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A Rolleiflex 2.8 F
Short video describing how the Rolleiflex works.
Mar 10, 2017 ROLLEIFLEX 2.8C INTRODUCTION. If I could only have one camera, it would probably have to be my venerable Rolleiflex 2.8C with the Schneider Xenotar lens. Introduced around 1952-1953, it was the first Rolleiflex model to feature either the Zeiss Planar or Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar f/2.8 lenses.
Swiss writer and photographer Annemarie Schwarzenbach using the Rolleiflex Standard 621 for a self-portrait (1930s).
The camera is held at the waist, with the viewfinder mounted on top (here, a Rolleiflex SLX).
Rolleiflex is the name of a long-running and diverse line of high-end cameras originally made by the German company Franke & Heidecke, and later Rollei-Werk.
- 2Notable models
- 3List of models
History[edit]
The 'Rolleiflex' name is most commonly used to refer to Rollei's premier line of medium formattwin lens reflex (TLR) cameras. (A companion line intended for amateur photographers, Rolleicord, existed for several decades.) However, a variety of TLRs and SLRs in medium format, and zone focus, and SLR 35 mm, as well as digital formats have also been produced under the Rolleiflex label. The 120 roll film Rolleiflex series is marketed primarily to professional photographers. Rolleiflex cameras have used film formats 117 (Original Rolleiflex), 120 (Standard, Automat, Letter Models, Rollei-Magic, and T model), and 127 (Baby Rolleiflex).
The Rolleiflex TLR film cameras were notable for their exceptional build quality, compact size, modest weight, superior optics, durability, simplicity, reliable mechanics and bright viewfinders. They were popular and widely imitated. The high-quality 7.5 cm focal length lenses, manufactured by Zeiss and Schneider, allowed for a smaller, lighter, more compact camera than their imitators.[citation needed] The highly regarded Zeiss Planar f2.8 and Schneider Xenotar lenses, both 80mm focal length and fast in comparison, are both state of the art optics. Unique to the Rolleiflex Automat and letter model cameras, the mechanical wind mechanism was robust and clever, making film loading semi-automatic and quick. This mechanism started the exposure counter automatically, auto-spaced the 12 or (on the later model F cameras) 24 exposures, and tensioned the shutter; all with less than one full turn of the film advance crank. This makes the Rolleiflex Automat/Letter model cameras very sought-after for shooting fast-paced action, such as street photography.[1]
A wide range of accessories made this camera a system: panorama head, sun shade, parallax-corrected close-ups lenses, color correction, contrast enhancing, and special effect filters, all mounted with a quick release bayonet, as well as a quick-change tripod attachment. Some, professional, amateur and fine-art photographers still shoot Rolleiflex TLR film cameras with color transparency, color negative, or black-and-white film. The later f2.8 and f3.5 letter models (Planar or Xenotar lens) are highly sought after in the used market, and command the greatest price.[2] Historically there were five focal length cameras available including 5.5 cm Rollei-Wide, 6.0 cm Baby Rollei, 7.5 cm (f:3.5), 8.0 cm (f2.8), and 13.5 cm (f:4 Zeiss Sonnar) Tele-Rolleiflex. Although all Rolleflex cameras can be fine user cameras, there is also an active market for many Rolleiflex models as collectables, and this adds (greatly in some models) to the end price paid, particularly in Japan.[citation needed]
Rolleiflex medium format cameras continued to be produced by DHW Fototechnik up to 2014—a company founded by former Franke & Heidecke employees.[3] DHW Fototechnik announced two new Rolleiflex cameras and a new electronic shutter for photokina 2012.[4] The company filed for insolvency in 2014 and was dissolved in April 2015, ending any further production. The factory production equipment and remaining stocks of parts were auctioned off in late April 2015.
A smaller company was created again with former DHW Fototechnik employees, under the name DW Photo at the same location.[5] DW Photo focuses on producing the Rolleiflex Hy6 mod2 medium format SLR camera (digital & film), servicing existing cameras, including providing firmware and hardware upgrades.[6]
Notable models[edit]
Original Rolleiflex[edit]
Rolleiflex Original with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/3.8
This first Rolleiflex was introduced in 1929[7] after three years of development,[8] and was the company's first medium format roll-film camera, which was used with unpopular 117 (B1) film. It was a Twin-Lens Reflex camera.
Old Standard[edit]
- The 'Old Standard' was originally known as simply the 'Standard' until the introduction of the New Standard in 1939.[9][10]
- This model introduced a hinged back and a frame counter. While not automatic, like in the Rolleiflex Automat, the photographer could reset the counter with a small button after reaching the first frame
- Robert Capa used an Old Standard to document World War II.[11]
Rolleiflex Automat[edit]
- Introduced an automatic film counter; this counter senses the thickness of the film backing to accurately begin counting frames, obviating the need for the ruby window that forced the photographer to read the frame number off the backing paper of the film.
- This model won the Grand Prix award at the Paris World's Fair in 1937.
- The first Rolleiflex to offer a Schneider Kreuznach Xenar taking lens as an option, in addition to the Carl ZeissTessar.
Rolleiflex 2.8A[edit]
Incorporated the first 8 cm f2.8 taking lens (either an 80 mm Carl Zeiss Tessar or Opton Tessar) into the Rolleiflex line. It also added an X flash synch contact. Built from 1949 to 1951.[12]
Rolleiflex 2.8E[edit]
Released in October 1956, this was the first model with a built in, uncoupled light meter as an option.[12][13]
Tele Rolleiflex[edit]
This camera used a 135 mm/f4.0 Carl Zeiss Sonnar taking lens. The introduction to a 1990 sale catalogue by Sotheby's auction house in London estimated that approximately 1200 cameras existed at that date.
The new Tele Rolleiflex uses 135mm/f4 Schneider Tele-Xenar taking lens
Rolleiflex T[edit]
Released in 1959, this camera came in a new color of gray. The camera was most successful for it was more affordable to the public. The camera had a 75mm Tessar lens made of lanthanum glass, giving higher resolution and color correction.
Wide Rolleiflex[edit]
This camera had a 55 mm/f4.0 Carl Zeiss Distagon taking lens. The introduction to a 1990 sale catalogue by Sotheby's auction house in London estimated that fewer than 700 such cameras existed at that date. Only 3600 models were originally produced.
The new Wide Rolleiflex uses a 50mm/f4 Schneider Super-Angulon taking lens.
Rolleiflex SL66[edit]
Rollei's first medium-format SLR, introduced in 1966.
Rolleiflex SL35[edit]
A 35 mm SLR introduced in 1970.
Rolleiflex miniature Reproductions[edit]
Rolleiflex minidigi digital camera
There are two current models of miniature Rolleiflex cameras. These are not true Rolleiflex cameras but are miniature reproductions of the Rolleiflex TLR design produced under license by the German camera manufacturer Minox. The cameras are manufactured by the Japanese company Sharan Megahouse. One model is a miniature digital camera, the other is a miniature Rolleiflex TLR film camera.
The original model, now discontinued, was the Rolleiflex MiniDigi, a miniature reproduction of the TLR Rolleiflex. In many details the camera retained the details of the original, including a waist level view finder and a hand crank to prepare the camera for the next shot. As the name implies, the camera was a digital reproduction, with the 'viewing' lens being a dummy. The camera had a 2 megapixel CMOS sensor in the square format of the traditional TLR. The lens was a 9 mm f/2.8 with 5 elements, focusing down to 10 cm. The shutter speeds were automatically controlled between 1/15 to 1/400 second, exposure time was automatic. The camera was operated by a single CR2 battery. The storage media was either SD or MMC cards.
This was superseded by the MINOX DCC (Digital Classic Camera) Rolleiflex AF 5.0. The name change brings the current model more firmly in line with the rest of Minox's Classic Camera miniature reproduction range. It is visually identical to the original model, but available in both black and red leather finishes. The CMOS sensor has been upgraded to 3 megapixels, with 5.0 megapixels available by interpolation. The taking lens is a 4.9 mm f/2.8; the camera has digital autofocus. The electronic shutter has also been upgraded to a maximum speed of 1/2500 of a second. The camera operates on a single CR2 battery and uses miniSD memory cards.
There was also a 1/3 scale miniature Rolleiflex TLR, using Minox film, producing 36 exposures of 8x11mm format negative.
List of models[edit]
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| Miniature twin len reflex film camera Sharan Megahouse Rolleiflex 2.8F |
References[edit]
- ^Bill Brandt: A Life, p. 50. Written by Paul Delany, published by Stanford University Press 2004.
- ^'Classic Rolleiflex TLR camera on DHW Fototechnik website'.
- ^'Out of Franke & Heidecke's ashes, rises DHW Fototechnik'. Archived from the original on 2010-12-18.
- ^'Rolleiflex Unveils New FX-N TLR Film, Hy6 Mod2 Medium Format Cameras'.
- ^'Rolleiflex-Kameras: Es geht weiter – wieder einmal und irgendwie'.
- ^'Service page at Rolleiflex.us'.
- ^Rollei Japan - dead link
- ^'Rolleiflex TLR'. www.ganjatron.net.
- ^Consumers Union of the United States, Inc., 1939 p. 22
- ^Popular Photography, June 1949, p. 144
- ^'[rollei_list] Robert Capa's Rolleiflex - rollei_list - FreeLists'. www.freelists.org.
- ^ ab'Rolleiflex A - F series. Photos and Specifications. www.rolleiclub.com'. www.rolleiclub.com.
- ^'Rolleiflex 2.8E Review'. Ray Larose.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rolleiflex. |
- International Rollei Club (Largest Rollei website with details of all Rolleiflex equipment ever made)
- DW Photo (Manufacturer of the modern medium format Rolleiflex Hy6 mod2 SLR camera for digital and film, lenses and repair) English and German
- Rolleiflex UK - authorized dealer Online store selling Rollei and Rolleiflex products to the UK and EU. Information and documentation about DHW products.
- Rolleiflex Repair Shops and Related Services worldwide by Ferdi Stutterheim
- Paepke Fototechnik (Repair and maintenance of Rolleiflex cameras and other Rollei equipment) English and German
- Rollei Repairs by Harry Fleenor (Repair and maintenance for Rolleiflex TLR cameras)
- Rollei Report books Website of the Rollei Report by Claus Prochnow. A very good resource on all Rollei products
- Antique & Classic Cameras (Rolleiflex Model Guide)
- Overview on Rolleiflex TLR's by Guide to Classic Cameras
- Rollei TLR camera website by Peter Wolff
- Rollei TLR 6x6 Cameras A User's Review by Doug Hughes
- Rollei History (History timeline of Rollei GmbH)
- Club Rollei User (Club for all Users, Collectors and Enthusiasts of Rollei photography)
- Rollei Cameras Price Guide (Completed auction prices)
- Information about shooting with a Rolleiflex TLR in English
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rolleiflex&oldid=917654954'
www.rolleiclub.com
Chronological overview of the Rolleiflex A - F series
The International Rollei Club presents here comprehensive specifications of the Rolleiflex A-F camera models. All data was compiled from unique original Franke Heidecke factory archive sheets but be aware that some data may differ from what might have been published elsewhere, this due to differences in the various resources. Use the data as reference for your used or new to buy photo camera, catalog your Rollei collection and learn more about the unique Rollei Twin Eye Reflex cameras.
All the data here provided is also available as eBook.
This model was only exported into the USA.
December 1949 - February 1951, 7,870 pieces
Serials: 1.101.000 - 1.164.999, engraved above name plate.
April 1951 - August 1951, 2,000 pieces.
Serials: 1.201.000 - 1.204.999, engraved above name plate.
Zeiss Opton Tessar 2,8/80mm, Carl Zeiss Oberkochen, Bayonet II, coated
Heidosmat 2,8/80mm, Bayonet II. Interchangeable finder loupe. Parallax control.
Compur Rapid, 1 - 1/400 sec., B, X-sync.
Compur Rapid MX, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, M-X-sync.
Film: 120 for 12 exp. 6x6, and 35mm adapter Rolleikin 2. Version 2: 2-format back w. adjustable film pressure plate.
Film Transportation: winding lever with auto stop on first exposure, exposure counter for exposures 1-12.
This model was only exported into USA.
February 1952 - March 1953, 1,250 pieces
Serials: 1.220.000 - 1.220.999 1.260.000 - 1.260.249, engraved above name plate.
Zeiss Biometar 2,8/80mm, Carl Zeiss Jena, Bayonet III, coated
Heidosmat 2,8/80mm, Bayonet III. Interchangeable finder loupe. Parallax control.
Film: 120 for 12 exp. 6x6, and 35mm adapter Rolleikin 2.
Equipped with 2-format back w. adjustable film pressure plate.
Misc.: From 1.230.000 suitable for tripod quick mount.
December 1952 - June 1955, 30,150 pieces
1952 - 1955: Xenotar 2,8/80mm, Schneider, also:
1954 - 1955: Planar 2,8/80mm Zeiss Oberkochen
Heidosmat 2,8/80mm, Bayonet III, Zeiss Schneider. Interchangeable finder loupe. Parallax control.
Compur Rapid MXV, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, M-X-sync.
Misc.: From 1.267.000 suitable for tripod quick mount.
August 1955 - September 1956, 20,100 pieces.
Xenotar 2,8/80mm, Schneider, also:
Planar 2,8/80mm Zeiss Oberkochen
Compur Rapid MXV, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, M-X-sync. Time aperture selector wheels with EV values. Self Timer. Release with security lock.
Equipped with 2-format back w. adjustable film pressure plate. Exposure guide with picture symbols on back.
Rolleiflex 3,5 C - The first model with built-in metering
Serials: 1.740.000 - 1.787.999, engraved above name plate.
Planar 2,8/80mm, Carl Zeiss Oberkochen,
Serials: 1.850.000 - 1.898.999, engraved above name plate.
Xenotar 2,8/80mm, Schneider, Bayonet 2
Zeiss or Schneider Heidosmat 2,8/80mm, Bayonet 3. Interchangeable finder loupe. Parallax control.
Synchro Compur MXV, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, X-sync., self timer.
Film: 120 for 12 exp. 6x6. 35mm adapter Rolleikin 1 and plate film adapter.
Film Transportation: winding lever with auto stop on first exposure, exposure counter for exposures 1-12. Blank film pressure plate.
Model with Planar came with built-in meter, model with Xenotar came either with or without meter.
Rolleiflex 2,8 E - Model K7E - The first model with built-in metering
October 1956 - September 1959,
Serials: 1.621.000 - 1.665.999, engraved above name plate.
and Xenotar 2,8/80mm, Schneider,
October 1958 - June 1961, 56,000 pieces with gray leather
Serials: T2.100.00 - T2.155.999
June 1961, only 250 pieces, gray
Serials: T2.156.000 - T2.156.249
July 1961 - July 1966, 43.000 pieces, black leather
Serials: T2.157.000 - T2.199.999
July 1966 - August 1976, 28,000 pieces, black leather
Serials: T2.200.000 - T2.320.449
Tessar 3,5/75mm, for eastern Europe: Opton Te 3,4/75mm, both by Zeiss Oberkochen, Bayonet 1
Zeiss Heidosmat 2,8/75mm, Bayonet 1
Film: 120 for 12 exp. 6x6, also from 2.151.000 only 16 exp. 4.5x6 or 4x4 and 35mm adapter Rolleikin 2. Special order: taking 220 film for 12 or 24 exposures.
Film Transportation: winding lever, film marker in film chamber, exposure counter for exposures 1-12. Blank film pressure plate.
Can come with or without built on exposure metering.
Can not be used with Rolleimarin.
Model K8 T24: Special order, only prepared for exposure metering, 12 or 24 exposures 6x6.
Model K8 T3: Synchro Compur VX shutter 1 - 1/500 sec., B, X-sync., self timer.
Rolleiflex 3.5 F Model 1 - Model K4E
December 1958 - February 1960, 20,000 pieces
Serials: 2.200.000 - 2.204.999 above Rolleiflex plate
3.5F-2.205.000 - 3.5F-2.219.999 engraved with model designation
Planar 3,5/75mm Carl Zeiss Oberkochen
Xenotar 3.5/75mm, Schneider Kreuznach, both Bayonet 2
Zeiss or Schneider Heidosmat 2,8/75mm, Bayonet 2
Synchro Compur MXV, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, M X-sync., self timer.
Film: B 2-8 for 12 6x6, and 35mm adapter Rolleikin 2.
Can come with or without built in exposure metering.
Rolleiflex 3.5 F Model 2 - Model K4E
February 1960 - November 1960, 11,500 pieces
Serials: 3.5F-2.230.00 - 3.5F-2.241.499
reserved range up to 2.249.999
Tessar 3,5/75mm Carl Zeiss Oberkochen
Film: 120 for 12 or 24 exp. 6x6, and 35mm adapter Rolleikin 2.
Rolleiflex 3.5 F Model 3 3-I - Model K4F
November 1960 - December 1964, 50,000 pieces
Serials: 3.5F-2.250.00 - 3.5F-2.299.546
Tessar 3,5/75mm, Opton PI 3.5/75mm, Carl Zeiss Oberkochen, Bayonet 2
January 1965 - December 1976, 71,000 pieces
Serials 1965: 3.5F-2.299.547 - 3.5F-2.814.999, from 1966: 3.5F-2.815.000 - 3.5F-2.857.149
Xenotar 3.5/75mm, Schneider, Bayonet 2
Nov. 1965 2.299.547 : takes both 120 and 220 film
Flat glass provision 1956-1966 only, from
Nov. 1966 2.815.000 : no longer prepared for flat glass film plate
July 1971 2.845.000 : Flat film pressure plate, and blank front panel where factory name is shown under taking lens.
Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 - Model K4C2
Similar to 3.5F, but without built in metering. Sold in UK USA only.
December 1959 - April 1960, 2,010 pieces
Serials: E2-1.870.000 - E2-1.872.010 first engraved above Rolleiflex name plate, later under taking lens.
June 1960 - May 1962, 2,000 pieces
Serials: E2-2.480.000 - E2-2.481.999 engraved under taking lens.
Planar 3,5/75mm, Carl Zeiss Oberkochen,
Synchro Compur MX, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, X-sync., self timer.
Prepared for built in exposure metering. Can not be used with Rolleimarin.
Rolleiflex 2,8 E2 - Model K7E2
Successor to model 2,8E parallel to model 2,8F with optional metering
August 1959 - June 1960, 7,000 pieces
Serials: E2-2.350.000 - E2-2.356.999, engraved under taking lens.
Parallel to model 2,8F with optional metering. Special order model for German US market.
March 1962 - January 1965, 2,025 pieces
Serials: E3-2.360.000 - E2-2.362.024, engraved above Rolleiflex label.
Planar 3,5/80mm, Carl Zeiss Oberkochen,
for eastern Europe OPTON PI 2,8/80
Zeiss or Schneider Heidosmat 2,8/80mm, Bayonet 3. Interchangeable focusing screen finder loupe. Parallax control.
Prepared for built in exposure metering.
2,8F-2.400.000 - 2,8F-2.442.133
June 1960 - December 1965, with Planar lens, flat glass provision 1965-1966 only but only 12 frame counter.
2,8F-2.442.134 - 2.8F-2.454.999
January 1966 - December 1966, with Planar lens, flat glass provision and 12/24 frame counter.
2,8F-2.455.000 - 2.8F-2.479.999
January 1967 - January 1973, with Planar lens, without flat glass provision and 12/24 frame counter.
January 1973 - October 1981, with Xenotar lens, without flat glass provision and 12/24 frame counter.
Additional Serial exist: 2.8F-2.7xx.xxx
Xenotar 2,8/80mm, Schneider from 1973, both Bayonet 3
Zeiss Heidosmat 2,8/80mm, Bayonet 3. Interchangeable focusing screen finder loupe. Parallax control.
Film: 120 for 12 from 2.442.134 also 24 exp. 6x6, 35mm adapter Rolleikin 2.
Prepared for or with built in exposure metering.
Rolleiflex 3,5 E2 Model II - Model K4C3
Successor to Rolleiflex 3,5 E2
June 1961 - May 1962, 2,000 pieces
Serials: E2-2.480.000 - E2-2.481.999, engraved under taking lens.
July 1961 - January 1965, 5,035 pieces, with 6 element taking lenses.
Serials: E3-2.380.000 - E2-2.385.034, engraved above Rolleiflex label.
for eastern Europe OPTON PI 3.5/75
Zeiss or Schneider Heidosmat 2.8/75mm, Bayonet 2. Interchangeable focusing screen finder loupe. Parallax control.
Film: 120 for 12 exp. 6x6, and 35mm adapter Rolleikin.
Rolleiflex 2.8F Aurum - Model K7F Aurum
Special Edition gold plated with brown African Lizard surfaces. Comes in dark wood box with red lining.
1982: prototype 1 piece 7.570.001
1983: 1,500 pieces 8.300.001 - 8.301.500
Taking lens: Schneider Xenotar 2.8/80, bayonet 3.
Viewing lens: Schneider or Zeiss Heidosmat 2.8/80, bayonet 3
Synchro Compur MXV, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, X-sync., self timer
Film: 120/220 for 12 or 24 exposures exp. 6x6, 35mm adapter Rolleikin 2.
Rolleiflex 2.8F Edition 1984 Platinum - Model K7FP 1984 / K7FPA 1989
Special Edition Platinum plated with black African Lizard surfaces. Comes in dark wood box with red lining.
1984: 2.8F-2.985.001 - 2.8F-2.985.500
1989: 2.8F-2.986.500-2.8F-2.986.599
Taking lens: Carl Zeiss Planar HFT 2.8/80, bayonet 3.
Shutter: Synchro Compur MXV, 1 - 1/500 sec., B, X-sync., self timer.
Rollei Rolleiflex 2.8F Film TLR Camera w/ Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm F2.8 Lens. 1,499.00; or Best Offer; Number of bids and bid amounts may be slightly out of date.
Obviating the need for the ruby window that forced the photographer to read the frame number off Rolleiflex 2.8F Rollei and Rolleiflex.
There are several sources for Rollei TLR camera serial numbers. Claus Prochnow, Ian Parker and mr. evans all did their immaculate research in the old Franke - Heidecke and Rollei archives. based their findings on what they noted as the most reliable fact and yet came, in some instances, with different namings / conclusions. No matter how you look at it, those fine gentleman recorded for us a datbase that with the modern technology of the internet can be shared by us all:
Original Standard Rolleiflex Model 622
Old Standard Rolleiflex type 3
Original Standard Rolleiflex Model 621
Old Standard Rolleiflex type 1
Original Standard Rolleiflex Model 620
Old Standard Rolleiflex type 2
Baby 4x4 1963 Black Rolleiflex
Rolleiflex T speciel edition 24
Rolleiflex 2,8 F Edition 1984 Platin
Rolleiflex 2.8F Platin Edition
Buying Rolleiflex And Rollei TLR Camera. This page states the model, serial number, when the model was made and the models specification, there has been.
19 rows Date your Rollei TLR Guide. Rolleiflex TLR models with Fixed Focusing.
All Rollei TLR Serial Numbers. a Comparison. There are several sources for Rollei TLR camera serial numbers. Claus Prochnow, Rolleiflex 2.8F Aurum.
All Rolleiflex TLR Serial Numbers The original serial number lists were compiled by: 1984 issuance of the 2.8F Platin Edition. Serial 298xxxx. 500 made.
This happened when Rollei would start production again as demand for the camera continued, and would thus issue a new batch of serial 2.8F Aurum/Gold.