Rolleiflex SLX MF Camera
Photo thanks to Bob Bilow - [email protected]
Related Local Links:
Rollei 600x series features chart
Rollei SL-66 series Med. Fmt. SLR
Rollei 600x series MF SLR
The Rollei SLX is a continuation of the innovative Rollei designs which
have helped set the pace for medium format photographers over the last
decade. See Camera Library Pages for links
to listing showing the features of the various Rollei medium
format SLRs.
Rolleiflex SLX & 80 2.8 Planar. This is a super close to MINT example of this GERMAN MADE medium format(6cm x 6cm) SLR. This includes built in motorized film advance, removeable waist level finder with flip up magnifier, one film insert, heavy duty strap, hot shoe and PC sync, battery, charger and the renowned 80mm 2.8 Rollei - HFT Planar lens. This model also features interchangeable focusing screens (the standard split image central spot fresnel screen is the only one included).
Rollei SL related notes:
Date: Wed, 13 May 1998
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Re: From 6008i manual
A while back we had a discussion here about which 6000 series lenses could
be used on which 6000 series cameras. I remembered being told something by
a Rollei staff person at photokina about not using new lenses on old
cameras. I was told here that this was nonsense, and that any lens could
be used on any camera.
Yesterday I got a 6008 Integral camera system. In the manual for the
camera this statement appears:
''PQS lenses can be used only with theRolleiflex 6008 and 6003. PQ lenses
can be used with all cameras of the Rolleiflex 6000 series.''
So I was remembering correctly. I would assume that the PQS lenses can
also be used on the 6001 and that this was printed before that camera
appeared.
Any comments on why this might be so? I had planned to use the new PQS
Planar on my old 6006 as well as on the 6008 and 6001, but will not do so
until I can find out about this.
Bob
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Re: 6000 series lens compatibility
On the question of 6000 series lenses:
I just received a phone call from Bernd Francke (which is as close to the
horse's mouth as we are likely to get on this) in response to my query
about lens compatibility. Here is what he said. PQS lenses have higher
current draw due to their different linear motor systems. The older
cameras were not designed for this higher current draw and can be damaged.
He said that SLX cameras would DEFINITELY be damaged if PQS lenses are used
on them, and that 6006 cameras would PROBABLY be damaged if PQS lenses were
used on them. Therefore the factory recommends using PQS lenses ONLY on
6008, 6003 and 6001 cameras. PQ lenses can be used safely on any 6000
series camera. Thus I am well advised not to use my new 80 mm Planar PQS
on my 6006.
This is, in fact, what I recalled the Rollei tech person telling me in
Germany, and my memory is vindicated.
Bob
Date: Tue, 19 May 1998
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Remote release MRC 120 info needed
>Hi... > >I picked up a remote shutter release (MRC 120) at a swap meet over the >weekend thinking that it'll simply plug into the camera but it doesn't. >The remote is a small retangular device with a switch between SE and ME as >well as two buttons, mirror and start and two LEDs. > >The plug at the end of the remote is shaped like a smaller version of the >computer keyboard plug but with 7 pins. The pins appear too big to plug >into the camera body. > >Is there a piece missing? > >regards, >WL
The remote release has a standard DIN plug at the end of its cable. Unless
someone has replaced that plug with something else, it will plug into the
socket on the side of the camera.
There is also the remote release for the SL2000 and 3000 cameras, but that
uses a smaller DIN plug, not a larger one. I made an adapter from Radio
Shack parts once so I could use this one on the 6006 cameras.
I also built an infrared remote release for my Rollei cameras from some
Radio Shack stuff and a defunct slide projector which had IR remote
control. I still use it now and then. Martin Arndt at Marflex sent me a
diagram of which pin does what so I could connect this stuff up right.
Bob
Date: Sun, 31 May 1998
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rolleigon lenses
>On my quest for an affordable SLR Rollei I encountered a mint 6002, with 3 >Rolleigon lenses (50, 80 and 150 mm). I have no experience with these >lenses. The only remark I read in an old report is that the optical >qualityof the 80 mm was rated a little bit below the Zeiss equivalent >(Planar), but that its mechanical properties were good. >I am very interested in test results and experiences with these >lenses. >Jan Helder >[email protected] >
The Rolleigon lenses you mention were made by Tokina in Japan under
contract from Rollei. They are exceptionally good. In my own experience
the 80 and 150 are better than their Zeiss counterparts. I have not tried
the 50.
They were discontinued because they just would not sell. BTW, if you
decide not to buy this system I'd like to be put in touch with the seller.
I've been looking for one of these 150 lenses for several years.
Bob Shell
From: "Bob Salomon" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: OPINIONS WANTED: Is Hasselblad worth it?
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998
NASA used standard, off the shelf 6008 SRC 1000 cameras but used their own
battery cells in the 10V battery. The only modifications made after NASAs
out gassing tests were to put a neoprene rubber ring on the front of each
filter (Heliopan) and lens to prevent them from scratching the quartz
windows in the Shuttle. They also used a lot of Velcro on the camera to hold
things like the darkslide for the 70mm back (they do not use 120 or 220 in
the Rollei.
They also fly without the charger as they can not use a battery charger in
flight.
On the otherhand considerable changes were made in the Linhof Aero Technika
they use which resukted in changed being made to the standard Aero Technika.
This includes now using the vacuum pump motors in the back that NASA speced.
NASA does not hang them under the wing. That was done by the RAF who hung
them under a Jaguar jet for air to air photography. Also they used 6006
cameras not the 6008s. They were suspended with a Nikon under the wing in an
add on box/
PLEASE ADDRESS ALL FUTURE E-MAIL TO ME AT:
[email protected]
HP Marketing Corp. U.S. distributor for Amazon, Braun, Gepe, Giottos, GO
Light, Heliopan, HP Combi Plan T, Kaiser fototechnik, KoPho cases, Linhof,
Pro Release, Rimowa, Rodenstock, Rollei fototechnic, Sirostar 2000
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei versus Hasselblad
>New to this list, and let me take a chance in hopes of avoiding lots >of "flames"...honest question(s) from an amateur, not a collector who >is interested in adding to his Medium Format gear as retirement >approaches and more time for picture taking and travel nears. > >Have a Rollei 6006, 80 and 150 HFT lenses. Wondering now if changing >to mechanical Hasselblad has anything at all to commend it such as >ergonomics, repair record, availabilty of accessories, etc. Suspect >many on this list have decided on Rollei rather then Hasselblad, and I >am very curious to know why the choice in SLR was to Rollei. Have any >of you compared the 500 Hasselblad series to the Rollei 6....series, >and would you care to offer any suggestions and guidance? > > >Thanks for any input. > >Elliot
Hasselblad established their reputation for reliability with the 500C and
its successors, which were originally selling against the early Bronica
cameras. The Bronica Nikkor lenses were exceptional, and in some cases
better designs (e.g. the 40 mm which was tiny compared to the great hulking
beast Zeiss cooked up for the Hassy, and in my side-by-side tests just as
good optically.)
Pros in those days bought Hasselblad because of reliability, flash synch at
all speeds, and lens quality, and put up with things like dismally dim
viewfinders because they thought they were supposed to. Once Hasselblad
became firmly entrenched, it was hard to change the trend.
Rollei has been technologically miles ahead of Hasselblad since the SLX.
But, here in the USA anyway, Hasselblad was still the camera of choice
because so many pros used them that the beginning and wannabe pro just
automatically bought one. The situation is similar with Nikon. Because
of the legendary durability of the original Nikon F (my friend Marty
Forscher has called it a hockey puck that took pictures), pros bought them.
Later when Canon introduced the F-1, which was head and shoulders ahead in
technology, pros for the most part still bought Nikon. Pros develop buying
habits and are hard to change.
Also, if you want to borrow or rent lenses you will have no problem if you
use Hasselblad and Nikon. Rental houses always have plenty of lenses to
fit both. If you use Rollei you will be lucky to find a rental house
anywhere with ANY lenses on hand. In 35 mm if you shoot Canon you will
find far fewer rental houses with lenses. Canon has made up for this to a
large extent with Canon Professional Services, and if you can prove you are
a pro you can borrow almost anything from them. I am encouraging the new
Rollei people in the USA to set up something similar.
Just a few thoughts.
Bob
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 1998
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei USA. When??
>Is H&P Marketing still handling the distribution of Rollei 6X6 cameras in >the U.S.? Or is Rollei U.S.A. now in business? If not, when will they >start up their U.S. operations? > >Jim Bielecki
Jim,
Rollei Fototechnik in New Jersey took over distribution last month. They
share offices and facilities with Samsung USA. The head man, Jeff Carp, is
an old friend of mine, previously with Sunpak, and very experienced in the
photo industry.
And, get this because it is so unusual, Jeff is actually one damned fine
photographer!!!!
Bob
[Ed. note: fyi re: prices (presumed already sold...)]
From: [email protected] (oddjob)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: for sale:- Rolleiflex SLX 6x6cm camera
Date: 15 Aug 1998
Rolleiflex SLX 6x6cm camera
Rolleiflex SLX 6x6cm camera in GWO, nicad's, ok, complete with:-
80mmf2.8 Planar, 120/220 roll film holder + one spare.
SLX/SL66Desktop charger+ in car charger adapter.
Remote control. The optics are pretty fabulous....
350ukp
Collection from London NW6
Steve Walters: G7VFY: 0956-544202 [email protected]
[ed. note: sample prices on r.p.m.]
rec.photo.marketplace
From: [email protected] (Carl S Naylor)
[1] Rollie slx
Date: Sat Sep 12 10:58:34 CDT 1998
for sale: Rollie slx with f2.8 80mm planar
lens shade
remote cord
2 rollie filters
filter adaptor
charger
6*6 back
ex shape except for cleaning scratch on frensel scre
$700.00 or consider trade for hasseblad equipment
Stan Naylor
[Ed. note: sample price point info...]
From: [email protected] (Carl S Naylor)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Rollie slx
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1998 13:50:48 GMT
for sale: Rollie slx with f2.8 80mm planar
lens shade
remote cord
2 rollie filters
filter adaptor
charger
6*6 back
ex shape except for cleaning scratch on frensel screen
$700.00 or consider trade for hasseblad equipment
Stan Naylor
[Ed. - sample ad...]
From: [email protected] (Carl S Naylor)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.marketplace
Subject: Rollie SLX \ 80 mm \6*6 120 back $600.00
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 1998
lens is clear with no marks or scratches
frensel screen has cleaning scratches in center
rub marks where straps connects to camera
no dings or dents
works perfect
$600.00 plus shipping and insurance . Rollie SLX outfit
regards
Stan
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998
From: "Michael J. Buchmeier" [email protected]
Reply to: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Rollei Batteries
I'd like to pass on a recent experience I had with Rollei parts.
I bought a mintish Rollei SLX with 80mm planar and 50mm distagon for a
very good (low) price because the battery was dead and wouldn't take a
charge. After establishing that the camera was in good working order
with a friend's battery I began looking for a new replacement. I first
checked a local pro shop who quoted me $157 for a new battery, then
Marflex who quoted me full list of $196 for a new battery and $95 to
rebuild my old one. (Another service shop quoted $90 to do the rebuild).
Then I called B&H who quoted $99.95 for a brand new battery. I ordered
two on tuesday afternoon and had them in hand on thursday.
Michael Buchmeier ([email protected])
From Medium Format Digest:
From: Paul Hampton [email protected]
Subject: Response to Budget MF: Which one, vote now
Date: 1999-01-13
I would take a STRONG look at a Rollei SLX. You get built in winder, meter, DOF preview button, German optics along with both 120 and 220 film capability. Hadley Chamberlain shows one on his web site with an 80/2.8 HFT Plannar and a charger (Exc.+++) for $695.00. He's at www.HECPHOTO.com
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999
From: Reg Ronaldson [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] Interesting SLX
Saw an unusual SLX at a local camera fair this weekend. It had
transparent side panels showing all the electronics.
Reg Ronaldson
Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Rollei Rear Lens Cap For Sale
>A while ago I ordered a rear lens cap from KEH for my SL66 lenses. The >one I got did not fit my lenses and must be from the SLX or 6000 series. >Here is the description: >77 mm diameter >14 mm deep >4 flanges on inside, evenly spaced (about half way down) >says "Rollei" on front. >If anyone is interested, I sell it for $ 5 + 1.50 postage. > >Jan >[email protected]
Sounds like a 6000 series rear cap.
BTW, trivia. Hasselblad rear caps will fit Rollei SLX and 6000 series
lenses just fine, and are often easier to find.
Bob
From: "Michael W. Hilgert" [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei SLX
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999
As far as I know these Packs are "repaired" by Rollei Germany for something
around 100,- DM (ca. 60 $ ??).
But in fact, re-celling the battery is still much cheaper. A friend of mine
gave me the tip to exchange the temperature sensor (lies between the cells,
two thin black wires) with a resistor of 16 kOhm to reduce the charging
current.
bye,
Michael
From: [email protected] (Wilf Lee)
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei SLX
Date: Wed, 03 Feb 1999
On 2 Feb 1999 20:19:35 GMT, [email protected] (Coachmcder) wrote:
>I have a Rollei SLX and was wondering where I could go to get a new battery >when the time comes to replace the one I have. Any info would be greatly >appreciated.
The cheapest way to go is to 're-cell' the battery. Simply remove the
tiny phillips-head screws, desolder a few connections and pull the
battery pack out. You also have the option to replace the standard
SLX cells with higher capacity cells that last much longer. The newer
6008s uses the higher capacity cells as I belive 6008s have higher
current drain than SLX.
When you put it all back together, you can also run longer wires
between the battery and the battery casing. I use the my camera a lot
outdoors and the battery dies quickly in -20 weather (but comes alive
after warmed up). So I simply keep the battery pack warm in my shirt
pocket and run a wire to the battery casing which plugs into my
camera. Works great!
If you're not comfortable with desoldering your battery, new ones can
always be purchased at B&H or WallStreetCamera.
regards,
WL
[Ed. note: sample price point for Rollei SLX under $1k (presumably
sold fast?)]
From the Rollei List Friday Sale Postings:
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 1999
From: George Gilliam [email protected]
Subject: [Rollei] FS: Rollei SLX & 80/2.8 Planar
For Sale:
Rollei SLX body (later model) and G charger with 80/2.8 Planar HFT lens.
Both are in excellent + condition. Included: Rollei lens shade for
80-250mm, Rollei electronic remote release/mirror lock (short cable), one
spare roll film insert with case. $700 plus shipping.
Please email directly: [email protected]
George Gilliam
From Rollei Mailing List:
My 6006 is an early one, as is the 80 Planar on it. If you go back and look
at Modern and Pop from the days when this was current production, they both
had nothing good to say about the Rollei version and said it was not up to
the Zeiss-built one for Hasselblad. One of them even flunked the tests in
one of these mags, although I don't remember which. Color Foto also always
found the Rollei-built Planars did not score as high as the Zeiss-built ones.
Now I have shot my old Planar side by side with the latest one from
Hasselblad
and I can't see any difference, so this may be one of those cases of optical
bench testing not matchin field experience. I also compared my old Planar
against a brand new one from Rollei, and didn't see any difference.
So long as the lens is "good enough" I guess we should all be happy.
Bob
From: Denton Taylor [email protected]
We are starting a mailing list specifically dealing with Rollei SLRs,
in particular the 600x line of cameras, although of course discussion
of all Rollei SLR cameras such as the SLX etc is welcome. The focus of
this list will be on the Rollei SLR as a working tool.
For further information, and to subscribe, please visit
www.rolleislr.com. There you will find instructions on subscribing,
list policies, administrators, and links to various sites featuring
Rollei SLRs. We hope this will become the premiere source for
information on these superb photographic tools.
Feel free to email me with any questions you may have, and we hope to
see you on the list!
Regards,
Photogallery at www.dentontaylor.com.
From Rollei Mailing List:
We went through this some time ago, and I got the information direct from
Mr. Franke at Rollei, USA. You can not safely use the PQ-S lenses on
older cameras without risk of damage. He said on a 6006 you might get
away with it, but it is not recommended, and these lenses will definitely
damage the electronics on an SLX.
Bob
.....
From Rollei Mailing List:
Von: Jan B�ttcher [email protected]
Mr. Schmidt of Rollei Fototechnic GmbH and one of the technicians of a
large Rollei-specialised company here in Germany told me, that there is no
problem with PQ-Lenses on SLX and 6002 as well. The problem of "burning"
the internal circuits of the body only occurs if someone tries to connect
a PQS-lens to a non-PQS-Body like SLX, 6002 and 6006.
I often use PQ-lenses on my older bodies (SLX, 6002), until now no
problems.
Did you check the lens on someone elses SLX? Did you change the
NiCad-Pack?
Does the problem occur on all shutter speeds?
sincerely,
Michael
From Rollei Mailing List:
I don't understand why he would say that.
Now in the SLX the first version is best avoided, while the later ones
were much better. Later ones have black rings around the shutter
release button, early ones chrome.
Maybe I am just lucky and got a trouble free first version 6006,
but I have never heard any mention of either version being
troublesome.
Bob
----------
From Rollei Mailing List:
The early SLX cameras were prone to electronic component failure.
Later ones seem to have cured that.
Bob
----------
From: [email protected] (ROBOHAT)
I have a question on Rollei SLX. I read that it allows no program or
aperture priority exposure but shutter priority. My question is can I
manually set aperture and shutter sepereately? I understand that there
is no manual metering in this camera but would it possible act as no
metering?
Thanks in advance.
J. S.
Yes you can set the exposure manually on the SLX.
But you do so without benefit of the meter.
Or you can press the shutter button part way and get a meter reading and
then set your exposure manually based upon the reading. Usually the SLX
meter will prove to be accurate and you may only go with manual exposure
metering for unusual metering conditions. Hope that you like the SLX.
Bob H.
Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000
I bought a brand new SLX with 80mm Planar, battery charger and electronic
mirror pre-release/cable release from Smile Photo in New York about 15
years ago for $840. They were closing them out at the time. The aperture
ring was a sloppy fit and there was a screw missing on the back of the
lens so I sent it to Marflex, the only place in the US that repairs these
cameras, under warranty. It came back worse than it started so I sent it
back a second time with similar results. The 3rd time they finally got it
right.
It had a remarkably accurate exposure system. I don't think many people
realize how complex the operating cycle was that calculated those
exposures. When the shutter release was pressed, the aperture would close
completely so that it resembled a closed leaf shutter. Then the meter
(which looked through a semi-silvered section of the mirror) would take
and store an instantaneous reading which represented the light coming in
through the viewfinder. Then the aperture would start to open as the
meter continuously read the total light and subtracted the earlier
reading. When the correct light level was reached, the aperture would
stop opening, the leaf shutter would close as the mirror was raised, the
light baffle in front of the film would open, the shutter would open and
close, the light baffle would close, and the mirror would drop as the
aperture and shutter returned to their full open positions and the film
was wound to the next frame.
I always carried a spare pre loaded film insert which made film changing
super fast. When I wanted lots of light I would attach a Metz CT45 (dual
flash heads) to the camera's built in quick release tripod mount and stick
a Vivitar 283 in the flash shoe on the opposite side. Both flashes worked
together to provide full auto exposure. It was an impressive amount of
on-camera light.
After 5 years, when I tired of medium format, as I used to do
periodically, I could hardly give the SLX away. There have never been any
Rollei dealers in Minnesota and the demand for used Rolleis back then was
minimal. I ended up selling it at a photo swap meet for something like
$250 in like new condition.
It was a lovely camera, and aside from the poor service at Marflex, I can
only think of 3 negatives: a) It was very difficult to avoid using it
exclusively as a snapshot camera because of its point and shoot
simplicity. b) It was totally battery dependent and the batteries were
heavy and expensive and only provided enough power after the first low
battery warning for perhaps 3 or 4 exposures. and c) It blew fuses in the
battery for a while. I can no longer remember the cause nor how the
problem was solved.
Peter Caplow
[email protected] wrote:
From Rollei Mailing List;
Nope. The SLX and 6000 series Rollei cameras have been leaf shutter in
the lens designs from day one. The discontinued SL66 series was focal
plane.
All Rollei SLX/6000 series lenses have leaf shutters and diaphragms
actuated by what Rollei calls "linear motors", which might more accurately
be described as double solenoid systems. No springs drive the shutter
mechanism. The only connections between camera body and lens are a series
of gold-plated electrical contacts, a system other camera makers are just
now starting to catch up with.
Regardless of who builds the lenses, Rollei builds and supplies the
shutter/diaphragm module to the lens maker.
Rollei shutters come in two diameters, one used in ordinarly lenses like
the 80mm f/2.8, 150mm f/4, etc. The larger diameter shutter makes
possible the offering of lenses like the 80mm f/2, 110mm f/2, 180mm f/2.8,
etc. Rollei also makes the PQ-S shutter. S is for "schnell", fast, and
this is the only current production leaf shutter to offer flash synch at
1/1000 second.
When it comes to leaf shutter technology Rollei is the "leader of the
pack".
Hasselblad could not offer the 110mm f/2 in a shutter because their
shutter supplier, Prontor, doesn't make one big enough.
Bob
From Rollei Mailing List;
Yup, that's all there is to it. Rollei lenses for SLX, 6006, 6008i and
any 6000 series camera all have the same lens mount, and all work fine.
You can use the oldest lenses on the newest cameras. The only thing you
can't do is use the newest PQ-S lenses on the older cameras.
FYI, the mount dimensions are the same as Hasselblad, so you can use
Hasselblad rear lens caps which are more common than Rollei ones in the
used arena.
Bob
From Rollei Mailing List;
you wrote:
Let's note that while the lenses will work they won't have all the
functions of PQ lenses.
On the 6003 in aperture-priority mode metering is actually done
stop-down. The camera stops down the lens, the meter takes a peek, then
the exposure is made; this causes a short but noticeable delay compared to
a PQ lens. I think the 6008 series would work the same way although I
don't know and have never tried it.
There may also be oddities in which functions will work. I suppose it'd
be possible to determine by serial number what'll work but I've never been
curious enough to find out.
Two of my old lenses will do aperture-priority and shutter-priority but
won't do program, while the other will do aperture-priority only, no
shutter-priority or program. I don't know what vintages these are other
than that the latter one came in on a 6006 body. All will do manual just
fine.
The big Schneider zoom for cheap in 6006 mount is lots better than
wishing for (but definitely not buying) the PQ version, only $4999 at B&H.
[g]
BTW, if anyone wonders about the 140-280 zoom, it's mighty good.
John Hicks
From Rollei Mailing List:
Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2002
From: John Hicks [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] SL66 or SLX, opinions? (was Rolleiwide? Who cares?)
you wrote:
>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.
Well, the SLX does have a reputation for electronics failures but so does
just about every other electronically-controlled camera of that era such as
the Nikkormat EL, Leica R3, Minolta XK etc. That was in infancy of
electronically-controlled cameras and of course designers and manufacturers
have learned a whole lot since then. The most worrisome point of that
vintage camera is that an electronics failure is essentially unrepairable.
tage camera is that an electronics failure is essentially unrepairable.
> A customer at Koh's said MF SLRs have too much mirror shudder. The
>salesman at Neptune said MFs are a waste of money.
Those people are so full of it they'd clog up a septic tank.
>So many opinions already.
Yep. Note that you don't find all that many opinions from pros; they're
too busy using these cameras that have too much mirror shock and are a
waste of money to stand around shops and talk about them.
Wanting to go very high-quality but relatively cheap and very
reliable/repairable, I'd prefer the SL-66 or a Hasselblad 500 C/M.
John Hicks
[email protected]
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?)
John Hicks at [email protected] wrote:
> Well, the SLX does have a reputation for electronics failures but so does
> just about every other electronically-controlled camera of that era such as
> the Nikkormat EL, Leica R3, Minolta XK etc. That was in infancy of
> electronically-controlled cameras and of course designers and manufacturers
> have learned a whole lot since then. The most worrisome point of that
> vintage camera is that an electronics failure is essentially unrepairable.
The early SLX cameras are very trouble prone. They have shutter release
buttons with chrome rings around them, and the whole shutter button can be
unscrewed and moved to any of the three sockets on the front of the camera.
Later ones have the ring around the shutter release molded as part of the
front plate and have two shutter release buttons with a cable release socket
in between. Those are much more reliable. There are also red button ones
and black button ones. I've been told the red button ones are better but
seen no real evidence of it myself. I work on SLX bodies and Rollei lenses
as a sort of hobby, and have five or six SLX bodies at the moment, only one
of which is 100% working. Mechanically they're very simple cameras since
all of the control is electronic.
Bob
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] SL66 or SLX, opinions? (was Rolleiwide? Who cares?)
Charles Everitt at [email protected] wrote:
> On SLX reliability: I owned an early example, and the body was fine, though
> the proprietary battery is a nuisance. But I had problems with the "linear
> motor" shutter in more than one lens. If I had found a technician who was
> familiar with the camera, my problems might have been solved, but as I
> said, it was an early example.
A shame. The linear motors cost about $ 60 each and are a snap to replace.
Bob
From: Lourens Smak [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Best Option for Entry-level Medium Format
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002
[email protected] (Philippe Tempel) wrote:
>Also good luck on renting
> any Rolleiflex 6000 equipment. Almost noone carries
> them.
What's with the renting thing? there's always someone who mentions this.
I have rented equipment several times, for example the Zeiss 30mm
fisheye (rented a 500cm to go with it, I use Rollei) and a Canon 400mm
F2.8 (rented a body with it, I have Nikons) What's the problem? the
extra $10 for renting a body?
> A used Rolleiflex SLX kit would be more reasonable.
> But I have heard that some older models can have
> electrical problems.
The SLX "type 1" with aluminium-color side-panels is the "unreliable"
one. Later ones (with black sidepanels) have far less problems, but of
course evene a "type 2" SLX is over 20 years old by now. It has more
electronics in it than the 6008...today everything fits on a few chips.
I have a type 1 which still works fine. (but it has needed service a
couple of times, like most heavily used equipment would have) My SLX
still gets to be used occasionally. (by coincidence last weekend; one
roll taken with autoexposure, still perfect...)
>The Rolleiflex 6000's are great cameras.
> They just never seemed to get the market presence
> they deserved.
And that's a stupid reason to NOT buy one if you want one. Now go count
the people who use a Horseman SW612.
;-)
Lourens
Date: Wed, 18 Aug 1999
From: Bob Shell
> Well, I dissent. This clearly has not been my own experience, nor that of
> Zeiss, who is most comfortable with Rollei's QA.
>
> Marc
>
> [email protected] FAX: +540/343-7315
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: New Rollei SLR/600x Mailing List
Date: 9 Nov 1999
Denton Taylor
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: Rollei TLR v SLR v Hassy
Date: Mon, 25 Oct 1999
From: "Michael W. Hilgert" [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] SLX and PQ lenses ?
An: [email protected]
Gesendet: Montag, 25. Oktober 1999
Betreff: Re: [Rollei] SLX and PQ lenses ?
> Hi Justin, I have a faint memory of somebody stating that the PQ-lenses
> need considerably more energy (current), than thte circuitry of the SLX
> will produce.
> Jan
Date: Tue, 09 May 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Re: 6006 Mod I & II
>From: [email protected]
>Subject: [Rollei] Re: 6006 Mod I & II
>Date: Tue, May 9, 2000, 3:56 PM
>
> Bob...
>
> I am sure Bob Solomon told me to avoid the Model I and find a Model II.
>
> I know it was not just the multiple exposure switch, because that is not
> very important to me.
>
> David
Date: Tue, 09 May 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] SLX
>From: "Carl Wegerer, III" [email protected]
>Subject: [Rollei] SLX
>Date: Tue, May 9, 2000, 5:16 PM
>
> What issue makes the SLX avoidable?
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: 28 Jul 2000
Subject: Re: rollei slx exposure
From: Peter Caplow [email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei SLX purchase decision
> Before I purchase a Rollei SLX kit I would like to find out opinions of
> current and previous users. What and are there concerns with the
> system? Are the current users happy with the system? Are they
> reliable? Do they deliver? What are the pros and cons? I am leaning
> strongly towards the Rollei but, I am also considering the Mamiya RB.
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Xeiss 110/f2 lens
> From: Austin Franklin [email protected]
> Reply-To: [email protected]
> Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000
> Subject: RE: [Rollei] Xeiss 110/f2 lens
>
> FYI, the Hasselblad version has no shutter...it's only for the focal plane
> shutter bodies. I thought the Rollei was a focal plane shutter camera?
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001
From: Bob Shell [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Voigtlander/6008i
> From: Tom Kline [email protected]
> Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001
> Subject: Re: [Rollei] Voigtlander/6008i
>
>> How can you use SLX lenses with the 6008i? Can you give me more info? Thanks,
>> Arthur
>
> Remove body cap, remove rear lens cap.
> Insert lens, twist to lock in place
> Bingo
>
> Tom Kline
> Cordova, Alaska
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001
From: John Hicks [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Rollei] Voigtlander/6008i
> Rollei lenses for SLX, 6006, 6008i and any
>6000 series camera all have the same lens mount, and all work fine.
Subject: Re: Rollei SLX
From: Bob Salomon [email protected]>
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2001
Q.G. de Bakker at [email protected] wrote:
> Neurula [Sydney] wrote:
>
>> Another question, sorry im so excited about this camera that I am not sure
>> if theres a catch or not:
>>
>> 1. Does it have interchangeable backs?
>
> No. Just interchangeable inserts.
>
>> 2. How do you tell if its Mk I or Mk II?
>
> I don't know. Sorry.
>
There was a 6x6 and a 645 back for the SLX.
The original model had removable shutter release buttons and a silver DOF
button.
The later models had removable shutter release buttons and a black DOF
button.
The 66 and 645 backs used the same inserts but those inserts do not fit
interchangeable back models as the opening is smaller where the pressure
plate fits through.
HP Marketing Corp. 800 735-4373 www.hpmarketingcorp.com
US distributor for: Ansmann, Braun, CombiPlan-T, DF Albums, Ergorest, Gepe,
Gepe-Pro, Giottos, Heliopan, Kaiser, Kopho, Linhof, Novoflex, Rimowa,
Rodenstock, Sirostar, Tetenal ink Jet Papers and cleaning cloths, VR Frames,
Vue-All archival film, slide and page protectors, Wista, ZTS
From: "Neurula [Sydney]" intelligence@!!!technologist.com>
Newsgroups: rec.photo.equipment.medium-format
Subject: Re: Rollei SLX Mk II made in germany?
Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001
I have decided to get either a Rollei SLX(mk II) or Mamiya RB67 Pro-S. Both
kits are within my price range
Rollei SLX:
Pros-
Light weight
good lens
metering
shutter priority
1.5 fps
Im Deutschphillic (is that even a word?)
Cons-
expensive lenses
no interchangeable backs
Although Mk II but can still be erratic??
RB67 Pro-S
Pros-
6x7!
good quality lenses
cheap lenses
great portrait+ macro camera
Cons-
Heavy!!!!
Heavy!!!!
Heavy!!!!
Can anyone else add to that?
Im mainly going to do street photography, if I wasn't id get the RB striaght
away, however the kind of street photography I want to do may change as a
result of getting a RB67, i.e. I might have to carry a tripod with me.
Thanks.
Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2002 0500
Subject: Re: [Rollei] External Power Supply
From: Bob Shell [email protected]>
To: [email protected]>
Reg Ronaldson at [email protected] wrote:
> There was some extensive discussion a while ago about using external
> power supplies with the Rollei SLX/6000 series cameras. Someone was
> using such an adaptor and gave some Rollei part numbers but I seem to
> have lost this information. Could they send the info again.
>
> I did enquire about these parts with a UK Rollei agent (yes there are
> some!) and I think I was told that they were listed with the Rollei
> technical camera series (???)
>
> Sorry to be so vague but I have lost some of my email files. This will
> teach me to back up useful information.
I don't have the Rollei part numbers. There is what is basically a dummy
battery with a mini-phone socket in the end. You can plug an external
battery holder into this with a cable. In theory you can also hook up
a mains adapter this way, but whether Rollei actually makes this part seems
to be in question. Certainly they did at one time. I would suspect that
an AC power supply from someone like Radio Shack could be made to work so
long as the output voltage was right.
Maybe someone on the list has actually done this. I made an external power
adapter for my 3003 camera when I was using that system years ago, and it
was all from off-the-shelf Radio Shack parts.
Bob
Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2002
Subject: Re: [Rollei] External Power Supply
From: Bob Shell [email protected]>
To: [email protected]>
Edward Meyers at [email protected] wrote:
> Bob, you don't happen to have the thing. It would work well
> on my two 3003 bodies. Ed
No, that's been a long time ago. If my memory is right it was just
an off-the-shelf Radio Shack power supply. I bought an empty battery
compartment and installed a mini-phone jack in it and used this to
connect it. I'm pretty sure the power requirements are in the
specs in the instruction book, but if not Martin Arndt can probably
tell you what they are. I think it's 7.5 V .
Bob