Advice please, on old film cameras

[photostar_1]

Due to rather sad circumstances, I am now the bemused owner of the following:
Two twin-lens cameras (a Rolliflex and a Yashikamat), a Nixon F with a bellows focusing attachment (PB-5), a Minolta XD-7, and a Bronika S2A (with extra back) plus something called a Bowens Illumitran 3S. There are also numerous lenses for the Rolliflex (all in little brown leather purses) and also quite a few lenses for the Minolta.

As my entire experience of cameras has been almost entirely digital, I'm at a loss to know if any are useable. I wont sell them, for sentimental reasons and anyway I can't imagine anyone would want them, but I would like to hear from anyone who might advise if they might still be useable. :shrug:

I don't think any of the lenses will be useable on my canon 350D.

[CT]

All those cameras are entirely mechanical. The best you can do is run through all the shutter speeds and see if they all work and sound about right. If they do the chances are all is well. Check the apertures on all the lenses at all F stops to see if the blades are sticking.

The best way to check them is put a roll of film through em... go on... you'll have a ball. ;)

The Rolleiflex twin lens in various forms was the chosen tool of virtually every pressman,working pro, and keen amateur, before 35mm SLRs gradually took over completely.

If you do a Google search on each of the cameras you have, being sure to get the exact model names right, I'm sure you'll come up with loads of info.

Just be sure before you open the back on any of them that there isn't exposed film in there... you never know what treasures they might hold.

[oldgit]

I'm always interested in "old" stuff can you post a couple of pics of them.

[mho]

Rolliflex - Fantastic camera just been using one for one of my current projects, takes a bit of getting used to but the prints that can be made from those negs are outstanding.

[dod]

nice collection, sorry to hear it wasn't perhaps the best of circumstances you got it in.

[CT]

I wont sell them, for sentimental reasons and anyway I can't imagine anyone would want them,

You gotta be kidding! Check ebay, there's a real market for this stuff. Prices have gone really silly cheap, but classic cameras in top condition always command a high price. Unfortunately, most people who buy them are only interested in collecting.

You should be able to find your Rollei

HERE (http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/info/index.shtml)

[Steep]

Rollei and Bronica are top of the range medium format cameras, whoever you inherited them from must have been a keen photographer, cherish them.

[photostar_1]

Rollei and Bronica are top of the range medium format cameras, whoever you inherited them from must have been a keen photographer, cherish them.

I will, believe me! They were my Dad's who sadly died on the 22/11/06. He started in photography as a hobby, ran a camera club, did weddings etc and moved into it as a full-time job eventually. He worked at the Mitchelin tyre factory in Stoke -on- Trent where he did photos for the inhouse magazine etc, and then moved to JCB where he did allsorts of photographic/exhibition work, travelling to some fabulous places to do the JCB sets for exhibitions.

Here are a few pics of the kit I now own.....
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Rolleiflex.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Rolli-2.jpg



http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Yash.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Bronica.jpg

[photostar_1]

And a few more (pressed send too soon!)

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Minox.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Minolta.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Bron-bits.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Nikon.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/769/Rolli.jpg

[CT]

I like the little half frame 'spy' camera. It looks like a Minox B?

[Venomator]

So sorry to hear of your sad loss PhotoStar ... :'(

But at least you have your memories and some fantastic gear to cherish and remember him by ... :thumbs:

There is a really serious market for all old gear and loads of people who continue to use it too ... I am sure you will have fun experimenting with it at some point ... it all looks in pretty good shape and will likely as not work quite well ... some of them are really bullet proof ... :D

Condolences to you and your family at this time ... ;)














:p

[CT]

I like the little half frame 'spy' camera. It looks like a Minox B?

Thinking about it, it wasn't half frame, I think it took 9.5 mm film cassettes.

[Rhodese]

This is top notch kit, I’ve owned and used this type of camera over the years and used with low ISO transparency film (slides) you can enlarge to the size of a small town, try them out and let us see the results. It’s the cost of film and processing when used on a regular basis that makes them prohibitive hence there demise for amateur use.

[photostar_1]

.........try them out and let us see the results.

I'd love to, but I don't have the first idea how! Think I've got rather a steep learning curve ahead of me....:cuckoo:

[CT]

I'd love to, but I don't have the first idea how! Think I've got rather a steep learning curve ahead of me....:cuckoo:

Well it's pretty simple really... either get an exposure meter, or use your DSLR as a meter...if it says 125 at F8 that's what you set on the Rollei... or any of the others. Make sure the ASA setting on the camera is the same as the ISO setting on the DSLR. 100 ISO = 100 ASA and so on. You wont be far away. ;)

[Arkady]

Nice looking Nikon there... That should last another 40 years without too much effort.
The Rollei was a staple of news phots who wanted a better quality image. Don McCullin's early work was done with one. Good discipline only having 12 frames to work with before changing film.

[photostar_1]

Cheers Guys, I knew someone here would be able to help me. :thumbs: Now....do I use "normal" film for the twin, or does it have to be something special? As for the Bronica.....any ideas what kind of film I need for that? Sorry to be so dumb.

[CT]

Both cameras will take 120 film IIRC, giving 12 exposures, possibly also 220 film which is the same width, but gives double the amount of exposures. If the manuals are with your dad's gear just check to be sure. If in doubt 120 film is probably the safer bet.

Some tips on loading HERE (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/how2load120.htm)

[dazzajl]

WOW! There are some fabulous cameras there.

There must be a shop near you somewhere or a camera club with people that would be thrilled to give you a run down on how to keep these amazing machines doing what they do very very well. Making great pictures and to carry on protecting your family memories.

I know I'm miles and miles away but there's probably someone else on here a bit nearer that would also love to spend a few hours handling these and talking you through them

I doubt that you'll get that seriously bitten by the film bug that you'll want to use them all the time but you'll really enjoy them when you do. :)

[photostar_1]

That's a god idea Dazzajl, thanks. There is a club quite near me, I've just never tried it. Might give it a visit after crimmble......no time at the moment.