Rolleiflex SL66 advice
Xosni
some questions regarding this camera:
1-Is it a leaf shutter camera? What is the flash-synchro speed?
2- Rollei adopts the bayonet system, how can I use filters or a ring
flash?
Is there any adaptors to make it fit to the screw system or should I
get a designated special filter holder. I know that Rollei peoducts
are very expensive.
3. I read on a Rollei page that many lenses by different manufacturers
are made to fit with this sexy body; what are they? DO they mean
different lenses made specifically for Rollei or just different lenses
for other systems?
Xosni
Godfrey DiGiorgi
The Rolleiflex SL66 has a focal plane shutter. There were several lenses
made with leaf shutters as well to allow high speed flash sync.
> 2- Rollei adopts the bayonet system, how can I use filters or a ring
> flash?
> Is there any adaptors to make it fit to the screw system or should I
> get a designated special filter holder. I know that Rollei peoducts
> are very expensive.
There are adapters available. If you're thinking about buying a Rolleiflex
and have worries about your ability to pay for accessories like this, I'd
suggest looking elsewhere ... parts and accessories for Rollei cameras are
very pricey.
> 3. I read on a Rollei page that many lenses by different manufacturers
> are made to fit with this sexy body; what are they? DO they mean
> different lenses made specifically for Rollei or just different lenses
> for other systems?
If I recall correctly, both Zeiss and Schneider made lenses for the
Rolleiflex SL66. Since it is a focal plane shutter, other lenses could be
adapted fairly easily.
The SL66 is a beautiful camera, one of the cameras of that era that
remains appealing to me despite many more modern offerings, but I would
not consider buying one if I were on a budget. An older Hasselblad, while
perhaps about the same used price, tends to cost less for accessories, etc
due to the fact that there are so many more old Hassy bits available on
the used market.
Godfrey
eMeL
news:5cb2a3f0.02030...@posting.google.com...
> I'm thinking about buying a second-hand Rolleiflex SL66 but I have
> some questions regarding this camera:
>
> 1-Is it a leaf shutter camera? What is the flash-synchro speed?
No, it's a focal-plane shutter camera with the flash sync speed of 1/30s.
There are two leaf-shutter lenses made for SLX Distagon 80/4 LF and Sonnar
180/4 LF, which can synchronize with flash from 1/30 to 1/500s.
>
> 2- Rollei adopts the bayonet system, how can I use filters or a ring
> flash?
> Is there any adaptors to make it fit to the screw system or should I
> get a designated special filter holder. I know that Rollei peoducts
> are very expensive.
>
Rollei used to market a macro flash system for this camera, not a ring light
but two flash heads mounted on a connecting rod which was attached to the
system. For other accessories, there are adapters from B mounts to screw-in
mounts - not too expensive. B+W makes them and they are also available on
the used market. Besides, Rollei used to make lots of filters and
accessories for the SL, some of which are available on the used market.
> 3. I read on a Rollei page that many lenses by different manufacturers
> are made to fit with this sexy body; what are they? DO they mean
> different lenses made specifically for Rollei or just different lenses
> for other systems?
Zeiss (Oberkochen, i.e. West German Zeiss) and Rollei (Rolleigon lenses.)
Also Rodnestock Imagon is available for SL 66 and so are two or three lenses
made by Novoflex. Moreover, there are several lenses from Carl Zeiss Jena
(i.e. East German Zeiss) that fit the SL. For macro photography, there was
an adapter allowing the use of Schneider Componon enlarging lenses. There
are (might be..?) after-market Russian/Ukrainian lenses in SL 66 mount, and
Rollei itself used to make (market..?) an universal adapter which allows
(with some limitations, but still...) mounting of third-party lenses on the
SL.
Visit
http://www.sl66.com/welcome.htm
for more info.
Good shooting!
Michael
Denny Wong
eMeL <badb...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:u89qbfh...@corp.supernews.com...
> Xosni <xo...@gega.net> wrote in message
> news:5cb2a3f0.02030...@posting.google.com...
> > I'm thinking about buying a second-hand Rolleiflex SL66 but I have
> > some questions regarding this camera:
> >
> > 1-Is it a leaf shutter camera? What is the flash-synchro speed?
>
> No, it's a focal-plane shutter camera with the flash sync speed of 1/30s.
> There are two leaf-shutter lenses made for SLX Distagon 80/4 LF and Sonnar
> 180/4 LF, which can synchronize with flash from 1/30 to 1/500s.
>
Michael I think you meant Sonnar 150/4 LF right?
> >
> > 2- Rollei adopts the bayonet system, how can I use filters or a ring
> > flash?
> > Is there any adaptors to make it fit to the screw system or should I
> > get a designated special filter holder. I know that Rollei peoducts
> > are very expensive.
> >
>
There is Bay to 67mm adapter marketed by the different filter companies.
Due to long lens mount to film plate registered (don't remember the exact
number approx 104mm on SL66 vs 74.10mm on Kiev 6/Pentacon and 84mm on
Pentax), I thought most adapted lens need machine work. The modification
work restricts to the tele range. Large format and enlarger lenses may need
extension tube due to its longer focal length and coverage. The third party
lenses are very rare in the used market, so Zeiss lenses are your best bet!
Regards,
Denny
eMeL
news:a62sss$9m...@imsp212.netvigator.com...
> Michael I think you meant Sonnar 150/4 LF right?
Yeah, 150...Sorry... Maybe I do secretly dream of a Sonnar 180..?
;-)
Michael
Dan Kalish
it, but don't have one because of price.
"eMeL" <badb...@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<u89qbfh...@corp.supernews.com>...
> Xosni <xo...@gega.net> wrote in message
> news:5cb2a3f0.02030...@posting.google.com...
> > I'm thinking about buying a second-hand Rolleiflex SL66 but I have
> > some questions regarding this camera:
> >
...
> >
> > 2- Rollei adopts the bayonet system, how can I use filters or a ring
> > flash?
> > Is there any adaptors to make it fit to the screw system or should I
> > get a designated special filter holder. I know that Rollei peoducts
> > are very expensive.
> >
>
> Rollei used to market a macro flash system for this camera, not a ring light
> but two flash heads mounted on a connecting rod which was attached to the
> system. For other accessories, there are adapters from B mounts to screw-in
> mounts - not too expensive. B+W makes them and they are also available on
> the used market. Besides, Rollei used to make lots of filters and
> accessories for the SL, some of which are available on the used market.
>
> > 3. I read on a Rollei page that many lenses by different manufacturers
> > are made to fit with this sexy body; what are they? DO they mean
> > different lenses made specifically for Rollei or just different lenses
> > for other systems?
>
> Zeiss (Oberkochen, i.e. West German Zeiss) and Rollei (Rolleigon lenses.)
> Also Rodnestock Imagon is available for SL 66 and so are two or three lenses
> made by Novoflex. Moreover, there are several lenses from Carl Zeiss Jena
> (i.e. East German Zeiss) that fit the SL. For macro photography, there was
> an adapter allowing the use of Schneider Componon enlarging lenses. There
> are (might be..?) after-market Russian/Ukrainian lenses in SL 66 mount, and
> Rollei itself used to make (market..?) an universal adapter which allows
> (with some limitations, but still...) mounting of third-party lenses on the
> SL.
>
I would add that using inferior third-party products doesn't do this
camera justice. Why get such a great camera and then waste its
quality that way? It's like driving a Ferrari (or Lotus) with generic
tires. after-market Russian/Ukrainian lenses?? *shudder*
Dan
Stephe
> after-market Russian/Ukrainian lenses?? *shudder*
>
Thanx for posting this, It keeps the price of these optics reasonable for
people who know better ;-)
--
Stephe
Xosni
Thanks all,
The slow falsh synchro speed and the bayonet are two thing that really
turn me off. The tilt bellow turns me on. I think I should wait untill
I find something better- tho this camera was relatively cheap. Maybe I
should invest in a HB.
Any suggestions?
regards
Email preferred
xo...@gega.net
Xosni
Ah, I forgot to ask you all, is there any other SLRs with a tilt bellow?
Thanks again!
Xosni
email preferred
xo...@gega.net
eMeL
news:<5cb2a3f0.02030...@posting.google.com>...
> > I'm thinking about buying a second-hand Rolleiflex SL66 but I have
> > some questions regarding this camera:
> >
>
>
Fuji GX 680... Has tilt and shift bellows. Probably the most full-featured
studio SLR (forget about handholding it in real life...) ever produced. A
tad pricey, but cameras and lenses don't get much better (if ever...) than
the GX.
Michael
Dan Kalish
Despite the best efforts of snobs, the prices of Soviet cameras and
lenses are rising. <g> Even Chinese cameras are getting expensive.
On eBay, used Seagulls are selling for about what I paid for a used
Rolleiflex Automat.
Go figure.
Dan
Marv Soloff
This phenomenon is called "The Barnum Efect".
Regards,
Marv
Willem-Jan Markerink
Apart from no-fisheye, and no significant wide-angles....but hardly any
120/220 SLR does great on the latter....the best ever was the Kowa 35mm
for 6x6....
--
Bye,
Willem-Jan Markerink
The desire to understand
is sometimes far less intelligent than
the inability to understand
<w.j.ma...@a1.nl>
[note: 'a-one' & 'en-el'!]
Xosni
Actually I was visiting the webpage right now....WAO!!
But how good are Fuji lenses in general
Robert Monaghan
table of lens registration distances, to whit:
Rolleiflex SL66 bayonet 102.80 (mm)
possible candidates include:
Bronica S2A bayonet & 57x1 thread 101.70
Mamiya RB bayonet 112.00
Mamiya RZ bayonet 105.00
of these, only the bronica s2/ec lenses are focal plane non-leaf shutters
note the wide angles for bronica fit back into body a bit, may hit mirror
on SL66 etc. see http://people.smu.edu/rmonagha/bronhb.html on lens mods
hth bobm
--
* Robert Monaghan POB752182 Southern Methodist University, Dallas Tx 75275 *
* Third Party 35mm Lenses: http://people.smu.edu/rmonagha/third/index.html *
* Medium Format Cameras: http://people.smu.edu/rmonagha/mf/index.html *
Robert Monaghan
sure, look at the 6x9cm mini-view cameras using 120 rollfilm like
horseman, linhof, busch, baby graphics, and all that, see
http://http.cs.berkeley.edu/~qtluong/photography/lf/23view.html
you get lots of movements, to make 7 degree limit on SL66 look very tame
you get leaf shutter lenses, rangefinder option(s), and various formats
with different rollfilm backs on some models etc.
optics are lots cheaper for 6x9cm, including schneider xenars and so on
lots more choices, including zeiss, schneider etc.
great for architecture and some landscape/cityscape work...
eMeL
news:5cb2a3f0.02030...@posting.google.com...
> > Fuji GX 680... Has tilt and shift bellows. Probably the most
full-featured
> Actually I was visiting the webpage right now....WAO!!
> But how good are Fuji lenses in general
As sharp as contrasty (at least...) as Zeiss (Oberkochen), Schneider, etc.
And they are less susceptible to internal flare.
Michael
Dan Kalish
> xo...@gega.net (Xosni) wrote in message news:<5cb2a3f0.02030...@posting.google.com>...
> > I'm thinking about buying a second-hand Rolleiflex SL66 but I have
> > some questions regarding this camera:
> >
>
> Ah, I forgot to ask you all, is there any other SLRs with a tilt bellow?
>
> Thanks again!
> Xosni
Yes. I forgot which one, but Mamiya RZ sounds like it. I think its a
67.
Anyway, you can fit a tilt bellows to any MF SLR. That's a very
standard accessory. I think it usually runs about $200. (I'm
presently looking at Bronicas and that's one of their accessories.)
Dan
eMeL
news:3053eba9.02030...@posting.google.com...
>
> Anyway, you can fit a tilt bellows to any MF SLR. That's a very
> standard accessory. I think it usually runs about $200. (I'm
> presently looking at Bronicas and that's one of their accessories.)
Tilt bellows for MF a "very standard accessory"..? On planet Earth???
Mind it, not for macro shots, but the ones that preserve infinity focus.
If you find one for Rolleiflex 600x I'm in!
There used to be bellows for Bronica S2 and similar models with tilt and
shift (even at infinity, but shift is very, very limited at non-macro
distances) and those are sometimes available on the used market. This item
fits Bronicas S2, etc only but *can* be adapted to other cameras after
considerable tinkering. Even then the end result is somehow pokey and
useful mostly for table top photography...
You may be interested in visiting
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000CVk&msg_id=000CV
k
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=000teC
http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000qXW&topic_id=&topic=
">Pentax 67 - 75mm shift
and - of course
http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/bronica.html
(long links - may break up...)
For the record:
RZ T/S adapter goes for about $1500...
Zoerkendorfer and Horseman - mucho, mucho $$$
Michael
Dan Kalish
> Dan Kalish <kaliu...@att.net> wrote in message
> news:3053eba9.02030...@posting.google.com...
> >
> > Anyway, you can fit a tilt bellows to any MF SLR. That's a very
> > standard accessory. I think it usually runs about $200. (I'm
> > presently looking at Bronicas and that's one of their accessories.)
>
> Tilt bellows for MF a "very standard accessory"..? On planet Earth???
> Mind it, not for macro shots, but the ones that preserve infinity focus.
> If you find one for Rolleiflex 600x I'm in!
Alright, alright. I defer to my learned colleagues.
As I said, I'm looking at classical Bronicas and this is such a
standard accessory, I thought it was commonplace, as with bellows for
the Nikon F.
So, AFAIK (there's the caveat), the brand name (OEM?) bellows can be
found on or for Rollei SL66, classic Bronicas, and Mamiya RZ67. In
fact, there's another thread in this very newsgroup at this very
moment about the latter.
See below for third party bellows.
>
> There used to be bellows for Bronica S2 and similar models with tilt and
> shift (even at infinity, but shift is very, very limited at non-macro
> distances) and those are sometimes available on the used market. This item
> fits Bronicas S2, etc only but *can* be adapted to other cameras after
> considerable tinkering. Even then the end result is somehow pokey and
> useful mostly for table top photography...
> ...
> RZ T/S adapter goes for about $1500...
What's that?
> Zoerkendorfer and Horseman - mucho, mucho $$$
As to Zoerkendorfer, they do not make mounts for the bellows which
would fit the SL66. They're somewhat limited in which cameras they
will fit (Rollei 600x are ok) and which lenses they take. We're
talking $400-$800 for shift and tilt, about $150 for the "bellows" and
the lens, preferably an enlarger lens, is extra. Novoflex is more
limited. I don't know about Horseman.
>
> Michael
Dan
eMeL
news:3053eba9.02030...@posting.google.com...
> > RZ T/S adapter goes for about $1500...
> What's that?
Mamiya RZ tilt/shift adapter
Michael
Robert Monaghan
quoting Dan:
Anyway, you can fit a tilt bellows to any MF SLR. That's a very
standard accessory. I think it usually runs about $200. (I'm
presently looking at Bronicas and that's one of their accessories.)
Interesting! Can you supply me with more info on sources for these
tilt bellows? costs? models available (mounts..)? Thanks!
the only stand-alone tilting bellows I know for med fmt are:
a) bronica s/s2/ec tilt/shift bellows II
b) kowa 6/66 tilt/shift bellows
c) spiratone macro tilt/shift bellows (2 1/4" model)
AFAIR, the mamiya RB/RZ bellows don't tilt, though the rollei sl66 does 7
degrees or so of tilt in one axis...
regards bobm
Lassi Hippeläinen
>
> quoting Dan:
> Anyway, you can fit a tilt bellows to any MF SLR. That's a very
> standard accessory. I think it usually runs about $200. (I'm
> presently looking at Bronicas and that's one of their accessories.)
> end-quote:
>
> Interesting! Can you supply me with more info on sources for these
> tilt bellows? costs? models available (mounts..)? Thanks!
Does the Horseman VCC count?
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/Information/HorsemanPressRelease.htm#Label03
-- Lassi
Robert Monaghan
Does the Horseman VCC count?
Yes, it sure does, at least IF you are a Hassy or mamiya rb/rz owner, so
long as you ONLY want telephoto lens tilt/shift capability (e.g, 180mm on
RB), and if, make that really only IF, you want to spend circa $2,000 for
the bellows!!! ;-)
I have to admit I don't understand why standard bellows are made without
some tilt/shift capability, at least front shift, how much can that cost?
The Bronica SQ etc. auto bellows are $1,800 anyway from B&H, the pentax
67 is $1,300-ish etc.
Part of my denseness and wonderment at why this isn't done nowadays is
that there were shift and tilt/shift medium format bellows for Bronica
S2/EC and Kowa 6/66 and the old spiratone med fmt and 35mm bellows set, so
this isn't that impossible a thing to do.
I notice that Novoflex still has an under $300 (at b&H anyway) bellows for
medium format focal plane cameras, Mfr Catalog # BALUNI / B&H Catalog #
NOBU, but you need 2 adapters ($80 and $180 a pop) ;-( still around $600?
oh well, we'll just have to hack a setup if they won't make it cheaply for
us...
see http://people.smu.edu/rmonagha/bronshift.html homebrew shift lenses ;-)