A Hike on the Unfinished Railroad

A few weeks back, I took a hike at the Manassas National Battlefied, site of two ferocious battles in the US Civil War. The Unfinished Railroad is a trench dug for rails, but never finished. It was a center of the second battle of Manassas.

 

I shot these images with my Rolleiflex SL2000F. Man, I love this weird old camera.

 

You could smell the summer honeysuckle all along the trail.

 

 

This monument is at the end of the trail. It reads: "In Memory of the Patriots Who Fell at Groveton, August 28th, 29th, & 30th, 1862.

 

 

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A Distinguished Couple

 

From an Asian festival in Washington, DC. Photos made with my Rolleiflex SL2000F and Sonnar 135mm f2.8 lens. That Sonnar is one of the very best telephoto lenses I've ever used.

 

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Eyes

 

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Asia Festival, DC - Rolleiflex SL2000F

Here are a couple of images I made at a festival over the memorial day weekend. I was shooting my Rolleiflex SL2000F, with the wonderful Sonnar 135mm f2.8 lens. I think it's the best lens I have for this outfit.

 

 

Don't know what a Rolleiflex SL2000F is? (Click Here).

 

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White House: "Bill for First Lady"

At least someone's having fun with this election...

 

Rollei 35 Tessar.

 

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Can I Eat Him, Mom? Can I?

 

 

Rollei 35, 40mm f3.5 Tessar Lens

Kodak TMax 400 Film

 

I have a thing for Rollei cameras. My latest is the tiny little Rollei 35, a guess-focus camera with a jewel of a Tessar lens (collapsible). It has a meter, but no provisions for focusing. Seems I guessed the distance pretty well in this shot.

 

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Korean War Memorial - Rolleiflex SL2000F

I'm still thoroughly enjoying the somewhat uncommon Rolleiflex SL2000F that I bought a while back. (Click Here) to read about it.

 

Here's a shot I made with the SL2000F and Rollei 135mm f2.8 lens.

 

Korean War Memorial, by Reed A. George

 

What a blast this camera is to use.

 

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A Very Different Rolleiflex - SL2000F - My Latest Passion

So several weeks back, I went to meet my good friends Charlie and Alain for a photo outing. Charlie and I were discussing settings for his new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 when Alain walked up with this beauty.

 

Rolleiflex SL2000F and Planar 50mm f1.8 Lens

 

Now, I admit that I'm pretty passionate about cameras. Passionate, but generally careful. When I realized that this was a 35mm Rolleiflex, with both eye-level and waist-level finders built in, interchangeable lenses (Rollei QBM mount), and interchangeable film backs, well, that was it. I had to have it. I'd never seen anything like it. No looking it up online, no research at all, had to have it. I bought it right then, in the parking lot. Alain was nice enough to part with it for the price he paid. Here it is with the matching Sonnar 135mm f2.8 lens.

 

 

Driving away after our day out shooting, I thought "What have I done?" A dead lens mount (the QBM is no longer made anywhere), electronic (not quiet) advance only (no manual override), maybe I should have been a little more cautious. But, just look at it. So, I smiled and drove on home.

 

Then, just as soon as I got home, I started looking for information on this beauty online. Oh, no! Everywhere I looked were warning signs - electronic failure, no spare parts, DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA! Well, it gave me pause, but again, just look at it. I decided to take my chances and just plain use it.

 

This camera is a total blast to use. Something between a Rolleiflex TLR and a 35mm SLR system camera, it's just plain wonderful.

 

And then, I found out even more that I liked - a Rollei-made auto-aperture adapter to mount M42 lenses! This immediately expanded my lenses from the Planar 50 and Sonnar 135 to my wider set of Pentax M42 lenses, including a 28mm f2.8 no-namer, 35mm f3.5 Super Takumar, 50mm f1.4 Super Takumar(!), 200mm f4 Takumar, and even a Yashica 300mm f5.6 telephoto. Lots to play with.

 

So what about all of this concern for reliability? Well, I could either try to find someone to service the SL2000F if needed, or think about spares. I determined that a spare body was the best approach. So, I picked up a Rollei SL35 (earliest model SLR) for $35 on ebay. Yes, it needed a little exercise, but now it works fine. Here it is with the Pentax 35mm mounted via adapter.

 

Rollei SL35 and Pentax Super Takumar 35mm f3.5

 

Of course, I also started a followed search on ebay for a second SL2000F body. Pretty slim pickings, as these cameras are pretty rare. But, within a couple of weeks, I found a fully-functional SL2000F listed in Germany, with another M42 adapter, Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f2.8 M42 lens, two film backs, the very difficult to find electronic wired remote shutter release, and, even rarer, the dedicated Metz flash and Rollei flash adapter, built specifically for the SL2000F. And at a great price. I emailed the German seller with a few questions, and went for it. The second camera is now here and appears to be fully functional.

 

So, now I'm really deep into these cameras, but loving every minute of it. And, to calibrate it a little, still have less invested than the cost of a single high quality DSLR body.

 

So, how does it work? Like a dream. Here are a few images from the first SL2000F body, shot on a recent road trip down to Asheville, NC.

 

 

The lenses are plenty sharp. Everything seems to work very well. No electronic problems, even though I had a few scares at first. Based on reports online of AA batteries being too high voltage for the camera (they fit), I took others' advice and ordered some rechargables and they work perfectly. I chose Panasonic Eneloop batteries, and highly recommend them.

 

More importantly, this camera just fits me perfectly. It truly feels at home in my hands. I love being able to use the waist-level finder when I want, more often the eye-level finder, without changing any parts. I love that it's 35mm. I love the lenses, both Rollei and M42. I love a lot about this camera.

 

So, I'm glad that I didn't make time to be more rational about this purchase. If I had, I would not have bought it, based on all the warning signs online. I'm glad I bought it, and feel quite fine now with a spare body, just in case.

 

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Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar - Kid at Train Festival

Intense Focus, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar, Kodak TMax 400 Film

 

A while back, I posted a series of images from a local train festival, mostly of kids enjoying the displays. (Click Here) to see those pictures, taken with my Leica IIIG.

 

Well, I just developed the roll of film that was in my Rolleiflex that day, and found this image. I really like how the boy's face contrasts well with the dark shirt of the lady behind him. I also seem to have gotten the focus just about right.

 

Every time I use the Rolleiflex, I get something that I enjoy out of it.

 

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Annoying Some Kids With My Rolleiflex

Get it Over With, Mister. By Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar, Kodak TMax 400 Film

 

Every single time I use it, I am reminded why the Rolleiflex is such an important piece of photographic history, and my photographic present. I just love the expression on this little girl's face, as well as her posture. I also like that her shirt says "SMILE" on it...

 

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Happy Accidents

So, here's the scenario. I decide to grab my Rolleiflex T, one of my long-term favorite cameras, and take it out for a drive into Washington, DC. It's loaded with film, a few exposures into the roll, but I can't remember which film. If I was thinking as I loaded it, and adjusted the indicator on the knob, it's Portra 160. But, the question is, was I thinking?

 

What to do? Well, I decided to take it into a dark room, open the back, take out both spools, wind it by hand back onto the supply spool, and see what I have. Yup, I was thinking; it's Portra 160. No problem. Now, I simply reloaded the spools as normal and went about my business. Except one thing - I needed to advance past the shots I'd already made. Didn't do it.

 

While the Rolleiflex T is designed to protect against multiple exposures, my little diversion very effectively caused them. I didn't even think of it until I saw the processed negatives.

 

In this case, I think it turned four rather pedestrian shots into maybe something a little more interesting. Keep in mind, I had no idea that I was creating double exposures.

 

 

Happy Accidents, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex T, Kodak Porta 160

 

What's amazing and cool to me is the fact that in both of these examples, the little girl superimposed to the upper left seems to be pointing at the person rowing on the river. I think that's really cool. Wish I could have planned it that way!

 

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A Rolleiflex Portrait - Now That's Nice Bokeh!

I really love my Rolleiflex 2.8F. I dreamed of owning this camera for a very long time. Through the generosity of my friend, Charlie, I was able to get it.

 

Lunchtime Portrait, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar, Kodak TMax 400 Film, at f2.8

 

What an amazing camera this is. Oh, and if you don't know what "bokeh" is, it's the rendering of the out of focus portions of the image. I think the Rollei bokeh is the best.

 

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13 St NW - Washington, DC, Shot with Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar

 

13 St NW, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar, Kodak TMax 400 Film

 

I know it looks like a simple shot, but I worked hard on this composition. I took a few other shots, but this one appeals to me the most. I believe that the two workers (one on a ladder on left, one on stairs at right), the bicyclist, and especially the open window at the top corner of the building are importnat compositional elements. The street sign at top left is as well. I see a compositional triangle of the ladder, window, and either bicyclist or worker on stairs that works well for me. The street sign sort of breaks up the scene in an interesting way.

 

Probably over-thought, but I like it.

 

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Inside Looking Out - Rolleiflex 2.8F

 

Inside Looking Out, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar, Kodak Tmax 400 Film

 

I shot this on a lovely, bright, spring morning at Le Diplomate restaurant in Washington, DC. I exposed for the gentleman's face, which meant that I had to dodge the interior (dark) portion of the image to show some detail in the bottles.

 

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Rolleicord / Rolleikin (35mm in a Medium Format TLR) at the Farmer's Market in DC

I've been shooting twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras more and more lately. I've always loved TLRs, especially Rolleis. One of the things I love is the square (6x6) format that most of them are set up to use, on medium format 120 film. Today, I'll share something different - an older (1954-1957) Rolleicord V (cheaper version of the Rolleiflex), fitted with a Rolleikin attachment.

 

The Rolleikin, produced by Rollei as an add-on option, allows you to use 35mm film in a TLR. It shoots full-frame on the 35mm format, in portrait orientation. Since the Rolleicord has a 75mm lens (a Schneider Xenar in my case), shooting on 35mm film yields a medium telephoto result. The telephoto lens and portrait orientation make the Rolleicord/Rolleikin a lovely portrait camera.

 

(Click Here) to read more about my Rolleicord/Rolleikin.

 

(Click Here) to see some earlier shots I made with this camera.

 

Here are some shots I made at the farmer's market in DC with my Rolleicord/Rolleikin. All are shot on Ilford HP5+.

Farmer's Market, DC, by Reed A. George

Rolleicord V with Rolleikin Attachment

 

The Rolleikin is quite easy to use. The viewing lens on the Rolleicord, which is used for focusing, is not as bright as my Rolleiflexes, being f3.2 versus f2.8 on the 'flexes. In the bright sunlight of the market, that was not a problem at all.

 

I've also come to realize that I need to wear my reading glasses when focusing a TLR. That's kind of a pain. I understand that there are diopters that can be fitted to the Rollei finder, but have not located one for my camera yet.

 

It's fun to experiment with these lovely old cameras, and the Rolleikin is an interesting attachment that changes the character of the camera.

 

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"Cool Camera" - a Blessing and a Curse

My friends Charlie and Alain have recently pointed out the difference in how people react to a camera when they think it's cool or interesting. Specifically with Rolleiflexes, they have noticed that people come up to them to talk about the camera. It's certainly true.

 

Willing Subject, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar, Kodak TMax 100 Film

 

In the case above, Charlie's Leica IIIC (just back from a CLA) attracted attention. This gentleman recognized both Charlie's Leica and my Rolleiflex.

 

Italian Gentleman, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar, Kodak TMax 100 Film

 

Now, I won't deny that it's nice to have people come up to talk cameras. Sometimes when I'm out shooting, that's exactly what I'd like to have happen, and it typically results in at least one or two images.

 

But, other times, I don't want to be noticed at all. The Rolleiflex is not the best camera for that situation. It's a camera for someone who wants to engage their subject. That said, I have had the experience of using the Rollei inconspicuously, at waist level. Not having it at your eye and noticeably pointed at the subject can really help.

 

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Decisions, Decisions

Selecting Fruit at the Farmer's Market, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F Planar, Kodak Tmax 100 Film

 

Boy, it feels good to get outside and see people outside, not running for protection from the elements.

 

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Visit to a Buddhist Temple - With My Rolleiflex 2.8F

Wat Lao Buddhavong, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F, Kodak TMax 400 Film

 

I made a visit to a local Buddhist temple that I'd never been to before - Wat Lao Buddhavong in Catlett, Virginia. Anticipating a festival that never materialized (I guess my information was wrong), I took the opportunity to walk around the grounds. These are a few of the things I saw there.

 

Shooting with TMax 400 in the bright sunlight and with snow still on the ground meant very fast shutter speeds (1/250-1/500) and small apertures. I did use a yellow filter, which reduced the sensitivity by about 1 - 1 1/2 stops, so really, I was shooting at an equivalent of about iso 150.

 

The square composition worked well for me here. The detail that the 2.8F's Carl Zeiss Planar bring out are just amazing.

 

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A Recent Favorite - Georgetown Iceskating

Chilly Fun, by Reed A. George

Rolleiflex 2.8F, Kodak TMax 400

 

Just a shot that I really like. Made a couple of weeks back in Georgetown, DC.

 

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Not All TLRs Are Rolleiflexes

 

Seafood Market, Super Ricohflex TLR

 

Well, of course not all twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras are Rolleiflexes. There are also Rolleicords! But, all jokes aside, there were many, many respectable TLR cameras by makers other than Rollei. I've owned a Yashica TLR that was quite capable. I still have a Minolta Autocord, which rivals any of my f3.5 Rolleis. I also have a couple of Ricoh TLRs, including the Super Ricohflex that I used to make the picture above.

 

Most of the other brands are less expensive than Rolleis, as well. My first TLR was a Chinese camera, made by Seagull. Not as robust as the Japanese or German makes, but it worked quite well.

 

(Click Here) to check out a post by Rick Schuster on the blog "shot on film." Rick uses a Super Ricohflex himself, and shares some nice color shots. However, Rick also mentions a strange phenomenon of the area of focus being somewhat unpredictable on his camera, toward the edges of the frame. I've never experienced anything like this with my Super Ricohflex. If forced to speculate, I'd say that Rick's camera has suffered an impact that misaligned the lens axis with the film plane. That said, Rick's still making great pictures with his camera, and by all appearances enjoying the process.

 

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