The cameras certainly have many virtues and are built
extremely well but the ergonomics of the Flex are hard to
justify. Having to "toss" the camera from side to side to wind
the film and focus is not a great layout nor is the position of
the shutter release. As I posted I much prefer the Cord layout,
its easy to hold the camera very steady, it doesn't move when
releasing the shutter. At least up to the IV. The early Flex,
with the lever type release, is similar but you should use your
left index finger to release the shutter and not the right one as
shown in the instructions.
We all love the Rollei but should recognize it has some
shortcomings.
On 1/30/2022 1:31 AM, CarlosMFreaza wrote:
Hello Richard:
I think that the design and ergonomics of the Rollei TLR could have some minor drawbacks, but this same design and ergonomics, plus the optical quality, have allowed and continue to allow very good pictures to be taken with these cameras.
Carlos.
El sáb, 29 ene 2022 a las 19:00, `Richard Knoppow (<dickburk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>) escribió:
I am afraid I am a heretic about Rolleiflex ergonomics, I
think they are poor. The idea of having to reach around
with your
index finger and also move as the lens board moves for
focusing
may be OK for people with large hands but I have always
found it
uncomfortable. I hold the camera in a way similar to a
Hasselblad, that is, supported on the left palm with the left
index finger reaching the shutter release. That way the
force of
pushing the button is taken up by the left palm and the camera
doesn't move. I find the ergonomics of the earlier Flex and
the
Rolleicord better. These have a lever for the shutter which is
pulled by the left index finger. The technique I use for the
pre-automat is the same as shown in the instructions for the
Rolleicord. The lever does not have a return spring for
cocking
but is otherwise the same. Again, the force on the release is
against the palm of the same hand so the camera remains very
steady. I think the fault lies in the basic design of the
camera
and doubt if modifying the shutter release would cure it. BTW,
there is a fair amount of mechanism between the button and the
actual shutter release.
One photo in a Rollei book shows Heidecke (?) with a
Rollei,
he uses his thumb to trip the shutter. I have also tried this,
not much different than using a finger.
Its interesting that Mamiya and Ikoflex both use a
different
method of activating the shutter that is IMO more stable.
On 1/29/2022 1:20 PM, CarlosMFreaza wrote:
> I was testing my Rollei TLR cameras shutter release buttons.
> You need a slight pressure to release the 2,8 and 3,5 F
> shutters, the buttons have a very short travel for the
purpose,
> both cameras were serviced at FFS Braunschweig, Germany by
> former Rollei factory technicians a few years ago and the
3,5F
> 00 Compur received a new main spring. The 2,8 C shutter
release
> button has a long travel and I use it the way I explained
in a
> previous post. The Rolleiflex T and Rolleicord IV require a
> lateral pressure with the index finger to release the
shutter,
> I think the button/ lever travel is short but the travel
is not
> a problem really because you compensate the lateral pressure
> from the right with your left hand on the camera body left
> side, you can hold the camera firmly for slow shutter speed
> shots camera hand held.
> Carlos
>
> El sáb., 29 de ene. de 2022 11:21, CarlosMFreaza
> <cmfreaza@xxxxxxxxx> escribió:
>
> Hello Kevin:
> I understand your problem but I
don't
> know if I could suggest a solution; I'll comment on my
> experience: I think it's a matter of adjustment,
> cleanliness and strength of some springs, as is the
way you
> hold the camera too. I barely press my 3,5 F shutter
> release button with my index finger and the shutter
fires;
> in the other hand, I use two steps to fire the 2,8C
> shutter; The first step is to slowly press the shutter
> button with my index finger until I feel hardness or
> resistance, at this point I know that a slight additional
> pressure will release the shutter, reducing the
ability to
> move the camera. , In other words,I keep the button
pressed
> at this point when the time to take the picture
approaches.
> Carlos
>
>
> El sáb, 29 ene 2022 a las 10:27, kevin pernicano
> (<kpshrink@xxxxxxxxx>) escribió:
>
> Seeking input on a shutter release issue with all my
> rolleiflex TLRs.
>
> I am a seasoned photographer (over 50 yrs) having
owned
> MANY different cameras. I am very steady with
most and
> can hand hold down to 1/5 sec in most conditions
> without tremors even in my late 60’s. My
> steadiness/ability is enhanced by using cameras
with a
> shutter release that is short-throw, even my 120
SLRs.
>
> My Rollei TLRs all have a release that seems very
> “long” so that when I squeeze the release, the
shutter
> won’t fire until it reaches the very end of the
“press”
> and this process results in a small “jerk” with an
> accompanying image blur.
>
> I have tried multiple hand positions using index
> finger, middle finger, thumb all with this same
dilemma
> whether at waist-level or eye level. . All
Rolleis have
> been expertly serviced and the releases are smooth
> without a catch, just very long in comparison with
> other cameras. I have added soft releases, other
> implements with same results.
>
> As it seems to be a long shutter release throw
issue, I
> thought about having the release modified to have a
> shorter throw (much like having a “hair trigger” on a
> pistol) but did not know if anyone else has this
issue
> or tried another modification. One such thought
was to
> add a short pin into the cable socket so that the
> shutter release would be in a “1/2” fired
position, but
> haven’t tried this yet.
>
> Opinions requested and valued. Thanx in advance.
>
> --
> Dr. Kevin Pernicano
> New Braunfels, TX
>
> /*Tempus Fugit. Aliis humaniter tractare.*/
>
-- Richard Knoppow
dickburk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
WB6KBL
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