Rolleiflex 3.5F Review

In this video, Greg and I review the Rolleiflex 3.5F (last model) and talk about the Rolleiflex series and its cultural relevance in general. In order to test the camera properly, we went on a photo walk in Würzburg shooting some Fuji Acros 100, Kodak Ektar 100 and Ilford FP4+. Take a look at our review to learn more.

Equipment:
Rolleiflex 3.5F

Films used:
Fuji Acros 100
Kodak Ektar 100
Ilford FP4+

Scan & Dev:

Video shot with:
Fujifilm X-T 2 with 18-56mm f/2.8-4 lens

[joesasser]

I believe this is the 10th time I have watched this video. It is so well thought out, informative, & entertaining, I keep returning to it over & over.

[bicycle]

I had a 2.8F and used it quite a bit along with a 3.5E. I noted the prices on used market for the 2.8 and had to let it go. Collected a small fortune and bought another 3.5. I don't miss the 2.8. You get a heavier camera, thinner wallet and an added one-half f stop. GREAT VIDEO!!!

[miguelgarrido]

Do not hesitate, Max, more book reviews, please. It is a delicate moment for the culture of the book and the book industry, even more when editors are reluctant, more and more, to publish photography books. Laterally, in the process of doing book reviews you will defend the importance of printing as the ultimate result of the film photographic process. I am sure Gerhard Steidl would be agree to it ;-)

[highdesertforester]

This brings back memories of a year I spent in Germany in the late 1970's with my Rolleiflex 3.5F in a small town between Stuttgart and Heilbronn

[BasementShopGuy]

Damn it Max, you did it to me AGAIN!! First it was Canon P, then the Intrepid, now I went and bought a superb 2.8F and am loving it. My next one will be the Pen-F thanks to your fantastic and well-done videos. I probably speak for everyone here, when I say that you channel is one of THEE-BEST out there. Keep up the great work!

[donaldlampert]

As usual, a finely crafted, and well researched, visual tribute to a fine photographic instrument!
I’m jealous that you live in such a historic and visually rich place!
Future reviews of your fine photography library, would be wonderful…
Thank so much…. Always a joy to watch you!

[joesasser]

I own a 75mm f/3.5 Tessar, 75mm f/3.5 Planar, and 80mm f/2.8 Xenotar (needs CLA). There is nothing else like a Rollei TLR. They are magic, and never fail, plus the lens quality is spectacular.

[busdriver]

Thanks for the review of this fine camera. I have owned mine for close to sixty years and it shows a lot of wear because it was my workhorse. It was packed away for a while after my marriage to keep kids hands away from it. I recently got it and my 4X5 Crown Graphic out for servicing. I have tried digital and don't really like it. Too used to film's rendition of tonal transition between darks and lights. I just discovered your channel and intend to see more of your work. Think I will run a few rolls thru before I have the servicing. The Metro Light Rail from end to end is calling here in the Phoenix, Arizona area allowing me to go hands free and only $2 since being a senior citizen allows some perks. Oh yeah just to mention I bought the Rollie for $125 at a camera store's Dutch Auction all those years ago. With reasonable care they last forever.

[gunnarlahmann]

Wonderful video. You run almost the only channel that manages to review a camera in an informative an entertaining way and accompany it with great sample images.
Oh yeah, book reviews please!

[Hektormydog]

Such a well produced video, and subject is my favorite camera of all time. I grew up on the lens side of my father’s Rolleicord in the late 1950s and into the 60s. I’ve had a f3.5F last version 12/24 for something like 50-years and it is just a beautiful camera in every way. Construction/build is so solid and impeccable, the Zeiss Planar (or the Xenotar) are simply amazingly sharp and smooth, and of course the design is esthetically beautiful. It feels so right in the hands and handles naturally with great satisfaction. It’s not a compact 35mm camera, but not so big either for a day out or extended travel camera, and has the medium format wonder square 6x6 quality. Prices are ‘an investment’ and should probably have a quality over-haul by an experienced repair person, but worth it if you can appreciate all this camera is.

[khronokraze]

Thanks for this video. It inspires me to want to use a very similar camera my stepdad fairly recently gave me, a Rolleicord Vb. I've shot a few frames for a maternity photoshoot I did with Ilford HP Plus 400. I am eager to shoot the remaining frames and develop to see how they turned out.

[PhilipRice]

I love old camera reviews and shooting vids. There are so many out there - it would be cool to see a shoot with the old standard Rolleiflex. Looking forward to seeing more! Love photo book reviews as well. Great work!

[ivanvdk]

The quality in which you bring this review is amazing. Relaxed and concrete information. You’ve got a new follower ;-) I will soon have my 2, 8D and 3, 5 T. Can’t wait to conquer the streets . Great job ! Hope to hear/ see similar reviews. Congratulations from Belgium ! 10 points ;-)

[eicas_]

I’m a big fan of your channel and your videos, especially this one. Watching it finally motivated me to get my grandfather’s Rolleiflex 3.5F CLA’d. I’m super excited to shoot it and I’m even taking it on a trip from the United States to Munich (like a little visit back to its home country). Thanks for making such quality content!

[certs]

I just recently purchased a Rolleiflex automat and I am very much enjoying it. It is a joy to use.

[andrewhowarth]

I think I've commented before on this video, I've certainly watched it several times. Your reviews are always informative and stylish, and worth multiple views. Fanboy could listen to you pronounce "Franke und Heidecke" quite frequently. You and Greg do a wonderful job. Andy

[trimedia]

such a joy to browse across your review this evening. seeking a camera for my son to continue to explore his relationship with film and his chosen subject matter. thank you, it was a treat and wet my appetite to learn more about this format of camera.

[alanclark]

Hay guys. Loved the video. As a 'collector' having in excess of 70+ Rolleiflex, including three 2.8B's, two Tele's and a wide angle. I would strongly recommend 'The Classic Rolleiflex' by John Phillips. Sadly he has recently passed away but his book is a true insight into the Rolleiflex range.

[buyaport]

Funny coincidence that you posted this marvelously edited (as usual) video about the Rolleiflex, as I just got one of the same series as Greg's from a renowned North German webshop, more known for selling films, chemistry etc. I can understand why your friend Greg was smiling every time he took a picture, because this camera simply makes you smile. It is like a perfect working mechanical watch, and my trusty Yashica mat 124G feels like a tin box compared to this camera.

That being said, if one inspects the pictures very(!) closely, the Rolleiflex pictures tend to be a bit softer at the edges (like softish). So no need for any lucky owner of a Yashica to think his camera would take inferior pictures. The overall look of the pictures is different, though. Those of the Yashica have a more "technical" look, those of the Rollei have a somehow "warmer", "inviting" look (it is difficult to describe precisely). I like those from the Rollei better (perhaps a matter of taste or "new toy joy")... And yes the shutter is very silent (practically inaudible.)

BTW, and because you asked: I like books about cameras, too. But I think it would be difficult to present them. If you or your friend have any interesting and rare book about photographers, that would be more interesting (like those Ted Forbes presented on his channel).

[alejoniux]

Greetings from Havana, Cuba. Thanks for the video, Im starting with Rolleiflex after a short experience with Mamiya and Yashica TLR cameras.
Can’t wait to see the results.