Paulo J Moreira
Rolleiflex 2.8 C
Everybody knows that I don’t like TLRs much, at least it used to be true until I got my Rolleiflex 3.5 F some years ago. I had a sort of epiphany with it, it seems that I liked TLRs, but not the ones that I had (the Yashica-mat, the Flexarette, the Ikoflex, Pearl River and the likes). So I got rid of them all and opted to for the Rolleiflex. I like the camera so much that when I have this urge to shoot medium format, it’s the first camera that springs to my mind. Anyway, I was quite happy with my Rolleiflex 3.5F and it’s superb Xenotar lens when this Rolleiflex 2.8 C popped in at my flea market. This time I knew what was waiting for me, this was a wanted purchase.
This is the Rolleiflex 2.8 C. The “C” stands for the third type of f 2.8 lens fitted to Rolleiflex. The A was a disastrous Tessar 80/2.8 that showed the limits of the Tessar formula, the B had the Zeiss Jena Biometar 80/2.8 that you might have seen on the Pentacon Six TL and the C had a Xenotar or Planar lens. So, this is the first model where the famous Xenotar/ Planar f2.8 lens made its debut.
The camera is almost identical to the 3.5 F, minus the selenium meter and the depth of field indicator. Opposite to my 3.5F, the 2.8 C accepts 35 mm film via the Rolleikin adapter.
What attracts me in Rolleiflex cameras is the level of engineering and workmanship. This 2.8 C, although well used, works with diabolic precision. There is no play anywhere, from the diaphragm and shutter speed controls to the advance lever or the focusing knob. There is a world of difference between these cameras and the Yashicamat or the likes. I find it amazing that a 64 year old camera can still operate with this level of smoothness and precision.
I have just finished my first roll with it, but I find it very difficult to better the Xenotar 3.5, I would be rather content with “just” the same level of performance for the Planar 2.8.
Rolleiflex 2.8 C
Everybody knows that I don’t like TLRs much, at least it used to be true until I got my Rolleiflex 3.5 F some years ago. I had a sort of epiphany with it, it seems that I liked TLRs, but not the ones that I had (the Yashica-mat, the Flexarette, the Ikoflex, Pearl River and the likes). So I got rid of them all and opted to for the Rolleiflex. I like the camera so much that when I have this urge to shoot medium format, it’s the first camera that springs to my mind. Anyway, I was quite happy with my Rolleiflex 3.5F and it’s superb Xenotar lens when this Rolleiflex 2.8 C popped in at my flea market. This time I knew what was waiting for me, this was a wanted purchase.
This is the Rolleiflex 2.8 C. The “C” stands for the third type of f 2.8 lens fitted to Rolleiflex. The A was a disastrous Tessar 80/2.8 that showed the limits of the Tessar formula, the B had the Zeiss Jena Biometar 80/2.8 that you might have seen on the Pentacon Six TL and the C had a Xenotar or Planar lens. So, this is the first model where the famous Xenotar/ Planar f2.8 lens made its debut.
The camera is almost identical to the 3.5 F, minus the selenium meter and the depth of field indicator. Opposite to my 3.5F, the 2.8 C accepts 35 mm film via the Rolleikin adapter.
What attracts me in Rolleiflex cameras is the level of engineering and workmanship. This 2.8 C, although well used, works with diabolic precision. There is no play anywhere, from the diaphragm and shutter speed controls to the advance lever or the focusing knob. There is a world of difference between these cameras and the Yashicamat or the likes. I find it amazing that a 64 year old camera can still operate with this level of smoothness and precision.
I have just finished my first roll with it, but I find it very difficult to better the Xenotar 3.5, I would be rather content with “just” the same level of performance for the Planar 2.8.