Looking for an entry-level TLR

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

A few weeks ago, I played with a friend's TLR, and I remained very intrigued by this classic type of camera.

So obviously, the next step is to get one myself Mr. Green

What brand/type would you recommend?

My criteria:

-the most important: affordable (I won't be using it on a monthly basis) and relatively reliable
- preferably German, Soviet or European
- uses a relatively common film format

Good online-resources to read about TLR's are also very welcome!

kansalliskalaCafe · Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2018 5:07 pm Post subject:

Yashica / Yashicaflex cameras do have very good optics for around 100 euros.

Just avoid ones that use 127 film, that is not available any more.

I'm not sure there is other than Lubitel soviet TLR, which is sort of Lomo thing.
German ones are usually expensive or very old.

http://www.tlr-cameras.com/TLRs.htm

konicamera · Expire: 2014-06-14

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Thanks! How can I identify whether they use 127 film?

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

The Ricoh Diacord has a good lens and used to be not expensive... I'm hoping it still is less than one of the Yashicas. It has an auto stop on the film advance but you have to cock the shutter separately. There's also a Ricoh TLR with the focus gears on the outside, these probably are OK but are lesser cameras originally than the Diacord. With the Diacord I recommend don't pay extra for the model with the light meter - it's heavier, one more thing to break, and there are fewer aperture blades than with the non-metered Diacord. The lens is very sharp and contrasty, though the camera's history will have a big influence on any particular example

A Ciro-Flex also can produce excellent results, though I've never used one.

http://www.tlr-cameras.com/

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

For 100 euros you can buy a Yashica Mat 124 -- not the 124G, which is overpriced anyway. Just the plain 124. Advantages is it takes both 120 and 220 film. Although 220 is getting kinda uncommon now, sometimes you still run across it. But 120 is the universal medium format film. The 124 also has a meter. It's nothing to write home about but it works reasonably well. And finally, the 124 takes the better Yashinon lens.

You can find cheaper Yashica TLRs and they are fine picture takers, but for your budget I'd get one with the better Yashinon lens.

I own a Yashica Mat 124 and I've been very happy with its performance.

Yashica Mat 124, lens wide open at f/3.5

kansalliskalaCafe · Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 7:18 am Post subject:

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Thanks everyone for sharing your insights and providing some reading material.

Looks like a fascinating page in the history of photography!

I'm going to take some time to get more knowledge on the various brands, film sizes, etc.

Something to add to the projects for this winter Thank You Dog

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

The 620 film format was Kodak's attempt to corner the medium format market. Most all 620 cameras are Kodak, as a result. It is possible to convert a 620 camera to 120. The Kodak Medalist is one that is often converted. It is also possible to respool 120 onto 620 spools, from what I understand. But if I owned a 620 camera, I think I'd try doing a conversion instead.

PWhite214 · Joined: 19 Apr 2014 Posts: 230 Location: Houston, Texas

There are a lot of camera model resources on the internet. I go to http://www.butkus.org/chinon/index.html for manuals for vintage cameras. He asks for donations, but has a wealth of information.

Phil

kypfer · Joined: 27 Sep 2017 Posts: 523 Location: Jersey C.I.

dnf_spedition · Joined: 18 Apr 2009 Posts: 64 Location: The Netherlands

I would say Mamiya C220. But it is not small, takes 120 spool and it has interchangeable lenses. Just google for Mamiya C220 and see.
Regards, Cliff.

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Gott23 · Joined: 10 Dec 2018 Posts: 250

I'm not big on these kind of cameras but I have obtained a Walzlfex TLR. The short of it being, as Yashica was based on Rolleiflex, there were some other Japanese manufacturers producing similar cameras. They may not have the cachet of the Yashica, but some can be capable and less costly.

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

So, due to circumstances I have a break from digital photography, and went digging into the TLR again.... looks like I'll take my chances with a Meopta Flexaret Happy Dog

kansalliskala · Expire: 2016-12-30

can you check the mirror before you buy, Flexarets are somewhat notorious for bad mirrors

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

In the meantime, I also picked up a Flexaret II locally. These camera's are beautifully made! Although this one will need a CLA (fungus, slow speeds way off, and probably a few other minor issues) The mirror/viewfinder is very clear though Smile

uddhava · Expire: 2021-06-21

Congratulations!
Hope you can get it fixed up nicely.
I have a Flexaret IVb.

#1

#2

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Those are really nice! What film did you use?

I have a CLA'd IV on its way from Slovakia, hopefully I can try it out next week. I got the II out of curiosity for the older (triplet) lens.

uddhava · Expire: 2021-06-21

I used Fomapan 100.

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Thanks, I was already considering that one, On my next batch of film rolls I'll make sure to add a few in the basket Like 1 small

Olivier · Expire: 2015-08-06

120 Films I like are :
Kodak Tri-X 400 ; Kodak TMax 400 ; Fuji Acros 100.

Good TLRs, nice, not often seen and affordable :

- German Zeiss Ikon Ikoflex 1B
http://forum.mflenses.com/zeiss-ikon-ikoflex-1b-t74294,highlight,%2Bzeiss+%2Bikoflex.html

- French Royer Sito Royflex 1
http://forum.mflenses.com/tlr-6x6-french-camera-royer-sito-royflex-i-kodak-tmax-400-t72969,highlight,%2Broyer+%2Broyflex.html

- French Sem Semflex
http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/camera-12837-Sem_Semflex%20154.html

- German Welta Weltaflex with Trioplan lenses
http://forum.mflenses.com/show-your-squares-open-thread-t34337,start,375.html
http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/camera-12906-Welta_Weltaflex.html

BitGid · Joined: 27 Feb 2018 Posts: 13

Rolleicord. They were made for many decades with pretty few changes, and were a pretty popular camera. The result is that there are a ton out there so you can find ones in decent shape on eBay for right in your price range. They're nice and lightweight for what they are, and have a good lens too.
Cheers,