Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

By David Pauley

Having sketched out the reasons for my decision to commit to just one camera for the New Year in a previous post, I’ll now walk through the various contenders and reveal my choice. Since 2025 will involve a fair amount of travel for me, I’m eliminating any gear that’s excessively cumbersome. Onto the shelf, then, go the Zone VI 4×5; the Graflex Speed Graphic with its gleaming, radioactive Aero-Ektar lens; the chrome-brick Bronica S2a; and the Tele-Rolleiflex 135mm f4 (although heavy, this camera always brings gorgeous results; putting it aside hurts…).

Whittling the list down to this point leaves just two choices. Both cameras date from what was arguably the golden age of film camera production: a Leica M3 from 1961 and a Rolleiflex 2.8F from 1965 (as pictured above).

Here are my admittedly idiosyncratic, personal views on the merits and limitations of each.

The Pacific at Marina del Rey, 2024. Leica M3, Summaron 35mm f2.8, Kodak Portra 400.

The Leica M3

My first vintage Leica M was actually a black-painted early 2000s M6, bought with high hopes from a retailer in Japan, then, just as soon, regretted. While with it I came to appreciate the M system and lenses, I never warmed to the M6. Its 0.72x finder made the world just a bit too squinty for my bespectacled eyes, and in bright sunlight was also prone to flares. I sold it after a year and with the proceeds bought two chrome-brass 1960s M3 bodies in excellent condition (one for black and white, the other for color!). Those models’ 0.91x finder, the highest magnification Leica built, more than lives up to its hype.

The virtues of the M3 are well-known. Compact, quiet and reliable, stylish yet inconspicuous (the Leica red dot appears only later with the M4-P), it also opens the door to an array of superior optics. My current kit includes a tiny ultra-wide Voigtlander 21mm f4, a Leitz/Summaron 35mm f2.8, a Summicron 50mm f2.0 Dual Range, and a 90mm Voigtlander 90 APO-Skopar. I also own the light and relatively inexpensive 1950s Canon LTM 50 f1.4 — also known as the “Japanese Summilux” — for when I need a fast 50.

Stairs, Hudson NY, 2023. Leica M3, DR Summicron 50 f2.0, Ilford HP5.

The abundance of focal lengths available for the M3 and the lenses’ compatibility with one another (they all take the same 39mm filters) is also a major attraction. For me, this bounty is also at times a bit of a drag. The sheer embarrassment of choices can keep my mind whirling, distracting me rather than bringing me closer to the world and what I seek to photograph.

The other major selling point of the M3 — its convenient 35mm format — while an undeniable plus (more opportunities for taking risks or for bracketing to get the best exposure), is also at times a frustration. As a darkroom printer, I value the extra real estate a larger negative brings. While I don’t often print larger than 11×14 inches, the option to go to 16×20″ or even 20×24″ without losing detail is a luxury that I forgo when I shoot 35mm film.

First Tulip, Brooklyn, 2024. Leica M3 with Visoflex. Voigtlander 90mm APO-Skopar f2.8. Kodak UltraMax 200.

One widely-acknowledged disadvantage of the M3 that hasn’t been a drawback for me is its lack of internal light meter. I find the absence of onboard electronics soothing — no wires or batteries! — and am perfectly content using Sunny 16 or a handheld meter to set exposures. (I’m less enamored with the M3’s slow fifthieth of a second flash sync speed, a design common to all cloth-curtain film Ms, and with the outmoded, proprietary flash ports whose fiddly brass converters sometimes pop out or fail altogether.)

Still, all in all, the M3 has many advantages, including the incalculable pleasure of shooting with a camera used by countless legendary photographers (a current favorite: Martine Franck). It would be a no-brainer, a fantastic companion for me in  2025.

Students, Old Fort, Mumbai, 2023. Rolleifex 2.8F, Portra 400.

The Rolleiflex 2.8F

My other camera choice, the Rolleiflex 2.8F, is also a storied contender with a great many virtues. Its fixed f2.8  Planar, while not as fast as some 35mm lenses offered for the Leica, is by any reckoning a superlative piece of glass. In low light, pushing film ISO, using a tripod or adding flash can help compensate for the f2.8 lens’s speed limitation. As Geoff Chaplin discusses in a recent  35mmc post, the camera’s heft and waist-level position also allow it to be shot hand-held at shutter speeds that would produce motion blur on most other cameras (unlike Geoff, I’ve not as yet attempted this trick by night).

Speaking of the waist-level finder, it’s a defining feature, and a huge plus, of the Rolleiflex system. Looking down through the viewing lens not only makes focus smoother than any manual rangefinder I’ve yet encountered, the twin lenses give the camera an uncommon up-and-down profile that is its own kind of virtue. While the Rollei invites conversation and spontaneous portraits of strangers (once folks figure out what the heck it is), the 2.8F’s soft-clicking shutter and unique form factor also allow for a surprising degree of stealth when one wants it, as Vivian Maier demonstrated through her incredible body of work. This is in marked contrast to the M3, which despite its quiet shutter and clean, mid-century lines, is still recognizably a camera, with all the worries about intrusion such tools can stir for people these days.

Happy Couple, Brooklyn, 2024. Rolleiflex 2.8F, Kodak Tri-X 400.

In addition to an unobtrusive and practical Selenium light meter (no batteries required) and a standard flash port and shutter that works at all speeds, the Rollei’s final virtue for me is its use of medium format film. While on occasion I feel limited by the 6×6 shape — rectangles at times seem more organic than squares — the gain in resolution that comes with the bigger negative often makes it a better choice for work in the darkroom. (And if one likes rectangles, as the peerless Fan Ho’s photographs amply demonstrate, one can always crop.)

This is not to say that the 2.8F is without drawbacks. Its fixed focal length is the most egregious of these, one that manufacturer Franke & Heidecke struggled and failed to address in the face of stiff, and ultimately overwhelming, competition from Hasselblad from the 1950s through F&H’s bankruptcy in the early 1980s. Although I possess a number of attachments that allow the Planar to be adapted to different circumstances — a set of little Rolleinars that allow the camera to be deployed closer than the camera’s one meter minimum focus distance; hulking Mutar attachments for wide-angle and telephoto shooting — these hacks don’t allow the camera anything like the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system. My Leica M3 not only accommodates lenses of different brands and focal lengths with the touch of a button, it affords me the capacity to use lenses of different epochs, speeds and character, from softer and “glowier” Leitz (and Canon) lenses from the 1930s-1950s to the latest and most clinically stringent aspherical/APO offerings. (Although the 1965 Planar delivers photos of incredible sharpness, I do at times wonder if it’s a bit less atmospheric than the f3.5 Zeiss Tessar that came on my first Rolleiflex — a 1951 Automat — though perhaps that’s just nostalgia.)

Coney Island, Summer 2024. Rolleiflex 2.8F, 1.5x Mutar. Kodak Tri-X 400.

The final drawbacks of the Rollei are size and weight. Even without the large Mutar attachments (which together weigh more than the camera), the Rollei is bulkier and heavier the M3 with a standard lens. Accommodating other items —  close-up attachments, filters and expensive and space-consuming 120 film (at 12 shots per roll, one needs many more of these than the efficient 35mm canisters used in the Leica) — requires a capacious camera bag and a not insignificant investment of sweat to carry around.

Unlike the M3, the 2.8F will never be a pocket camera.

Sonia shooting film, Brooklyn, 2022. Rolleiflex 2.8F, Ilford FP4, cropped.

A Decision

Despite these limitations, I’ve decided to go with the Rolleiflex over the Leica as my camera for 2025.

It was nip and tuck.

As I was writing the preceding paragraphs I mentally outlined a conclusion that went in the opposite direction. The M3’s versatility and compactness, along with its amazing range of lenses and capacity to shoot without compromise in low light seemed for a time to make it the stronger choice. Although I’ve admittedly never felt fully at home carrying multiple lenses, I wondered if perhaps committing to the M3 for a year might give me the opportunity to hone a skill  — becoming fluent with an interchangeable lens system — that most photographers I know deploy as a matter of course.

Ultimately, it was neither this nor any technical detail that tipped me toward the Rollei, but rather the weight of experience. As much as I have loved the M3, and have in fact gotten great results from it (in particular when shooting color film), it has never provided the consistent level of satisfaction I derive from my Rolleis (both the 2.8F and older models owned previously). The photos I love most —  those that get wrapped up as gifts; those that hang on walls — have during my film photography journey more often than not been born behind the lens of a Rolleiflex.

Bowing to a decision that now seems fore-ordained, I grab my 2.8F and look forward with excitement to what this new year will bring.

Place des Vosges, Paris, 2022. Rolleiflex 2.8F, Kodak Tri-X 400.

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About The Author

By David Pauley
I'm a Brooklyn-based photographer and psychoanalyst. My journey with film photography began in middle school in the late 1970s and revived in 2019 when I bought a used film camera and installed a darkroom in my basement. Slowing photography down while embracing the quirks and limitations of this 150+ year old medium have been revelatory to me, changing the way I see the world. Although I do shoot color, my first passion is for black and white photography and darkroom printing. For 2025 I've decided to use just one film camera to document the year. You can reach me at [email protected].
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Comments

Stephen Fretz on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

The Rolleiflex would've been my choice as well, especially since you have the Mutars. Looking forward to what you do the rest of this year!
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Long live Rollei! Thanks for your support, Stephen. I have an ambivalent relationship with the Mutars -- they were designed for the 3.5F and on the 2.8 display some field curvature (the wide angle model), but even without them the Planar is a desert-island lens. Cheers, David

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Ibraar Hussain on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

What an enjoyable and inspiration read again
And what wonderful photography - beautiful B&W work framing and moments
And I really like the street shot from Bombay !
Thank you
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Thank you so much, Ibraar! Your support means a lot to me!

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Ibraar Hussain on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

The first Leica photo reminds me of some I shot here
https://www.35mmc.com/01/04/2024/konica-minolta-dimage-x1-itll-put-you-off-photography-for-life/
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Hi Ibraar, I loved reading that earlier post, thank you! You seemed to get some really excellent compositions despite that camera's many limitations. Thank you!

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Patrick Medd on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

A sound choice. Like you, it’s the quality of MF film in the darkroom that pushes me to choosing it over 35mm and the one lens will be an advantage in your quest to simplify things for the year. I very much look forward to seeing the results. Good luck!
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Thank you Patrick for your post and your encouragement! I'm not chafing yet at my self-imposed limit but am sure that will come with time.

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Eric Rose on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Rollei's are magical! Good choice.
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Thank you Eric!

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Paul Quellin on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Really engaging writing David and what a brave thing to do. I want to emulate this, but I just don't know if I can. There is this ridiculous 'that one might be feeling left out' syndrome I suffer from. My Mamiya C220 is getting much more of my attention recently, so maybe. I do find that even with a second lens in the bag, a Mamiya paramender a couple of filters etc, it still weighs less than my typical digital bag load. Of course it is really more than a good weight for frequent travel, but I might get a couple more years out of that shoulder yet. Looking forward to seeing some posts as your TLR year progresses. Thank you
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Thank you Paul! I can relate to the fear of missing out feeling using just one camera and lens. It's a strange new world...! Cheers.

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Jeffery Luhn on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

David,
Decisions made in public are often regretted in private. I give you a pardon-in-advance!

You're a great shooter, so whatever you use will be the right choice for the moment.
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Hi Jeffrey, I appreciate the proactive pardon! (They are all the rage these days...). I'm not chafing yet, at least too much, but am sure that time will come. Cheers!

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Juna on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

I’m impressed, that you CAN decide for only one camera! I’d need one of each format at least.
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

I almost flipped a coin! Writing the piece actually helped me to decide. Thanks again.

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Jeff T. on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Given your darkroom, print size preferences, and very positive reaction to the best of your Rollei's photos, choosing the Rollei makes a lot of sense. As you use it more and more I imagine you'll find that its limitations become less and less of a burden. (By now you are probably used to many of them, anyway.) Maybe after the Rollei year and a hiatus in which you feel free use several cameras and lenses once again, you'll try out your Leica M3 for a year and see what happens. Then compare each year's photographs. Good luck!
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

What a great suggestion, Jeff. The M3 would be fun to use for a year as well. Cheers and thanks!

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Gary Smith on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

I really like the color in that "first" tulip shot! Maybe I should load up a roll of Fuji color in the M3? Maybe I should find a deal on a TLR? If I do that I'll need to figure out a scanning rig.
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Hi Gary, Thanks for the compliment! The tulip shot was scanned at a professional lab but I've just started using the Lomography Digitaliza + which allows me me to use my smartphone. I may write a review of it once I use it for a bit. Long live film! Cheers.

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James Evidon on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Great article on two legendary cameras. My own favorites, aside from a collection of interesting shelf queens is my Leica M5 and my Rolleiflex 2.8 E with the Xenotar and not the Planar. The meter is a non-issue since, while active, it can no longer read accurately. Aside from the ability to fit a pentaprism on the Rollei F, are there really any substantial differences between the Rollei E and theRollei F?
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 21/01/2025

Hi James, I know many folks prefer the Xenotar to the Planar, but don't have personal experience with the 2.8E/Xenotar. I put a bid on one a few years back on the auction site but didn't win (maybe you outbid me!). Either way they are fantastic cameras.

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Geoff Chaplin on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 22/01/2025

A good choice (though you don't mention the best option in my opinion!). Not just one camera but one camera, one (taking) lens. I'm looking forward to your results over the coming year.
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 22/01/2025

Hi Geoff, It's true, I've allowed myself some wiggle room with the Mutars and the Rolleinar attachments. I use the Rolleinars quite often but not the Mutars -- too big and cumbersome. It will be interesting to see how much/when/if I make use of these hacks in the coming year. Cheers.

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Scott Ferguson on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 22/01/2025

Hey David,
I liked your two linked articles and feel a lot of parallels in my own photographic journey, except I’m about 5 years behind you. I have also been shooting both medium format, with a Hasselblad) and 35mm with an M3 which both fell in my lap this recent summer through an amazing gift to my son. And I live in Brooklyn! I’m still in the early learning curve of what each format does best and brings out in me creatively, so I’m impressed with your idea to devote an entire year not only to one camera but one lens! Shooting through waist level finder through the lens on medium format with the Hasselblad definitely puts my brain in a very different space than with the M3’s viewfinder/rangefinder and the photos I like best from the different cameras are very different. I’ll be very interested to see where your ‘Year of the Rolliefkex’ takes you creatively. Maybe I’ll run into you some time in Brooklyn!
Best
Scott
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 22/01/2025

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Scott! Those are two killer cameras -- quite an amazing gift. It does take time to figure out what we like best, and in my case, despite this year's experiment, the answer may still turn out to be "as many cameras as possible." We shall see. Hope to see you around our shared borough!

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Art Meripol on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 22/01/2025

This post hit me just right at the right time. I too have been playing with a variety of old film cameras, many I've owned for years. And I've been looking at others at the on-line auction site. Yet I haven't settled on what to do going forward and feel like I should pick one and just really work it. But last week shooting with my old original OM-1 was fun. And I just got my Mamiya C3 ready to go and I still need to get my FM2 out on the street and that Leica M4p a friend sold me a few years ago sure is fun to play with and....
Sometime in the near future I will quit shooting digital for clients and concentrate on film again. I'm just not sure who I'll be dancing with yet.
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David Pauley replied:

Comment posted: 22/01/2025

Hi Art, it sounds like you have an amazing shelf of cameras to choose from! I will be happy to hear which camera makes it to the top of your dance card! Cheers.

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Art Meripol replied:

Comment posted: 22/01/2025

thanks David. Fifty plus years as a pro has left me with quite a shelf to choose from. As many as I regrettably let go I kept even more. And you know how it can be...people know of your interest so they give you 'Dads old camera' and the collection grows. I'm trying to write another blog here about last weeks shoot with my old OM-1 I bought new in 1973.

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Alex G.. on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 22/01/2025

I was rooting for the Rollei. Glad to see you made the right choice.
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Ed Currie on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 23/01/2025

Hi David, It is maybe a regret that you did not have a Yashica 635 on the shelf. With this camera you could have had the best of both worlds, 6 x 6 and 35mm all in the one camera. Excellent images on both formats.
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Eric on Heads or Tails? My Camera Choice for 2025

Comment posted: 23/01/2025

No wrong choice between the two. Great read and images. I started my M mount film rangefinder journey with an M3 a few years ago and really liked it but then for one reason or another I shifted through a different Leica (CL) and a Voigtlander (Besssa R2... twice) before I landed on a choice some would call odd and I would not argue with them, a Konica Hexar RF. I could have my peace with any of them looking back. I went after a Rollei TLR also once but tried a Yashica MAT LM for giggles first and it stuck. That Rollei is an excellent choice. Thank you for sharing.
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