TLR weights -- light models?

[julian_goresko]

Can anyone give some suggestions for good TLRs that are lightweight enough to

hold in hand for shooting?

[derek_stanton2]

All of them?

I would guess the Mamiya C-series would be the heaviest.

 

The Rolleiflex is the 'standard.' Rolleicords are slightly smaller and lighter. Perhaps a

Yashicamat 124G? But, to me, the differences are too negligible to discuss. I would get the

one that had the features/characteristics you need. Is there a specific reason why a few

ounces would make such a difference?

[dennyp]

I used a handle the mounted on the left side,this helped me steady the camera so much I wouldn't shoot with out it.

[Ed_Ingold]

I would rate a Rolleiflex at the top for handling and functionality, followed by a Yashica 124, which is not as well executed. TLRs are intended to be used hand-held. Most are awkward, at best, on a tripod since you have to look through the top. Secondly, a light camera is not necessarily easier to hold steady. Witness the use of a P&S camera vs a DSLR or a small DV camera compared to an ENG model.

[bueh]

All <abbr title="twin-lens reflex cameras">TLRs</abbr> are very good for hand-holding. Even the Heavy Mamiya <abbr title="twin-lens reflex cameras">TLRs</abbr> are not inconvenient, as the weight steadies the camera and will allow pretty slow shutter speeds. In fact, I find it easier to work with than the regular Rolleicord-style cameras because of the inertia.

[david_d4]

If you're up to the hassle of dealing with 127 film, Both Rollie and Yashica made "baby" 4X4 TLR's.

[john falkenstine]

I have a Mamiya C33. Handholding is a bit of a reach with this unit, but it does work.

[leicaglow]

YashicaMat 124G is very light, but at the expense of build quality.

[oskar_ojala]

In my experience, Rolleiflexes are really a joy to use hand-held. Mamiyas always felt terribly clumsy to me, but I've done good images with them too.

[joe tarrant]

There's a TLR weight list <a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00CYwL">here</a>. But the lightweight queen is the <a href="http://www.mediajoy.com/en/camera_review/lubitel166u/index.html">Lubitel 166</a>, at 550g.

[john falkenstine]

The Mamiya c33 is a heavyweight, but no electronics of any kind and well made. I think mine is from the sixties. The bellows and camera body are mar-free, the lens is a bit slow on the lower shutter speeds, no problem, I just close the f-stop up to compensate. This Image shows the C33 under close inspection from my home security system.<div></div>

[doug_harhai]

I have the Mamiya C330 and the Rolleiflex T. For handheld work, the Rollei is king. Absolutely great to use.

[kevin h. y. lui.]

Light TLR? (with quality made? ) It must be rolleiflex / rolleicord.

The most light Rolleiflex? It should be those pre war, rolleiflex old standard, or new standard.(Except baby rollei.)

[john falkenstine]

Once you become the owner of a lightweight Rolleiflex, you finances will also have become lightweight. Remember the additonal expenditures that come along with using film.

[richard_pike]

Hi! I used and have proven the value of the Yashica MAT 124G...opering from -30F to + 30F..hand held to 1/4 sec...quality optics, 120 or 220 film, close-up lenses & filtres.

Used my C330ProS hand held as well...even with the 180mm lens on it..nothing below 1/60sec. close-ups & low speeds require a Good tripod & a cable release. I use a Benbo Mk 2.

 

richard

[richard_keistler]

Any of these cameras require some care with choosing straps and how they are carried. I can remember Louise Dahl-Wolfe having to quit carrying her Rolleis when they wore down the spinous processes on a couple of her cervical vertebrae. I have a C330s and C220f and they are really very heavy to walk around with, whether shoulder or neck strapped. The little Japanese TLR's or the Rolleicords are more practical for that.