It uses Schneider lenses which boast incredible optical quality. One of the most impressive attributes of this camera is not only the lens lineup but the lenses themselves. If one has any issues they simply need to send it to the factory in Germany for service.ġ/500th-sec exposure at f/2.8 on Fujifilm 400h The Lenses Rock This is incredibly important because I always prefer the manufacturer to work on my gear rather than a third party. It was discontinued in 2013 but can still be purchased brand new today with a manufacturer warranty. It’s so new that the camera actually receives firmware updates.
The HY6 Mod2 is by far the newest medium format film camera system on the market. I’ve listed below all of the pros and cons and why more photographers should know about it.
After some time with each system, however, I’ve concluded that the Rollei system is by far the best option. All of these cameras did the job but didn’t check enough boxes. Before I discovered the Rolleiflex system I was shooting on the Mamiya, Contax, and Pentax 645 systems. This is quite surprising considering how excellent it is. I would say that 99.9% of people I speak to about this camera have never heard of it. This blog will provide an in-depth Rolleiflex HY6 Mod2 review along with sample images from the camera. I have worked with many different camera systems over those four years to ultimately find what works best for my needs. I’ve incorporated medium format film into my workflow over the past 4 years and won’t turn back any time soon.
#ROLLEIFLEX 2.8 VS DIGITAL PROFESSIONAL#
The resulting medium format photographs have a distinct look, especially in black and white, that I have yet to replicate with the Leicas, but this is probably due to the differences in choice of focal length and coatings on the lenses.Shooting on medium format film cameras has been the preferred method for professional wedding photographers for decades. I am saving up for the Wide Rolleiflex to round out the set.Īll of the cameras have been overhauled by either Harry Fleenor, Krikor Maralian or Karl Ehlers with Maxwell screens installed. My Rolleiflex collection has grown over the last two years in the following order:
I can compose the photograph as an "abstract" composition of tones, textures, lines and movement within a "neutral" square frame. The cameras are exceptionally well made, and I find both the square format and composing by looking down on the ground glass to be much easier than direct viewing through a rangefinder window. I returned to using mechanical film cameras (after 9 years of various digital cameras) through the purchase of my first Rolleiflex just over two years ago. P.S., I notice my spell-checker recognizes "Rollei" but not "Hasselblad." What does that say? However, I just bought two additional batteries from B&H. Long may it live! In times since, I have worried about the availability of batteries for it.
#ROLLEIFLEX 2.8 VS DIGITAL FREE#
The final negatives were at least the equal of those from the Hasselblad, and I just found the Rollei more user-friendly with a better metering system, and a trouble free system of interchangeable backs. But at the time, Rollei seemed closer to digital (and hence, longevity) than did Hasselblad (heck, Rollei already had two digital backs available). Had I known then what I know now, about Rollei going belly-up, I might have done differently. So I sold the Hassie and bought a telescope. At the end of the day, I just preferred the Rollei outfit I already had. In around 2002 I inherited my brother's Hasselblad 503cw outfit (50mm, 80mm, 120 macro, 180, and several backs). But how many of us use the fine SLRs that Rollei produced? I still have and use a 6008i kit. Judging from responses to the Hasselblad thread, I imagine many of us have the venerable TLR. OK, just out of curiosity, how many Leica users also use or at least own Rollei medium format gear? If Hasselblad gets its own thread, Rolleiflex ought to merit one too.