ndnbrunei

<p>Aidan,<br>

Don't underestimate the Rolleicords. Stopped down to f8 they produce wonderful images. The shutter release is much easier to use and results in less camera movement. The camera is small and lightweight and easier to carry. But ... it is an acquired taste and does not suit everyone.<br>

Cut and paste this link to look at some images ... scroll down past the most recent posts.<br>

https://www.flickr.com/photos/15573720@N00/<br>

Good luck!<br>

Andrew</p>

 

<p>Wonderful subjects and composition! Inspiring. I am surprised, however, that you are not getting a better tonal range out of your remarkable camera. Are you using a yellow filter?<br>

Thanks for posting!</p>

<p>Georg, thank you for your post. I now understand what the problem is. The Nikon 1 V1 is my first serious digital camera (with interchangeable lenses) and I still have lots to learn. I have been using 50+ year old Rollei TLRs for the last seven years (mostly Rolleicords) but now the film I preferred to use is no longer available. <br>

I am thinking of possibly getting a Leica M8 or Leica M9 in the future, do you know if the Leica lenses also have the same problem with the camera's sensor enhancing chromatic aberration? </p>

<p>Tony, thank you for the images you posted. You must have a steady hand, they look surprisingly good for hand held shots. It is good to see what the little camera can do.<br>

Geog, thank you for your insights ... I had no idea that modern lenses suffered from chromatic aberration. As you say, stopping down makes a difference ... good to know. I usually shoot in B&W, will chromatic aberration result in a slightly out of focus image with B&W?</p>

<p>I recently bought a Nikon 1 V1 camera and I am now exploring non-CX lens options. I prefer using fixed focal length lenses (prime lenses) and I am thinking about getting a Nikkor AF-S 1.8G. With the 1's crop factor this would give me the equivalent of a 135 mm focal length - good for portrait images. I read on another site that not all Nikkor lenses are suitable to use with the 1 series cameras. They said that the images produced by lenses made for FX cameras may not be as sharp when used on a 1 series camera.<br>

Has anyone tried using AF-S lenses on 1 series cameras and what were the images like? Thanks! </p>

<p>Beautiful camera and inspring images! It makes you wonder why so much effort has gone into develpoing new kinds of cameras and improving photographic technology when an old Contax (in the right hands) can produce such excellent results.</p>

<p>I have had similar responses in Hong Kong and Shanghai. In India people smile and nod when they see my 50 year old Rolleicord. Lots of people are happy to have their photo taken with the camera. It is quite an ice breaker. Wonderful old cameras!</p>

<p>When I used my Gitzo carbon fibre tripod in a salt water lagoon with a muddy floor, I wrapped the legs in heavy duty garbage bags and taped the bags in place being careful to exclude the air from the bags (I didn't want the tripod and my camera to float away!) The tripod is actually worth more than the humble Rolleicord it supports. An interesting tripod designed to be used in water is made by Benbo (a British company) and is based on the design for a machine gun tripod. It is very versitile but unfortunately it is heavy.</p>

<p>Great photos Kris! It is good to be reminded just how good these old cameras are. It makes you realise that despite their simplicity they are capable of wonderful results (in the right hands of course!).</p>

<p>Obviously both are good cameras. I can't imagine that the difference in weight between the two is significant. The difference you will find with this choice of camera is never having to carry a range of lenses to cater for different situations. I mostly use a Rolleicord Va for travel photography. It is very light and reliable and gives great results. To get the most out of the camera, however, I also carry a carbon fibre tripod and use a cable release. If you are looking to consistently maximise quality of the images the lens and your choice of film can produce, you will need to factor in the weight of a tripod ... but it is well worth it!</p>

<p>Ian - I am not sure what your budget is but if you are still looking for a compact, quality medium format camera it would be worth looking at a Rolleicord. These cameras were well made, are very good quality and produce excellent images with a little care. I have not checked the prices for a while but you should be able to get one for around USD $150. <br>

Best of luck with your search!<br>

Andrew.</p>

<p>Taken on Kodak BW400CN with a Rolleicord Va. I am going to miss this film.<br>

<a href="

<p>My wife and I do some bicycle touring, usually in S.E. Asia, so weight and volume are an issue. I carry a Rolleicord Va and a Gossen Digisix light meter. I don't think you can go much lighter in MF (unless you go to a folder). I really like the consistently good results the the Rolleicord gives (as I am sure you know!).<br>

Regards, Andrew.</p>

<p>Hi Heimata,<br>

There are a number of shops in Stanley Street that sell 120 film so you should not have any problems getting what you want if you choose to buy film in Hong Kong.<br>

Regarding x-ray and film, I often travel and a single trip might include six flights (and more sometimes). Be aware that the effects of x-rays are cumlative. Once or twice through the x-ray maching with your carry on luggage may be okay but multiple doses may not. personally, I never allow my film to be x-rayed. I always ask for hand inspection of films and the security staff always oblige. I carry my 120 film in a clear plastic box (like a lunch box) so it is easy to see what is inside.<br>

Have a great trip!</p>

<p>Andrew.</p>

<p>I take it that you are particularly interested in the performance of Hasselblad cameras when it comes to photographing indigenous peoples in B&W on film? <br>

A lot of fine ethnographic photography was done before Hasselblads appeared in1948. I am curious as to what Haselblads brought to this kind of photography that other cameras did not.</p>

<p>I always carry my camera with me on aircraft, baggage handlers may not be as careful with your gear as you are. Maybe it is a little easier for me because I only carry a Rolleicord and a few accessories. If you are carrying film, don't put it in the check in baggage because it will be subjected to radiation when your bags are x-rayed for security. X-rays are cumulative and heavy doses are not good for film.<br>

Enjoy your trip!</p>

<p><a href="

Taken with a Rollecord Va on Kodak BW400CN.</p>

<p><a href="

Taken with a Rolleiflex 2.8F on Illford Delta 400.</p>

<p>Please ignore this ... experimenting!</p>

<p>I have never heard of Bay 36 ... but it brings to mind a seriously big camera! ... and if you link Bay 36 with Area 51 you could have something out of this world! (apologies in advance)</p>

<p>SP, congratulations on your camera repair and your fine B&W images! Thanks for posting.<br>

Your monsoon light is similar to the light here in Hong Kong ... except that ours is the result of pollution!</p>

<p>Old film cameras are becoming cool. Here in Hong Kong there is an ad on one of the cable channels promoting HK as a tourist destination. The ad features a fellow taking photos with an f2.8 Rolleiflex. </p>

<p>Great camera, great photos Sadanand. Your story makes me wonder how many cameras advertised as "broken" are really broken!</p>

<p>This is an ongoing problem for film users. I saw a post from a Vet on another site who said that the effect of radiation is cumulative and it is better not to allow your films to be xrayed. For the last three years I have been insisting on hand inspection of film for this reason. It is not uncommon to be subjected to many xray inspections in a trip and further to that, because I use 120 film, rolls that were not used on one trip will go on the next trip. I have generally found security people to be quite reasonable about hand inspection of film. In my experience, if you stand your ground they will hand inspect film for you.</p>

<p>You can't beat a MF camera with good glass! Nice camera, nice images.</p>