The Rolleiflex 6008 integral from Rollei offers demanding users the absolute peak of electronic sophistication in a 6x6cm SLR system camera. Its advan
The Rolleiflex 6008 integral from Rollei offers demanding users the absolute peak of electronic sophistication in a 6x6cm SLR system camera. Its advanced autoexposure modes, multiple meter patterns, autobracketing, and compatibility with Rollei’s high-tech Master Control Unit are just a few of the 6008 integral’s unparalleled electronic capabilities.
Summary: Shooting 6008i with PQS lens for outdoor transparencies requires precision metering and choices - this camera has it. I use a Heliopan Circular polarizer and the metering is perfect with it. I used Hasselblad before and frequently used the EV system. On Rollei it is really aperature preferred or shutter speed preferred, but with your own knowledge, these work well to allow tracking on the EV system. The setting for spot metering is VERY tight on the Rollei, as it shold be. I prefer the handling of the Rollei for handheld shots. The shutter noise - no problem for these shots. Note you cannot sneak one of these cameras into a crowded bar for candid shots so the noise isn't a factor. If other people are present, the ones with good cameras will flock to your side for a demo of the Rollei. I've photographed Alaska to Arizona, hot, cold, wet, dry - no problems. Film loading is superior to any other 120 film camera that I've used. Handling - and I'm left handed - no problem, but this is a very right-handed camera for shooting and loading. After a short while, you know where everying is on this by feel - like driving a Mercedes. The display show all the camera settings - even the metering mode, as well as how far off-exposure the settings are in manual mode in 1/3 stop ranges. Bracketing is rarely required here and it can be set for any range desired.
The battery system and charger are very sophisticated and work with power from anything but even better is the battery charge checking. Computer control of this camera requires some inside knowledge but gives ability to fire two very quick shots from a moving camera platform for 3D photos or th gang fire several cameras in various timed sequences. The 6008 is an instrument for visual measurement as well as a great photo art camera.
The PQS lenses (Schneider) have four pole bayonet fittings rather than the three pole of other cameras. You can save on the filter collection costs by having an adapter ring that is four pole on one side - three pole on the other or adapted for screw filters. These bayonet mounts are much better than cross threading problems common with large threaded filters and are ideal for one-handed mounting of filters.
The mirror lock feature is very easy and makes precisely timed shots possible.
As a 'cheap' aerial photography camera, this is an ideal camera for missions that only need a few pictures. (It is Impossible to reload a camera remotely mounted in the belly of a small aircraft during flight.) With zero modification, the camera is easy to mount and remote trigger.
Spend the extra for the PQS lenses to shoot at 1/500 all day!
I'm not a fashion photographer but have shot the camera in a lab studio setting where it is useful for precision photographic documentation.
Strengths: Very legibly labeled controls, metering readouts give all data with a lighted display ideal in dim light shooting and for reading in sunlight!
Metering accuracy and modes, with readout of all.
Very bright viewing screen.
External control capability via computer or simple electrical circuits.
Mounting choices for cameral platform and aircraft useage.
With the grip, a very easy camera to shoot one-handed.
Built-in dark slide on film back is a rolling blind, not a pull-out metal plate. It cannot be misplaced.
Weaknesses: Weight for any medium format camera, including this one. For landscape work, fit it to a backpack.
Focusing in dim light, particularly if you wear glasses for reading, is a chore. Focus on the prime subject with split, them re-frame the picture. A diamond screen might be more helpful for you. Screens are easy to change.
Possibility of having strap accidentally move the filmspeed setting on the film back.
Similar Products Used: Hasselblad for 6x6
Yashica for 6x6
Canon 10D, 1D 35mm
Canon 10S, EOS1 35mm
Pentax digital
Customer Service: I have not needed any service except a visit to a local Palo Alto, CA dealer to discover the electronic external control data. The information is obscure. Rollei Germany knows a LOT more about the camera than the US importer is willing to say. I found very good information about the camera from labs/users in London and Hong Kong, too.
I've not cold-shocked the camera or bumped it against anything hard, so nothing has needed service from either wear or abuse.
Lab measurements show the camera to be as accurate as the lab instruments! This is after two years and about 100 rolls of film.
Rating Reviewed by: Ian (Unregistered User)
(Professional)
Review Date July 14, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
4 votes
Review 2 of 16
Price Paid:
$2950.00
from dale
Summary: What a wonderful camera.
I have compared this with many others and frankly this is best for image quality, the PQS lenses are amazing. Specification - I looked at the blad 503CW, but by the time you ad a metred prism, power drive etc, it is WAY more expensive than the Rollei and even then the metering prism does not give auto exosure. Whe you are doing a wedding in reportage sty;e, you do not have time to manually meter everything - there a lots of shots I would have missed with the Blad - the Rollei Rocks.
I also love the 6x6 trannys - unique and special, the metering is bang on the money and I have rearey lost any due to over/under exposure.
The drawbacks are few, the standard focusing screen is not the best, but OK, other than that it is probably the best camera I have ever used and love it with a passion.
For the money there is nothign better and I considered and tried out many before settling on the Rollei.
The 6x4.5 format is too small for my work, and did consider the6x7 instead - the Pentax 67II, but settled on the Rollei for the full range flash sync - great for weddings.
If you can afford this camera, buy it it is that simple, everything else just feels kind of 2nd best.
Strengths: Accurate metering, image qualty, lenses, standard spec.
Weaknesses: Focusing screen only and it is very minor.
Similar Products Used: Pentax 67II, Pentax 645NII, Blad 503CW
Rating Reviewed by: Mark (Unregistered User)
(Professional)
Review Date July 7, 2003
Overall Rating 3 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for Less than 1 month
Visitors rate this review 1.44 of 5,
25 votes
Review 3 of 16
Price Paid:
$2990.00
from Westcliffe
Summary: I bought this camera with great expectations having been bread on 35mm and then subsequently DSLR. All i will say is that handle this camera before buying. The viefinder (with 45 degreee prism) is both bright and clear, however the focusing screen that comes as standard is its greatest weakness. I have good eyesight and am not old (38), and had great difficulty with the split prism focusing screen - it is just too small.
I had the opportunity today to handle the Hasselblad 503CW with 45 degree metering prism and found it so much better for focusing.
I doubt there is much difference in image quality between the two cameras, but have not compared.
What was surprising was how good digital (SD-9 Sigma and 10D Canon) compares with this format. I use a Polaroid Sprintscan 120 scanner on transparency 6x6 and the difference is very marginal.
If you take in to account the time delay between shooting and receiving the 6x6 trannys then the marginal difference in immage quality, medium format starts to look a bit more hassle than it is worth.
The Sigma SD-9 in the right circumstances can produce better results.
In saying all that, the 6x6 image is just a bit special and being a traditionalist still prefer to work with this despite the convenince of digital.
It will not be too long now when film is obselete and we file our medium format cameras under B for bin.
Right now, this guy still prefers it, but only just.
If i could trade my 6008i for the 503CW Hasselblad (needs winder and Metering prism though £££££'s) I would.
The 6008i can produce great results, but the ergonomics leave a lot to be desired and you can easily shoot off a frame by accident due to this.
I love the 6x6 format as it gives great cropping opportunities.
The 6008i is a very good camera, however repeating myself here - handle before buying.
Mine has the grip and the two buttons on it can cause confusion when in an hurry.
The metering is spot on and have rarely had over/under exposed picures.
Strengths: Image quality, glass, standard specification (way higher than Hasselblad), price.
Summary: Had a Rollie SL66X...Great. Became interested in the 6006 and in fact went to NC to buy one. But, when I was able to use the 6008 the gentleman had, that was it. The camera came with 120 back, 220 back, charger and battery, master control unit and w/l finder.( I have since added a 45o prism finder and spare battery). Also included, was a 50mm f/4,80mm f2.8, 150mm f4 and a 2X extender. The gentleman also let me have a Schneider 300mm f4. for a significant savings. What a great trip it turned into, but it did nearly break the bank. Since digital has arrived in a serious manner, everyone raises the question, "is it a digital print?". The only thing that saves the job is the portfolio of prints using various M/F cameras. Strangly enough so does an old book by Lief Ericksen. He is an artist extraordinaire and I mention that he too uses a Rollie. That usually gets me in.
This Rollei, apart from the AF model, is the epitome of first class, professional manufacturing and as with any camera system the lenses make it or break it. The lenses for Rollei, be they Zeiss, Schneider or their own, are virtually incomparable. Reading some of the previous reviewers comments, I found them interesting. One said it was two loud. Well, it is a large camera with a large mirror system so it will be loud. A Pentax 6X7 is loud, so is a Mamiya 645, an Mamiya RB and RZ-67 an even a Hassleblad. you could go for a range finder if loudness is a major complaint. You will be limited however. I own or have used every major MF camera out there including Great Wall, Holga(weird), Lubitel and Seagull GC 109, no less. My favorite is the Koni-omega but I wanted more. The Koni is a fine camera and it is quiet. However, it is getting old, but if interested, one could purhase several bodies. The lenes are leaf shuttered and dependable if cleaned regularly. I don't know if anyone needs the sophistication such as a Rollei but all things considered, I love using mine. And, there is the narcissistic element that any "professional" in any field has about the equipment they use. It makes images come easier for me. While others expect a camera of this quality to make great images, when I use it, I do too! This is an expensive camera and may not be for everyone. I have one because of a great price and some experience with Rollei M/F. But, if you find yourself in the position to buy one, do it, if it doesn't work out, you can always sell it....to me!
Strengths: I have a Rollei 35S, Rollei SL66X, Rolleiflex E2 and the 6008. Based on the pattern of use I give each they will still be going strong when I have long since stopped. The 6008 makes everything easier for me. I'm notoriously slow pushing the shutter. That is why I don't do portraits, weddings or things of that nature, clients would string me up due to waiting so long and boredom. Also, once I have determined the exposure I still may have to return the next day to take the image do to the composition. Luckily, the camera doesn't mind one bit, It has so many helpful tools. Except for the Mamiya 645 Super and 645 Pro bodies evrything else, save the 6008, all the MF cameras I own are mechanical beasts. As I grow older some bells and whistles are helpful.
Weaknesses: I, like another, have trouble with the battery. Batteries are the bane of the modern world. The shelf - life date is like a politician, you just can't trust it. I will not leave the Great USofA with any camera that will not accept any batteries but AA's. I understand the amount of power it takes to make this elephant work and I won't take a chance of going far away and not having the needed battery. I have a Pentax LX that operates from 1/75th up with dead batteries. There are others I know, but they are large, bulky, (and a word that drives me crazy ergonomic),they are non-ergo. The Lx fits my hand very well, I have large hands, and it is elegant as is say a Leica, You are able to feel the quality in the Pentax and Leica. So the only other weakness about the 6008 is that I can't afford a digital back for it...yet!
Similar Products Used: Hasselblad 500C/M, 501 and 553, Mamiya 645, Koni-omega Rapid, Kiev 88,(fun and funny), Polaroid 600SE, FujiGX680 and HOLGA!!, HOLGA!!, HOLGA!!
Customer Service: Other than cleaning and/or adjusting, I should hope not.
Summary: These cameras are way Superior than the other medium formats that I have ever used.It has never failed me on a job,very reliable.I was a little hesitant on buying one on ebay,but I got it from a great ebayer.I have sold my 555 Hasselblad,common let's be honest with ourselves,it's just a tiny bit over rated. And we've been programmed to believe it's the best. I love my, Rollei and I am hooked.Now,I am having fun when I shoot,it's the best bang for your buck.
Strengths: Durable housing,the unbelievable lenses,long lasting battery,accurate meter,easy to use,I like the loud noise it makes it gives my model a clue when it's a right time for them to move.
Weaknesses: Nothing, Nada, Zilch......
Similar Products Used: Mamiya RZ67, Hasselblad 555
Customer Service: Never have to use it and I have'd mine for years.
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