Two Film Cameras I've NEVER Shot
Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- My friend, Josh Hillman, was in town for the week and he brought a couple cameras with him that I've never shot before. I thought we would do a little Show and Tell with these cameras. Enjoy.
You can see Josh's work here: www.theanalogb...
Info on the Cameras:
www.yashicatlr....
www.yashicatlr....
www.yashicatlr....
en.wikipedia.o...
Matt Day Talks To Matt Day
Hi Matt. I don't know how I just found this - Rollei SL35s are some of my favorite 35 SLR models. The build quality of the early German-made models is fantastic - just look at the finishes inside the film chamber to see why. It was developed to compete with the Pentax Spotmatic, but the price was originally quite a bit higher. One of its unique features was an M42 adaptor that allowed any standard screw mount lens to be used on it with focus to infinity. Rollei moved production to Singapore to save costs, but the early results were disappointing - the new factory workers just couldn't attain the quality that Rollei demanded. After about two years of production of the basic SL35, the problems were largely cured, but you have to be careful with the serial numbers. The basic SL35 was followed in the mid seventies by the SL35M, which featured open aperture metering, a hot shoe, and some ergonomic improvements. Basically the same camera was also produced in Singapore as the Voigtlander VSL 1. Neither of these cameras were especially great in quality, but in 1978 Rollei redesigned the camera as the SL35E, which was a mostly new design. This was a beauty right from go, and offered aperture priority auto exposures, a perfectly aligned multiple exposure dial, and a compact and inexpensive motore drive accessory. It has manual shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 16 seconds!
Operating notes on the SL 35 you and Josh used: The meter button is the plastic button on the top right. It stops down the lens and takes a meter reading that shows on a match-needle indicator to the right of the viewfinder. The auto/manual switch on the lens just indicates whether the diaphragm opens and closes automatically or whether it holds (in manual) to the stopped down aperture. The button on the lower right side of the lens collar is just a stop down depth of field preview - it's not connected to the meter and it doesn''t hold the exposure. Since the camera is entirely manual, it always holds the exposure until you move the aperture or shutter speed dials.
Finally, a word on the lenses. The original German-made Planar 50s are fantastic, and the 1.4 is the equal of any lens ever put on an SLR. With a few exceptions, all of the Singapore built lenses are also fantastic, whether branded as Zeiss or Rollei. The equal or better of Pentax SMC Takkumars IMHO, and some of the high speed Zeiss-designed models are as good or better than the Nikon and Canon fast lenses of the same focal lengths. There was an incredible range available and they still turn up once in a while, but generally at very high prices.
All in all, one of my very favorite cameras - I have three, one of which I originally bought in the early 70s. I'm on an eternal quest to find more lenses and I often carry one or the other bodies with a few lenses. They are not for everyone, but if you don't mind the manual controls of the original, or want a compact autoexposure model with a range of great lenses, the SL35 and SL35E are fantastic choices. Every turn of a dial or click of the shutter is a pleasure for me. Andy
My first medium format camera was a YashicaMat! I used it during a photography class I took my first year in high school. In fact, I used it to shoot the final exam image and was one of only two of us who made an A on that project! Great TLR and fun to shoot!
MORE EPISODES LIKE THIS!!! Feels like the visual version of The Shoot. 👍🏾
The only film SLR I currently own is an old Yashica FX-103 Program. Phenomenal camera, really. I found it in a flea market, up in a dusty corner, all beat to hell and abandoned. It had an m42 lens adapter and Mamiya Sekor 55mm f1.4 attached. It had no price on it, but they said they would take $15 for it. At that price, I figured it was worth it, even if it didn't work. Turns out, the camera works flawlessly. Once I put a battery in it, even the light meter works perfectly and is spot on accurate. That lens is also silky smooth. I'll never get rid of the camera, now.
The SL35 is an awesome camera indeed. It's one of my favorite 35mm cameras.
Leicaflex forever!!!
Half the time I was focusing on that incredible skateboarding shot!
Love yashica! My first TLR is a Yashica A, and i also have a Mat 124G
Thanks Matt and Josh! I recently uncovered my late grandfathers Yashicaflex and I never tested it because I couldn't find any info on how to use it. This is a huge help!
Yeah you've got that the wrong way round. The Rolleiflex SL35 was designed, tested and Made In Germany in an incredibly short period because Rollei recognised the changing market/demands as regards camera formats. The German made SL35's are the ones to buy and keep.
Rollei was possibly one of the first manufacturers to switch production overseas to Singapore. Unfortunately this didn't go well for a time and the first batch/s were riddled with faults. Later cameras were better but probably safer to look for a German model.
I have a 1970 BLACK German made sl35. Love it to death and it’s solid as hell. Way superior to the Singapore versions
I sold a German SL35 with Zeiss Planar 1.8 and I'm regretting it. The lens was as good as the C/Y mount Planar 1.7 to my eye but a nicer in build (no perishable rubber etc).
I agree. First German made one were considered better. Apparently later once made in Singapore the quality went down and Zeiss did not want their name associated with them and hance the Made By Rollei branding. I think the even later versions had Mamiya made lenses
"Smash that Like button!" hahahahahaaaaaaa
kenwest00 I like Peter :(
What I love about your channel Matt is I totally relate to what you do. And it's massively inspiring. Picture I've taken with a '72 Nikkormat seem more relevant to me now, maybe I'm doing myself down. With so many photographers using a canon 5dsr or similar putting their work out I've overlooked what I have to offer. Love what you do man
Just shot my first two rolls with my Yashica 635, loved it, 2 rolls of Portra 400, slowed me down.
Great Video!
Gotta stop you there. Rollei started the manufacturing of the sl35 in 1970. The lenses were the qbm (quick bayonet mount) made and designed by Carl ziess in Germany more specifically by Earsnt Abbe and Otto Schott. The camera was sold in both silver and black and it was just a tad outadated compared to its competitors. However the reason they moved to Singapore was because of delocalization 2 years later from original production,that was happening with many camera companies who were looking for cheaper means of producing cameras. When rollei moved that’s when the plague of unreliability happened. Making the German made ones more sought after. The lenses were designed in leicas image and were made In tons of variations. Later although being designed by zeiss and not exactly built by them they gained the orange HFT which was rolleis version of zeiss’ coating on their lenses. Also rollei also sold an accessory shoe mount for camera flashes but still needed to be operated remotely by pc flash sync cable. But for me the simplicity of the camera adds to its beauty for me. I own a 1970 German made sl35 in black with the original Carl zeiss planar lens made by Otto and Earnst and it’s build quality is far superior to the Singapore counterpart. The reason for the heavy (but smooth) feel of the focus is because of the German grease used in the lens that tends to become thick and waxy. I recently had mine serviced and a busted screw head was found jamming my mirror. $180 buck for a piece left behind during production, go figure. And I do the maintenance on my lenses myself. So it’s been thouroughly cared for. I am also the second owner of mine with original receipts of its purchase in Germany. This thing is flawless. About a 9.8/10. I hope you learned something from this. Ps.... take it to have it’s shutter bearing greased cause they a huge reason they fail.
Also you can convert your lens to Nikon mount easily and by yourself. It’s a common practice to get a quality lens on a reliable body. Food for thought.
Matt, that skate photo behind you guys are awesome!
that Rollei is gorgeous!
Funny with the black / silver thing. originally I always wanted the black "pro" looking cameras. Now days I kind of like the silver as it stands out to other older shooters and young guys into film. I often have people stop to ask what my camera is when I carry a vintage chrome one. Never happens with a vintage black body.
Great video Matt. I wanted to give you kudos; I recently bought a Mamiya C330 F, in no small part due to your review, and I'm very happy with it. So way to go!
Matt, great video. I just got into shooting medium format myself and was looking for a TLR as my first such camera. From lots of research and price comparisons, I ended up buying a very clean Yashica D for $55 off Ebay. I chose the Yashica D because it was much less expensive than the Yaschica-Mat 124/124G but also because it has a film wind knob with separate shutter cocking lever instead of the combined setup of the 124/124G. The Yashica D has max shutter speed of 1/500, just like the 124/124G, and mine is a later version with f/3.5 Yashinon taking lens with the f/2.8 viewing lens. The Yashica D does not have a built-in light meter and it requires an overlap-style cable release attachment instead of the standard screw-in type. There was very little compromise involved in selecting the Yashica D and I'm loving it so far.
Mashed the “like button,” simply because of that very fine T-Shirt!
Yo, you should totally do a mini episode just decided replacing TLR (or even SLR) screens! I was recently given an old Yashica-Mat and I've dreamed of a split prism screen to help achieve perfect focus. For older gear like this, it almost feels like a game changer.
I have that Rolleiflex camera and I just love it. I have silver one though. Not that color matters :)
Great video! Thanks
Great video! I liked that.
Guys. Where do you get those ball caps with the peak at the back? I've been to a load of sporting goods stores and they only do the ones with peak at the front!
great video as usual Matt!! keep it up mannn
I have this camera I bought new in 1974 the black button next to the rewind lever is for the lightmeter set a shutter speed and press the button and adjust your aperture when the needle is centred you have correct exposure it need a battery to work They came with two 50mm lens the first 50mm lens was the Rollei SL- Xenon 50/1.8 made in Germany from 1972-76 later models used the planer 50mm f1.8 made in Singapore the German made lens cost more on Ebay.
I don’t think the Auto on the SL35 is Aperture Priority. I think it just ‘auto’ meters when stopped down (or something).
I have a Rolleiflex SL350 the viewfinder is fabulous, have never been able to understand the light meter.
Josh Hillman Thanks for the reply I think mine works in a similar way, but mine has a floating needle like normal then it has a second needle that moves with the apperature or shutter speed. I often use an external meter or sunny 16.
Yeah the light meters are kinda wonky. I’ve learned that it will go in both directions if you’re under or overexposed but the more I shoot with it the more I learned what it’s telling me. Kinda tough to explain but I agree
6:54 You can get Pentax cameras in black too, you know. :p
On a more serious note, I'd be interested to know what Josh Hillman's favourite focal length for street photography in downtown Toronto is. I was there a few months ago and brought 28, 35 and 55mm lenses with me on my S1a; the 28 got the most use, the 55 went on for a change of perspective, and the 35 languished in the bottom of the bag.
Sebastião Salgado probably wears a t-shirt that says Canon Rebel. Boggles my mind!
Nice caps
THANKS
Your t shirt is awesome....!!
your hair........where is it......
Matt, when will be live in Instagram
If you said you were brothers, I wouldn’t question it
What are the tradeshows called? The one you pay 7 bucks to? I live close to Toronto, so would love to visit
Its how the cool kids wear them.....nice caps ;)
I bought a Rollei SL35 made in Germany in silver with a Carl Zeiss planar 50mm f1.8, and... it broke lol, had to have it fixed lol, other than that is an amazing camera.
For how much did you buy it
@@mohamadrashwo8031 I bought it for 200€, German made camera with all documents and accessories in its original case. The problem with it was that it was kept in an attic for almos 50 years without being used, so when I received it it was needed to lubricate all parts in order to be used.
So I too shoot with a backwards trucker hat. When is the chapter meeting? I’ll bring snacks.
Not all Rolleiflex SL35 lenses were all made by Zeiss, actually thoses signed "Rolleinar" were made by Tokina. Bodies were made in Germany and in Singapore.
They were budget cameras here in Europe back the 70s, more expensives than Praktika stuffs but cheaper than a Minolta Srt 101 for exemple. Nothing comparable with a Contarex or a Leica. However SL 35 is a good camera, beautiful, simple and reliable. But its successors (SL35 M, SL35 ME, SL35 E) are unfortunatly based on the Zeiss Icarex 35 and its poor electronics, so they have reputation to be not reliable.
François THAÏLANDE I believe that the Rolleinars were made by Mamiya.
what's the website for the guy that makes the viewfinders?
Sx-70 and Polaroid one step two please???!!!!!!
For all those looking for manuals for older cameras, one of the best places to go to is Butkus the website has been up for like 20 something years but it has stuff you have never heard of to the really common on there totally worth checking out. oh yeah and its free www.butkus.org/chinon/index.html
👍👍
You cut your bear hair ! Nice cameras and video thx
What games do you play on xbox?
Where did you get that shirt?????
Alejo Storni internet
Friend? U mean twin brothers...
The Yashicamats in all of their versions were good economic tlr versions. The Rollei SL35 35mm cameras were NOT good cameras at all. Rollei tried to compete with the Japanese cameras and had their 35mm cameras made in Singapore. The lenses were good optically but were mechanically quite poor. The few that were made in Germany were not much better. Rollei just didn't know how to make a good 35mm camera. This was ironic given how well made the Rolleiflex and Rolleicords were.
I know this because I was a rep for EPOI and Rollei of America. Only the TLR cameras were well made. Rollei tried to be a completely premium brand- they made flash units, rangefinders and more but they were outdated in their designs and the build excution was extremely poor
The Cap Bros
...now kiss!