the camera. Second, there is virtually no difference in lens design between the Zenar and the Tessar except Schneider makes the first one and Zeiss the second. (Pre-WWII Tessars used different manufacturing techniques and should not be considered.)

 

My opinion is that the Xenotar in 3.5 is the best of all the Rollei lenses. Some people may differ based on their use of the Planar in other cameras and mounts. BOTH lenses are excellent--it's really a jump ball, but the Xenotar is a little less expensive because it doesn't have the "Zeiss" name which impresses camera buyers who don't know that Schneider has also been making excellent, superior quality lenses for 100 years too.

 

If you look long enough on ebay or other auctions, you will be able to find an "C" or "D" model Rolleiflex with a 3.5 Xenotar for around $300 to $350 which is a "steal." Look for cameras which fail to meet the "Reserve" price and e-mail the seller directly after the auction.

(I actually know of one recent case where the "reserve" was $350 and the high bid was $349 but the computer at ebay didn't understand that this was 3/10ths of 1 percent difference. I bought the item for $339 because the seller then didn't have to pay the ebay charge.)

 

Keep looking for a Xenotar and preferably a "flex" and you'll never regret it.

C Peter

 

What the seller of your Rollei has done is illegal at worst and

immoral at best.

 

Jerry

Jerry I'm interested to know why you think that is. Recently I did something similar. I tried to buy some filters on ebay but they didn't reach the reserve. The auctin ended. I then explained to the seller why I had only offered a certain amount (I didn't want all the filters and am not a dealer). So he agreed to break them up and sell them to me at a price we agreed. Which law are we breaking? Once the auction is over it is over. Ebay may not like people doing that, but I'd be surprised if their terms are enforceable when people are operating in good faith. What they can't do is suggest the only way one person can sell another is via their system in perpetua.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful advice. I am going to take a very close look at both of these cameras and choose on the basis of condition...however, the Rolleicord has the lens cap intact and I do not believe the MX-EVS I am looking at has one.. While a minor point, I would think it is important to have a cap to protect the lens, even when the camera is in a case.

 

Do both the MX-EVS (type II) and Rolleicord V take the bay 1 filter mount size? Also does anyone know of any Canadian sources for accessories so I can avoid the hassle and extra charges assessed by Canada Customs at the border.... (this generally goes for EBay too since many sellers are from the US.)

 

Also any favourite films for these cameras? Especially for B&W.

 

Thanks again. I am very eager to get started and the advice I have received in response to my question and from reading the other posts will be invaluable.

 

Regards,

 

Kara

To John Milne

 

When you sign up to register with eBay, you have entered a contract

to abide with their rules. Will your next step be robbing banks?

Maybe not, but please remind me not to do business with you at any

future time.

 

I know of a few ex-eBayers who have been barred from doing transactions thru eBay because of doing "private transactions deriving

from eBay auctions"

 

My legal advisor says "Don't do it".

 

Jerry

Bay 1 is for the tessar/xenar type lens

 

Bay 2 is for the 75/3.5 planar/xenotar lens

 

Bay 3 is for the 80/2.8 planar/xenotar lens

 

Yashica accessories also fit Bay 1. I use a Yashica lens hood on my Rolleicord Vb.