Rollei 600X Medium Format SLR Cameras

Related Local Links:
Rollei 600X Series Features List

Related Links:
Rollei 600X model Features Comparison
Rollei 6008 AF Press Release (autofocus)


Notes:

Rollei 80mm f/2.8 for Rollei 6006
f/stops lpm center lpm edge contr.% cntr contr.% edge
2.8 46 32 48 16
4 51 32 61 24
5.6 64 41 60 45
8 64 41 60 68
11 64 46 61 70
16 58 46 61 58
22 58 51 58 28
Modern Photography, Feb. 1984, p. 70 Rollei 6006

See the article in Modern Photography for the full review of the Rollei 6006. The above figures provide some insight into the Rollei 80mm f/2.8 lens performance for both resolution (center/edge lpmm) and contrast % (center/edge). The lens tested had less than 1% barrel distortion and had 1.0 stops of light falloff in the corners. The lens resolution rated all excellents in both center and edge by Modern's standards, and contrast in the center was similarly rated all "hi" (along with edge contrast in mid-range f/stops). Note however the low (in teens, e.g., wide open) and moderate (in 20% range) contrast values.


Related Postings:

From: [email protected] (NYCFoto)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Little mention of Rollei 6000 series?
Date: 19 Aug 1999

There are some of us who don't want our cameras to run in circles. We would prefer it if they would sit still on the tripod and shut up, without impressing us with their intelligence. That way we can do what we want, and enjoy the process in peace with no beeps or blinking lights or motors, without concerning ourselves with recharging Ni-Cd batteries, or trying to figure out how the camera wants to handle the situation. We prefer direct, mechanical interaction without having to put up with any electronic middlemen.

Fine, so use the camera manually, don't use the auto exposure ,or the built in TTL spot/multi spot/center averaging metering, or the autobracket etc. Just take your hand held meter reading, or your guesstimation, and set the lens and shutter manually. Even without the extra bells and whistles, the Rollei is still a camera that is superior to it's competitors in the basics. For instance, superior camera backs. The Rollei holds the film flatter than the other MF systems do, this has a direct impact on film sharpness and optical quality. And in regards to optical quality, the Rollei system has more lenses than any other MF system. It has both Zeiss and Schneider lenses. You have 2 different 40mm lenses ( Z f4, S f3.5), 2 different 50mm lenses( Zf4, S f2.8), 2 different 60mm lenses(60mm curtagon, discontinued but availble on the used market, and superior to the zeiss 60mm), 3 different 80mm lenses( f2 schneider, f 2.8 schnieider which is superio to the 2.8 zeiss planar which rollei also has), 2 different 150mm lenses( the 150mm tele xenar is slightly superior at small repro ranges, but is vastly superior to the 150mm Zeiss at closeup due to it's floating elements). Also the Schneider lenses tend to be superior to the Zeiss lenses.

The camera bodies and lenses also allow a smaller increment of exposure adjustment. Hasselblad has one stop increments on the 500 series (500, 501,503,etc) bodies versus 1/3 of a stop increments on the Rollei bodies. On the lenses Rollei also has 1/3 of a stop increments to hassy's 1/2 stop increments. top shutter speed on some rollei lenses is 1/1000, it's only 1/500 for hassy 500's. This is not some fancy bell and whistle, exposure control via aperture and shutter speed are at the very basics of photography and Rollei clearly gives you more options there.

I'd say that Rollei's superior optics, greater choice of optics, better film handling, greater exposure control and exposure options make it clearly a better choice.


From: [email protected] (NYCFoto)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: lens (in)compatibility... Re: Little mention of Rollei 6000 series?
Date: 23 Aug 1999

Thanks, I'm glad to get the extended list of Rollei 6000 series lenses; just wish I understood more about which cameras could use which ones fully without glitches, a theme to be developed below...

The list of 25 lenses in my previous post were all "PQ' or "PQS" lenses, which work fully functionally on all of the current Rollei 600x( 6001,6003,6008) series bodies, I also think they work fully on some of the older 600x bodies. The older rollei lenses( for the SLX) will still work on the new camera bodies but I think the metering becomes stop down mode.and auto exposure won't work. The "PQ" lenses have a top speed of 1/500 and the "PQS"lenses have a top speed of 1/1000.

some of your listed lenses such as the 38mm were surprises (brand?).

Zeiss

Almost all Zeiss lenses available in Hasselblad mounts are also available with Rollei mounts and shutters, making for a line of 10 lenses with focal lengths from 40mm to 500mm. Expect to get reamed on the price, though. For example, in July 1995, B&H Photo listed the Zeiss 60/3.5 for the 'Blad at $2200 and for the Rollei at $3650. The premium on a Zeiss 40 was $2000; on a Zeiss 250/5.6., it was $1000 more for the Rollei mount. (endquote)

That's very old pricing. Currently Rollei lenses are priced very similarly to hasselblad, some lenses are in fact cheaper. Check out the price of the Rollei Schneider 300 f4 APO ( $4400.) versus the 250mm 5.6 SA Zeiss ( hasselblad $ 5500.) or the 350mm 5.6 SA zeiss ( Hasselblad $ 7000). Rollei has also developed a cheaper lens line, which includes a 50mm, 80mm and a150mm.

The beauty of the rollei lenses is that every one of the 25 lenses that I listed work with auto exposure, spot/multi spot/center weighted metering modes, and at wide open metering, with as many extension tubes, filters, teleconverters etc, without any exposure compensations required for the meter.

Unlike Hassy where if you use a meter prism on a 50x series body you need to make certain that your lens is not 5.6 or slower, or that if your filters or extension tubes or teleconverters on that it doesn't darken the finder enough to throw off the metering system.

and just because a lens says zeiss on it is no absolute guarantee that it is a great optic, as there can be Quality control problems (as Bob Shell a former rollei dealer and 600x user has noted about some of their 600X lenses from Singapore etc. on the rollei list - disputed by other Zeiss experts ;-) and Mr. Greenspun remarked on his zeiss "120 was disappointingly flare-prone and delivered low contrast results even in the studio with a white background" in his review. These are not the kinds of things I expect to hear about premium price $3.5K lenses, frankly, given the few postings you can find on 600x lenses and cameras in general online...

I agree that just becaause a lens say "zeiss" doesn't make it great. From my expereince in fact I have dissappointed by zeiss as much as I have been impressed by zeiss. I only own one zeiss lens for my rollei system, the 60mm distagon. I tested head to head the zeiss and schneider lenses, and the schneider were usually superior hands down. After the testing I ended up with the 50 mm schneider 2.8, my 80 is the schneider 2.8, my 90 is the schneider 90 APO ( which if you check the july issue of pop photo tested extrraordinarily well) The 120 zeiss is quite frankly a dog of a lens in my opinion. The flare issue is well known among pros as the problem is common with the Hasselblad version as well.

I use the 150 schneider tele xenar which was a little better than the 150 zeiss at far focus, but humiliated the zeiss at near focus as the schneider has floating elements. In fact I found the 150 tele xenar to be superior to the 120 makro at macro work. I have the 180 2.8, which is not the sharpest schneider lens, but is designed as a portrait lens to be used at near wide aperture to create selective focus, and for this function it is superb. And I have the 300mm f4 APO schneider which is an incredible piece of glass.

I would not have switched from Hassy, after over 20 years of use, if the rollei lenses were not clearly better.

One other item that benfits optical performance, or at least the appearance of optical performance on film, is film flatness. The rollei camera backs simply hold the film flatter and tighter than the other film backs do, and this makes for the optimum performance of your lenses. A great lens and buckled film is not a good combo.

Given average salaries for full time photographers was only circa $20,779/year (US Dept Labor Stats see mf/semipro.html) not many photographers - amateur or pro - can afford to get into such a premium priced camera

That figure is really for FULLTIME photographers? !!


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 06 Oct 1999
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] "final warning" change to: 6006 Prism finders?

> I have a question about the 45 degree finders for the 600x series  Rolleiflex. Are all
> the 45 degree prisms interchangeable?  Will a prism for the 6002 fit the 6008, and fit
> the 6006?   Will a prism for the SLX fit the 6006 or 6008?  Are there any significant
> differences between prisms made for the SLX, for the 6002, for the 6006 or 6008?  Was
> the design changed at any point, or where there any improvements of  the  last 20? years
> that I should be aware of when looking for a Rollei 45 degree prism?
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Bonn

The prisms all are completely interchangeable. However, those for the SLX and 6006 series have two "light pipes" on the side which carry the light from the LEDs so you can see them. Otherwise they would be outside the area of view of the prism. These intrude very slightly on the left side of the image area. No big deal. The older prisms have the camera model designation on their name plate.

Oddly, the prisms, no matter what vintage, show more of a field of view vertically than horizontally so even the oldest SLX prism still shows the LED readouts on the 6008 and others with readouts above the image area on the focusing screen, and all of them activate the inversion of this readout so it reads right way round when viewed through the prism.

I use a prism made for the 6006 on the 6008i and it works just fine. I have compared it side by side with a new one and the new one does not seem any brighter.

Bob


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Fri, 08 Oct 1999
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Auxillary shutter for 600x Rollei?

> I have heard that Rollei makes, or made as the case may be, an auxiliary
> shutter for the Rollei 6x6 SLR's to which one could mount a view camera
> lens (in barrel), an enlarging lens, or other such lenses.  Does such a
> shutter device exist for the 600x series of the SLR's?  Does it exist for
> the SL66?  How does it work, and what can be done with it?  Are they
> expensive?
>
> Thanks 

Yes, there is one for the 6000 series, but it is quite expensive.

There were leaf shutter lenses for the SL66 but no Rollei supplied external shutter. However it is easy to mount view camera lenses with shutters on the Rollei blank lens board.

Bob

k


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1999
From: David Seifert [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] [Rollie] Overlapping frames on 6008 backs.

My understanding is that truly overlapping frames is a problem but variable (and very close) spacing is a documented behavior. The behavior has to do with the action of the pressure plate in the 600x back which is to retract it for film transport than clamp it down for exposure. If I recall correctly the problem is exacerbated by detaching and attaching the back. This action causes the pressure plate to be fully retracted and when it is moved forward again the film location is not totally predictable.

As I said at the outset, however, if the frames are truly overlapping the back probably needs servicing.

David


From: Colin Monteith [email protected]
Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2000
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei 6008

You mentioned expensive already
Low resale values
Difficult to get serviced in many parts of the country
Prone to electronic failures
Not much of a dealer network
Not much in used available - eBay etc.
Did I mention expensive!

Best feeling MF camera out there
Can't loose the dark slide - there isn't one
Great rotating 45 degree prism
Multi function metering
Schneider lenses available
Fairly compact if you compare to other brands with winder/drive attached.

Good luck with you choice.

"Harold C. Reed" wrote:

> I am considering purchasing the 6008i "kit".  Does anyone have comments
> on the use of the 6008i?  What have been the positive or negative
> experiences once over the initial price?  


From: "Terry" [email protected]
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2000
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei 6008

I disagree about a couple of points.

I don't think the 6008 is prone to electrical failures (i've never had any in heavy use for 3 years) And it has jammed exactly 0 times ( my hasselblad had a temper )

The resale values are actually really good, if you can find a buyer. As mentioned before the supply of used 600x gear is low you can actually sell quite high, but if you're in a hurry to sell you'll loose.

You're absolutely right about service, Marflex people behave like thugs .

Epensive? Some of the lenses are but a grey 6008i complete is $4000 and comes with an extra 6001 body. Hasselblad and even Contax are more expensive (and I'm talking about the 503, never mind the 200 series hasselblads)

Join the club! The more we are buying into this system the more all of these points will improve and maybe some rental houses will start carrying Rollei soon.


Date: Thu, 04 May 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Hassie vs. Rollei

I don't know the 6003 since I've never used one. The 6008i is state of the art in a manual focus medium format SLR. It has multi spot metering, single spot metering, or center weighted averaging. It has aperture priority, shutter priority and program auto modes as well as full manual. The film advance is motorized. It has auto bracketing. I'm sure I'm forgetting some features.

The 6001 has no metering system at all for ambient light, but does have built-in flash metering (which the 6008I does not have). It is a great studio camera, or for someone who never uses auto exposure and always meters with a hand meter.

Bob

----------

>From: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Hassie vs. Rollei
>Date: Wed, May 3, 2000, 10:03 PM
>
>  Can someone
> explain the differences between the 6001, 6003 and 6008 cameras?


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Fri, 05 May 2000
From: Kevin Ramsey [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [Rollei] Re:6003 vs. 6008

Andrei:

 >>Best way to learn about the features is to rent one

Where? Since Samy's in LA gave up their Rollei rental equipment a few months ago I know of not a single place in the US to rent Rollei 600x equipment. Wall Street Camera only rents whatever used Rollei equipment they have on hand. Sometimes that's a complete camera, sometimes not. This is the most serious failing in the Rollei system. I'm very pleased with my 6008 equipment, but I occasionally must rent Hassy and Fuji MF equipment because I can't afford all the lenses I need for my Rollei and I can't rent them either. Shame on Rollei USA for never seriously marketing the 600x line.

Kevin


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 8 May 2000
From: Roy Dunn [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] 6008I Power Supply

I have seen in the archives a few people who have felt the pain of captive market (expensive) NiCd's, that run out at the most inopportune times. I too, felt that pain, as I do a lot of nocturnal mammal work. I sometimes use a broken beam trigger, with the 6008I in Auto Quick Release Mode, but this would drain a battery in less than 5 hours - not much good for overnight work.

So, I got to work. (I am an electronic engineer by profession)

I butchered an old (dead) 6000 series NiCd, and set it up for an auxiliary power supply of 12 volts. ie, a car battery, motorbike battery or a Quantum 5 (or even 4 I guess). I have now used it for nearly a year, and it is so nice not to have to worry about batteries being exhausted anymore. I guess you could run it on a mains supply AC adaptor, but it would have to be very well filtered and be able to supply a significant surge current. I just haven't tried it yet.

I could probably replicate what I have done, if anyone is interested, but a few things to note up front.

1) This is (obviously) not a supported Rollei accessory

2) You provide the dead Rollei battery

For those of us who do a lot of frozen motion photography, like hummingbirds, bullets, etc, the Quick Release feature on the 6008I (and other 6000's) sets the Rollei apart for shutter response time (2ms). Pity about how much current it draws!! Having the BC=Full message after 7 hours of continuous shooting is just wonderful!

Cheers,

Roy Dunn.


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 4 May 2000
From: rlb [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Hassie vs. Rollei

In December I sold my Hassy 503CW system and purchased a Rollei 6008. This was the best decision that I have ever made with cameras. I have used Hassies for about 30 years but found that I wanted a metering system in my camera. The metering system in the Rollei 6008 is one of the most accurate that I have ever used and you can choose between spot, 5 spot averaging and matrix. If you want a 12 degree meter on the Hassy you will buy the 203 body for around $5500. If you want the 1 degree spot you must buy the 205 at over $7000. Unfortunately you can't have both in one body.

As far as cost comparison is concerned there is a big difference, I paid around $5500 for the 6008, 2 backs, grip, charger, 2 batteries and an auto charger. I chose the 90mm Schneider Macro Apo Symmar as my normal lense which is included in the cost. This complete system was the price of the Hassy 203 body.

The Rollei is built like a tank and everybit the contstruction quality of the Hassy, in my opinion. The batteries are incredible and I have gotten as many as 500 shots on a single charge. The wide availability of Schneider lenses was very appealing to me and I have since added more to my system.

The deciding factors, in my opinion between the Hasselblad and the Rollei are this; shutter in the lenses vs focal plane and, resale value. Other than those two issues the Rollei is again, in my opinion, a much superior serious photographers tool. No need to add anything, it's already built into the camera and it works beautifully.

Bob


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2000
From: David Seifert [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] SL66 trouble

Jan,

Can't help you with the unjam but I would like to point out the very special macro capabilities of the Rollei 600x cameras. I know all about the SL66's neat tricks with the bellows and lens reversal and that is indeed a neat thing but the 600x series has a few tricks of its own. Since the interface between the camera body and lens is entirely electrical it is quite easy to develop accessories which do all kinds of contortions with lenses and still retain full metering automation at full aperture. When you start with extension tubes, bellows and lens reversals TTL metering becomes really critical. With the 600x series you can use any (or all) of these pieces in any combination and the TTL metering (flash and ambient, BTW) remains intact, operating at full aperture. Of course, the ability to sync flash at any shutter speed is nice too. The Contax 645 is also an electrical only system so they too could make all these pieces but to date they haven't.

Best Regards,

David Seifert
[email protected]

....

> I may consider selling the whole SL66 system after a repair and get into
> one of the three uneven (Zeiss-lens) alternatives:  Hasselblad, Rolleiflex
> 600x, or Contax 645.  But none of those has the wonderful built-in macro
> capability of the SL66 and close-up shots are my primeinterest for this
> system.  And macro lenses are too costly...
>
> Any ideas, suggestions are welcome.
>
> Jan


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008 Integral

The difference between PQ and PQS is the shutter. The S stands for schnell, fast, and goes to 1/1000 second. The regular PQ only goes to 1/500 second.

The EL are lower priced lenses in less expensive barrels with more plastic parts.

Bob

>What is the difference between PQ, PQS, and EL lenses?
>(other than the price that is :))

...


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2000
From: Rainer Heim [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008 Integral

....

hello,

the el lenses also have a 67mil filter mount. rollei claim that the optics are identical with the more pricey pq lenses. another difference is that the el lenses are not compatible with older 6000 series models (6006 etc). i'm afraid all my little wisdom stems from the last rollei brochure (german version) and not, alas, from first-hand experience.

bye for now,

rh


Date: Sun, 03 Sep 2000
From: Jim [email protected]
Subject: Re: Rollei 6008i vs Hasselblad 205FCC?
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format

Doug,

I own a 6008i with an 80mm, 60mm, and the 180mm f2.8. I also own 2 blad bodies (503cw,s) and the 50mm, 60mm, 80mm, 150mm, and 180mm.

I don't have a 200 series blad, but I can tell you that the Rollei blows the 200 blads out of the water for some of these reasons:

1. flash sync to 500 or 1000th, the blads are 1/90th. This is HUGE in importence if you ever want to flash fill out doors.

2. 2.5 frames per sec motor drive vs 1 frame.

3. electronic control/interface between camera and lenses - blad may have this I don't know.

4. 1/3 stops on the shutter and aperature controls - a must., (my opinion) for transparency work.

ONE draw back with the Rollei - this camera will not flash fill for out-door work, for example, it will not give you minus 1 fill like the blads will, but is very good with flash indoors, ie, with no compensation required.

I shoot weddings and travel all over the U.S. I bought the Rollei system in hopes of changing to it, but the flash fill thing doesn't get it for me. If you don't do weddings, or if you are willing to manually set your flash for fill, the 6008i is really a great camera.

good luck,
Jim


Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2000
From: "Charles Nguyen" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei 6008i vs Hasselblad 205FCC?

Doug,

I don't think you want to start the flame war between Hassy and Rollei users. I myself switched from Hassy gear to Rollei years ago. I agree with all your remarks in the posting

You can check out my Rollei review site at

http://www.geocities.com/nguyen2a/leica/main.htm

Good Luck !


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000
From: Parry Johnson [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Xeiss 110/f2 lens

For your information, details of the Rollei 110 f2.0 lens are here under "New lenses for the Rolleiflex-6000 system":

http://www.rolleifoto.com/new.html

Parry


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Xeiss 110/f2 lens

I don't know when it was first sold, but do know there are two different versions. The original production proved exceptionally difficult to manufacture in quantity and Zeiss redesigned the lens for easier manufacture and re-introduced it. Both versions were made in Hasselblad and Rollei mounts if I remember correctly.

Now we can argue over which version is better optically!

Bob

....


[Ed. note: I've called hacking the rollei 6k the "Everest" of camera body hacking - here's why ;-)...]
From Medium Format Digest:
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: "Schatzie Walton" [email protected]
Subject: Re: hacking rollei 6000

Well, I made a jig for the Rollei Bellows to get into the electronics of the machine. The front of the bellows has a little plastic cover which can be removed revealing the connections to the pins. I then connected this to a 10 pin Molex Connector with some ribbon cable so that I could look at the outputs on the scope without running the risk of shorting any of the pins.

There seem to be four sets of signals in two pairs - one pair for control of the iris, another for the shutter. I think, but haven't probed it, that pins 9 & 10 are for a signal which goes back to the computer indicating the aperture setting of the lens (probably a logarithmically set resistor chain corresponding to the f/stop).

I had a little trouble getting the 'scope to trigger on the rising edge of the pulse train -- the computer in the Rollei is a little noisy -- but I will eventually find out the sequences of the stepper motors. Now I wish I hadn't got rid of my storage scope.

...


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6008 Pro vs. Later Models (SRC & i)

....

> I was
> under the impression that "i" stood for integral back (the 120 back without
> the darkslide feature). John K

All Rollei 6000 series cameras which accept interchangeable magazines have integral darkslides in the magazines. The "i" in 6008i is designed to distinguish it from the earlier 6008 models. It stands for "integral" according to Rollei literature. What's different is upgraded electronics, the capability to use the Master Control Unit, and the removable film gate which allows it to accept the new style 645 film magazine.

Bob


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: TC Khoo [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Comparisons: 6008 Integral vs. Later Models (SRC 1000 & Pro)

Actually, as I have asked that original question in the thread, I have done some further research on this. Here is a (probably not exhaustive) list of differences betw the 6008 SRC 1000 Professional & the Integral:

- New battery check indicator (# of LEDs indicating battery strength - 9 levels) on start up

- Metering improved down to EV 0, previously was EV 3-19 for spot and integral metering

- Motor drive speed increased to 2.5FPS from 2FPS

- Auto-bracketing available in 1/3 stops vs. 2/3 only

- Ability to set fill to constant lighting for background and change subject light and vice versa

- Auto-bracketing function now available in manual mode also

- New fill-in flash function can be varied up to 3 stops(in 1/3 stops)

- Self timer now available (10 sec)

- New ability to change camera settings after mirror lock-up

- Added T shutter setting

- New finder display and start up circuit and function checks

- New shutter speed monitoring and adjustment

- Film speed setting for TTL automatic flash is now taken from the setting on the magazine (SCA 356 set to ASA 100, instead of being set from adapter) and increases the range beyond ASA 400 previous limitation

- Other functions related to Master Control use are:

- changing metering characteristics of integral metering in 2 ways

- programming of autobracket function

- quiet motor drive function by slowing down film transport and mirror movement

- display of manual exposure compensation value and film speed in finder

- change LED luminosity with ambient light strength

- change self timer setting programming

How about that!! This is quite a tidy list and altho' I know that I would not use them all, it is enough to make me want to upgrade. I hope my little bit of research would help others making this same decision as myself.

BTW, I read in a recent article the Rolleiflex may be thinking of going autofocus soon, can you image what that would do to their already astronomical lens prices??

Regards
TC


[Ed. note: possibly the Mtn Everest of Lens Hacking? ;-)...]
From Medium Format Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2001
From: "Schatzie Walton" [email protected]
Subject: Hacking the Rollei 6XXX

Well, if anyone out there is interested, pins 4 & 5 appear to control the duration of the shutter opening (although it seems that the shutter should open on the falling edge of the first pulse and close on the rising edge of the second pulse).

Now to rig an electronic shutter so that I can use my APO-Rodagon D on the Rollei.


From Medium Format Camera List:
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000
From: Schatzie Walton [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [medium-format] Re: hacking rollei 6000

Well, I made a jig for the Rollei Bellows to get into the electronics of the machine. The front of the bellows has a little plastic cover which can be removed revealing the connections to the pins. I then connected this to a 10 pin Molex Connector with some ribbon cable so that I could look at the outputs on the scope without running the risk of shorting any of the pins.

There seem to be four sets of signals in two pairs - one pair for control of the iris, another for the shutter. I think, but haven't probed it, that pins 9 & 10 are for a signal which goes back to the computer indicating the aperture setting of the lens (probably a logarithmically set resistor chain corresponding to the f/stop).

I had a little trouble getting the 'scope to trigger on the rising edge of the pulse train -- the computer in the Rollei is a little noisy -- but I will eventually find out the sequences of the stepper motors. Now I wish I hadn't got rid of my storage scope.

....


Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001
From: "Jorge M. Trevi�o" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: RE: Which MF for a newbie?

Ron,

You've got excellent advice so far but please allow a plug from a once upon a time newcomer to the MF arena and now owner of no less than five different MF cameras / four MF systems.

Please consider the Rollei 6008; IMHO, the ultimate medium format camera system.

From my point of view, three shortcomings only: 1) Price. Not quite at Hasselblad levels but quite expensive anyway. 2) No AF. Not a big problem for me but a consideration if you do sports/action or fast street shooting. 3) Battery dependance. The norm these days but it doesn't necessarily makes me happy; anyway, I charge the battery once every three months or so (about 20~25 120 rolls).

OTOH, it has superb construction and finish, you can hardly find a more ergonomic and intuitive camera and easy to use camera, the glass is peerless and beats Hasselblad hands down on the film flatness department --don't ask me how, it just shows. (yes, I own a 500CM too). It's fast, the screen is brilliant and easy to focus on, the weight is about normal and the grip is great, the magazines are the best designed, ever (you even have the choice of a rotating 645); takes a standard shutter release cable, has really useable spot meter, easy multiple exposures, TTL flash, and the list goes on.

Lens prices are at about the same level of Hasselblad but I find that 3 is what I need (50, 80, 150), although I might add a 30 someday when they finally make a rectilinear one and I win the lottery. In the meanwhile a $300 Ukranian Arsat 30 on my Pentacon takes care of that .

Gripes: The extension tubes cost a fortune. The prisms weight a ton (but whose not?). The batteries are $100 a piece (but mine has been going for four years now with no signs of tiring yet ).

Bottom line; they don't come finer than this.

Good luck with your quest.

--Jorge.

...


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001
From: TC Khoo [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Comparisons: 6008 Integral vs. Later Models (SRC 1000 & Pro)

Apologies, I left out the new microtexture-surfaced High D screen which apparently makes a considerable difference in light transmission and contrast.

Now a bit of history -

- (launch in 1988) the 6008 arrived in 1989
- 1990 - Professional model with 1/1000s
- 1993 - 6003 replaced 6002
- 1995 - 6008 Integral introduced replaced SRC 1000
- 1996 - 6003 SRC 1000

Not sure when the 6008 SRC 1000 began.

References:
Pl see:

- Complete Rollei 6000 Series User's Manual - Ian Parker, Aug 1996
- Bob Shell's 6008i review in Shutterbug - Jan 1999
- Bob Shell's 6001 review in Shutterbug - Jan 2000
- Pop Photography - July 1999
- Medium Format Photography by Lief Erickson (Amphoto) 1991 - general book,
but a lot of reference to 600x system - what author was using.
- Hasselblad and Rollei Catalogs and News letters

Also see: Web references:
Reviews:

- http://www.camerareview.com./
- http://www.photographyreview.com/
- http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/gindex.html; - next 3 are excellentresource
-  http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/index.html;
- http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/cameras.html
- http://www.photodo.com/ - for lens MTF tests
- http://www.rollei.de/ - for camera and current lens line-up
- http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Village/3762/Rollei/ - good FAQs
- http://www.schneideroptics.com/

Probably a few more that I forgot. Happy reading!!

Regards
TC


From Rollei Mailing List:
From: "TC Khoo" [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001
Subject: [Rollei] Comparisons: 6008 Integral vs. Later Models (SRC 1000 & Pro)

> Actually, as I have asked that original question in the thread, I have done
> some further research on this. Here is a (probably not exhaustive) list of
> differences betw the 6008 SRC 1000 Professional & the Integral:
>
> - New battery check indicator (# of LEDs indicating battery strength - 9
> levels) on start up
> - Metering improved down to EV 0, previously was EV 3-19 for spot and
> integral metering
> - Motor drive speed increased to 2.5FPS from 2FPS
> - Auto-bracketing available in 1/3 stops vs. 2/3 only
> - Ability to set fill to constant lighting for background and change subject
> light and vice versa
> - Auto-bracketing function now available in manual mode also
> - New fill-in flash function can be varied up to 3 stops(in 1/3 stops)
> - Self timer now available (10 sec)
> - New ability to change camera settings after mirror lock-up
> - Added T shutter setting
> - New finder display and start up circuit and function checks
> - New shutter speed monitoring and adjustment
> - Film speed setting for TTL automatic flash is now taken from the setting
> on the magazine (SCA 356 set to ASA 100, instead of being set from adapter)
> and increases the range beyond ASA 400 previous limitation
> - Other functions related to Master Control use are:
> - changing metering characteristics of integral metering in 2 ways
> - programming of autobracket function
> - quiet motor drive function by slowing down film transport and mirror
> movement
> - display of manual exposure compensation value and film speed in finder
> - change LED luminosity with ambient light strength
> - change self timer setting programming
>
> How about that!! This is quite a tidy list and altho' I know that I would
> not use them all, it is enough to make me want to upgrade. I hope my little
> bit of research would help others making this same decision as myself.
>
> BTW, I read in a recent article the Rolleiflex may be thinking of going
> autofocus soon, can you image what that would do to their already
> astronomical lens prices??
>
> Regards
> TC
> From: "Bob Shell" [email protected]
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001
> Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6008 Pro vs. Later Models (SRC & i)
>
> > > From: [email protected]
> > > Reply-To: [email protected]
> > > Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 
> > > To: [email protected]
> > > Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6008 Pro vs. Later Models (SRC & i)
> > >
> > > I was
> > > under the impression that "i" stood for integral back (the 120 back
> without
> > > the darkslide feature). John K
> >
> > All Rollei 6000 series cameras which accept interchangeable magazines have
> > integral darkslides in the magazines.  The "i" in 6008i is designed to
> > distinguish it from the earlier 6008 models.  It stands for "integral"
> > according to Rollei literature.  What's different is upgraded electronics,
> > the capability to use the Master Control Unit, and the removable film gate
> > which allows it to accept the new style 645 film magazine.
> >
> > Bob


From Rollei Mailing List
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001
From: S Dimitrov [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Comparisons: 6008 Integral vs. Later Models (SRC 1000 & Pro)

The 6003 Prof. does a mirror pre-release and a self timer, contrary to the list's cataloguing of it's features. The current 6003 has been modified internally also. The SRC 1000 has an IC board, on the right hand side underneath the shutter speed dial, that is prone to cracking from the stress created by the hand grip. I've had mine rebuilt twice, totaling nearly $500.00 in repairs. The new model has been redesigned, where it is now usable with a hand grip.

I'm just waiting for the next manufacturing bugbear to rear its ugly head. At least Rollei's repair charges are within 10-20% of the item's replacement cost. Whereas Leica's are 20-40% of the item's replacement. A small saving grace. Then, of course, there is the turn around time. The last time the IC board cracked, I sent the camera in on a thursday and I got it back the following thursday. Let anyone else top that. Martin, at Marflex, knows that I work with it and was very accommodating. Two weeks later, I walked in at Samy's Camera, and picked up a brand new 6003 Prof. for next to nothing. Now I keep the "grey" for construction work, and the "black" for editorial work.

I would opt for the latest generation of the SLRs, as by now thanks to Rollei listening to its users, many features have been added. However, a late model 6006 II, with a 6002 or current 6003 back, would be very handy as a second camera. Since in my opinion, that magazine system of theirs is about as ergonomic as taping two bricks to the back of an SLX, and I'll do anything to avoid using one.

Slobodan Dimitrov

...


From Medium Format Mailing List:
Date: Fri, 09 Feb 2001
From: [email protected]
Subject: [medium-format] Macro and the Rollei 6XXX

I had a fellow in Germany mount a Copal #3 shutter to a rollei PQ mount. It works, but I've got to use a "millifootcandle" meter to measure the exposure.

I've been making BW slides from my BW negs -- using the 6003, a 75mm APO Rodagon, Beseler duper and TechPan. I just use an 8 second exposure for the focal plane shutter of the 6003 and hit the leaf shutter at about the 7 second mark. The darn 6003 is really nasty when it comes to shaking the column of the Beseler duper.

For those of you who haven't seen my post on usenet, the TechPan is exposed at ASA200 and developed in HC110-B for 9 minutes. This gives the right CI for negatives to slides.

I haven't piddled around with the servos on the Rollei in a few weeks.


From Contax Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [CONTAX] Re: WLF for 645

> From: "Kaisern Chen" [email protected]
> Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 
> Subject: Re: [CONTAX] Re: WLF for 645
>
> is the back workable on 6008?  where the back is available and its
> approximate cost?
> Regards, Kaisern

Yes, the new 645 back is designed for the 6008 and 6001. There are two things you need, the adapter and the 645 film magazine. The plate in the camera with the film aperture and rollers snaps out on these cameras. After removing it (and putting it where you can find it in the future!!!) the adapter goes on in place of the regular 6 X 6 film magazine. There is a square opening in the rear of the adapter, and the new 645 magazine just pushed in and snaps into place. The dark slide is built in and works the same as in other film magazines. To switch from horizontal to vertical (or vice versa) you just slide the darks slide closed, pull the magazine straight back out of the adapter, rotate it 90 degrees, put it back in the adapter and re-open the dark slide. It takes longer to say than to do!!!

The only problem is that you have to remember which way it is set and use the appropriate crop lines on the focusing screen. I once shot a whole roll horizontal when I thought I was shooting vertical! I almost always leave mine vertical but I let a friend use the camera in the morning and didn't realize he had flipped the magazine. If a stock agency ever wants some great pics of models with the tops of their heads and their feet cut off, I have them!!

Bob


From MEdium Format Mailing List;
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000
From: Schatzie Walton [email protected]
Subject: [medium-format] Re: hacking rollei 6000

The Rollei shutter adapter is pricey indeed -- around $1300 -- and it really isn't available stateside (nor was I able to find any European that carried it). I did find a fellow in Germany who will manufacture a leaf shutter adapter for various MF cameras including Rollei. I expect the unit in this week. My interest is macro.

I hate to do this with one of the expensive extension tubes for the Rollei, but I am going to put external contacts on the thing so that I can hook it up to my scope and see what is going on!

...


From Medium Format Mailing List;
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000
From: Robert Monaghan [email protected]
Subject: Re: [medium-format] Re: hacking rollei 6000

ouch, that's pricey all right ;-) I have a kowa kit with 6x6 bodies (3) and leaf shutter lenses (35,55,85,110macro,150,250 plus dupes) and prisms that was less than $1,300 total for the 8 lens/ 2 body kit - phew!

my recommendation has been to just strip out the optics on a standard lens (cheapest) and mount a metal filter cap matching the threads (e.g. 67mm), creating a super cheap "shutter lens" - see

http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/kowapg.html and http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/bronhb.html on similar setups viz: quote kowapg

500mm f/8 Lens from "Shutter Lens" What is a "shutter lens"? This is a 85mm Kowa normal lens in which the glass has been removed, leaving the mechanical mount and leaf shutter. Unlike the microscope adapter shutter, the standard lens shutter is quite a bit larger, making it useful for adapting various lenses to the Kowa camera body. The trick here is to use a metal lens cap (or 67mm metal stack cap from a filter stack cap kit). We drill a centered hole in the metal lens cap. Only now we have a "shutter lens" behind the adapter that works seamlessly with the Kowa body. All you have to do now is supply the optics in front of the metal filter or lens cap mount.

================end quote

I have a spare 85mm parts lens for this (and a parts 6M body); the size of the usual microscope shutter is usually pretty minimal; granted, the shutter may not be at the optimal design points etc., but in large formats, they even have shutters on the front of the lens (or at rear like packard) so this will work if not as elegantly and optimally...

let us know what you find out about the contacts; my guess would be a simple PWM pulse width modulation scheme, with all the work in the bodies and the timed pulses going to the lenses, but could be more complex? You might want to start with a search of IBM's patent site online and see what patents match Rollei's patents in their manuals/literature or do a search? You might find a full techie explanation that way etc.??

good luck with your project - bobm


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Difference between PQ and PQS 80 lense for 600x?

These lenses can burn out electronics on the 6006 and SLX cameras, so best not to even think of using them.

The shutter and diaphragm motors on the PQ-S lenses are a totally different design and the rest of the PQ-S shutter is more complex. I've been into one only far enough to know to stop! I'll happily tear down one of the old shutters any day. They're mechanically simple and relatively easy to work on.

Bob

> From: Philippe Tempel [email protected]
> Organization: Globix
> Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001
> Subject: Re: [Rollei] Difference between PQ and PQS 80 lense for 600x?
>
> I wouldn't try to use anything PQ-S on a 6006.  I have one
> and wanted the 90mm Apo Symmar but couldn't since it's only
> PQ-S.  There was a red sticker on that lens specifically
> telling me not to use it on my older camera.  I know that
> there are more electrical contacts for PQ (and PQ-S) compared
> to the older SLX/6000 style lenses.  I think the mail reason
> for incompatibility might be that they draw more current
> then the older cameras were designed for.  The newer line
> (6001, 6003, 6008e and 6008i) are ok with PQ-S.


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2001
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Difference between PQ and PQS 80 lense for 600x?

S is for schnell, fast. PQ-S lenses go up to 1/1000 second on the 6008. They have a blue sticker on them saying they are only for 6008 cameras. I'm told they can seriously damage older cameras if you ignore this and try to use them.

Bob


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2001
From: Chris Sorensen [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Difference between PQ and PQS 80 lense for 600x?

Austin:

My understanding is that the PQS lenses have shutter speeds up to 1000 and the PQ don't, plus the PQS lenses draw more current and hence drain your batteries faster. The "S" may come from "schnell" in German, which means "quick" or "fast". Perhaps someone else can tell us where the "PS" comes from ("Pretty Quick"? Just kidding. )

There is a good discussion of the differences between different models and many other things about the 6000 series cameras at

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Village/3762/Rollei/part-2-3.html

Chris Sorensen
[email protected]
www.chrissorensen.com


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2001
From: S Dimitrov [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6008 film flatness

From my experience, I've found the problem to be with the inserts. The early SLX inserts have a thicker pin holding the film roll tensioner, so that in the later backs it doesn't seat properly. It tends to skew the back a bit to the side, this also places stress on the lower back hinge as you're trying to push the back closed. That uneven fit has been a light leak problem with me, and has broken one hinge. However, throw those away, drive over them, then burn them, and get the later inserts. Those will fit all the backs. Don't forget that the lock for the back is adjustable. Take the focusing hood off and locate the screws on the camera, and do what you have to do. Good luck, and live free with a Rollei.

Slobodan Dimitrov

[email protected] wrote:

> Dear All,
>
> I am looking for other users' experience regarding the use of SLX backs
> on 6008 cameras. The 6008 manual explicitly states on several pages
> that these may not be used because of a 'focus difference' (?) and  because
> they affect film flatness. As I have not been able to verify any
> dimensional differences between the two camera bodies (at least not with  a
> calliper) I have asked Rollei again and got the contradicting statement  that
> they do not object against the use of old SLX backs and that they even
> have user reports talking about better film flatness with film backs
> than with magazines (especially with 220 film).
> I have now shot two films with the combination SLX back/6008
> professional camera and the results look o.k. except for some  degradation in
> sharpness at f=2,8, which might as well be the fault of the Planar.  Before I
> waste two more films to compare both camera bodies (in a genuine 'back
> to back' test!) maybe there is somebody out there who has played with
> this before and could comment.
>
> Sven Keller


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2001
From: Jim Hemenway [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] What are the actual differences in 6008 models?

Austin:

I only know things about the 6006, 6008 Pro and Integral.

The 6008s are fairly similar except:

I like the fact that the exposure information in the view finder stays lighted far longer on the Integral than on the Pro. I tend to be slow so that means a lot to me.

Integral 1000th of a second is top speed... 500 for the Pro... but it depends on the lens.

I don't see a self timer on the Pro. But never/hardly use one anyway.

Bracketing is available on the Integral in both automatic and in manual.

I haven't used it on the Pro but I think it's only available on automatic.

The frames per second is 2.5 on the Integral and 2 on the Pro... big deal!

The metering range is EV 0 to EV 19 with Integral and is EV3 to EV19 on Pro

I'm sure that there is more but I can't think of any except that the Integral is usually a third more expensive.

Jim


From: John Halliwell [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001
Subject: Rollei 600x series observations/questions?

I had a brief chance to have a look at the Rollei 600x range (6008, 6003 & 6001) over the weekend. I was initially very impressed with them, but then found some problems:

Likes:
Build quality, very solid.
Meter in the body not prism in 6003 & 6008 (I like WLF's).
'Rotating' 6x4.5 backs.
Easy film loading (no need to move the spool around).
Undoubtedly good lenses.
Integrated darkslide in the back.

Dislikes:
Reliance on rechargeable battery (see below).
Handling (see below).
Cost of lenses (ouch).

Reliance on the rechargeable battery worries me a bit. I've nothing against needing batteries as long as I can carry a spare. Normally this isn't a problem, but rechargeables have a habit of discharging on their own. Also the camera has a built in motor, increasing the power draw (its not just for the shutter).

I found the handling awkward from a handheld point of view. Normally I shoot with my left hand under the camera, supporting the lens and focussing (on my Mamiya 645 Pro). On the Rollei, the lens seems to be too high off the base to make this easy. Even with the grip (although I didn't have time to experiment with its position), things weren't much better.

The lens cost is a major problem, but something I could deal with eventually. Is there any way to minimise or eliminate the problems listed above?

Any comments or suggestions gratefully received.

--
John

Preston, Lancs, UK.
Photos at http://www.photopia.demon.co.uk


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] leaf shutter anodizing?

> From: "Austin Franklin" [email protected]
> Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001 
> Subject: RE: [Rollei] leaf shutter anodizing?
>
> I am really surprised Rollei stuck with shutter in the lense, instead of
> focal plane.  You can still use leaf shutter lenses for flash, if it's
> designed such.  Any other advantages to the leaf shutters over FP, aside
> from FP shutters are damage prone?  It certainly is a cost advantage to  not
> have a shutter in every lense, as well as lense design is less  restricted
> not having the shutter in the lense.

Probably the main reason Rollei did this is that they used to offer both. They had the SL66 for those who wanted focal plane shutters, and they had the 6000 series for those who wanted leaf shutters. SL66 sales just did not hold strong, while 6000 series did, so they phased out the SL66. Apparently the market wanted leaf shutters more.

Now it is important to realize that Rollei leaf shutters are not ordinary leaf shutters. Rollei builds them. They are completely electrical in operation, not driven by springs like all others. There are two "linear motors" in each lens, one which drives the shutter blades and one which drives the diaphragm blades. Mechanically they are the essence of simplicity. The motors use direct drive, hooking right to the rings that rotate to move the blades. There are no levers, gears, shafts, etc., none of the stuff you see when opening an ordinary leaf shutter.

Having no mechanical linkages between body and lens eliminates a major source of problems and repairs. Rollei did this fully electrical coupling first, back in the 70s!!

Having the shutter blades in the lenses but the timing system for them in the camera body means you will get consistent speeds when changing lenses. You can not get this with mechanically timed shutters, which will vary in speed from lens to lens. This system also allows Rollei to offer aperture priority, shutter priority and program modes, the first cameras to offer all of these in medium format.

I guess you can tell that I like this stuff!!

Bob


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2001
From: David Seifert [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] leaf shutter anodizing?

Bob,

I just got my copy of Volume 5 of Prochnow's Rollei Report. This one focuses on the SLX/6000 series. One of the best parts of these books is always the photos and descriptions of the prototypes. The path from SL66 to SLX is most interesting. It appears that size was a major consideration. There are several photos of the SLC 66 prototype which had Compur shuttered lenses (looks like chrome Hassy 80 to me) mounted on an FP-less non-bellowed reduced size SL66 styled camera. It was about 20% smaller! According to Prochnow, the C stood for "Compact".

BTW, there is a drawing showing a mechanical coupling for a leaf shutter controlled by a camera body control mechanism. Sort of a mechanical predecessor to the pure electrical coupling. The drawing is dated August 11, 1968! On the next page is a drawing of a primitive electrically driven version dated March 9, 1969. These guys were WAY ahead of the curve on this stuff. Apparently they tried to work with Prontor and Compur who were also working with electronic shutters at the time.

Fascinating reading.

Best Regards,
David Seifert

...


From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: 16 Mar 2001
From: [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] 6008 film flatness

Dear All,

I am looking for other users' experience regarding the use of SLX backs on 6008 cameras. The 6008 manual explicitly states on several pages that these may not be used because of a 'focus difference' (?) and because they affect film flatness. As I have not been able to verify any dimensional differences between the two camera bodies (at least not with a calliper) I have asked Rollei again and got the contradicting statement that they do not object against the use of old SLX backs and that they even have user reports talking about better film flatness with film backs than with magazines (especially with 220 film).

I have now shot two films with the combination SLX back/6008 professional camera and the results look o.k. except for some degradation in sharpness at f=2,8, which might as well be the fault of the Planar. Before I waste two more films to compare both camera bodies (in a genuine 'back to back' test!) maybe there is somebody out there who has played with this before and could comment.

Sven Keller


[Ed note: a cautionary note regarding rental non-availability...]
Date: Mon, 07 May 2001
From: Andre Souroujon [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei 6008 vs Hassy 503

After owning Rollei for some time (6008 + 50,80,150) I finally gave up and bought hasselblad. The reasons are simple :

I can rent anything I want whenever and wherever(ditto servicing)

The hasselblad is much more durable .

You can take the hassy along with a lens just about anywhere like a 35mm, the rollei is more heavy and bulky and noisy.

You never have to travel with the awful charger (if you just carry extra batteries you're asking for it).

The 503 CW/winder combo is actually easier to handhold and uses AA's. (not to mention that you can actually take it off)

The company is going to go out of business if they keep on selling as badly as they do (who cares if they sell in Germany)

The "famed" schneider 150 is really lousy (lots and lots of flare) IMO

Autoexposure is not really useful without matrix metering ( rollei has just a six-segment centerweighted meter, there are no algorithms )

The only thing I now miss of the rollei is the higher framing rate (.8 vs 2.5 FPS). But I can live with it.

To anyone thinking of buying a Rollei : just think that you will not be able to rent _anywhere_ the following lenses: 30 fisheye , 40mm , 90 macro,110 , 300 etc .

So unless you buy the whole shebang in case you need any of those lenses you are screwed. And if you can afford all of those lenses then you are likely a dotcom millionaire that hasn't checked the value of his/her options lately.

David d


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Fri, 11 May 2001
From: Ferdi Stutterheim [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Rollei 6000 AF camera to come

Hi everyone,

Tonight I returned from a visit to the Rollei factory at Braunschweig, Germany. In a separate mail I shall in write a full report. Now the news! At the end of our visit I asked about Rollei�s position towards auto-focus. Auto-focus is very important to Rollei. They are working on an auto-focus system in the 6000 series. Possibly at the and of this year Rollei will introduce a new body set up for full auto-focus. With the existing manual focus lenses it will provide electronic focus indication. A new line of AF lenses is to be introduced in the next years.

My personel assesment is that the body is nearly finished and that they are waiting for the lenses. It will take some years to build a full line of AF lenses. At introduction Rollei will have the body and a small number of AF lenses. As said before the new body will show electronic focus indication with the present manual focus lenses.

Ferdi Stutterheim,
Drachten, The Netherlands.
[email protected]
http://www.stutterheim.org


Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] 6008AF

Just back last night from PMA where I was able to handle and try out the new
6008AF camera.  It looks just like the 6008i, but now has a backlighted LCD
display in the viewfinder replacing the LEDs used in previous models.  This
consumes less battery power.

A knob on the right side of the camera allows you to select autofocus modes,
including a Trap mode.  In this mode you manually focus at a particular
distance and when the subject moves into the plane of focus the camera
automatically fires.  There is also a position for focus confirmation when
using manual focus lenses.  This works very well.  I tried it on several
lenses and you just turn the focusing ring in the direction of the arrows
until a black circle with F in it comes on.  The AF sensor is H shaped, with
one horizontal and two vertical sensors, which can be individually switched
on and off.

Two AF lenses will be available at first, the 180mm f/2.8 Schneider and a
brand new 60 - 140 mm zoom, also from Schneider.  There are no immediate
plans for AF lenses from Zeiss.

The autofocus operation is amazingly fast.  Rollei says 60% faster than any
other medium format AF camera.  The camera I tried out just literally jumped
into focus in an instant.  Both lenses I tried, the 180 and zoom are totally
new designs with internal focus.  Manual focus is very smooth and feels just
like the rest of the lenses for 6000 series.

One thing I really liked is the viewfinder display shows you the orientation
of the 645 magazine by displaying a small rectangle which rotates when you
rotate the magazine.  The display has a frame counter as well.

You can now connect the camera to a computer via a special cable which plugs
into the standard Rollei socket, and using this you can reprogram a wide
variety of camera functions.  Basically just like with the Master Control
Unit lets you do now.

Pricing has not been set, but they were guessing the new body would be about
$ 1000 higher than the 6008i.

Bob


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Fri, 11 May 2001
From: Ferdi Stutterheim [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Visit to the Rollei factory at Braunschweig

Hi all,

Yesterday and today members of the Rollei Club of the Netherlands (RCN) paid a visit to the Rollei factory at Braunschweig. The RCN (around 600 members) is the largest Rollei Club in the world. The club is financially supported by Rollei Fototechnic. In many countries there is no Rollei Club at all! Mentioned were Germany(!) and the U.S.A. So guys over the water, leave the disputes on the spelling of the word lens(e) and found a Rollei Club.

We choose to arrive at lunchtime yesterday. After lunch in Rollei�s conference room we visited the new Rollei museum. It is located in the old house at Salzdahlumer Strasse 196. This is the house and grounds Franke and Heidecke bought in 1920 to build their new factory. The odd thing is, there are hardly any Rollei cameras in the museum. The contents were bought by Samsung from a private collector. Koreans are very keen on history and heritage. After the Rollei management buy-out the new owners found themselves not only as owners of a factory but as owners of a non-Rollei camera collection too. All Franke and Heidecke and Rollei Werke prototypes went to the Braunschweig Municipal Museum in 1981 and rest in the cellers never to be shown.

After a guided tour through Braunschweig�s old town we assembled in the brewery and pub "Zum L�wen" (The Lion). As it was a very hot day we were in for a few pints! At 11 p.m. full of beer and food we had to make our rather difficult way back to the hotel.

This morning we had the factory tour. Personally I was glad to see the TLR production line still working! The 2,8 FX was on. A special edition for a Japanese patron. On this camera the Rolleiflex shield shows classic style print. It has special snake style leatherette. "No reptiles were harmed for the production of this camera". The camera backs show chrome rims rather than black painted ones.

The TLRs are built on a production line like the one in the old days of Messrs. Franke and Heidecke. About six people to assemble a TLR.

The 6000 series cameras are assembled by teams of only two workers. One person builds the film back, the other one the camera. Assembling the slide projectors is a one woman job. She takes care of the complete assembly of a number of projectors.

You will be glad to hear that the Quality Assurance departement takes a 100% sample. All 6000 series bodies are put to the test. A special lens and a test chart is used. A b/w film is run through the camera, developed and checked on the lighttable with a (Rollei) loupe.

Of all Rollei produced lenses a MTF curve is taken on Carl Zeiss equipment as part of the license agreement. (They put their own Rolleigons in the machine too!). Just too bad the dustbin was empty! Some of us were prepared to take a lens of their hands which showed only minor faults. These go back to production. Usually one optical element is replaced by an other one. The "faulty part" is stored to be used when another faillure arrives with a different problem. This is Zeiss� "entspannte Optik Produktion" (relaxed optical production). A minor optical fault is compensated for by another one in a different element. I believe the Leica people use only perfect components while trying to build a perfect lens. When we look at the price sheets, many of us will notice that Zeiss�s prices are more relaxed too.

After lunch we started to make our way home and found ourselves in Germany�s weekend rush hour, which they call a "Stau" or a (20 mile) tail back between the cities of Hanover and Bremen. Please, don�t mail me from Germany to say we were so lucky because the usual tail back is over 30 miles ;-). Quite a number of Germans joined me in my travel to my home state of Friesland in the Netherlands where they have moared their boats.

Ferdi Stutterheim,
Drachten, The Netherlands.
[email protected]
http://www.stutterheim.org


From ROllei Mailing List;
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001
From: David Seifert [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs Pro.

Richard,

I see no one has tackled this so I will take a whack at it. First, the differences between the 6003SRC1000 and 6003 Professional. The biggest change is that the Professional uses the same updated electronics as the 6008integral and increased meter sensitivity (EV0-EV19). Additionally, it has the removable film gate so you can fit the 4560 magazine adapter and back to the Professional. I understand it is possible to get an SRC1000 updated with the removable film gate by Marflex.

It also appears that the Professional is fitted with an film speed dial on the film back. On the SRC1000 this function is taken by the exposure compensation dial which does double duty on that camera. This is a really good update because with the new electronics the TTL flash meter is tied to the EC dial (which, BTW, must be moved off 0 for TTL flash to trigger).

Setting flash ratios gets very confusing on the SRC1000 with film other than 100 speed.

Both cameras have the ability to take the interchangable film magazines. Both understand and expect the new ones with the ISO dial. On the SRC1000 when you use a magazine the EC dial is restored to its proper functionality.

All you do is remove the film back by unlatching the hinge and attaching a magazine.

Hope this helps,
David Seifert

...

> Could someone please explain what the differences between the Rollei  6003
> SRC1000 and the 6003 Pro are.  Can the SRC1000 use the newer backs where film
> speed is set on the back?
>
> Thank you
>
> Richard


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
From: David Seifert [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs Pro.

From your previous posts challenging assertions of fact I know what a stickler you are for proof sources so here goes! This is direct from the latest Prochnow Rollei Report 5.

Per Herr Prochnow here are the production dates for the 6003 and 6008:

6003 SRC 1000 (PR912)    April 1994 - August 1996
6003 Professional (PR916) September 1996 - Current

6008 professional (PR909)  September 1988 - 1992 (no month given)
6008 professional gold edition (PR910) May 1994
6008 professional SRC 1000 (PR911) January 1994 - beginning 1995
6008 integral (PR914) April 1996 - Current
6008 E (PR915) June 1997 - beginning 2000

6001 professional (PR917) April 1998 - Current

The naming sequence is, indeed, confusing but there you have it. I recall at the time the 6003 Professional came out I thought it peculiar that it's name was the same as the previous 6008 model. This led me to believe it was derived from the older 6008 but we now know from the recently released Prochnow that it is, in spite of name, a descendant of the integral.

David

...


Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001
From: "Yamil R. Sued" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei 6006

eMeL wrote:

> Can you expand on these "catastrophic breakdowns"?  Seems to me that you  are
> making a sweeping statement for the sake of making a statement.

NO, I've owned an SLX, 6002, & 2 6001's!! I know my rolleis!! (I've seen a 80 Rolleigon blow a solenoid SHUT!!!! I mean KAKA forever!! Would you pay $400.00 to repair a $300.00 lens??? Not me!!

> What
> exactly makes a breakdown of Hasselblad less catastrophic than that of a
> Rollei???
A Hassy might start slipping up in shutter speeds, by this I mean erratic shutter speeds, & things of that sort!! Like I said above, when an electric soleniid goes, IT GOES!! You won't get much warning either!! It just freaking stops working!! That sucks when you make a living with your eqipment!!

> And what exactly makes the 6006 breakdowns "catastrophic."
> I've been a happy user of 6001 and 6008i and haven't had a breakdown
> catastrophic of otherwise in several years.

Praise the lord!! I wish you good luck forever!! I mean it!!

> But don't tell me that "I'll see what you mean when my camera breaks  down."
> Be specific, please.

I just mentioned it above!! I've seen my share of blown/busted lens shutter solenoids!! Then you will become a good friend of Martin at marflex camera in NJ!! Trust me, he WILL be your best friend!!

Y


Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001
From: "eMeL" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei 6006

Heard of the solenoid but I don't use Rolleigon lenses :-) I personally believe that Rolleis are more sound mechanically and electrically than the Hassy. Besides, to me, things that *cannot* go wrong with Rollei far outweigh the possibility of a breakdown (which can happen with any camera.) I like Hasselblad and have been a long-time user of many different models, but - with Rollei - I'll never bend a dark slide; will have no matching-inserts madness; I'll never have the prism attach at an angle; I'll never have the focusing screen move "all by itself"; the lens will never jam the body; the lens can be placed vertically on its end and it will stand up securely (no levers, etc. sticking out); the baffle will not stick. etc.

Me thinks that you are exaggerating with these "catastrophic" failures with the 6000 series. Now, the SL66 and SLX - these puppies had some REALLY delicate and failure-prone parts... :-)

Good shooting!
Michael


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Wed, 06 Jun 2001
From: Mark Malkin [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Rollei M39 shutter info needed

I am beginning to use the rather rare Rollei M39 shutter adapter on my 6008I to provide a shutter for my Luminar and macro Nikkor macro lenses as well as to allow use of some other Nikon F bayonet mount lenses on the Rollei system. I expected the shutter adapter to function exactly like a lens with no diaphragm setting allowing the camera to meter through the lens at the actual aperture and to provide exposure setting scale in the viewfinder if in manual shutter mode; or to provide automatic shutter control and indication in the finder when in shutter auto mode. What I find is that the meter controls and readouts respond very differently using this shutter. The meter reading is made but not displayed with the meter switch in one position; and displayed but not updated with the switch in the other position. This is very different than a PQ lens andmuch less convenient for exposure measurment. I also need to use fill compensated flash with these lenses and it ads another level of confusion. Can anyone who uses this adapter confirm my findings and suggest the best way to make exposure readings while using it? The entire 6008I control and exposure measurement system (except flash...) is so intuitive; this shutter seems so very different unless mine is somehow defective (it is brand new from B&H however).


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Thu, 07 Jun 2001
From: Roy Dunn [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei M39 shutter info needed

Hi Mark,

I confirmed this morning that the shutter adapter behaves differently, but not quite as you seemed to describe. I had a Rodagon 105/5.6 on the shutter assembly, with about 6 inches of extension tubes. If you set the shutter dial to A, then the meter reading changes as you change the aperture on the Rodagon. If you set a particular shutter speed, my display shows the 8888 88 message, UNTIL the lens is pointed at something where the exposure is correct for the settings. It then shows the shutter speed in the display. (only). If you lock a setting when in A mode (grey switch pulled back and down), you will get a +/- reading with reference to the locked setting as you reframe your image.

This is not particularly useful for field work, but I will try it on the weekend. Up until now, I have only used mine for manual high speed flash work, all measured with a flashmeter. For example:

http://www.mindspring.com/~ferox/images/Rbthm.JPG

I use a Hassy Macroflash with my 6008E and my 90mm Schneider in TTL mode for macro work in the field. I will try the setup with the shutter assembly instead over the weekend and let you know how the results turn out.

Roy.

...


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2001
From: Michael Watkins [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Choosing a Rolleiflex

Used 6000 gear is out there but not as plentiful as Hassy and other brands, that is for certain. Used Schneider lens for the 6000 series are even more rare. I guess people keep them once they buy them...

http://www.photo.net/search/search?sections=static_pages&sections=bboard&sections=comments&query_string=rollei

On Photo.net you'll find plenty of discussion on all topics from products to where to buy, and then there is searching the archives of this news group.

Good luck!


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2001
From: Jim Hemenway [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Choosing a Rolleiflex

"A Shooter," It would be pleasant to know your name.

Have you looked at the section on the 600X series on the Rollei FAQ?

Section name is - "Rollei 600X camera series:" and is about halfway into the FAQ

http://www.stutterheim.nl/rollei/faq.html

Also, for a matrix look at:

http://www.matthes.com/Rollei/Products/600xcmpr.html

There isn't any "best" lens. It depends on what you want to photograph.

I have the f2.8 Planar and the f2.0 Schneider, but I use the 40mm Super Angulon and the 90mm APO Macro the most.

Buy them used... I bought the 6006 and 6008i on eBay and the 6008Pro at Wall Street Camera, ask for Ephraim, he has always treated me right!

Reza Kani is a good source for new "Demo" lenses and bodies.

--
Best Regards,
Jim Hemenway


From Rollei Mailing List;
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001
From: S Dimitrov [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Re: modifications on 6000 series

Here is the latest on two issues, at least one is of concern to anyone using a strobe with the 6003-6008.

The first concerns the flash being turned off by the camera at null value and up. Apparently, the 6008i can be modified to not turn the camera off when the exposure compensating dial is set at 0. The part cost is $75.00 plus labor. Setting the dial to over expose with the strobe light will still turn the strobe off, however. Apparently the board is "burned" in such a way that no other default or modification is capable.

The second, is regarding the shutter speed default going to 1/125 when the settings are in a programmed AE mode. This causes the diaphragm setting to peg out to f22, and then the shutter starts adjusting to a higher speed if necessary. A real pain, if you live in sunny California. Here too, the setting is "burned" into the board and is potentially non-adjustable. Marflex is going to contact the factory and see what can be done with this "problem."

A very lengthy conversation with the folks at Marflex has gotten me this far. Now it's wait and see.

If anyone at Marflex has any comments or corrections on this, please feel free to jump right in.

Best,
Slobodan Dimitrov


From Leica Mailing List;
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2001
From: "Austin Franklin" [email protected]
Subject: RE: Subject: RE: [Leica] Leica Quality versus Medium Format

> Yes, please do regale us, on-list or off
>
> > If anyone really wants a critique of the
> > 6008 vs 205,
> > I'd be more than happy to oblige, as I have both.

Well...I'll try to make this brief, since it really isn't Leica based...but a lot of people here do use Rolleis or Hasselblads as well, or are interested in them...

The 6008 has spot, average and a sort of matrix system where you pick the spots you want it to average. The motor is built in the 6008, which makes it quite a bit larger and heavier than the 205. The viewfinder display of the 6008 is FAR better than the 205...the 6008 has red LEDs that you can see without using the magnifier glass. The 205 REQUIRES you to use the magnifier glass to see it (it is a very little LCD natural light display, that does have a built-in light that you can turn on)...it is not visible in the "naked" viewfinder. The 6008 is a lot heavier...battery+motor=heavy. The film speed dial on the 6008 is rather awkward...but if you shoot AP, you'll never move it...so no big deal.

The 205 is smaller and lighter. It can take a motor. The 205 has a very very advanced metering system, but it's only %1 spot...but if you like using the Zone mode, it is simply amazing. I believe Hasselblad items are far easier to pick up used than Rollei. I would recommend the 203 for those not knowing how to effectively use a %1 spot...or not interested in taking the time to...or for what ever reason ;-)

The 6008 can only go to 500 or 1000, depending on which lense (PQ or PQS), and the 205 can go to 2000. The 2000 also will set the shutter speed to 1/12 stop when using any of the "automatic" modes! The 205 is focal plane, and can also use the C/CF lenses with the shutter in the lense, but the 6008 is shutter in lense only.

Optically, you really can't go wrong with either...they both are capable of absolutely superb images! It really is more a matter of what you're going to be using it for (I'd say the Rollei isn't a carry around, hike up mountains camera) and personal taste. They are both beautifully built, and quite easy to handle (if you actually know how to hold a Hasselblad...it amazes me how many Hasselblad owners don't know how to hold them correctly!).

I do use the 205 far more than the 6008...it's just easier to carry around, I don't hesitate to bring it with me anywhere. The 6008 I have to deliberately plan to take.


Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Photo Techniques: Bob Shell 25 Best Cameras
From: Bob Shell [email protected]>
To: [email protected]>

> From: "Roy Dunn" [email protected]>
> Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 
> To: [email protected]>
> Subject: RE: [Rollei] Photo Techniques: Bob Shell 25 Best Cameras
> 
> I was perusing some of the 'professional' photo mags in my local Borders the
> other day, and noticed a plethora of 3rd party digital backs available for
> Hassy, Mamiya MF cameras, but none of them are compatible with the 6000
> series Rollei. Is demand that low?
> 

There are digital backs for Rollei 6000 series, some from Rollei and some
from other firms.  

> Also, on one of the generic photo newsgroups, someone posted a message about
> a new 6008 AF model by the end of the year, with a complete set of AF
> lenses. I was off the list for a while recently so if this is repeating a
> thread, my apologies.

Yep, it's coming.  Expect the official announcement and details soon.  Those
attending Photo+East in NYC at the beginning of next month will see three
new AF medium format cameras if early reports are true.

Bob 

From: [email protected] (Coachmcder) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: 09 Jan 2002 Subject: Rollei lenses I have five rollei SLX's/6006/6002's but at this time I have only one 80mm HFT for all five, I have two broken 80mm's and I would like to buy some 150's or something longer, the problem is that they are all so expensive. I got all of the bodies for good prices and the lenses have just broke somewhere along the line. I just hate to pay $1000 for one lens. Does any one know who can repair my lenses for a reasonable price, or where I might find some used lenses reasonably priced. I have a fairly extensive Mamiya 645 system and have been using it and leaving the Rollei's at home. Thanks, Mike McDermott McDermott Photography
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 From: Sven Keller [email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Planar comparisons Even more busy operation you find in a SLX/6000, as described in Prochnow 5. The basic functions (there are more, e.g. battery checks) from memory: - press shutter release - meter TTL - close shutter - meter ambient light (through the finder) - calculate TTL metered light minus ambient light - calculate required f-stop - release mirror (and blind behind mirror) - close aperture to calculated f-stop - open and close shutter (expose) - open aperture again - transport film - lower mirror - open shutter again Amazing. But even more amazing I find that a TLR does nothing of this (except for the shutter). Sven Keller ... > > Jerry, > > I have read Hasselblad's detailed explanation (and seen the diagrams) of > just > what happens inside the mirror box and shutter of their SLR cameras after > pushing the shutter release. Busy, busy! The subliminal message was/is > that > all this activity had no effect on the image on the negative, the number > of > lens elements and/or its manufacturer notwithstanding. > > To the best of my knowledge, Rollei never saw the need to explain what was > > happening inside their TLRs after its shutter release was pushed. Perhaps > > this was because the entire operation was so quiet! > > Vincent L. Gookin > [email protected] >
From: "J.Smith" [email protected]> Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Rollei 6008 Auto Focus Medium Format Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2001 Just saw mention of the new Rollei 6008 Auto Focus medium format camera in January 2002 issue of Shutterbug magazine (on newsstands now). This will be the successor to the 6008 Integral. Will debut with 3 AF lenses: 80mm f/2; 180mm f/2.8; 60-140mm f/4.5 Zoom. No details on prices or exactly when it will be avialable. Has anyone seen any mention of this new camera any where else? Nothing on Rollei web page.
Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 Subject: Re: [Rollei] Power options for 6000 series From: Bob Shell [email protected]> To: [email protected]> The QZ cameras were Samsung products. Since Rollei is no longer affiliated with Samsung, they've gone to other suppliers to build their point and shoot cameras. I don't think they've officially discontinued these cameras because dealers may still have new stock, and some Rollei distributors may as well. I don't know about the GX. The 6008AF should be along soon. Hopefully in time for PMA next month. I'm very anxious to get my hands on one!! Bob Kizhavana Unnikrishnan at [email protected] wrote: > Bob: > > Has Rollei discontinued production of Classic 35 and > QZ-35T? > > The literature I recently received from Rollei do not > show these models. Even the 2.8GX is shown only as > a special edition (80 years) model. Is the 2.8FX made > in Germany or Japan? > > What about the autofocus 6000 models? Are these > expected this year/next year? > > Thanks. > > K A Unnikrishnan
From: "John & Cici" [email protected]> Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm,rec.photo.marketplace.35mm Subject: Re: camera for newbie: 6006? Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 As an owner of a 6006 I can tell you to be prepared for the following: the lock on the back door will break ($50), the autofocus is slow & very noisy, film rewind very noisy, the tiny focus area will lead to much frustration, no red-eye flash option. Good points: easy to use interface, spot meter for when your subject is backlit, timer can be set for as long as 30 sec and take 2 shots, bracketing. My only real complaints are the focus speed and single focus point. Nothing like having a couple pose in front of you standing side by side and the focus locks on the fence post behind them. Just have to pre-focus and then recompose. I would've taken the N80 in a heartbeat. Only $$$ stand in my way from getting one. "charlie pizarro" [email protected]> wrote ... > i'm not a photographer, and i'm buying a camera for a friend who enjoys > taking pictures and would like to learn more about photography. > > originally i thought the n80 was the way to go, but after going to check > one out at the store, we were both struck with how plastic the thing > felt in our hands. (i've also read that the 28-80 lens with which it is > most frequently packaged is cheap-o.) > > at a camera show, we met a guy selling a 6006 and agreed that, while it > is less of a camera than the n80, it offers enough features to make > itself more than sufficient as an introductory body for a relative > beginner. and since user experience, especially for a beginner, is > important in a camera, it also holds (for us) the advantage of a > pleasing, solid feel in the hands, we decided that we ought to go with > the 6006. > > now my questions: > > 1 - is the logic underpinning our decision to go with the 6006 over the > n80 fairly sound, keeping in mind that we are beginners and therefore > unlikely to need much of the high-end stuff that die hards argue about? > > 2 - what lens would you recommend to accompany the 6006? which lens for > the n80? (while i'm certain i don't want the cheap 28-80 that comes with > the n80, i've heard that perhaps it's not best to start with any zoom at > all. would the 50mm 1.8 be the best starter for both cameras?) i > imagine we'll put it to a variety of uses: portraits, candids, > buildings, landscapes, etc. > > 3 - i've heard the 6006, especially its earliest models, has suffered > from problems loading and advancing film. the person from whom i may > arrange to buy the 6006 has given me its serial number, and i'm > wondering if there is a way to check when this specific camera was > manufactured. also, is there a way to find out what years nikon made the > 6006? > > i'm thankful for any help you can offer with any of these questions. > > all the best.
From: [email protected] (Denis Boisclair) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.35mm,rec.photo.marketplace.35mm Subject: Re: camera for newbie: 6006? Date: 14 Aug 2001 Have a look at users' reviews in Photography Review -http://www.photographyreview.com/newsletter/ Denis Boisclair (Cheshire,UK) charlie pizarro [email protected]> wrote > i'm not a photographer, and i'm buying a camera for a friend who enjoys > taking pictures and would like to learn more about photography.
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001 From: S Dimitrov [email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Tele 150/180 opinions Hi George: In my experience, the S/K line has a pronounced lower contrast than the CZ products. I'm currently using the 150mm Tele-Xenar, and I can't say that I'm impressed. I use mine mainly for long outdoor shots, where contrast is a constant issue due to atmospheric haze. After 3 CZ 150's I thought that the S/K would do better, but that hasn't been the case. I did have a 60 distagon, non-PQ, which I planned to replace with a Curtagon. I've since changed my mind and will get another 60 CZ, but in a PQ version. I would like that 60 in a PQS shutter, but I don't think Rollei has a clue as to how people are using their product line out in the field. The 180, for a long time, was sold out in Los Angeles due to heavy demand by film industry shooters who liked that speed for stage work. No one ever complained about it's weight. Must of liked that F2.8 aperture too much to bother about the size. Slobodan Dimitrov > George Day wrote: > > All, > > I was wondering what some of your opinions might be regarding the (now > discontinued) Tele-Xenar 150, the current Sonnar 150 and the current > 180/2.8. > > First of all, I've head that the Schneider 150, while pricey even > used, is distinctly sharper and handles color better than the Sonnar. > Having never used that lens, is this the opinion of anyone on this > list? The MTFs (photodo and zeiss) give the Schneider a bit of an > edge, but there are plenty of factors that could easily erase that. > > The 180/2.8 is a tempting lens for me. I like the focal length, I > like the fact that, with a 1.4x, you get a good, useable longer tele, > and the big aperture makes focusing even easier (if filters ravagingly > expensive). The trade-off, of course, is weight. Now, I wouldn't be > hiking with this system, but I do imagine packing 2-3 lenses, a body > (maybe two), batteries, film, etc. into a lowepro back and going > through airports, etc. Is the 180, in anyone's opinion, too much lens > for work outside a studio? > > Thanks, > > George
Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2001 Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Rollei Reports / Technic Reports/ Rollei 35 web site found From: Bob Shell [email protected]> To: [email protected]> They also send out a regular info bulletin, and have broken the embargo on information about the new 6008AF camera in their latest one. I was given info on the camera in May, but agreed to keep it confidential until they made the official announcement. Now that the embargo has been broken in a public way, I feel I can talk as well. There will be an AF camera which works with a whole new line of AF lenses. However, it will still accept all current lenses and give focus confirmation. Bob > From: [email protected] > Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2001 > To: [email protected] > Subject: [Rollei] Re: Rollei Reports / Technic Reports/ Rollei 35 web site > found > > > Came across a web site which has support of "Mr. Rollei" , Claus Prochnow, > and describes the above reports in detail. It even has a picture of Claus ! > > Makes you want to buy them all. > > www.rollei-report.com >
From: Patrick Rudin [email protected]> Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: AF or focus confirmation? Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2001 Richard N. Blau wrote: > If you have additional info on the > Rollei, please post it. This morning, i spoke on the telefone with a representative of Rollei in Germany. He said, the production of the new 6008 AF runs since two weeks. The body should be available in the stores on january, maybe a bit later. (of course, this is only valid for europa. I have no idea how long it would take until the body is available overseas). Unfortunately, he could not tell me if there is a kind of focus confirmation with the older lenses. regards Patrick -- Patrick Rudin - Aeschengraben 17 - CH-4051 Basel mailto:[email protected] / http://www.hoppla.ch/taxi/
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001 From: Peter Caplow [email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs 6003 Professional I am curious about the differences between these 2 models. I am especially interested in their provisions for automating outdoor fill flash and how they compare in this respect to the 6008 Integral. The comparison chart available at http://www.matthes.com/Rollei/Products/600xcmpr.html doesn't mention the SRC1000. Peter Caplow
From: "Austin Franklin" [email protected]> To: [email protected]> Subject: RE: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs 6003 Professional Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001 Be careful with some of those charts...some aren't entirely accurate. For the 6008 (I don't know about the 6003) the Professional SRC-1000 goes up to 1/1000 shutter speed, the Professional only goes to 500. Other than that, I believe they are the same. > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] > Sent: Saturday, September 22, 2001 > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs 6003 Professional > > > I am curious about the differences between these 2 models. I am > especially > interested in their provisions for automating outdoor fill flash > and how they > compare in this respect to the 6008 Integral. The comparison > chart available at > http://www.matthes.com/Rollei/Products/600xcmpr.html doesn't > mention the SRC1000. > > Peter Caplow >
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001 Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs 6003 Professional From: Bob Shell [email protected]> To: [email protected]> > From: "Austin Franklin" [email protected]> > Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001 > To: [email protected]> > Subject: RE: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs 6003 Professional > > Be careful with some of those charts...some aren't entirely accurate. > > For the 6008 (I don't know about the 6003) the Professional SRC-1000 goes up > to 1/1000 shutter speed, the Professional only goes to 500. Other than > that, I believe they are the same. And remember that you only get 1/1000 if you use a PQ-S lens. Set it to 1/1000 with a PQ or older lens and you're still only going to get 1/500. Also, I believe I read that it is only 1/1000 at certain apertures, and only gets to 1/750 at others. Bob
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001 From: Peter Caplow [email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs 6003 Professional > > Also, I believe I read that it is only 1/1000 at certain apertures, and > > only gets to 1/750 at others. I'd never heard this before, but it certainly does make sense. Even at 1/500, the effective speed for a typical leaf shutter varies by about 3/4 stop from minimum to maximum aperture because of the time it takes for the blades to go from fully closed to fully open and then back to fully closed again. If this "transit" time is 1/1000th of a second each way, and the shutter was designed to be fully open for only 1/1000, at minimum aperture, the effective shutter speed would be 3/1000 and at maximum aperture it would be about 5/5000. This is a difference in of about 1.5 stops. I presume that the 1/1000 is therefore only usable at the larger apertures like f2.8. Peter Caplow
Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2001 From: S Dimitrov [email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6003 SRC1000 vs 6003 Professional Okay, after reading the emails it looks like we're still stuck in first gear. What I'm now relaying are recollection of conversations with Marflex, with their 6000 technician Carmine (spell??). The two 6003 have different flash systems, I found this out when I asked for software modifications. The 6003 pro has the same system as the 6008. The older 6003 SRC1000 is more closely akin to the 6006. The functions on the 6003 SRC1000 can be affected by replacing the back with a magazine, then the ISO dial becomes an exposure compensating dial. Of course, the instruction manual that comes with the 6003 is technically a 6008 manual and is very sparse on its treatment of the 6003. I did have my 6003 Pro refitted with new software that can fire a flash when the compensating dial is set at 0. And no they can't make go to 1 stop over, as I asked. The new software is also an upgrade that allows the back, or magazine, to better receive information from the camera. Our only tech, for the 6000 series at marflex, is out recovering from an operation and won't be back until after October 1st. I think we should have him give us an explanation on how the system really works, once and for all. Slobodan Dimitrov Bob Shell wrote: > > I *believe* that both cameras use the older flash automation, basically > inherited from the 6006. In this version you set the film speed for TTL > fkash on the SCA module rather than the camera or film magazine. I actually > prefer this version since you can ratio fill flash to ambient more easily by > just setting a different ISO on the SCA module than you set on the camera. > > B
From: "Q.G. de Bakker" [email protected]> Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: SL66 questions Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2001 eMeL wrote: > All lenses in the current Rollei catalogue made for Rollei by Zeiss or > Schneider are marked HFT (High Fidelity Transfer) and are supposedly coated > with a proprietary technique of the same name. Whether or not *T coating > differs from HFT (esp. in practice) is open to speculation. Let me quote Zeiss' Kornelius J. Fleischer: "HFT is a multi-layer-anti-reflex-coating system co-developed by Zeiss and Rollei during a time, when T* coating could be applied only at the Zeiss plants to small lens production batches, but Rollei wanted to produce lenses in their Singapore plant in large batches to gain economies of scale. This was decades ago. Today the situation is this: HFT is a Rollei trademark for their multi-layer coating. The performance of this Zeiss/Rollei development is so close to the performance of T* that I cannot detect a difference in practical testing at the Zeiss application department. As you might know already, four lenses of Rollei's medium format SLR range are manufactured by Rollei under Zeiss license. They don't bear the name "Zeiss" anywhere on the product. They are treated with Rollei HFT by Rollei. The Zeiss lenses of the Rollei 6000 system, manufactured at the Zeiss Oberkochen plant, are coated by Zeiss with - guess what - T* coating! Just the designation says "HFT" to keep them in line with all the other optics in the Rollei 6000 system." In fact i suspect there is very little difference between brands when it comes to multicoating. I can't see how they could differ at all.

From: "David Haardt" [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Rollei info? Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 [email protected] wrote: > Questions like, what is the difference between the 6001 Pro, 6001 IB > 6003, 6008 Intergal and 6008E. The current production is 6001 professional, 6003 professional, and 6008 integral. As far as I could find out from my (German) Rollei brochure, there are the following differences: Metering: 6001p has no built-in metering 6003p has center-weighted and spot (1%) metering 6008i has center-weighted and spot (1%) and multi-spot (up to 5 spots) metering 6003p and 6008i offer time priority, aperture priority, program mode, and manual Metering range of 6003p and 6008i is EV 0-19 at ISO 100 and f/2.0 Exposure compensation for 6003p and 6008i is from EV -4.67 to +2 in 1/3 steps 6003p and 6008i have a self-timer 6001p (sic!) and 6008i have a cable release thread 6003p (sic!) has standard screen, 6001p and 6008p have "High D-Screen" 6008i has additional NiCd battery and a charging cable via car battery, 6003p has these two features optionally 6008i has a hand grip, 6003p has it optionally 6003p (sic!) has regular film back, 6001p and 6008i have ones with an integrated laminar darkslide, the latter ones are optional for the 6003p 6008i has an additional film insert included 6008i has an additional connector for the "MasterControl" device OK, I hope that I didn't overlook something! No guarantee for this information, only presented to you as a convenience, I disclaim any liability ;-) But it should help you to get an overview before contacting your dealer or Rollei and getting first-hand info. Cheers, -- David Haardt


From: "David Haardt" [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Rollei info? Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 "David Haardt" [email protected] wrote: > > Questions like, what is the difference between the 6001 Pro, 6001 IB > > 6003, 6008 Intergal and 6008E. > > The current production is 6001 professional, 6003 professional, and 6008 > integral. You are also interested in the older models of that Rolleiflex family. You'll find information about it at the Rollei Club web site: http://www.sl66.com/slx/models.htm The models covered there are: 6008 Autofocus (not yet any information available), 6008 integral, 6008 E, 6008 metric, 6003 professional, 6001 professional, 6008 professional SCR 1000, 6008 professional Gold Edition, 6008 professional, 6002, 6006 mod 2, 6006, SLX mod 2, and SLX. They have very nice web pages, with lots of photos as well as textual information. Cheers, -- David Haardt


From Rollei Mailing List: Date: Tue, 05 Feb 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] 6008 220 back loading [email protected] at [email protected] wrote: > I'm getting pulled into a lot of wedding work, and the 6006 120 backs I use > on my 6003 are fiddly as heck to load. It can take a minute or two to > rattle the insert around until it finally drops in. It's faster to use the > 6003 back. > > Are the 220 backs any better, and are the inserts the same? Inserts are identical. Curious. I find the Rollei backs the least fiddly of all medium format backs. The inserts just drop in if you have the back opened all the way. Maybe you have a mismatch of backs and inserts. There have been three versions of inserts, all very slightly different. While all will work in any 6000 series or SLX, they don't always fit in easily. Sounds like that may be your problem. Bob


Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 From: Mark Malkin [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: [Rollei] Discharging and Charging NiCad 6008i Batteries I have found that the best way to discharge - and charge - the 6008 batteries is with a Maha universal charger or similar electronically controlled charger. This charger (I have the MH C777) cycles the batteries through a full but controlled discharge and charges with pulsed high current controlled by a microprocessor. The charger senses the actual battery voltage/current/time curve to determine endpoint (dv/dt) a method that works for a wide range of battery types and voltages. It seems to give me significantly more battery life than my Rollei charger and It can connect to the Rollei batteries with only a small amount of fussing. Batteries can best be discharged when there is access to each individual cell which is then separately discharged through a diode and resistor or lamp. This avoids the bad effects of reverse biasing the first cells to quit in the battery pack. Like most multi-cell batteries there is no access to individual cells in the 6000 batteries so safe discharge requires monitoring the overall pack voltage and looking for the change that occurs when the first cell drops off. . The electronic discharge in the Maha charger is terminated when the electronics sense that the weakest cell has dropped to (near) zero; this can be sensed by the dv/dt at the charger terminals due to the characteristics of the batteries. Holding the 6000 battery with the clip down and looking at the row of contacts with the fuse just above them the first four of the six terminals on the 6000 series battery are: fused positive (the camera uses this ) negative negative un-fused positive (use for the charger plus side connection) terminals 5 and 6 are for a sensor - possibly to sense the temperature rise that occurs when charging is complete - one way many less sophisticated chargers work.


From Rollei Mailing List: Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] What's the difference between charger "G" and charger "N" for 600x? Jim Hemenway at [email protected] wrote: > I know that the 6008s have the capacity for more juice because my 90mm > APO PQS Macro has a prominent red & white label that cautions one to NOT > use it on the 6006 because it draws too much juice for that camera and > can damage it, (the camera). > All PQ-S shutters use a much more powerful linear motor to drive the shutter blades. This allows them to achieve 1/1000 second top speed. Yes, using them on older cameras can destroy the camera body's electronics. > So, if you have the higher capacity battery, then it might not get fully > charged with the G charger. But what do I know? I went to art school > but you are an engineer. So I leave it to you to determine if the G > charger is best for your 6008. I don't think it makes any difference which charger you use. I have one of each and haven't noticed any difference in batteries charged in one over the other. Bob


From Rollei Mailing List: Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2002 From: Jan Bottcher [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008 plus Non PQ lenses... > > So, I think I'll stick with the 6008 a while longer. A brighter screen > > and a 2X converter might just take care of me until I can afford more > > PQ-bliss. ... > well, I'd bet that for most of the usage you'll have you can mount a non PQ > lens on the 6008. Am not sure about that but can figure out that some > functions will not work. ... All non-PQ lenses should work just fine on all later 6008/1/3 cameras with stopped down metering. PQ is for open-aperture metering. All PQ-lenses should work fine on older SLX/6002/6 camera but obviously with stopped down metering as well ;-) All PQS-lenses tell you where they are supposed to be used or not ;-) Jan


From rollei mailing list: Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] SL66 or SLX, opinions? (was Rolleiwide? Who cares?) Jim Hemenway at [email protected] wrote: > You might try looking for a 6006... I bought mine with lens charger and > all for $1,200 on ebay about 1 1/2 years ago. I'd offer it to you now > but just traded it last weekend for an 80-200 f4 for my Leica R8. I > never used it anymore because I use my 6008i most of the time. I think > that you will find a 6006 now for less than the price I paid. The > internal matrix metering is worth the price. I agree. I just sold my 6006 a few weeks ago on eBay for $ 750 with the normal lens and two backs. I just wasn't using it any more and thought it was wasted sitting on a shelf in my studio. I'm sure there will be others at about that price. Bob


From: Patrick Rudin [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Rollei 6008 af Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 Confirmed by Rollei media release: New Rollei 6008 with autofocus shall be available in the stores mid 2002. Price for the body + back: "under 4000 Euro" :) First only two new lenses: AF Tele Xenar 180/2.8 HFT and AF Variogon 60-140/4.6 HFT. Later (end 2002) the AF 80/2.8 HFT. The new camera is compatible with all the 6000/SLX-lenses, there will be a focus confirmation (I assume a red LED in the finder). New SCA-Adapter 3562, helps the af (with a 54 MZ 3) with a the light. Flash Metering new also available _without_ SCA and without metering back. regards Patrick


From Rollei Mailing List: Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6000 series Peter (Peter) at [email protected] wrote: Rolleinuts, I know that the 6008AF has the corrected version of fill flash, but which other models have this (if any). I know the 6008i has the reverse version (must have been designed by the guy at HP that gave us RPN -- Reverse Polish Notation ... for non-engineers please note that I am not making this name up), but was wondering about the 6008 and 6003 professional. They seem to be bargains at this time. Peter K I don't know about the original 6008 and 6003, but the 6006 does the flash right. You can use it with anything except PQ-S lenses. The SCA adapter has an ISO scale on it, so you ratio flash to ambient by just setting the camera for the actual film speed and setting the SCA adapter for a higher ISO. Bob


Date: Sun, 07 Apr 2002 16:21:44 -0700 From: David Seifert Reply to: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] SL66 from H.E. Chamberlain Dan, I would take issue with your notion that the 6002 would be easier to get repaired. Remember that the 600x systems are largely electronic and parts for them MUST come from Rollei stock. These cameras are getting fairly old and the number of repair facilities is limited. The SL66 on the other hand being purely mechanical camera could be repaired as long as there are machinists roaming the earth. For instance, I recently had an SL66, which was a fine cosmetic specimen, overhauled by Harry Fleenor. He found that the shutter curtains had dried out hence they didn't move smoothly and hung up at slow speeds. He gave me the option to use either factory replacement curtains or parts of his own construction. The price drove me to his parts. Had this been the shutter in the lens of a 6002 there would be no choice but to use Rollei factory parts. When they run out that will be the end. As to the relative feel of the SL66 and 600x, I prefer the SL66. I think that if one is familiar with the Rollei TLR handling they will find the SL66 to be much more natural with the film advance on the right and focusing knob on the left. Also, the SL66 is the inheritor of the Automat film loading system. Just thread the film onto the takeup spool and away you go. Don't forget that SL66 backs are 120/220 backs whereas the 600x backs are either 120 or 220. And, yes, the SL66 is much more sensuous feeling. Hope this helps, David Seifert ... >I can't afford more than one of these. (I can't even afford one). Any >suggestions? Especially as to the SL66 (from Midwest Photo or waiting for >Hadley to get one) vs. the 6002? I imagine the SL66 is a more sensuous >camera and possibly more reliable, but the 6002 would be easier to repair >and get parts for. > >TIA > > >Dan Kalish...


Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 From: Jan [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] SL66 or SLX, opinions? (was Rolleiwide? Who cares?) Dan, the SLX is the basic design and it was revolutionary (like the Citroen DS). The 6002 added TTL flash metering (do you need it?) and is slower than the SLX, the 6006 added magazine backs (once you got it you rarely use it, but see that SLX- users drop in the next film faster!) and TTL metering. The 6008 added open-aperture metering and full-auto and full information in the viewfinder (nice, and even with a switch to turn it off), and was faster again and introduced shorter shutter speeds than 1/500s) and an additional "action-grip" (most the time I keep my action grip in my jackets pocket or at home, not on the camera).. The 6008 SRC 1000 introduced better work with scanning backs, the 6003 was the discount model (no magazine back, no "action-grip but both can be added later) but it has manual control, TTL flash metering, aperture priority shutter priority and full auto exposure ... (first model called 6003 SRC 1000 professional (the ones I've seen so far all were kinda "gun-metal"-grey), second model called 6003 professional, second model to be preferrend (held in black)). The 6008 integral (and "E") introduced a new screen (High-D-screen - verrrrry nice, can be mounted to all other models (including SL 66 and 2.8GX!) as well and a new serial communication allowing the use of master-control-integral (extended camera control) and the new 4560-Magazin. The 6001 was created after they received (and smoked) a load of bad weed at R&D or marketing of Rollei (manual control only! And TTL-flash metering). So, if you're asking me for advice: The SLX will offer a lot! If money is an issue but you like open-aperture, magazin-abillity, full view-finder information and a fast camera go for the 6003 professional and add the High-D-screen. If you want it all: go for the 6008 integral or wait til next year. Jan (yes, my SLX was reliable until I dropped it) Dan Kalish wrote: > After years of using 35mm SLR, Voigtlander Avus and now Rolleiflex TLR, I'm > thinking of moving to MF SLR. I'm not Rockefeller (he's dead), so I'm > trying to stay under $1000. That means the 600x is out of the running (I > don't like all those electronic gimmicks anyway). > > Koh's (very nice store) showed me an SL66. Verrry nice handling. Camera > 35, July 1976 (which I just happen to be reading) very favorably reviews the > SLX. However, Koh's sez the SLX broke down too often so they don't like > it. A customer at Koh's said MF SLRs have too much mirror shudder. The > salesman at Neptune said MFs are a waste of money. > > So many opinions already. What can members of this group say about these > cameras, other than that they cameras set new records for price and quality? > Anyone on this group use them? Good experiences? Bad experiences? Are > they feasible for use now? How difficult is it to repair them or find parts > for them? Lenses? > > Thanks, > > Dan Kalish


From rollei mailing list: Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 From: Marc Attinasi [email protected] Subject: [Rollei] Rollei 6008 and Mamiya 7 I have had my 6008 Pro for a few months now, and have shot a dozen rolls each of black and white, slide and negative color films. The camera with the Schneider 80mm is a great outfit - the metering is spot-on, the lens sharp and pretty good against flare, and the handling of the 6008 is very easy o get used to. The problems I have had are: 1) it is often hard for me to focus accurately without popping up the magnifier, so I miss focus on a lot of shots where I don't have time to put my head down close to the finder, pop up the magnifier and refocus. Part of the problem is the somewhat dark finder, part is the distance from my eyes to the waist level finder, and part is my aging eyes. Unfortunately, an f2 lens is out of my reach. 2) PQ lenses. new and used, are too expensive for me. I would really really like a portrait lens and a wide angle, but I cannot see being able to afford either one in the foreseeable future. This is just a hobby for me, not a profession, so coughing up $1800 for a single lens is just not happening (I have to totally stop thinking about the notion of spending $3500 for the ones I really want, like the 180 f2.8!). Trying to get a 50 / 80 / 150 kit together is just out of this world (why didn't I think of that before I bought he camera you ask? I did, I just hoped that the used market would be a little better - and I really wanted to try the 6008 so I stuck my head in the sand.) 3) there is no such thing as a stealth 6008 - not even close! Even if I manage to remain inconspicuous before pressing the shutter, the mirror/transport racket blows my cover every time. I'm used to really quiet shooting, and I rely on that for both candids / street and animal portraits. The 6008 does not, as far as I know, have a 'silent mode' :) So, I have begun to think about trading it all in. I still want to play in the medium format world, so the Mamiya 7 has sprung to mind. It is also quite expensive, but not as bad as the 6008. Then again, the camera is not nearly as sophisticated - but that is OK. I will miss the spot meter, but I already like rangefinders so I may be alright. I'll probably rent one for a week and see how I like it, but I was hoping for some feedback from others who have used both - what you like, don't like, how you compare them etc. Your perspectives would be greatly appreciated! Cheers, - marc


from rollei mailing list: Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 From: Jerry Lehrer [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] SL66 Dan Why is it that the 6000 series of Rolleis are such a tough sell? Compared to H'blads there weren't that many made. They have a lot more features than H'blads, but our local dealer had to practically give away the ones he had and wants no more. He does have requests for used SL66 and SLX models. See John Craig for the manual. There is also an excellent book on your camera and SLXs. Petra Keller has that, I know. Jerry Lehrer


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 From: Roy Dunn [email protected] Subject: [Rollei] 6008AF Update I sent a question to Rollei asking if the Trap function on the new 6008AF would operate with manual focus lenses, and this is the response: "Concerning the trap function I have to inform you that the models presented on occasion of the PMA and Focus fair in February have been models of the pilot lot. All future cameras won't have the trap function, because Rollei wants to satisfy its custumers entirely and as we cannot guarantee that the trap function works perfectly in all areas, we decided to build the camera without it." Bummer! That is the main reason I would have bought one. Cheers, Roy.


from rollei mailing list: Date: Sun, 06 May 2001 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Problem with 220 mag w/6008i > From: Roy Dunn [email protected] > Organization: Memscap Inc. > Date: Sun, 06 May 2001 > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Problem with 220 mag w/6008i > > Maundering yes, febrile? I don't think so! > > At the risk of starting yet another tit-for-tat thread, I often had problems > with > my Hassy backs (esp. A16 and A32) with overlapping frames, and am happy > to report none (yet!) with my 120 or 220 Rollei backs. Only about 50 rolls > through > each so far though..... Hasselblad magazines are relatively complex compared to Rollei, and do everything mechanically. Rollei's design is very simple, and mostly a matter of electrical contacts working or not. A roller is turned by the film backing paper as the film is pulled through. This roller is connected by a shaft and gearing to the frame counter wheel. Contacts on the back of the frame counter wheel turn the film advance motor in the camera body on and off. Usual problems are that the roller's bearings need lubrication (tiny drop of oil on each) or that the electrical contacts get dirty (disassembly and cleaning). Not much else ever goes wrong unless you drop one and crack the housing or punch a hole in the dark slide (hard to do, but I've seen it on several occasions). The first thing to check is the electrical contacts which mate with the body. Clean them with a cotton cloth and lens cleaning fluid. They should shine. Don't use anything abrasive on them as they are gold plated. If this does not cure problems, send the magazine in for an overhaul. If you're brave you can do it yourself. The latest Prochnow has drawings which will guide you through it. Bob


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2001 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Lens hood choices for 150/4 Tele-Xenar ?? > From: "David Freedman" [email protected] > Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001 > Subject: Re: [Rollei] Lens hood choices for 150/4 Tele-Xenar ?? > > Is there more to this story available for public consumption? I'd love to > see Rollei introduce *anything* new! Not much to the story. A couple photokinas ago the Rollei people were saying they had severed relations with Schneider, blaming fees that were too high for licensing the Schneider lens designs and names for the point and shoot cameras. They announced that all future lens development for the 6000 series would come from Zeiss. This last photokina the story had done a 180 degree turnaround, and they were saying that Schneider was going full tilt boogie on new stuff for the 6000 series and there would be some interesting future announcements. That's all I know about it. What happened behind the scenes I have no ideas about. Too bad Schneider doesn't really have an equivalent to the friendly and talkative Herr Fleischer. Bob


From rollei mailing list: Date: Mon, 08 Apr 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Autofucus 6008 Philippe Tempel at [email protected] wrote: > Just read about this in the new issue of Practical > Photography. There's a sidebar that has a brief blurb > on it. Is the lens mount the same for the autofocus > lenses? I think they claimed that you can still use > the older lenses... They had the camera at PMA. You can find my PMA report by doing an archive search on www.beststuff.com using my name. Yes, it uses the same lens mount. All older lenses, going back to the first SLX lenses, will work on it. The camera will give you focus confirmation in the viewfinder with these lenses, which is very nice. The new AF lenses are super fast in focusing. Bob


From rollei mailing list: Date: Mon, 05 Nov 2001 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei at Photo Expo NYC I think they were so willing to talk about it because they *almost* had one to show in NYC. Apparently some subcontractor was a few days late delivering a key component. I had urged them to show it, even if non-working, but they decided otherwise. I was very surprised that Pentax was not only not showing their new 645, but that no one at their booth seemed to even know about it! It was announced in Japan a couple weeks ago. Bob > From: "David Freedman" [email protected] > Reply-To: [email protected] > Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2001 > Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei at Photo Expo NYC > > While there may have been nothing new at the Rollei table, Berndt seemed > unusually willing to talk about the upcoming auto-focus camera. He said the > official press release would arrive in February with the actual camera to > arrive some time thereafter. It will offer focus confirmation with existing > lenses and full AF with a new line of lenses. First new AF lens wil be the > 180/2.8 Schneider. There will also be a new zoom from Schneider. Best of > all, the new camera will handle flash fill correctly!


From rollei mailing list: Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF Doug Brightwell at [email protected] wrote: > How exactly does the confirmation work? What do you see in the display? Or > is it an audible confirmation? The 6008AF has an LCD display instead of the LED display used in previous 6000 series cameras. It is lighted from behind and gives black indicators on a pale yellowish colored background. It was very visible in a brightly lighted convention center. The focus confirmation shows up as a black circular dot, as with most focus confirmation symbols on AF cameras. The dot blinks when the lens is not in focus and becomes solid when focus is reached. It seemed very sensitive in the prototype I handled. For my purposes this would be more useful than autofocus. The closest analogy would be using the Contax RX. Bob


Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 From: "William L. Kyburz" [email protected] Subject: RE: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF In the new 6008AF brochure that I received from Rollei USA, both the Trap Focus and the Focus Indicator are included as features of the 6008AF. Bill Kyburz


Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF Roy Dunn at [email protected] wrote: > I was told by Rollei that the 'Trap Focus' feature that was on the > prototypes will not be implemented in production. This actually fires the > camera when a subject comes into focus. I think the focus confirmation is a > different feature. Correct. I think they decided that not many people would use the trap focus. My Contax AX has that and I have only used it once to make sure it really worked. Might be useful for remote controlled wildlife photography, like birds. Bob


Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF William L. Kyburz at [email protected] wrote: > In the new 6008AF brochure that I received from Rollei USA, both the Trap > Focus > and the Focus Indicator are included as features of the 6008AF. > > Bill Kyburz That was the original brochure. The feature set was revised and trap focus eliminated. Bob


Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 From: Roy Dunn [email protected] Subject: RE: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF > Bob > > Do you know if it was a "cost" (price point) decision or a "getting it to > work" decision? > > Thanks, > Bill This was the official word from Rollei in Germany on 26th April, 2002: Dear Mr Dunn, Thank you very much for your email and your interest in our new autofocus camera. Concerning the trap function I have to inform you that the models presented on occasion of the PMA and Focus fair in February have been models of the pilot lot. All future cameras won't have the trap function, because Rollei wants to satisfy its custumers entirely and as we cannot guarantee that the trap function works perfectly in all areas, we decided to build the camera without it. I hope that I have been of assistance to you.


From: [email protected] (ArtKramr) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: 04 Jul 2002 Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? >Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? >From: Bob Bidniski [email protected] >Date: 7/4/02 >Definitely not >better lenses. I find the Rollei licensed Zeiss lenses to be sorely >lacking. A few of t Lacking indeed. Some samples I have seen suffer from mild decentering. Arthur Kramer Visit my WW II B-26 website at: http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer


Date: Thu, 04 Jul 2002 From: Lourens Smak [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? [email protected] (ArtKramr) wrote: >no one has improved on the Blad > designs. The original Blad has inspired dozens of designs all based on that > 6x6 SLR that was fully modular. But when we look, at them all; the Bronica, the > Rollei 6x6 SLR's and a dozen others, none have been able to outpace the Blad > in quality or performance and very few are the blads equal, even those that > also use Carl Zeiss lenses. Is the world waiting for a new brilliant designer > to move the ball foward, or are we at the end of the line in MF SLR's? ??? Have you ever seen a Rollei 6008? Did you try to compare it to any of the hasselblads? *every* aspect of this camera is better thought-out, even small things like the symetrical film-insert, the flash-sync contact, and the darkslide. And then there's the shutter system, the measuring system, the viewfinder, the motordrive, the lens-bayonet, the aperture setting, the battery system, and I can go on and on. Literally *everything* is better. Even an old SLX (25 years by now...) is more advanced than the very latest Hasselblad, in many ways. We don't need a "brilliant designer to move the ball forward", but we need photographers that open their eyes. It's not the fifties anymore... why cope with the small viewfinder, crappy film-loading, incredibly slow motordrives, no-return mirrors, aperture setting in 1/2 stops, having to hold the shutter button at long speeds, no long shutter speeds, etc etc etc.? (agreed, the F-series has at least a few of these things solved, but it still sucks, in my opinion...) Saying camera design has stopped, just because you like your Hasselblad, isn't very realistic. ;-) Lourens (I'll tell you about my massive Hasselblad reliabilty problems some other time, OK?)


From: [email protected] (ArtKramr) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: 04 Jul 2002 Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? >Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? >From: Lourens Smak [email protected] >Date: 7/4/02 1:11 PM Pacific Daylight Time >Message-id: > >Literally >*everything* is better. Even an old SLX (25 years by now...) is more >advanced than the very latest Hasselblad, in many ways. My SLX was a disaster. It went back for repair time after time. And even Rollei couldn't fix it. It was a piece of garbage. I'd say even the KIEV was better. And that is really saying something. >??? Have you ever seen a Rollei 6008? Did you try to compare it to any >of the hasselblads? *every* as Lenses don't quite cut it. Arthur Kramer Visit my WW II B-26 website at: http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer


Date: Thu, 04 Jul 2002 From: Bob Bidniski [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Does Blad have a Carl Zeiss exclusive? Bob [email protected] wrote: >While we have not been the distributor for Rollei since 1998 I don't believe >this has changed. The lenses made under license are the 50mm, 80mm, 150mm >and 250mm. Which are the most popular and common focal lengths. The 150 and 80 were the 2 I owned, and didn't like at all. The 180 Schneider on the other hand is marvelous.


From: fotocord [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 Bob Bidniski wrote: > fotocord [email protected] wrote: > >> And this is different from what I said how? > > Because not all Rollei lenses are better. In fact, few are, and those > are Schneider. And Schneider lenses are in the minority in the lineup. I see there is a 40 f3.5, a 50 f2.8, a 55 shift, an 80 f2 normal, a 90 f4 macro, a 120 f4 macro, a 180 f2.8, a 300 f4 all by schneider and they mostly are faster and newer designs than any of the leaf shutter blad lenses. This range covers anything most people would ever need. Maybe the cheaper rollei lenses aren't better but if one has the money, these seem to be an improvement over the old school zeiss lenses 'blad offers. -- Stacey


From: "Joe Schimpanzi" [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? Date: 5 Jul 2002 ... > >Literally > >*everything* is better. Even an old SLX (25 years by now...) is more > >advanced than the very latest Hasselblad, in many ways. > > My SLX was a disaster. It went back for repair time after time. And even Rollei > couldn't fix it. It was a piece of garbage. I'd say even the KIEV was better. > And that is really saying something. > > >??? Have you ever seen a Rollei 6008? Did you try to compare it to any > >of the hasselblads? *every* as > > Lenses don't quite cut it. > > Arthur Kramer > Visit my WW II B-26 website at: > http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer Did someone pick a fight in this newsgroup? Art, while your information is reflective on a few samples of Rollei lenses, I gotta tell you, you're speaking in generalities. Not all Rollei made lenses suffer from decentering problems. I'd bet three donuts it's a damn small percentage, and you just got lucky (after all, living in Lost Wages is a gamble everyday). I've seem examples of slides (not sure of the emulsion) taken with the Schneider 2/80 on a Rollei 6008i. I've seen them on the same light table as those taken with an 80mm Hassleblad CFE lens by the same person and the same emulsion. There is no comparison. The Schneider lens is sharper, better contrast, it has almost a three dimensional quality to it. However, your question was has anyone improved upon the design of a Hassleblad? You answered your own question. Yes, Rollei did. So did Mamyia, Bronica and Contax. And Yes, the Rollei outpaced them as well. If you were to do a side by side comparison between a Rollei 6008i and the Hassleblad 203 FE (a fair comparison) feature for feature, the Rollei would come out ahead. Why? Because I spent $2,000 less even with the Schenider 2/80mm lens! My images would be sharper, with better contrast. I can change a roll of film in about 3 seconds with a preloaded insert. I can train anyone to load those inserts for me as they are intuitive and straight forward.. I do not over-stress the film by making it roll back and forth like a pretzel. I can use an extremely sharp and fast 2.8/180mm lens that blows the socks off anything offered by Zeiss and Hassleblad. I can drop a 1.4 teleconverter on it and have an 4/250mm lens. If I need something wider, then I can go to an incredible 2.8/50mm as well. I'll still have 1/1000 of a second, and I really have to ask why I need an additional stop of shutter speed? I'm not using my Rollei to photograph neutrino explosions. So, in order to stop the stupid arguing, a camera, like a spouse is a personal choice. I have chosen a spouse that is compatible with my needs and I hope I am able to fulfill hers, same for a camera. I may either envy or laugh at someone else's choice of spouse, just like their camera. We all have opinions and a**holes, and opinions like a**holes, all stink. No need to fight about it. BTW, all the above was my stinky opinion. Jim P.


Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 From: Bob Bidniski [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? "Joe Schimpanzi" [email protected] wrote: >ajor savings with the Rollei? No, but your facts are way off the mark. >Need good aim to shoot anything.... This is a comparison of the top of the >line Rollei with the bottom of the line Hasselblad. That's why I didn't >make this comparison from the onset. But again its all about the body, not the lens. You're comparing a cheapo Rollei built *licensed* lens to a top of the line Zeiss made CFE lens. Try comparing the price of a 6008 with a Rollei 80 PQ (which still isn't made by Zeiss), and you'll be closer, but still not apples to apples.


From: Lourens Smak [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 ... > My SLX was a disaster. It went back for repair time after time. And even > Rollei couldn't fix it. It was a piece of garbage. Well, my own SLX still works. I confess it has been repaired 2 times, in over 20 years of use, but that's not bad, considering how many films I have put through it. (It isn't used a lot anymore now, but it is still used occasionally.) But, I've had a Hasselblad lens fail on me once after just 2 weeks. It was a brand-new 50mm distagon, had a broken shutter...bad luck? that's what hasselblads quality-control did for me; Thank god I was working in the studio the day it broke... > >??? Have you ever seen a Rollei 6008? Did you try to compare it to any > >of the hasselblads? *every* as > > Lenses don't quite cut it. Well, I have used both systems extensively, and in my experience the sharpness is the same, but the HFT coating is actually a bit better than T*, resulting in better contrast-rendering, and less flare. And some of the new Schneider lenses offer truly amazing image-quality, for example the 90mm apo-symmar. And the possibility to set the aperture (and time) in 1/3 stops alone is worth changing systems, when you shoot transparency film mostly. I have switched to Rollei 100%, after using both systems for a while, and I'm not looking back. But this all isn't really very relevant because you made a statement about progress in camera design. Hasselblad is the last company to look for any innovations. They only offer technology that other camera's have for years, or even for decades. Their build-quality is mostly a myth, and although the lens optics are fine, they're nothing to get too excited about. Mechanically, the latest Hasselblad lenses are actually a lot less than perfect, and the inside is a lot cheaper than you would expect from the name & corresponding pricetag. The only interesting Hasselblad is the Xpan, but I probably would rather buy a Fuji GSW 690 for half the money, and get a slide twice the size with the same portability. ;-) Lourens.


Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? From: Bob [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 Q.G. de Bakker at [email protected] wrote on 7/5/02 > but Rollei wanted to produce lenses > in their Singapore plant in large batches to gain economies of scale. Singapore never made MF products. They made 35mm, 110, flash and slide projectors. 2 1/4 production remained in Braunschweig. You or who ever you quoted had best try to find a non German produced Rollei branded Zeiss or Schneider badged 6000 or SL66 lens. Japanese yes, those were for the 6002. HP Marketing Corp. 800 735-4373 US distributor for: Ansmann, Braun, CombiPlan, DF Albums, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser, Kopho, Linhof, Novoflex, Pro-Release, Rimowa, Rodenstock, Sirostar, Tetenal Cloths and Ink Jet Papers, VR, Vue-All archival negative, slide and print


Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 From: Lourens Smak [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? "Mxsmanic" [email protected] wrote: > "Lourens Smak" [email protected] a �crit > > ... *every* aspect of this camera is better thought-out ... > > Then why does it require batteries? is that really such a big problem? And, at least you can charge the Rollei batteries out of the camera, instead of having to use your ELM as the charger too. That is something that really sucks...and then the charging itself takes several hours...that sucks even more. No wonder they changed to AA batteries. > You could, but since none of these things affects the final image quality, > why bother? well, the original message was one about camera design moving forward, and I was mentioning some things that Rollei has improved on compared with Hasselblad, and in short, that's basically everything. > You seem to have forgotten the lenses. You know ... the part that actually > makes the photograph. I know all about lenses, I use some lenses to make a living. I have used both systems extensively, and have used most lenses between 30 and 500mm. It seems a widespread knowledge in this newsgroup that Hasselblad lenses are born in a secret mystical place, and then polished by elves to a degree of perfection not found in this world, then put together by the hand of god, and then beamed down to earth where only the chosen few can spot the difference in image-quality with very similar Rollei lenses, which are made in a simple factory... The truth is: the lenses are the same, only mechanically Rollei lenses are much better (barrel, shutter & aperture), and the Rollei HFT coating is just a bit better. These are simple differences which anyone can see. > My cameras have nice lenses and take great pictures. Beyond that, I really > don't care how "advanced" they are, as long as they are reliable. If you would care about how advanced your camera is, you wouldn't have bought a Hasselblad, that's pretty clear. In my experience (you know, you get that from actually using both systems for many years...) Rollei is more reliable than Hasselblad. Less weak points... >I suppose > the things you mention are somehow disadvantages in some way, but, > strangely, I've never given them much thought. I'm too busy taking pictures > with the camera, I guess. That's hitting the nail on the head... you have to be busy with your camera, instead of with your pictures. That's *exactly* why I use Rollei. ;-) Lourens.


From: [email protected] (ArtKramr) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: 05 Jul 2002 Subject: SHAPE UP ROLLEI...OR ELSE. SHAPE UP ROLLEI OR ELSE ! How do we know for sure that a camera has really arrived and gained worldwide acceptance? Simple. Kiev steals it. Now the question is, what is wrong with Rollei that has caused Kiev not to steal it? What are the shortcomings and failures in the Rollei design that turns Kiev off. Whatever it is Rollei, fix it. And fast. You haven't arrived until you've been stolen by Kiev. They have stolen the Blad, the Contax and even the Minox. Let's get a move on. Arthur Kramer Visit my WW II B-26 website at: http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer


Subject: Re: SHAPE UP ROLLEI...OR ELSE. From: Bob [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 Art, As you know, we were the Rollei distributor in the U.S. From 1986 to 1998. When the original 6008 (the 6008 Pro) was introduced at the 1988 Photokina, we received a fax from a Chinese camera manufacturer. They asked us "to send them sample, they copy, and give us better price". Of course, like the Kiev, they had no way to duplicate the shutter which is what makes the whole 6000/SLX system work. Today the Rollei Linear Motor Shutter System has become the favorite advanced shutter for digital work on view cameras that use backs requiring an electronic shutter. They have by passed the Zeiss Prontor Protronic as well as the latest version of the Horseman ISS system not to mention the defunct Copal and Compur and Prontor Magnetic variations of electronic view camera shutters. HP Marketing Corp. 800 735-4373 US distributor for: Ansmann, Braun, CombiPlan, DF Albums, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser, Kopho, Linhof, Novoflex, Pro-Release, Rimowa, Rodenstock, Sirostar, Tetenal Cloths and Ink Jet Papers, VR, Vue-All archival negative, slide and print protectors, Wista, ZTS see www.hpmarketingcorp.com for dealer listings


Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 From: Lourens Smak [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Does Blad have a Carl Zeiss exclusive? [email protected] (ArtKramr) wrote: > It is interesting that the Blads use Carl Zeiss lenses, but other cameras > like the Rolleis use lenses made by other suppliers made on Zeiss licenses. Rollei lenses are made by Rollei itself (apart from the Rolleigon series from the early 80's) according to Zeiss designs and Zeiss specifications & tolerances. It is done this way because of Rollei patents and technology, not because of Zeiss, I was told. (by a zeiss-person) But: All Rollei lenses have a pre/early-production run that IS made by Zeiss, (marked "Carl Zeiss" and sought after by collectors) before production is transferred to Rollei's lens factory, and from then on lenses are marked "made by Rollei". Some lenses, like the 120mm S-planar, are also actually made by Zeiss for a larger part. (but not completely!) In fact because of this degree of manufacturing, this one always says Carl Zeiss on the Barrel, instead of "made by Rollei"... > These > are not really Carl Zeiss products. I wonder of Blad and Zeiss signed an > exclusive contract? Anyone know? Why would they do that? Zeiss make and sell lenses, the more the better. Even Sony handycams have a Carl Zeiss lens these days...and these ones do say "Carl Zeiss" on the barrel, unlike the Rollei lenses. ;-) Lourens.


Subject: Re: Why has no one improved on the Blad? From: Bob [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Date: Sat, 06 Jul 2002 ... >> But again its all about the body, not the lens. You're comparing a >> cheapo Rollei built *licensed* lens to a top of the line Zeiss made >> CFE lens. Try comparing the price of a 6008 with a Rollei 80 PQ (which >> still isn't made by Zeiss), and you'll be closer, but still not apples >> to apples. If I remember correctly lenses like the 180mm 2.8 the 300 4.0 the 80mm 2.0 also lacked the meter indicator window on the lens and were not 1/1000 and were PQ. The cheaper versions also have a different filter mount ring, don't they? HP Marketing Corp. 800 735-4373 US distributor for: Ansmann, Braun, CombiPlan, DF Albums, Ergorest, Gepe, Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser, Kopho, Linhof, Novoflex, Pro-Release, Rimowa, Rodenstock, Sirostar, Tetenal Cloths and Ink Jet Papers, VR, Vue-All archival negative, slide and print protectors, Wista, ZTS see www.hpmarketingcorp.com for dealer listings


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF Stuart Phillips at [email protected] wrote: > Oh God, given the price of Rolleis, how much will the autofocus line sell for? > stuart phillips I'm very curious as to how a dealer got one to sell. Anyone here know which dealer made this sale, or is this just another internet urban legend being born? The body is supposed to have a list price about $ 1,000 higher than the 6008i. I want one, not for AF but for focus confirmation with my existing lenses. I tried this with one of the prototypes at PMA and it works very well. It should really help my aging eyes to get the exact focus. Bob


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF [email protected] at [email protected] wrote: > Are these autofocus bodies and lenses much larger and heavier than the current > system? No. Body is exactly the same size and a couple ounces heavier. Lenses are heavier, but not all that much. The new 180 is nice because it is internal focus and has better balance. Bob


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002 From: Roy Dunn [email protected] Subject: RE: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF I was told by Rollei that the 'Trap Focus' feature that was on the prototypes will not be implemented in production. This actually fires the camera when a subject comes into focus. I think the focus confirmation is a different feature. Roy. > Was I dreaming or do i remember reading a comment from Rollei that this > feature was not going to be on the production bodies? > > -scott


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 From: Per Einar Forberg [email protected] Subject: [Rollei] Question, retro mounting Hi I've just read through Collectors Guide to Rollei cameras by Arthur Evans. As I came to Rolleiflex 6006, I noticed something strange on the picture. When reading the text underneath it says the camera is fitted with a retro adapter! I've never heard, or read anything about this adapter before - and I became mighty interested. Retro mounting is one of my main resons for having a SL66E to support my 6008 (or vice versa). I'd love some information of this adapter! I suppose it's hard to come over second hand, as I've never seen one myself. But if it's possible: what woud the asking price be? And is it available from Rollei still? Per Einar Forberg Norway


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Question, retro mounting Per Einar Forberg at [email protected] wrote: > I suppose it's hard to come over second hand, as I've never seen one myself. > But if it's possible: what woud the asking price be? > And is it available from Rollei still? I don't know if it is still made. I used to have one. It is two rings, one which mounts between body and lens, and one which then mounts on the rear of the lens. There is a cable connecting them, and the one on the back of the lens then powers the shutter. It has a fitting for a Rollei lens hood on it. But since the lens has no focusing when mounted this way, you work at a fixed distance unless you also use extension tubes or a bellows. I didn't find it all that practical, and sold mine ages ago. Bob


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 From: David Seifert [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Question, retro mounting Hi, Yes, such a device does exist. It is still a key element of the System 6000 macro setup. It consists of two rings which are connected with a cable providing the linkage from the rear of the lens (now facing forward) and the electrical contacts in the camera body. This is a very slick setup since it retains full system automation. Coupled with the auto bellows and a 50mm lens it makes a tremendous macro system. They do show up for sale occasionally used. They list new for around $1,400 US. I sold one on ebay a couple years ago and I believe I got around $900 for it. Hope this helps. David


From rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 From: Jerry Lehrer [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Question, retro mounting Einar Oh, come on now Einor, your local Rollei store should tell you that part #98410 Retro Adapter Bay VI is available for about a kilo-buck, (or kilo-euro, for you). No mystery at all. Jerry Lehrer


from rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 26 Jul 2002 From: "[email protected]" [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF not unlike Contax 645AF? I think there is no shared technology. All for the 6008 AF has been developed in the own Rollei technology center in Braunschweig, Germany. Contax 645 stuff all comes from Kyocera, Japan, maybe with the exception of the rural optical design of the lenses which still maybe from Zeiss, Oberkochen. Greetings Dirk you wrote: >The 6008AF Sounds similar to the Contax 645, too. Great camera! Great lens. >Not so great auto-focus, but not terrible either (compared to some 35mm >sysyems). Any chance Contax and Rollei shared technology? Or would that be an >"unthinkable" Leica/Contax collaboration kind of thing? (Not that >unthinkable, I guess, as some Zeiss glass was available in LTM...) > >I don't actually own a Contax 645, but I got to borrow one from the local >Contax dist. Sweet. But heavy! > >Chris L.


from rollei mailing list: Date: Fri, 26 Jul 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei 6008AF not unlike Contax 645AF? [email protected] at [email protected] wrote: > All for the 6008 AF has been developed in the own Rollei technology center > in Braunschweig, Germany. I would be VERY surprised if Rollei developed their own autofocus sensor for such a low volume production product as the 6008AF. I'd bet they are buying this in from some outside supplier, and Kyocera is not out of the question, as they do a vast amount of OEM work for the photo industry. Bob


Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 From: Peter Caplow [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Looking for modern MF with 6x6 format JF, you can actually get the 6001 for the price you quoted, but not from B&H and without the US warranty. AMHLEE in Hong Kong has the same kit for sale, brand new in box, on Ebay right now for $1,300 and his feedback is very good. I assume that it comes with a valid international warranty but I would check ahead of time to make sure. From what I've read, having to send the camera to Germany for repairs isn't necessarily a bad thing. I don't know why you'd want to buy the 6001 though. For the $1,900 that you were prepared to spend at B&H, AMHLEE would probably sell you a new 6008 Integral (EL lens) and you'd have the ambient light metering that was left out of the 6001 plus all the other features of Rollei's top of the line model. IMHO, leaving out the ambient metering in an all electronic, motor driven, battery dependent camera like the 6008/6001 was a really dumb idea. Apparently, it didn't do well in the marketplace, either. Rollei was giving away free 6001 bodies if you bought one of their other models. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1371259087 Peter Caplow Joe Foto wrote: > I was mistaken on the price, but that's still a great price on a > Rollei MF kit. That's the one I'm getting for the Mrs. Once you shoot > with Zeiss glass, you'll never go back to anything else. > > JF > Peter Caplow [email protected] wrote > > I just tried to "check it out" at the B&H site as you suggested. Their cheapest complete Rollei kit is a "6001 > > Professional Medium Format SLR Camera Kit with 80mm f/2.8 EL Lens, 120 Film Back and Folding Waist Level > > Viewfinder" B&H# RO6001K, for $1,899.99. > > > > Peter Caplow


From rollei mailing list: Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Tokina makes the Rolleinar lenses? Austin Franklin at [email protected] wrote: >> It may surprise you to know that Tokina makes the Rolleinar lenses for >> the SLR Rolleiflexes. > > Is this true? > > Thanks, > > Austin There were three of these lenses for 6000 series cameras, 50/4, 80/2.8, and 150/4. They were called Rolleigon, not Rolleinar. These were made by Tokina for Rollei, but Rollei made the shutters and barrels and Tokina only made the optics. These were discontinued in 1989. I've owned all three and they are excellent optically. For the 35mm Rollei there was a series of lenses sold as Rolleinar. These were made by Mamiya/Sekor and are optically identical to the lenses for Mamiya's 35mm SLR cameras. After Mamiya shut down 35mm production, Rollei went shopping for sources and first gave the contract to Makina. Makina could not meet Rollei quality control standards, so this line was killed and Rollei got lenses from Kino Precision, Sigma, Tokina and others. Tokina did make a few of these lenses, but most were made by other firms. Bob


from rollei mailing list: Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2002 From: David Seifert [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Tokina makes the Rolleinar lenses? Austin, Yes, it is true! According to Prochnow all the Rolleinar and many of the Voigtlander badged lenses for the 35mm SLR systems were made by a variety of Japanese optics manufacturers, Tokina among them. If you would like specifics, I will be glad to drag out the books. Best Regards, David Seifert you wrote: > > It may surprise you to know that Tokina makes the Rolleinar lenses for > > the SLR Rolleiflexes. >Is this true? > >Thanks, > >Austin


[ed. note: replaceable serial number rings - may impact dates, hide thefts etc.?] From rollei mailing list: Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Oberkochen Marc James Small at [email protected] wrote: > There is a real problem with the serial numbers on many SL66 lenses, as > these bear serial numbers which should date from 1959 or 1960. Either > Franke & Heidecke had ordered a number of these lenses when they were first > considering production of the SL66, or whether Zeiss simply had an empty > block of numbers to use, or whether Zeiss had reserved the block in 1959 > for SL66 lens production, we probably will never know. Or, perhaps Zeiss had already made a large number of front rings with serial numbers already on them and passed these to Rollei. I know that Rollei keeps these rings in stock for at least some lenses and if you buy one to replace a damaged or lost one you change the lens serial number when you do that. This is true on the lenses for SLX/6000 series as well. I had to replace one a couple years ago when the front of one of my lenses just unscrewed itself and fell off, and the name ring was lost in the woods somewhere. The new ring was a special order from Germany and took some time to get, but had a totally different serial number so I had to change my insurance inventory accordingly. Bob


From rollei mailing list: Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 From: Bob Shell [email protected] Subject: Re: [Rollei] Oberkochen Per Einar Forberg at [email protected] wrote: > But I can't remember reading that rollei was the manufactorer of the later > lenses. > I've been told so many times, but I can't remember ever reading this my self. I don't know when it happened, but Rollei licensed the rights to make the 50, 80, 150 and 250 from Zeiss. Bob


From: Lourens Smak [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Help for Rollei extension rings Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 [email protected] (winston) wrote: > Does old 6000 serious extension ring works on rollei 6008i? if so, > any limitation on that? They work, but they don't transfer the PQ functions; the lens+ring works just as an older HFT lens would, when mounted on the 6008. The rings can be upgraded to full PQ specification. ;-) Lourens


From: [email protected] (Duane K) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Rollei distagon 50mm only 2.6?! Date: 19 Sep 2002 [email protected] (brian) wrote... > "Pho-Ku" [email protected] wrote > > http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html > > > > Its the worst lens in all of the MF lenses photodo has tested... is that > > right? > > The truth hurts, as you can tell by the responses to this thread. The > Photodo curves indicate that the lens has alot of lateral chromatic > aberration (color fringing). You can tell this because the tangential > curves (dashed lines) show little or no improvement when stopping down > from f/4 to f/8, whereas the sagittal curves (solid lines) improve a > great deal. Color fringing shows up only in the tangential direction, > and does not improve as you stop down, which would explain the Photodo > results. This type of aberration is common in wide angle retrofocus > lenses. > > Manufacturing tolerances may have also played a role here. Perhaps > someone who actually owns this lens can post a high resolution scan. > > Brian > www.caldwellphotographic.com I'm pretty sure this lens is for the SL66 and is probably only single coated. (Similar lenses but multicoated are noted on Photodo as HFT). I have this particular lens and can say that it's not up to the standard set by the 80 f/2.8 Planar and 150 f/4 Sonnar. Don't get me wrong; it's a pretty good lens, especially considering it's mid 60's design but technology and in particular retrofocus lens design has marched forward. 'Blad and Rollei have replaced this lens with a floating element design. I think my sample is good. It hasn't been abused but it's not as crisp as I'd like it to be, especially for closer subjects. If you look for various postings by Cornelius Fleischer of Zeiss he confirms that the newer lenses are better. Now having said that, look at the quality that Barry Thornton is able to get out of his in his book "Edge of Darkness" (www.barrythornton.com). His technique and choice of materials clearly enables him to achieve all the performance that this lens is capable of. Cheers, Duane


From: "Ross McLeish" [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Help for Rollei extension rings Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 Lourens, I have read this about the older items previously but it has always mystified me somewhat........I have and use several items from the SLX range: extension rings, tele-converter, etc. As far as I can tell they all transfer settings and work perfectly with my 6008i, and I use them in various manual, and priority mode settings. They have never been altered or 'PQd' . I purchased them from the original owner whom wouldn't have updated them as he used them with the SLX and sold all his equipment upon retiring. I've so far observed no difference in metering, etc, but maybe I'm just lucky. As the entire range of 6000 series accessories seem to have the same 10 gold-plated connectors, do you know what takes place in 'upgrading' them to 'PQ'? Apart from the teleconverter, they are of course, just empty barrels with 10 wire connections. One would expect that they should transfer PQ or PQS instructions between the relevant lenses and the 6008i? I do understand that the older lenses apparently work in 'stop-down' metering only, but assumed that was a function of the lens mechanism itself, and inherent in the older lenses (motor controlling the aperture blades, or whatever)? Has anyone else noticed this (they seem to work), or am I failing to observe something obvious? Ross. "Lourens Smak" [email protected] wrote > [email protected] (winston) wrote: > > > Does old 6000 serious extension ring works on rollei 6008i? if so, > > any limitation on that? > > They work, but they don't transfer the PQ functions; the lens+ring works > just as an older HFT lens would, when mounted on the 6008. > The rings can be upgraded to full PQ specification. > > ;-) > Lourens


From: Lourens Smak [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Help for Rollei extension rings Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 "Ross McLeish" wrote: > Lourens, I have read this about the older items previously but it has > always mystified me somewhat........I have and use several items from the > SLX range: extension rings, tele-converter, etc. As far as I can tell > they all transfer settings and work perfectly with my 6008i, and I use them > in various manual, and priority mode settings. They have never been altered > or 'PQd' . I purchased them from the original owner whom wouldn't have > updated them as he used them with the SLX and sold all his equipment upon > retiring. >From what I heard the connectors are not all used in the SLX-6006 series; they just made 10 of them to be "future-proof". I'm no expert on the technical side of things, I must add, and I don't have the old rings to test this. (it could mean that with old rings some of the contacts are not connected front-to-back...but that seems stupid and unlike Rollei.) Newer ones are marked ET9, ET17, etc. and "system 6000". > I've so far observed no difference in metering, etc, but maybe I'm just > lucky. As the entire range of 6000 series accessories seem to have the > same 10 gold-plated connectors, do you know what takes place in 'upgrading' > them to 'PQ'? Apart from the teleconverter, they are of course, just empty > barrels with 10 wire connections. One would expect that they should > transfer PQ or PQS instructions between the relevant lenses and the 6008i? > I do understand that the older lenses apparently work in 'stop-down' > metering only, but assumed that was a function of the lens mechanism itself, > and inherent in the older lenses (motor controlling the aperture blades, or > whatever)? Yes, older bodies (the SLX, 6002, 6006) measure *while* the lens is stopping down; when the measured light level is correct the stopping-down stops and the aperture will be a certain value. I think the biggest part of this mechanism must be in the body, but I'm not sure; Both body and lens must play a role but I have always found it a bit strange that open-aperture metering required new (PQ) lenses, with already so many contacts giving information to the body. but: there must be some electronic difference as old and new lenses have the same 10 contacts, but behave differently... maybe it's the same with the extension rings. (but I agree it seems highly unlikely) Sorry I can't tell you exactly what's the difference. ;-) Lourens.


From: [email protected] (brian) Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Rollei distagon 50mm only 2.6?! Date: 19 Sep 2002 "Pho-Ku" [email protected] wrote > http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html > > Its the worst lens in all of the MF lenses photodo has tested... is that > right? The truth hurts, as you can tell by the responses to this thread. The Photodo curves indicate that the lens has alot of lateral chromatic aberration (color fringing). You can tell this because the tangential curves (dashed lines) show little or no improvement when stopping down from f/4 to f/8, whereas the sagittal curves (solid lines) improve a great deal. Color fringing shows up only in the tangential direction, and does not improve as you stop down, which would explain the Photodo results. This type of aberration is common in wide angle retrofocus lenses. Manufacturing tolerances may have also played a role here. Perhaps someone who actually owns this lens can post a high resolution scan. Brian www.caldwellphotographic.com


From: "Daniel ROCHA" [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Bronica SQ-Ai system Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2002 Gordon Moat wrote: > Out of curiosity, how much do you find the 6008, back and 80 mm > selling for used? These are not so common in the US, but it would be > nice to compare prices. Most of my relatives are in Germany, though > they tell me new prices are better in the US for Rollei 6000 gear. Used a 6008 can vary of price so much... A 6008 Pro (discontinued) can cost 770 Euros The 80/2,8 can be found for approx 400 Euros A 120 back cost approx 380 Euros. I have seen a 6003 Pro for 1650 Euros. Prices in Germany are lower than in France for new gear. I suppose it's the same for used gear !


From: "Daniel ROCHA" [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Rollei EL Lenses ! Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 Hello All, For the 600x Series of 6x6 reflex from Rollei they are for example the : Rollei 80 mm f 2.8 Planar HFT EL Zeiss 80 mm f 2.8 Planar HFT PQ EL for "Economical Lens", and PQ for "Professional Quality". The price difference is tiny. What is really the difference between both lenses ? Is the optics different ?? Thanks for any information :)


From: Laurent Wirmer [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Rollei EL Lenses ! Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 > EL for "Economical Lens", and PQ for "Professional Quality". > > The price difference is tiny. What is really the difference between both > lenses ? The EL have no filter byonet, but 67 mm for screw > Is the optics different ?? AFAIK no -- Laurent Wirmer Homepage: http://www.photo-square.com


From: Lourens Smak [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Rollei EL Lenses ! Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2002 Laurent Wirmer wrote: > > EL for "Economical Lens", and PQ for "Professional Quality". > > > > The price difference is tiny. What is really the difference between both > > lenses ? > > The EL have no filter byonet, but 67 mm for screw The front bayonet is a very expensive part... another difference is that there is no window on these lenses that shows the aperture on A setting with older camera's like the 6006. > > Is the optics different ?? > > AFAIK no No indeed. But, because of the 2nd difference, the EL lenses can not be used on the SLX, 6002 and 6006, while PQ lenses can be used. (PQS can also not be used, the PQS shutter needs more power than PQ and the stronger current could damage older bodies electronics, a sticker warns against this.) ;-) Lourens



From: "Neil Gould" [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: H1 overpriced? Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 Hi, John Halliwell [email protected] wrote: > Neil Gould [email protected] writes > >That's why there are choices in the market! But, as you're using a > > Mamiya 645, I'm curious as to why you think the Rollei 6000 series > > is a "completely orthogonal" choice? What comparative issues > > (besides the cost of lenses) draw such clear lines of difference for > > you? > > For me it's because it's totally dependent on a custom 10v NiCad > battery. Reliance on battery power is not a real problem for me as long > as I can easily carry several spares. NiCad batteries have a real > problem draining themselves all on their own. I see, so it's the electronic basis of the Rollei 6000s that makes it an orthogonal choice? The batteries are really not much of a problem. One battery does a lot. It charges from drained to full in about an hour, and is good for a lot of shooting. The only time that it would likely be an issue is if it isn't charged over a period of weeks. I have no way of testing Rollei's claim that the charge will last for about 100 rolls of film, as I never shoot that much in a month. But, even 25% of that figure would be more than satisfactory for my needs, and from what David says, 5% would suffice. > For many shooters this won't be a problem, but if you think you may one > day take the camera overseas, that means taking the charger, and > adapters with you. It's just the extra hassle involved. The charger is compact, easily fits in a pocket of a typical camera case, and shouldn't require adapters for U.S., European or Asian power (switchable for 120 / 220v). It also can be powered from a 12v car battery, and has the necessary adapter cables with it. It's really an elegant design, IMO. Regards, -- Neil Gould Terra Tu AV http://www.terratu.com


Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002 From: Gordon Moat [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Get used Gear ! Which brand ? In the US, the 6000 series Rollei are often undervalued used, and can be a good deal. However, they are far less numerous than Hasselblad in the US. Rental Rollei lenses are not common in cities in the US, but Hasselblad lenses are fairly numerous in rental gear. Rollei USA often has very good deals for 6001 kits (new). The 6008 offers quite a few more built in functions. I tried a friend's 6008, and really liked the handle for hand held shooting. I know this would be less of an issue for night shooting, since you would be often using a tripod. Either body would work well on a tripod, especially if you have a hand held light meter. Another one to look for is the 6003. This is similar to a 6008, and takes many of the same accessories. The idea of any Rollei is the system. The Rollei web site addresses which items work on which bodies, for example only some of the 6001 can use the hand grip. The 6003 may not come with a hand grip, but the 6008 often was sold with it. The lens choices are the big issues. If you can get a lower cost body, and have money for another lens, then that might make one a better choice than another. Check out more here: http://www.sl66.com/slx/models.htm Rollei 6000 series model review Last word on the Bronica line is that the ETR series has been well supported and good sellers in the US. I am not so sure how good a sales in other parts of the world. This series is 645, which might not be as good a choice as square format, depending on your shooting. If you find yourself cropping to 645 size, then an ETRSi might be something to consider. Ciao! Gordon Moat Alliance Graphique Studio http://www.allgstudio.com


From: "David J. Littleboy" [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: Get used Gear ! Which brand ? Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2002 "Gordon Moat" [email protected] wrote: > The lens choices are the big issues. If you can get a lower cost body, and > have money for another lens, then that might make one a better choice than > another. Check out more here: It seems to me that the lenses are the killer. They're not commonly available used, and exhorbitant new. The money you save on buying a new Mamiya 645 three-lens kit (vs. used Rollei plus two new lenses) will buy you an RB or RZ. There's a review of the Zeiss 60/3.5 on photo.net now (and the following rant by yours truly). The Mamiya 55/2.8 is faster, well under 1/2 the weight (305 vs. 770 grams), and 1/4 the price (assuming you can get it for US$1600; some places want US$2600). And how much better can the Zeiss lens be? The review notes that it's noticeably softer outside the f/8 to f/11 range, as is the Mamiya. But the Mamiya holds up nicely to 4000 dpi scans in that range. David J. Littleboy Tokyo, Japan


From: Richard Fateman [email protected] Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format Subject: Re: User's Manual Rollei 8008i Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2003 J.P. wrote: > 1. Can I use 80 mm Plenar in reverse mode without Rollei distance ring > (obviously in Manual mode) There is an expensive reverse mount adapter which allows you to mount any lens backwards and maintain control of the shutter and aperture. It would NOT be in manual mode necessarily. If you want to focus closer, I do not think this would help unless you had an extension tube or bellows. > 2. Is any noticeable quality difference between 40mm Distagon PQ and > not PQ. > regards J.P. In regard to some of the other answers, the lenses from 6006 series (non-PQ) can all be used on 6008i but metering is only in stop-down mode. If you are comparing identical lenses in the HFT and HFT+PQ or HFT+PQS models, they would probably be the same optically except for age.


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