This short blog article is a small collection of Fujicolour PRO 400H C-41 medium-format film photographs, shot on a Rolleiflex model 3.5 K4A from 1951.
The Rolleiflex TLR is my favourite 120 format camera design. I previously used a Hasselblad and 80 mm lens for the better part of three years. My Rolleiflex 3.5 A features a 75 mm f/3.5 Zeiss Tessar lens, capable of capturing great colours and contrast, in a compact form factor.
The Rolleinar close-up lens has become a staple piece of equipment that I carry in my camera bag. A convenient leather case allows for quick storage and retrieval of the Rolleinar, which is useful in many situations.
After aligning the lenses correctly (larger lens on top with dot aligned upwards, smaller lens on bottom in any position) you’re able to focus closer than the camera’s default 40 inches. It’s possible to use this for macro and portraiture photography.
The header image was captured on in a Rolleiflex 3.5 F K4A, equipped with the Rolleinar 1. The f/3.5 limit of the Rolleiflex combined with the extreme depth of field provided by the Rolleinar makes it easy to capture images in striking ways.
Earlier this year I had the chance to purchase an excellent-condition Rolleiflex 3.5 (K4A) with full set of filters (coloured, U/V, etc.), a Rolleinar close-up lens, everready case, leather bag, and original papers for a total of $635 AUD ($445) on eBay. It was a great opportunity and an even better deal.
The image-taking mirrors and light sealing in old Rolleiflex cameras can begin to show degradation, so be aware of that if you purchase second-hand or via the internet. The Rolleiflex is largely user-serviceable if you have a general grasp of mechanical repairs and feel comfortable tinkering with mechanics.
My Rolleiflex features a 75 mm f/3.5 Zeiss Tessar lens, and shutter speeds from 1 to 1/500, bulb, and a working self-timer. The lens shows great colours and contrast, and provides sharp images when shot open at f/3.5. The viewing lens makes it easy to focus and compose images, and I do not find myself focusing back and forth excessively.