The Rolleiflex 6008 integral 6X6 camera review by Ibraar Hussain

September 8, 2012 essay, Featured, film, Guest Post, Just for fun, Travel 60

The Rolleiflex 6008 integral 6X6 camera review by Ibraar Hussain

It’s difficult to review such a camera as the Rolleiflex 6008 integral, as it is very advanced, yet needs to be made the most out of by able hands, who can get the most out of the handling and astounding lens line up. I wanted a 6×6 camera and I ended up buying this instead of a Hasselblad 500CM.

The Rolleiflex 6008i is part of the 6000 series of Medium Format 6×6 SLR which Rollei released as competition to the Hasselblad 6×6 Cameras, which was a mistake, I was told by a friend to look out for a Rolleiflex instead of a Hasselblad, but I didn’t know he meant the TLR – and instead I end up with this!

Rollei had traditionally been famous for their TLR’s such as the Rolleiflex and Rolleicord series of Cameras.

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But with Hasselblad striking new ground with their SLR’s and the gradual disinterest in TLR’s Rollei engineers set to work on a 6×6 SLR system which would leave Hasselblad years behind technologically.

The SL66 was released which was purely mechanical, though it is a beautifully crafted piece, it’s main downfall is its size, weight and the V series like structure meant ergonomics were not up to modern standards.

This was followed by the SLX, and it is a futuristic camera compared to the SL66. It lacks the traditional look of the Hasselblad V series, and instead is very modern in design and electronics.

The shutter and everything is electronically controlled, so without a battery it will not function – this could be a disadvantage to those used to mechanical cameras.

From Carn Llidi, Pembrokeshire Coast. Wales. 50mm Distagon HFT f4. Fuji Provia 100F

The SLX was followed by a series of 6×6 Camera’s which follow the same design ethic. Easy to use 6×6 Medium Format SLR’s with advanced features, superb build quality and stellar lenses.

There are many available, and some more advanced than others. They are BIG, boxy creatures, heavy, yet fairly compact (not behemoths like the SL66) with perfect ergonomics and very versatile – incorporating a ‘grip’ with features such as shutter speed control and shutter release on them. So these could be used in a Studio, and also on the move.

The SLX mk 1 has solid German engineered build BUT has quirky electronics, and collectors/dealers suggest looking out for Mk 2 version which is far more reliable.

The crowning glory of this series are the lenses; superb glass from Schneider, Zeiss and Rollei (Mamiya) are all beautiful and pin sharp.

The most advanced Manual Focus version is the Rolleiflex 6008 integral II, and this was followed by (I believe) the worlds first 6×6 Auto Focus SLR; the Rolleiflex 6008 AF.

Light, shadow and clouds over the Beacons. Wales. 80mm Planar HFT f2.8. Fuji Provia 100F

This I believe was a competitor for the Contax 645, as both had Auto Focus, yet the Rolleiflex had the better build, larger negative size and a much wider array of Lenses (the downside being that many were MF rather than AF), plus a more illustrious lineage (as Contax 645 was Japanese built and a Kyocera camera rather than a purely German made SLR). I’ve spoken to photographers who have had both, and by and large they all prefer the look and feel of the Rolleflex images rather than the Contax.

The 6008i and AF can take Digital backs, so are more than geared towards the Digital age (though I have never used, nor can I afford a Digital back)

Rollei’s last foray into the market was the Rollei F&H designed and built Rolleiflex Hy6 6×6 SLR, which was also funded by Jenoptik (spun of company from Zeiss Jena which, I suppose, makes this possibly the last purely German Zeiss camera)

This magnificent camera takes Film along with Digital backs.

Though you can find Leaf and Sinar badged versions of the Hy6 – it is a purely German built beast and is STILL manufactured in Germany by F&H under their new guise

Sunset over the irish Sea. Pembrokeshire. Wales. 50mm Distagon HFT f4. @ f16 Hitech 3 stop ND Hard Grad. B+W Polarizer. Fuji Provia 100F

DHW Fototechnik interesting article 

Anyway, I have the Rolleiflex 6008i. I bought it a few months back and my kit consists of the standard camera, 120 Film back, a Polaroid back, Grip, battery and 2 lenses; The 80mm HFT Planar PQ f2.8 and the 50mm HFT Distagon f4. I’m looking to purchase a 150mm f4 Sonnar portrait lens. I’m also on the lookout for any Schneider lenses, which can be very expensive.

The PQ lenses are geared towards the more advanced features of the 6008i, AF and Hy6, the non-PQ lenses are compatible with every Rolleiflex 6000 and Hy6 series camera, but they can only be metered using the ‘stopped down’ method on the 6008i and AF and Hy6, on other 6000 series and SLX they are perfectly normal.

Saying that, the non-PQ lenses are identical to the PQ optically and are Bargains, costing less than half that of the PQ.

I bought the 6008i for travelling! Yes, a big heavy beast to take around the Mountains of The Hindu Kush and Karakoram when I go to visit again next time (with my Missus this time, I know you’re reading this, I won’t leave you behind again!)

But this beast, it’s easy to carry, the Action Grip is a revelation, it has a camcorder like strap, and can be adjusted to suit, it has a shutter lock, exposure lock and power/motor drive switch – it means I can trek, climb even, and won’t be resorting to clunky holding and fiddling as on a Hasselblad and can hold and shoot with one hand!

Marching Sheep being herded. brecon Beacons. 80mm Planar HFT f2.8 Fuji Provia 100F

Focussing the waist level View Finder gives you a massive bright image, it’s quick to shoot, and can shoot at 3fps.

The ergonomics are second to none in a camera this size, and I can shoot on FULL AUTO with ease! yes, a MF camera with full A mode, that even a compact digital camera snap shooter can use as long as they can focus manually!

the 6008i features centre weighted metering, spot metering along with multi-spot (a la the OM4Ti)

The other superb feature, which tends to put people off from MF camera’s is the Magazine dark slide, a simple slider! And one can chop and change magazines with ease!

I have only shot two rolls with this camera, as I’m ‘saving it’ for holidays and treks – I can only imagine the portraits I’ll get with Ektachrome e100vs of exotic looking peoples in the Hindu Kush and Karakoram.

Until then, I’m including a few photo’s I’ve taken on a Roll during my recent trip to Pembrokeshire in Wales, where I thoroughly enjoyed using it, but felt like a bit of a twat walking around with it as I got so many stares!

So all in all, an electronic, versatile, very easy to handle and use, wonderfully built 6×6 SLR with stellar lenses in the right hands (not mine) whose quality will most likely blow any 35mm sized SLR, DSLR or RF from here to Timbuktu! With the legend “Rolleflex” boldly inscribed on it! Pure class!

Drystone wall across the moors. Brecon. 80mm Planar HFT. Fuji Provia 100F

The SLX mk 2 can be bought for as little as $400 more or less with WLF and 80mm Planar, other’s can be bought for even less or for very expensive prices. If you want AF (the AF is obviously not to modern standards) you can check out the 6008 AF but these demand high prices.

The SLX mk 2 can be bought for as little as $400 more or less with WLF and 80mm Planar, other’s can be bought for even less or for very expensive prices – much less than a Hasselblad 500C/M.

QUIRKS

I need to mention these, in case people start lambasting me for failing to mention these.

1) Electronics, as mentioned earlier, the SLX mk 1 suffers from Electronic issues. And earlier versions of other models (correct me if I’m wrong) are said to have issues too. Though later ones do not, well, they’ll have as many issues as any other electronic camera I suppose

2) Battery. The Battery pack is an old fashioned one, and over time holds less and less charge – BUT these days that doesn’t mean much any more as alternative battery packs compatible with the charger are offered by some camera show and Dealers, and you can get a car charger accessory plus spares.

3) Ultimately the SLX/6000 series is an Electronic camera, so don’t expect eternal ownership, one day electronics MUST fail on every sort of electronic camera, whether a DSLR, Leica M Digital or Contax SLR/645/G series and the Rolleiflex.

4) In heavy rain, I have heard that if the rain seeps in it MAY affect the electronics UNTIL the camera has dried.

Sunset. Pembrokeshire. 80mm Planar HFT Fuji Provia 100F

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60 Comments

  1. yes, even in 2015 there are still system 6000 users out there. And the only reason why I would give up using my Rolleiflex 6008i is, when I get too old to carry her around together with my Berlebach-Rollei PT 128 wooden tripod (or the electronics die on both of my cameras and I can’t buy another on ebay 😉 Until now they never let me down.
    I am limiting myself to use a Schneider-Kreuznach 2,0/80 Xenotar and 3,5/40 Super Angulon, also because of the weight. But that only means less distraction from the picture.
    Still love seeing the slides on my Rolleivision 66 dual p and I scan some of my pictures and publish them here: http://www.fotocommunity.de/fotograf/berniew/fotos/1510434
    And what comforts me, is that some folks are even revitalizing discontinued film: http://www.filmferrania.it/
    Analogue lives! Cheers

  2. Hello again everyone, but I dont know if any 6000 users follow this anymore. I just wanted to share my experience using the original SLX-type 40mm Distagon, with Rollei 120 Ortho 25 film on my 6008. To say the results are mind-blowing is an understatement. First time I have used the film and developed it in Technidol. If you are interested in totally blowing away the 35mm or digital brigade, try Ortho 25 with your Zeiss or Schneider Rollei lenses.

  3. Hi Shahid,
    This is my first posting to this list but I speak as a confirmed Rolleiflex 6008 and SLX user with quite a bit of experience in using these cameras and their various interchangeable components. Regarding the 6006 back, this can be used with the 6008i but with the loss of automatic film speed recognition. In other words you have to set the film speed dial on the 6008 back to 100ASA and use the exposure compensation dial on the 6008 (left hand side) to adjust the camera to the actual speed of the film. This rather precludes using the compensation dial in the normal way but you can use the bracketing control on the right hand dial to handle that issue. I have a 6006 220 back that I use regularly on a 6008i – but loaded with 100ASA slide film stock it works fine. Incidentally, if anyone is reading this owns an SLX, do NOT try to use a later 6000 series back on these cameras. I have seen people on eBay claim that you can but there are serious issues of film flatness and potential camera damage.

    • Thanks David. I ]t is clear to me on handling this situation properly, Eventually I will get a hold of a right back for 6008 till than I will follow your advise. I am exited to go out and use these babies and hopefully find a decent lab to process, don’t have much choices here in Dallas TX

  4. HI Guys,
    After being reading your blog , I recently end up in buying a 6006 and a 6008i , both cameras came last week, but now I am having some issues with that, 6006 came as a complete set but 6008i came as a body with grip and battery plus charger, my question is if these film backs are interchangeable with each other, I dont want to try and break the only back I got, also I was trying to test these cameras and as a result 6006 worked fine shutter was operating at all speeds even without the lens and the back attached to it, on the other hand I have failed to do the same on 6008i It powers up fine and I can see the readings in the finder, but can not possibly triggered the camera, I don’t know if there is a special way to do it or I got a lemon on my hand, I have tried to look for the answers without any success and finally took some courage to see if Ibraar or any of you knowledgeable gurus can help me out.
    thanks.
    you can also answer to me at
    centralzone@aol.com

  5. These camera’s are truly wonderful to use and do produce amazing pictures. I have a Rolleiflex slx (Mk1) that still works. I bought it as a dud and found that the only thing wrong with it was the catch for the back.

    I also have a Pentax 6×7 which can also produce wonderful images too.

    The Rollei is easier to use but I do like the Pentax too.

    It is film that is the magic ingredient, also with so few pictures on a roll, every shot has to count.

    Your photo’s above are really good, I must get out more and use film!

  6. Thanks Ibraar. I was actually looking for a 6×6 camera with built in light meter that doesn’t need a metering prism (I’m a waist level finder fan) and somehow I missed this camera!

  8. Your pictures ALWAYS make we want to visit the beautiful landscapes in your photographs of your wonderful country.

    You should work for the UK tourism board 😛

    • haha!! I wish I could! They have Joe Cornish and Charlie Waite – so no chance! I could be a camera caddy though I suppose! 😛

  10. I think it’s great you mentioned the “quirky” electronics and possible moisture issues. I was using two of these in Cancun on the beach shooting for Continental Airlines years ago. I guess it was the humidity, but after one day both cameras refused to work. When I fired one, the camera went into hyperdrive, wouldn’t stop and shattered it’s mirror in the process. We ended up overnighting in some Blad gear instead. I do confess that I loved working with the camera in the studio and the images it produced.

  12. The Rollei SL66 was my dream camera for years. My uncle had a full kit and sold it without thinking to call me first. I’d have sold my car to buy it from him. 🙁

    The 6008i is magnificent. I used one a couple of years ago that a good friend had, when I was shooting with Hasselblad 500CM. By comparison, the Hassy felt like something out of the Steam Age, and the Rollei 6008i felt like it was visiting from the next century.

    Medium format in digital is over the top for me now, but I remember all these fine 6×6 SLRs very fondly.

  13. Film is good. I had the Contax 645. For it’s day it was a very advanced camera. As a matter of fact Hasse was losing users to Contax. It would have lasted for the Kyocera company. There photo divsion feel a apart. They were the first out with a full frame digital, for 35mm. It was real bad. It was too bad the Contax 645 may have had future. I have seen the cameras and lens around the used market. They are ok priced. For those of you out there. An excellent system at good prices. The Rolli’s were always out of my price range, great well made cameras. With nice, nice lens. Bye the bye nice photos. Remember film is good.

    • Thanks KM, thing is, now the Contax 645 is priced about the same as a Rolleiflex 6008AF (the 6008i, 6006, 6003, 6001 and SLX are far cheaper) and Contax is probably better value as you get a Faster f2 lens as standard (rather than the f2.8 on the Rollei) – but the Rollei has the larger negative.

      Kyocera should never have pulled out, they had some sure fire winner cameras – the G2, 645 and N1 ((the N1 with some work would’ve been very good) the N-Digital needed a lot of work to make it worthwhile, but the foundations were there.

  14. Ibraar, I’m wondering how many camera systems do you have? I’d love to see a photo of them all together! (green with envy here 😉

    • haha!! Jeff!

      I’m trying to build up a collection of a select number of camera’s I’d like to keep and ones i’d like to also use and give me a wide range of options and handling (part of the joy) It’s hard expensive work, but I’m always on the lookout for a bargain and to be honest nearly all of mine (bar the G2 and 6008i) have been bought very cheaply (all around or under $200)

      I have sold a few last couple of months on eBay, (namely the Olympus XZ-1, an OM2n, Yashica T2, Contax Aria, Ricoh GR1v, Contax G1 body, Olympus EP1, Fuji F200EXR, Panasonic Lumix G2) and sold a few more off over the last few years (Contax ST, Konica Minolta Dynax.Maxxum 5D, 7D, Dynax 5, Dynax 60, Panasonic Lumix GH1, Nikon D50)

      currently I have; Olympus OM2n, Pen F. Contax G2, T2, Tvs III, Rolleiflex SL35, SL26, 6008i, Fuji GA645, Yashica 230AF, Minister and Minister D, and my Kodak Easyshare Z990.

      I think I’ll be keeping the camera’s I have, as I use them all (bar the Yashica Ministers which are really for sentimental reasons) I sold off stuff I wasn’t using.

      I’ll be adding,the Rolleiflex baby Grey 4×4 – and one day in the future a Rolleiflex 6×6 TLR a Leica M (no collection is complete without one) and a Hasselblad 500 (again, another necessary camera for a collection to keep) and a 4×5 LF camera (probably a Wista view camera) The only Digital I’d like to add would be the Olympus OMD (though I doubt I would ever get one as I cannot justify the cost for the amount of pictures I take – not many at all and the lenses are expensive)

  15. I was into slide films like crazy back then. I remembered I hauled Nikon & Hassy equipments up Empire State Building to try out the night scene. I was stopped by the guard and he questioned if I was shooting for commercial use. I told him not so and he made me signed a disclaimer to that capacity. I guess those bulky medium formats machines would brand you differently. The was the pre-911 era and landlords were keen on protecting stream of post card revenues.

    Back on that shooting night. I shot Kodakchrome 64 at f4 and 20 seconds. The lenses used were 50 f1.8 and 80 Planar. There were two experiences that draw me into medium format:
    1. The sides of those buildings that were lighted by street lights could be resolved by both Nikon & Hassy only that the Hassy slides resolved a little bit more tones and details.That is understandable. But the sides of the buildings that were not lighted up by street lights differentiated the 35 and 6×6 quite drastically. The Nikon slides were pitched black all the way whereas the Hassy slides could still resolved details and tones! You could still see the brick works, window frames and signs etc. That was impressive.
    2. I backed up to the end of the living room and used a binoculars to view the slides. The 6×6 slides were realistic.Those yellow cabs on the curb, those buses that stopped for the red lights, and people who doze off in front of the deli with cans of drinks in their hands. It must be beers. Otherwise they could not stay still for 20 seconds. Those 35 slides just could not be that realistic. Period.

    This is not a contest of Nikon vs Hassy the brand. It is the contest of 35 vs 6×6 and real estates win hand down.

    Another argument I could make for slide films is: video projectors can display HD format. It is the limit of the industry and manufacturers have no incentive to produce anything beyond and above.Therefore we can safely conclude that 6×6 slide projectors will win in the resolution department for quite a while until another format higher then HD come along which is unlikely for the next 20 years or longer.

    • Thanks Edd, 6×6 has so much resolution, a 6×6 slide on a light box viewed under a loupe the level of detail is stunning – they really have a ‘real’ feel to them and there’s only another thing like it – projection!
      I couldn’t afford to invest in a 6×6 projector, I had my eyes on a Rolleivision but they’re very expensive – I can only imagine the look of a projected 6×6 slide. At an IMAX Cinema I can see the utter quality of a 65mm projected Film and it is mind blowing. Far beyond any Digital format

      I do really enjoy running a slide show of my 35mm snaps – projected of course! Nothing like it. The darkened room, projected on a screen – lovely, heart warming and meaningful experience! My projector is, of course, a Rollei, I managed to get myself a Mint Rollei P37 for 99p! from eBay (that’s about $1.60) I upgraded the lens to a faster higher end Projar and it makes a big difference.

  16. I bought one of these in 1998-99 over the Hasselblad 503w because it was much more advanced. I recently had the battery rebuilt using eBay niMh cells. I can now supposedly shoot 1000 rolls on one charge. Quite a new lease on the life of the camera!
    It still looks brand new, but as for me?

    • How you faring with the rebuilt battery? And how’re you likeing the Rolleiflex? I always like to hear from other 6000 series users as they’re such a rare breed!

  17. 6×6 is drawing me in! As always, love your post and pictures Ibraar.

    If you ever lead a group shoot to the kush……

    • Jon!
      I’ve started to really love the Square 6×6 format a lot. It’s distinct, and funnily enough – EASIER to compose a shot with. it just makes so much sense.
      I’ve been drawn so much to it that I have been on the lookout for a 35mm sized camera which shoots 6×6.
      The Olympus Pen’s (Pen F/FT/FTV) shoot vertical 645 type ratio’s which is interesting, but as yet i know of no other square format ‘quality’ equipment. (Lomography do some but they’re plastic toy cameras and no good to me)
      My only other two options were for discontinued 126 Film and 127 Film, so I just bought myself a Rolleiflex SL26 SLR with 40mm tessar lens! it shoots 126 film in Square format. 126 is easily developed (most labs can dev and print it) but sourcing 126 Film is difficult.

      Another option is the Rolleiflex 4×4 Baby Grey, which I’m almost certainly going to buy next month. 127 Film is still available!

      Another option would be a Multi-aspect Ratio Digital – such as the Olympus or Lumix, I believe they have a true multi aspect sensor and can display square format in their Viewfinders – now all I need is a M43 camera, and a Waist level Finder for it! hehe!

      Now leading a group to the Karakoram and the Kush (or rather organising a group tour) is something I’ve had in mind for a couple of years.
      I have the contacts, guides, Hotels etc and routes, treks and tours all in my head, and other arrangements such as flights, Visa’s and Insurance. But penning everything down and organising is another matter entirely.

      • The Zeiss Tenax and the Robot are two (older) 135 format cameras that shoot squares – 24 x 24 mm. And I believe there is a modern Diana/Holga that can be set to 24 x 24 mm, too.

        Love the square myself, but I sold off my 6001 for lack of use – since I don’t develop myself, the cost was around 2 USD per shot… And I never could afford more than the standard 80 mm lens, so portraits were difficult for me.

        Within the next 6 months, I’m probably going mirrorless – and NEX as well as Nikon 1 are out of the question, since they don’t shoot squares…

  18. Really beautiful images, so rich and deep. I’m not sure I’ve produced anything like this with my DSLRs, though there was a taste of it with my 35mm slide film. What’s also impressive is getting such deep results with just a few shots. It certainly makes me question the digital philosophy of try, try and try again. Why not just get it right (or wrong) at first and let that be the image?

    • Thanks Gideon and Rick, with only 11 or 12 exposures in a roll one has to be really careful. I only shoot when I’m 100% certain and sure. hence I managed to get about 10 keepers out of a 12 exposure roll.

      With digital (and to some extent 35mm) I tend to go a bit trigger happy.

      The other thing is that trying different Film stocks is another exciting aspect.
      And awaiting results with expectation and anticipation is another, I just shot a roll of Agfa Ultra 50. A film long discontinued, which I bought from eBay, and I’m so looking forward to the results.

      As regards Digital Backs, they’re available for the 6008i. Hasselblad CF39 and Sinar eMotion are two options amongst others. I think the 6008AF and Hy6 have even wider and more recent options available.

  19. Wow…loving the MF look…and informative
    a. didn’t even know someone else other than hassy makes 6×6
    b. obviously wouldn’t think that this takes digital back…

  20. Hi, Ibraar.

    Now this IS a camera in the true Teutonic style! Strange that you should pop up with one of these after I denigrated your SL35. 🙂 I bet your original images must be stunning. If you do decide to cart it off to the Hindu Kush, I can’t wait to see your images. Terry.

    • Thanks Terry, it’s strange that in the whole of Youtube there are hundreds of ‘Blad and Rollei TLR video’s but only two – crappy, Rolleiflex 6×6 SLR videos! And reviews are few and far between.
      With the dirt cheap prices of these, finding a Mint example with warranty would be a worthwhile investment for any photographer who wants to shoot quality glass in MF and at 6×6

    • Thanks Terry, it’s strange that in the whole of You tube there are hundreds of ‘Hassy and Rollei TLR video’s but only two – shoddy, Rolleiflex 6×6 SLR videos! And reviews are few and far between.
      With the cheap prices of these, finding a Mint example with warranty would be a worthwhile investment for any photographer who wants to shoot quality glass in MF and at 6×6

  21. Obviously I do not have a comparison but if I remember those big format times and saw the Mamiya 6×7 pictures….. Wow. Just give me one of those to shoot these pictures. Sharp and nice colors Fuji lenses.
    Also with portraits beautiful results. Zeiss & Rodenstock lenses are not doing any better, it’s a matter of preference. Then came the 6×4.5 also beautiful and still exist up today but they are darn expensive.

    If I have all that money I might start getting the new Pentax 6×4.5 but Fujinon lenses has my preference, they are similar to the German lenses.

  22. Gosh, these “snapshots” and fantastic MF film pictures by you and others all make for a very compelling push for me to return to the days (70’s) when I simply had no choice but to quieten my mind when framing and making the exposure, and again to remember to breathe when viewing the drying negatives.

    Yes, I know times change, technology marches on and all that, and that there are folks who excel in producing immaculate images with today’s digital tools, which I, too, do enjoy immensely. All I’m saying is that somehow, there’s a different feel to the image-making “ritual” when shooting film, especially medium format, which is not so readily there when shooting digital.

    Wonderful, easily re-read article, Ibraar! Can’t wait for your stories and pictures from the Hindu Kush/Karakoram trip. Cheers, and a safe trip!
    —gerry

  23. Ibraar,

    Nice article on a really cool camera. You’ve mentioned it on my YouTube channel, and I know you love it. You’re making me want one! These results are fabulous, bad profile or not. Coincidentally, and before I read your article, I just today got a free roll of film from my shop (frequent customer thing), and I decided to try some slide film in 120. Interestingly enough, they recommended Provia 100, so I have some sitting in my bag ready to shoot! Your results really have me looking forward to shooting it.

    See you around the ‘net…

    • Mike, how’s it going man? I want you to know that I’ve really been enjoying your reviews and video’s!
      Thanks for the comment! I do recommend getting one, you can pick up an SLX mk II in good condition with 80mm Planar for around £300 – that’s about $400 which is a relative bargain!
      I reckon the 6001 and 6003 can also be got for a similar price.
      Considering these babies were in the region of 10’s of 1000’s of Dollars when new….

      As regards Slide film, you’ve just got to give either Velvia or Provia a go – considering the type of photographs you make, you’ll be very impressed.

      I’ve regressed a bit and just shot two rolls of Agfa Ultra 50 in 120 with the 6008i and 1 roll of Agfa Ultra 100 with the Contax T2 today when I drove down to the coast. I shall soon see the results of these long expired ultra high saturation (C41) Films! 🙂 Really excited about it!

    • Hi Scott, true, but to be honest this is more of a user review of the Rolleiflex rather than an exhibition of photographs as these are just snaps and trust me, in the right hands, this beast is carnal!

  25. picture 3 doesn’t look right. The colours aren’r right, the real colours are vibrant and the flowers and gorse really pop! Steve can you fix that please?
    (I think there may be a profile problem)

  26. Wow. There’s so much misinformation and so many just plain wrong items in this article I don’t even know where to begin. (I owned one for years and just sold it recently). On second thought, I’m not going to list all the things wrong. Not enough time.

    • Really? If there are any errors in spec or history then pray list them. There cant be any errors apart from that as its all MY experience.

  27. Great article on the Rollei. I started “adopting” 6006 and then 6008’s on ebay a few years back. Really enjoyed the shooting experience. Mostly B&W, self processed and then scanned into the computer.
    Some of the best photos I’v ever taken. Not only the technical aspects of the camera, but a really different mind set when there are only 12 shots on the roll! Every photographic choice means more.
    I thinking shooting with them has helped my digital work as well.

  28. I used a Rollei 6006 and 6008 Intergral in the past and they are marvelous cameras. One I sold the other one died of electronic failure. Later I bought a 2.8F TLR which is fabulous. All that being said, while I love these cameras I don’t have an infrastructure for film development anymore. Sometimes I miss the moments when I put the film onto a developing spool and after being processed I looked at the negatives while hanging in a door frame to dry. Good times. D!RK PS Does anybody know if Rolleiflex lenses can be used via adapter on a Mamiya AFD?

    • I know what you mean. Back then when I was still developing 35 & 120 BW, the 6×6 always pumped my heart faster then 35. The tonality was already there for you to see. May be that is the reason that I have become a pixel peeper; the mental state preference was already developed.

    • Are you serious ?
      The Sonnar 150 is one of the most famous lenses for Hasselblad
      and Rollei ever- together with the Distagon 50 it is all you ever need.
      I bought mine as a bargain for my 500C as my only lens a long time.
      Why it should be a waste ? Why is it a heavy shit ? Are you a dwarf ?

  30. The first image shows the resolving power. Be interesting to see the images after your trip. Some travel kit!

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