Classic Camera Revival – Episode 30 – Twin Lens Love – Alex Luyckx

These fun cameras are the sort that will get you the age old question ‘you can still get film for that?’ A conversation starter for sure is the TLR or Twin Lens Reflex. The camera that of late made famous by previously unknown Vivian Maier.

Cameras Featured on Today’s Episode

Mamyia C220f – Mamyia took a totally different look at the TLR and thought it should be made more like a system SLR, the C-Series is the only TLR with a full line of interchangeable lenses. While the weight is an issue they are totally worth every ounce. And if you’re looking for one, get a blue-dot lens with it.

Make: Mamyia
Model: C220F
Type: Twin Lens Reflex
Format: Medium Format (120/220), 6×6
Lens: Interchangable
Year of Manufacture: 1986

Mamiya C220f – Mamiya-Sekor 1:2.8 ƒ=80mm – Cinestill 800T

Yashica-A – The Yashica-A is a no-nonsense bare-bones TLR. Part of Yashica’s early entries into the TLR market as a basic model, but don’t let that turn you away from the camera. A solid performer that often can be had for less money than some of the popular models from Japan.

Make: Yashica
Model: A
Type: Twin Lens Reflex
Format: Medium Format (120), 6×6
Lens: Fixed, Yashinon 1:3.5 f=80mm
Year of Manufacture: 1953

Yashica-A – Yashinon 1:3.5 f=80mm – Kodak TMax 400

Kodak Reflex – The only North American camera on today’s episode. The Kodak Reflex was Rochester’s giant’s response to the popularity of the German Rolleiflex cameras. While you might think it’s a pseudo-TLR, it’s a full TLR, complete with a geared focusing system.

Make: Kodak
Model: Reflex
Type: Twin Lens Reflex
Format: Medium Format (620), 6×6
Lens: Fixed, Kodak Anastigmat ƒ:3.5 80mm
Year of Manufacture: 1946

Kodak Reflex – Kodak Anastigmat ƒ:3.5 80mm – Ilford Delta 100 – Rodinal (1+100)

Kodak Reflex – Kodak Anastigmat ƒ:3.5 80mm – Kodak Ektachrome E100G

Kodak Reflex – Kodak Anastigmat ƒ:3.5 80mm – Ilford Delta 100 – Rodinal (1+100)

Franke & Heidecke Rolleiflex 3.5 E3 – It just goes to show that you don’t need to shell out the big bucks and get a Rolleiflex with a Carl Zeiss lens, John is a big supporter of going with a Schneider-Kreuznach equipped camera.

Make: Franke & Heidecke
Model: Rolleiflex 3.5 E3
Type: Twin Lens Reflex
Format: Medium Format (120), 6×6
Lens: Fixed, Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar 1:3.5 f=75mm
Year of Manufacture: 1961-1965

Rolleiflex 3.5E3 – Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar 1:3.5 f=75mm – Ilford HP5+

Rolleiflex 3.5E3 – Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar 1:3.5 f=75mm – Fuji Provia 100F (RDPIII)

Rolleiflex 3.5E3 – Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar 1:3.5 f=75mm – Ilford Pan F+

Franke & Heidecke Rolleiflex 2.8E – The classic Rolleiflex for the modern age, the trouble is that the camera while it does have a light meter it is uncoupled. The dial on the left those numbers correspond to the EV settings shown on the meter.

Make: Franke & Heidecke
Model: Rolleiflex 2.8E
Type: Twin Lens Reflex
Format: Medium Format (120), 6×6
Lens: Fixed, Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm 1:2.8
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1959

Franke & Heidecke Rolleiflex 2.8F – One of Alex’s jewels, this beautiful camera while looks at first glance similar to the 2.8E from James Lee, the biggest difference is that the meter is now coupled.