The beginning of a TLR Challenge

By Geoff Chaplin

17 August, 2024

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Gear Theory

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Camera Theory Rolleicord Vb

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Like many other photographers it seems, I have problems with TLRs. It’s not that the format is new – I used to use a Hasselblad regularly for 5 years or so – and it’s not the left-right inversion that’s the problem – “eyes need to look left, rotate camera right”, not hard to learn. I’ve come to realise it’s nothing more than unfamiliarity with the camera shape and controls. I recently used my Yashica Mat 124G and shot about 10 rolls, and I started to gain confidence including using slow speeds and at night, so I’ve decided to set myself a challenge (and you’re welcome to join in and share your results).

I will use a TLR regularly over a period of a year shooting a minimum of 50 rolls of film.

My Yashica Mat is now in one continent while I am in another so I decided to buy a recently overhauled late model Rolleicord (Vb) from Bellamy Hunt, at JapanCameraHunter.com. The camera is similar to the Mat (and the Rolleiflex) the main differences being the film wind is by a knob, the lens is the Schneider Xenar (a four element lens), and shutter cocking and taking is via a lever at the bottom of the taking lens. The featured image shows the camera front. I have added a lens protection filter in front of the taking lens, the blue colour is that of the lens itself. The lever to cock the shutter can be seen at the bottom of the lens – pull to the right (as seen from behind) to cock the lens, pull left to fire the shutter. Two levers at the side of the taking lens set aperture and shutter speed, they can be coupled (annoying) or decoupled by pushing one lever in as you move it. Like all real cameras there is no built in light meter.

TLR Challenge Rolleicord Vb — Rolleicord Vb left side showing wind-on knob and focus scale.

Having received the camera the first task was to run a test film through – an out of date roll of PanF on a plain cloud covered day – just to check everything functioned. No remarkable images here, just a test, and as you can see there were some unexpected development or film problems, and I need a new scanner for 6×6.

So now my challenge starts. I will occasionally post intermediate results on 35mmc starting after a couple of months.

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About The Author

By Geoff Chaplin

Primarily a user of Leica film cameras and 8x10 for the past 30 years, recently a mix of film and digital. Interests are concept and series based art work. Professionally trained in astronomical photography, a scientist and mathematician.

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Comments

Marcus Gunaratnam on The beginning of a TLR Challenge

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

The rollicord vb did have capacity to be modified to take 35mmfilm via masking,if I remember and also multiples of 12 using 120 film.Could some one coroborate??

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Peter Roberts replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

You are correct, Marcus. The Rolleikin adaptor enabled the use of 35mm film, albeit realistically only in portrait mode. 120 adapters included 16 exposure ( 4x4 cm or 4x5.5 cm) and 24 exposure (24x36 mm or 28x40 mm). In addition a plate back was also available for single exposure of plate and sheet film.

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks Marcus, Rolleikin 2 I think. But why? If you want 24x56 just put a mask on the viewfinder and crop later.

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Graham Orbell replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Geoff, the official reason for Rollei making the Rolleikin adapter was so that photographers could shoot Kodachrome film which was generally only available in 35mm. Good for portrait photography given the vertical format and 75 mm focal length. You will notice the pressure plate has two positions 35mm and 6X6. I’ve owned my almost as new condition 1956 Rolleicord Vb for 60 years and never come across a Rolleikin adapter. Not that I’ve actively looked for one. Aliexpress sells very good replacement viewfinder screens for approximately NZ$60 delivered. I bought one for my Rolleiflex f3.5 and another for my Rolleicord Vb. They are identical and easily changed and are very good made to the original thickness so as to not change focusing. ( complete replacement, not the cheaper version fitting over the original screen) That little lever on the right front ( looking from the front ) that uncovers the red dot is for double exposure prevention. But you probably already know that and have just been running through the speeds. Happy shooting. Great cameras.

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks Graham. I understand about the Kodachrome but it strikes me as an idea with not many subscribers. Good to know about the inexpensive replacement screens.

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murray leshner on The beginning of a TLR Challenge

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

So far, looks pretty good.

I had a dual-format Yashica TLR in 6th grade that jammed in some way & I tried to fix it myself, unsuccessfully.

A few years ago a friend who was involved in camera society auctions mailed me a lens/shutter from a 30's Rollei TLR (uncoated triplet). It had been sawn off (rusty screws have teeth marks). I can only imagine how bad the body was. The shutter works great. I could use the taking lens in many ways, but it seems a waste to not use both. But it also seems like a waste of time trying to build a medium format TLR when there are many available.

I might like making a large format TLR.

Anyway, I'll watch for more results from your healthy-looking camera.

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Jeffery Luhn replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Murray, Build a large format TLR! I've seen a few old ones, but never handled them to see what film they used. Is there any large film stock available in rolls, like the 9" film used in arial cameras or the stock used in document photography?

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks Murray. A large format TLR .... that might get some attention!

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John Furlong replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Take a look at: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/what-is-a-lf-tlr.181057/

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks John, I won't be getting one of those!!

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Neal A Wellons on The beginning of a TLR Challenge

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

I enjoyed the article. I have also had trouble getting into TLR; maybe someday.

But the best think was the quote: Like all real cameras there is no built in light meter." I love it.

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks Neal. Well the challenge is there - and a TLR doesn't have to be expensive....

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Gary Smith on The beginning of a TLR Challenge

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

I feel as though my cameras that I have sitting out need a TLR however I don't collect and I don't need another film camera.

I will look forward to your challenge updates.

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks Gary. Maybe a TLR will suit you so well that you'll want to get rid of all your other cameras and just use TLRs. Maybe.

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Jeffery Luhn on The beginning of a TLR Challenge

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Hi Geoff,
Three days ago I got a call from the college that the retiring Dean had left a camera for me. A bit of family memorabilia he no longer wanted. I picked it up yesterday. Rolleicord with a Xenar!!! Is that a spooky coincidence or what?!?
Perfect glass and impeccable leather case. The shutter is sticky, so it will need a clean up, but I think it will be roadworthy after servicing. My camera tech is SLOW, so it may be over a month before I can join your TLR challenge with that camera, but my Mamiya C33 is in fine shape and very willing. I may begin with Infrared film I recently bought.

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks Jeffrey, I look forward to your results. I have several rolls of SFX and Rollei 400 plus a variety of red and IR filters so will be joining you at some point.

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Paul Quellin on The beginning of a TLR Challenge

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Hi Geoff. I bought my Mamiya C220 over a year ago and for much of that time, it disappointed with its severe front focusing issue. There were some helpful suggestions when I first wrote about it, but it stayed in the cupboard much of the time. Finally I ran a series of experiments with shims for the viewing screening and worked out everything was about aligned when it was raised 1.5mm above the height it was set at. It went to Newton Ellis in Liverpool and the sorted the problem (at some point in it's past, someone had left in two shims but taken away quite a few more). The first roll through it after repair, was a series of bad choices and shoddy workmanship with an unfamiliar developer, but the focus seemed good. I have just developed a roll of Rollei IR 400 and for the first time, I got the positive TLR sensation. Now I think I can really start to enjoy the Mamiya. I have some ridiculous ideas about the subjects I am going to try it on and your 50 roll challenge is really appealing. I don't think I can do 50 in a year with some many other cameras vying for position, but I'll certainly be doing more TLR in the next 12 months too. Look forward to seeing more of your Rolleicord output.

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks Paul. Many many years ago I had a C330, good cameras but I never really took to it partly because of the bulk and weight. I'm looking forward to your results, please post when you have them.

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Tony Warren on The beginning of a TLR Challenge

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Geoff, I absolutely love TLRs and wrote a homily to them on Emulsive some years ago. I have used Microflex, Yashicamat, Mamiya C33, Rolleiflex, Autocord and currently a Flexaret in that order. Loved them all, but the Yashica and Rollei the least - that double shuffle between focus and wind-on can get really annoying (some models of Rolleicord had them on the same side though). So persevere and you will come to love their compact, convenient form factor and results. So much more discrete than the Hasselblad and other SLR 120s.
I see you have the accessory release. Take it off and do what Rollei instruct, cock the shutter in ione direction ten release it bt pressing the lever the opposite way. Much more convenient. As for LV shutters - get an LV meter they were designed to work with.
Look forward to seeing your further posts.

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Geoff Chaplin replied:

Comment posted: 17/08/2024

Thanks Tony. Ah! That's what that thing is! I tried it and didn't like it so now I know it can come off ...

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Doug Anderson on The beginning of a TLR Challenge

Comment posted: 26/08/2024

I have been vacillating between 35mm and 6x6 for my B&W film efforts for a long time, as in decades rather than years. I did spend al least a year using a Rolleiflex T exclusively back in the late 1960's and I think it was some of my best work. I am not great at following through on commitments but I think your TLR challenge might be enough to get me to give 6x6 a better try. I have to admit, however, that when I have been shooting 120 film it has been 50%/50% with a Rolleiflex TLR and a Hasselblad SLR.

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