Rolleiflex (original) (raw)

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Line of twin-lens and single-lens reflex cameras by Rollei

A Rolleiflex 2.8 F

Swiss writer and photographer Annemarie Schwarzenbach holding the Rolleiflex Standard 621 (1938).

The camera is held at the waist, with the viewfinder mounted on top (here, a Rolleiflex SLX).

Rolleiflex is a long-running and diverse line of high-end cameras originally made by the German company Franke & Heidecke, and later Rollei-Werke.

The "Rolleiflex" name is most commonly used to refer to Rollei's premier line of medium format twin 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 known for their exceptional build quality, compact size, modest weight, superior optics, durability, simplicity, reliable mechanics and bright viewfinders. 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 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]

Classic Rolleiflex TLR timeline

System 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Early Orig (K1) Std (K2) Std (K4)
3.5 Automat 3.5C (3.5E) 3.5E2/E3
3.5F
T
2.8 2.8A 2.8B 2.8D 2.8F
2.8C 2.8E
Tele Tele
Wide Wide

Early and Automat Rolleiflex TLR cameras[7][8] | Camera | Dates | Taking lens (FL=75 mm) | Viewing lens (FL=75 mm) | Shutter | Notes | | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | | | Name | Model | Intro. | Disc. | Name | Ap. | Name | Ap. | Name | Speeds | | | Original (K1) | 611 | Jan 1929 | Jul 1929 | Zeiss Tessar | f/4.5 | Heidoscop Anastigmat | f/3.1 | Compur | 1-1⁄300 + B,T | | | 612 | Apr 1929 | Jul 1929 | Zeiss Tessar | f/3.8 | | | | | | | | 613 | Aug 1929 | Feb 1932 | Zeiss Tessar | f/4.5 | | | | | | | | 614 | Zeiss Tessar | f/3.8 | | | | | | | | | | (Old) Standard (K2) | 620 | Jan 1932 | Jan 1934 | Zeiss Tessar | f/4.5 | Heidoscop Anastigmat | f/3.1 | Compur | 1-1⁄300 + B,T | | | 621 | Feb 1932 | Jan 1935 | Zeiss Tessar | f/3.8 | | | | | | | | 622 | Nov 1932 | Jan 1938 | Zeiss Tessar | f/3.5 | Compur Rapid | 1-1⁄500 + B,T | | | | | | (New) Standard (K4) | 640 | May 1939 | Jul 1941 | Zeiss Tessar | f/3.5 | Heidoscop Anastigmat | f/3.1 | Compur Rapid | 1-1⁄500 + B,T | | | Automat | RF 111A | Aug 1937 | Mar 1939 | Zeiss Tessar | f/3.5 | Heidoscop Anastigmat | f/2.8 | Compur Rapid | 1-1⁄500 + B,T | | | Automat (K4B) | K4B | Apr 1939 | Oct 1945 | Zeiss Tessar | f/3.5 | Heidoscop Anastigmat | f/2.8 | Compur Rapid | 1-1⁄500 + B,T | | | K4B2 | Oct 1945 | Sep 1949 | Zeiss Jena Tessar | f/3.5 | | | | | | | | Zeiss Opton (Oberkochen) Tessar | | | | | | | | | | | | Schneider Xenar | | | | | | | | | | | | Automat | K4/50 | Oct 1949 | May 1951 | Zeiss Jena Tessar | f/3.5 | Heidoscop Anastigmat | f/2.8 | Compur Rapid | 1-1⁄500 + B,T; X-sync | | | Zeiss Opton (Oberkochen) Tessar | | | | | | | | | | | | Schneider Xenar | | | | | | | | | | | | Automat | K4A | Jun 1951 | Mar 1954 | Zeiss Jena Tessar | f/3.5 | Heidoscop Anastigmat | f/2.8 | Compur Rapid | 1-1⁄500 + B,T; X-sync | | | Zeiss Opton (Oberkochen) Tessar | | | | | | | | | | | | Schneider Xenar | | | | | | | | | | | | Automat | K4B | Apr 1954 | Sep 1956 | Zeiss Jena Tessar | f/3.5 | Heidoscop Anastigmat | f/2.8 | Compur Rapid | 1-1⁄500 + B,T; M&X-sync | | | Zeiss Opton (Oberkochen) Tessar | | | | | | | | | | | | Schneider Xenar | | | | | | | | | | |

Original Rolleiflex

[edit]

Rolleiflex Original with Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar f/3.8

This first Rolleiflex was introduced in 1929[9] after three years of development,[10] 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.

Rolleiflex 2.8 TLR cameras (A–F)[14]

Camera Dates Taking lens (FL=80 mm) Viewing lens (FL=80 mm) Shutter Notes
Name Model Intro. Disc. Name Ap. Name Ap. Name Speeds
2.8A K7A Dec 1949 Feb 1951 Zeiss Opton (Oberkochen) Tessar f/2.8 Heidosmat f/2.8 Compur Rapid 1-1⁄400 + B; X-sync
Apr 1951 Aug 1951 Compur Rapid MX 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync
2.8B K7B Feb 1952 Mar 1953 Zeiss Jena Biometar f/2.8 Heidosmat f/2.8 Compur Rapid MX 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync
2.8C K7C Dec 1952 Jun 1955 Schneider Xenotar f/2.8 Heidosmat f/2.8 Compur Rapid MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync
Zeiss Planar
2.8D K7D Aug 1955 Sep 1956 Schneider Xenotar f/2.8 Heidosmat f/2.8 Compur Rapid MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync
Zeiss Planar
2.8E K7E Oct 1956 Sep 1959 Schneider Xenotar f/2.8 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync
Zeiss Planar
2.8E2 K7E2 Aug 1959 Mar 1960 Schneider Xenotar or Zeiss Planar f/2.8 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync With self-timer
K7E3 Mar 1962 Jan 1965
2.8F K7F Jun 1960 Dec 1965 Zeiss Planar f/2.8 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync With self-timer
K7F2 Jan 1966 Dec 1966
K7F3 Jan 1967 Jan 1973
K7F4 Jan 1973 Oct 1981 Schneider Xenotar

Incorporated the first 8 cm f2.8 taking lens (an 80 mm Tessar, either by Carl Zeiss Jena Zeiss Opton [Oberkochen]) into the Rolleiflex line. It also added an X flash synch contact. Built from 1949 to 1951.[14]

Released in October 1956, this was the first model with a built in, uncoupled light meter as an option.[14][15]

Rolleiflex 3.5 TLR cameras (C/E/F/T)[14]

Camera Dates Taking lens (FL=75 mm) Viewing lens (FL=75 mm) Shutter Notes
Name Model Intro. Disc. Name Ap. Name Ap. Name Speeds
3.5C K4C Oct 1956 Feb 1959 Zeiss Planar f/3.5 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync
Apr 1957 Feb 1959 Schneider Xenotar
T (K8) T1 Oct 1958 Jun 1961 Tessar f/3.5 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync
T2 Jul 1961 Jul 1966
T3 Jul 1966 Aug 1976 Synchro Compur VX Includes self-timer
3.5F (Model 1) K4E Dec 1958 Feb 1960 Zeiss Planar f/3.5 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync With self-timer
Schneider Xenotar With self-timer
3.5E2 K4C2 Dec 1959 Apr 1960 Zeiss Planar or Schneider Xenotar f/3.5 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MX 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync With self-timer
K4C3 Jun 1960 May 1962
3.5F (Model 2) K4E Feb 1960 Nov 1960 Zeiss Tessar f/3.5 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync With self-timer
Schneider Xenotar With self-timer
3.5F (Model 3) K4F Nov 1960 Dec 1964 Zeiss Tessar or Opton f/3.5 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MXV 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync With self-timer
K4F1 Jan 1965 Dec 1976 Schneider Xenotar
3.5E2 K4C3 Jun 1961 May 1962 Zeiss Planar or Schneider Xenotar f/3.5 Heidosmat f/2.8 Synchro Compur MX 1-1⁄500 + B; M&X-sync With self-timer
3.5E3 K4G Jul 1961 Jan 1965

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.

Tele and Wide Rolleiflex TLR cameras[16]

Camera Dates Taking lens Viewing lens Shutter Notes
Name Model Intro. Disc. Name FL (mm) Ap. Name FL (mm) Ap. Name Speeds
Tele K7S Sep 1959 1975 Zeiss Sonnar 135 f/4 Heidosmat 135 f/4 Synchro Compur MXV 1–1⁄500+B; X-sync Based on K7E; includes self-timer
Wide K7W Apr 1961 Dec 1967 Zeiss Distagon 55 f/4 Heidosmat 55 f/4 Synchro Compur MXV 1–1⁄500+B; X-sync Based on K7E; includes self-timer

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.[17]

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.[18]

Rolleiflex SLR timeline

System 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SL66 SL66 SL66SE
SL66E SL66X
6×6E 6006 Hy6
6008
SLX 6002 6003
6001
QBM SL35 SL35M / SL35ME SL2000F SL3003
SL350 SL35 E

Rollei's first medium-format SLR, introduced in 1966.

A 35 mm SLR introduced in 1970.

Rolleiflex miniature Reproductions

[edit]

Rolleiflex minidigi digital camera

There are two models of miniature Rolleiflex cameras. These are not true Rolleiflex cameras but are miniature reproductions of the Rolleiflex TLR design produced under licence 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 look of the original, including a waist-level viewfinder and a 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 five 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 were 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.

TLR (twin-lens reflex) Rolleiflex Cameras—7.5 cm (f: 2.8, 3.5, 3.8) Original Rolleiflex: 1929–32 Standard Rolleiflex: 1932–38 New Standard Rolleiflex: 1938–41 Rolleiflex Automat: 1937–39 Rolleiflex Automat: 1939–49 (double bayonet) Rolleiflex Automat X: 1949–51 Rolleiflex Automat A (MX in North America): 1951–54 Rolleiflex Automat B (MX-EVS in North America): 1954–56 Rolleiflex 4×4: 1931–38 Baby Rolleiflex (1930s) (6 cm f:3.5 or 2.8 Tessar lens) Rolleiflex 4×4: 1938–41 Sports Baby Rolleiflex (6 cm f:2.8 Tessar Only) Rolleiflex 2.8A: 1950–51 Rolleiflex T: 1958–75 (no Automat film transport and with f:3.5 Tessar lens only. Grey or Black) Rolleiflex 4×4: 1931–38 Baby Rolleiflex (1930s) (6 cm f:3.5 or 2.8 Tessar lens) Two models, with rim set shutter and f. Deckel made diaphragm control, or with Rollei made levers on the shutter and a small shutter speed, f-number indicator window above the viewing lens. So in the first model of Pre-War Baby Rolleiflex there are actually four different cameras. Rolleiflex 4×4: 1938–41 Sports Baby Rolleiflex (6 cm f:2.8 Tessar Only) New fast focus with larger knob, front cover like a Rolleicord II, with early cameras having only one bayonet, and later cameras with two. Rolleiflex 4×4: 1957–63 (Schneider, 6 cm f:3.5 Xenar lens, on all post war Rolleiflex 4×4 cameras) Rolleiflex 4×4 Black: 1963–69 (rare) By serial numbers 9,120 were made. Non-Tessar models (letter models)[edit] Planar or Xenotar lenses. f/2.8 cameras have 8 cm focal length, f/3.5 have 7.5 cm Rolleiflex 2.8B: 1952–53, 8 cm Biometar lens (Rare) Rolleiflex 2.8C: 1953–55, 8 cm f:2.8 Schneider Kreuznach Xenotar only Rolleiflex 2.8D: 1955–56, 8 cm f:2.8 Carl Zeiss Planar or Xenotar Rolleiflex 2.8E: 1956–59, (option for uncoupled meter) Rolleiflex 2.8E2: 1959–60 Rolleiflex 2.8E3: 1962–65 Rolleiflex 3.5 C (E1 in North America): 1956–59 (optional uncoupled light meter) Rolleiflex 3.5E2: 1959–62 Rolleiflex 3.5E3: 1962–65 Coupled exposure meter, removable focus hood[edit] Sharan (Megahouse) miniature TLR "Rolleiflex 2.8F", uses Minox film cartridges The F model introduced coupled exposure metering and removable focus hood on all subsequent models Rolleiflex 2.8F: 1960–81 (various models) Rolleiflex 2.8F Aurum: 1983 Rolleiflex 2.8F Platinum: 1987 Rolleiflex 2.8GX: 1989 (from this model onward the Automat film transport was replaced with transport similar to the "T" model) Rolleiflex 2.8FX (2002–2012) Rolleiflex 2.8FX-N (2012–2015) Rollei responded to the introduction of the Mamiya C line of TLRs with two models, the Tele Rolleiflex (equipped with a 135 mm lens), and the Rollei Wide (with 55 mm). Tele Rolleiflex: 1959–75 (Zeiss Sonnar) Rolleiflex Wide: 1961–67 (Zeiss Distagon) Wide Rolleiflex 4.0 FW (Schneider Angulon) — classic reissue. Tele Rolleiflex 4.0 FT (Tele-Xenar) — classic reissue. Rolleiflex 2.8F Mini Reproductions by Minox Rolleiflex MiniDigi DCC Rolleiflex AF 5.0 SLRs (single-lens reflex cameras) Rolleiflex SL66 Rolleiflex SL66 E Rolleiflex SL66 X Rolleiflex SL66 SE Rolleiflex SLX Rolleiflex SLX Metric Rolleiflex 6002 Rolleiflex 6006 Rolleiflex 6006 Metric Rolleiflex 6008 Professional Rolleiflex 6008 LR Professional Rolleiflex 6008 Metric 3D Industrial Rolleiflex 6008 Professional Gold Rolleiflex 6008 Professional SRC 1000 Rolleiflex 6003 SRC 1000 Rolleiflex 6008 ChipPack Digital Metric Rolleiflex 6008 E Rolleiflex 6008 Q 16 Digital Metric Rolleiflex 6008 AF Rolleiflex 6008 integral Rolleiflex 6008 integral2 Rolleiflex 6008 Metric Rolleiflex 6003 Professional Rolleiflex 6001 Professional X-Act2 view camera Rolleiflex Hy6 Rolleiflex Hy6 Mod2 Rolleiflex SL35 Rolleiflex SL350 Rolleiflex SL35M Rolleiflex SL35ME Rolleiflex SL35E Rolleiflex SL 2000 F Rolleiflex SL 3003 Rolleiflex SL 3001
  1. ^ Bill Brandt: A Life, p. 50. Written by Paul Delany, published by Stanford University Press 2004.
  2. ^ "Classic Rolleiflex TLR camera on DHW Fototechnik website".
  3. ^ "Out of Franke & Heidecke's ashes, rises DHW Fototechnik". Archived from the original on 2010-12-18.
  4. ^ "Rolleiflex Unveils New FX-N TLR Film, Hy6 Mod2 Medium Format Cameras". 12 September 2012.
  5. ^ "Rolleiflex-Kameras: Es geht weiter – wieder einmal und irgendwie". 30 November 2001.
  6. ^ "Service page at Rolleiflex.us".
  7. ^ "The first Rolleiflex cameras". Rollei Club. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  8. ^ "All Rolleiflex Automat". Rollei Club. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  9. ^ Rollei Japan - dead link
  10. ^ "Rolleiflex TLR". www.ganjatron.net.
  11. ^ Consumers Union of the United States, Inc., 1939 p. 22
  12. ^ Popular Photography, June 1949, p. 144
  13. ^ "[rollei_list] Robert Capa's Rolleiflex - rollei_list - FreeLists". www.freelists.org.
  14. ^ a b c d "The Rolleiflex A-F series". Rollei Club. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Rolleiflex 2.8E Review". Ray Larose.
  16. ^ "The Tele and Wide Rolleiflex". Rollei Club. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  17. ^ "Rolleiflex FT 135 - 4.0 Standard". Rollei Club. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  18. ^ "Rolleiflex FW 40 - 4.0 Standard". Rollei Club. Retrieved 26 September 2024.

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