dawn_c1

<p>Oh, just some Fuji Superia X-TRA 400 I had left over. I'll see how they turn about before putting in my precious black and white film, but if it works I'd like to start developing it myself.</p>

<p>I'll have a look at them, see what sort of prices they're going for.</p> <p>One thing I keep doing with the Rollei is I set the shutter speed on the meter but forget to set it on the lens! Something I'll get used to I'm sure, especially after I've ruined a few films :) </p>

<p>The Konica Auto s3 looks pretty good, if I give up manual control. I've actually sent the Minolta back, as it had several faults and I didn't like it enough to get it fixed. Perhaps I'll stick with the Rollei for now, see how those photographs turn out before getting another rangefinder. The Rollei might be the only camera I need! :)</p>

<p>Thanks Mike, I thought it might be something like that. I will make sure the needle doesn't hit the orange marker.</p> <p>I'm not looking for a automatic rangefinder, it would be nice to have the option for shutter priority but I'd also want to override it with manual controls. However, I've never used an automatic rangefinder so if the results are good it might be an alternative to the very manual Rollei. Does the Konica s2/c35 and Canonet have a large rangefinder patch then, and how are their images? My main concern when not having control over the shutter speed is the image blurring, but I guess if it doesn't go too low that may not be a problem. Also, I've heard the s2 and Canonet are pretty heavy, which could put me off taking them out all the time. </p>

<p>A quick question about rangefinders - I have a Minolta AL and I'm finding the tiny rangefinder patch quite tricky to see and deal with in bright light (I think it may have faded over time too), so I'm wondering if any of the other cheap rangefinders have a larger patch to focus with. I'm sure Leica do but I am in no position to buy one at the moment, so will live with it if this is standard for the price range.</p>

<p>Ok, it's here and so far it looks absolutely wonderful! Hardly a mark on it, lens clear and meter working well. Happy days!</p> <p>Just a quick question before I head out shooting - the orange marker inside the meter window, do I need to think about that? What's it for? It doesn't move when I turn the dial but I can't find what it is in the manual, so curious before I shoot my first roll.</p>

<p>Oh I think if I like this one I'll definitely go for the 35 or S, I just can't quite believe how small it is. Incredible.</p> <p>It arrives tomorrow, can't wait to load it up and go shooting!</p>

<p>Winfried (what a great name) - I doubt I'll stop down further than f8 whilst I'm getting used to the focus, and use my Minolta for low light stuff. I had a look at the LED ones and didn't like them as much, I'd rather not have to rely on a battery if at all if possible. And I have no problems with scratches, as long as the lens is clean and everything's working, I'm good to go.</p> <p>Mike - I will check the meter against my phone app and return it if it's not working properly. I emailed the seller to confirm it was working before buying, he checked it and said it was perfect so fingers crossed.</p> <p>I've just been to my local vintage camera shop to pick up a case and saw the Rollei B35 in the flesh - it's tiny! Definitely the cutest camera I ever did see :)</p>

<p>Wow Mike, they are stunning! I had no idea the camera was capable of that sort of quality. Obviously it's down to how good the photographer is but it's something for me to aim for. </p> <p>I'm using 400 film so I can shoot at f8 or f11 in drizzly London, and still have some room with the focusing. Does it make a huge difference grain-wise d'you think, shooting 400 rather than 200?</p>

<p>Ha, that's good to know if anyone gets angsty about me taking their picture :)</p> <p>Out of interest, what film do you use with your Rollei? I'm just using cheap Fuji Superia X-TRA 400 whilst I'm learning, but I'd like to get something better in the future.</p>

<p>I went for the B35 in the end, I just couldn't justify the £100 price difference, and if I love it I'll just buy the better version down the line.</p> <p>Thanks for all your advice, I'm sure I'll be back with more questions once it arrives :)</p>

<p>Thanks Mike, that makes sense of the price differences but perhaps makes it worse because I now want to spend more and buy the better lens! Do you have a preference over the three you own?</p> <p>JDM, I have a rangefinder (Minolta AL) which I love, I just really like the idea of scale focusing, which can be done on the Minolta but the compactness of the Rollei really appeals. I use a Fuji x100s and Canon 6D for work but I'm seriously bored with digital, so the Rollei and Minolta will be for the fun stuff :)</p>

<p>Would you say that the f2.8 lens is worth the extra money then, even though I'd probably never use anything lower than f4 with that camera, as I'd be street shooting mostly?</p>

<p>Oh, I know, I wasn't suggesting they did, I was just giving a bit of background as to my experience.</p>

<p>Just looking at the Sunny 16 rule, which I always dismissed as being too complicated, and for some reason it now makes perfect sense. This means I wouldn't need a meter so either camera would work well (is that right, or does the 35 need to to power something else?).</p>

<p>Ha, that's brilliant. All the more reason to buy it!</p> <p>I'm told the B35 is in full working order but I won't know until I receive it, the fun of buying old cameras I guess :) Think I'll take the risk...</p>

<p>Hi</p> <p>I am super new to the Rollei range but I'm quite experienced in manual photography with rangefinders, and really want to experiment with scale focusing. So my question is, should I go for the Rollei 35B or 35 as a starter? I like that the B doesn't need a battery for the meter, which I would want to use, certainly to start as I'm figuring out how to use it, but the 35 seems to have much better reviews.</p> <p>I'm basically looking for a nice image and to learn more about this style of photography. The price differences are quite big so I'm leaning more towards the cheaper B, but would appreciate any comments from more experienced photographers.</p> <p>Thanks in advance!</p> <p>Dawn</p>