Monotone images in this set are courtesy of the Rolleiflex MX F3.5 Xenar loaded with Ilford HP5. I’ll be doing many more rolls with this little bit of Teuton Sorcery. But it’s so small, so light and so easy to nail why wouldn’t we all have one? To rebut the haters online, I see no loss in sharpness, no distortion and no reason to worry. The Rolleinar isn’t the right tool for every job, granted. Still excellent separation from the background.
My favourite images from this experiment happen to both be at F16. This is neither useful beyond novelty nor flattering to your subject, IMO. I chose smaller apertures simply because the DOF at very large apertures leaves parts of the face very sharp and some out of focus all together. Definitely a helpful tool to have in the bag. This will show the different working distances and DOF you can expect with the R1 and R2. Green filter installed for this roll, and a lens hood, always. Same conditions, one group at F/8, one at F/16. The transition from sharp focus to blur is even.Īnd finally, my favourite critter of all… SchoolĪfter shooting a proper test roll, I’ve come up with the following. Ive dumbed these images down a lot so they’re not burden to work with online, and they’re still pretty sharp. The Rolleinar needs no exposure compensation, no voodoo. Now, I love the Rollei for it’s rendering anyhow, but the R1 shot shows just how much is in it. It was hard to get this barn cat to stay still. These are both shot at nearest focus distance, first bare lens and the second R1. So, lets begin with the most scientific of images on the internet, the Kitty Shot. My method consisted of using it for some shots, not for others, recording nothing and trying to make sense of it weeks after when processing. I shot a roll in a very scientific way in hopes of putting the Rolleinar 1 through its paces. Even at Bay 1 prices, I didn’t get it until I used it. Bay 2, Bay 3 and Bay 4 tend to climb in price by multitudes.
My camera uses the smallest and cheapest Bay 1 accessories. I’m a lucky Rollei owner, since I went for the “good enough” 3.5A, K4A or MX, depending on where you’re reading this from. The Bay1 Rolleinar 1 and 2 weigh in a 28g each and as you’ll see, they let you make a beautiful image, so there’s no excuse not own a set, apart from the cost.
They bayonet on and off, you just need to ensure the upper set are lined up with the red dot facing straight up.
The Rolleinars are compatible with other Bay series filters and lens hood.
Rolleinar 1 and 2, Assembled Rolleinar 2 disassembled So what we have here is some minor inconvenience and a much more flexible camera. It’s a limitation of the camera’s construction, it just doesn’t extend like a Mamiya TLR, but also not the brute either. You can get close enough for a pleasant portrait, but you’re not filling the frame with your subject. The only thing I could fault the Rolleiflex for is the lack of head-and-shoulders portrait ability. EMULSIVE Santa match confirmations have been sent out to this year's 850 players! If you have any questions about your match or the process, please reach out via Elfster ASAP.