School me on Rolleiflex

[furcafe]

I recently acquired a suite of Rolleiflex TLRs to partner up w/my 35mm RFs, but wasn't on a strict budget, so I went w/the F series 3.5 & 2.8 models. Being a Hassie user, if you've been using the waist-level finder, you're way ahead of where I was. Personally, I found the option of using prism finders (both the original Rollei & Hassie/Kiev finders via an adapter) to be very useful as I just can't use a WLF quickly enough for street shooting (not a problem for slow studio or landscape-type work, though). It's a shame that the Wide-Angle Rolleiflex (a.k.a. the Rolleiwide) is so rare & expensive, as it's a very useful model, assuming you like the focal length (close to 35mm in 35mm format).

The built-in selenium meters on the classic models, if working properly, are useful for daylight shooting, but are pretty much useless in low-light (like all selenium meters, they're just not sensitive enough).

Hi guys and girls, I'm slowly becoming interested in Rolleiflex cameras and interested in getting one to further diversify my photographic tools and hence the results. And of course quite importantly to satisfy my GAS needs 🙂
My main (only) MF right now is a Hassie 500 C/M, which I absolutely love. Results from Rolleiflex that I see around intrigue me quite a bit and I believe I'd enjoy working with it.
So naturally I'm doing some research and am roughly aware of techical differences. However, such hard data doesn't tell me which camera is actually better, or more value for money. Seems there are quite a lot of models out there, with simingly minor differences, so it's hard to make out what's what.
Can you give me some general tips on Rolleiflex models, which are considered best, which are good value, what are the must-have features, what to watch out for buying an old used one, do meters still work, 2.8 or 3.5 lens (and which FL), etc, etc, etc?

 

[filmfan]

Just keep your eyes out. I got a 3.5F for $200 with a working light meter in around 7/10 condition...
I would choose whichever one comes up at the right moment.
(Edit: and at the right price...)

 

[cblkdog]

Hi, I got a Rolleiflex T in high school, early '70s, had a CLA by Essex Camera in NJ 20 years ago and it still shoots great. I got a prism from the bay a few years ago but still like the waist level. I'd love to get one of the SLX's if I can ever afford one. If you don't have the money for the more expensive ones, the T is a good one to start with. Good luck.

 

[Kalli]

I guess I'm the third guy on this thread looking into a Rolleiflex; my Minolta Autocord gave up on me and I'm desperate for another 6x6 camera. Mainly been looking at Rolleicords, but also Yashica Mats, as Autocords simply seem harder to find for me. Then I stumbled onto what might be a rather cheap Rolleiflex which has me thinking.

It looks like it's a wartime Automat Model 2. BSchall mentioned fifties examples being excellent but how about the wartime models? Maybe there's a reason for it being cheap?

 

[easyrider]

I guess I'm the third guy on this thread looking into a Rolleiflex; my Minolta Autocord gave up on me and I'm desperate for another 6x6 camera. Mainly been looking at Rolleicords, but also Yashica Mats, as Autocords simply seem harder to find for me. Then I stumbled onto what might be a rather cheap Rolleiflex which has me thinking.

It looks like it's a wartime Automat Model 2. BSchall mentioned fifties examples being excellent but how about the wartime models? Maybe there's a reason for it being cheap?

What is the serial number?

 

[Kalli]

What is the serial number?

It's 893793.

 

[JeffGreene]

The key is condition. These are old cameras and you need to check the speed range. Slower speeds on older cameras do gum up. I recently acquired an MX-EVS circa 1955 and love it. The body was in decent shape, but the shutter and transport needed work. Krikor Maralian CLA'd my camera and truly reconditioned the entire camera. Viewfinder was brighter, film transport buttery smooth, and shutter accurate and tested throughout the range.

If the camera hasn't been used, you should probably figure in the price of a CLA. Krikor isn't cheap, but worth the result. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Kalli]

Thanks, Jeff. It always comes down to condition and recent CLAs, it seems. I need to step into the fiscal bracket where I can buy cameras from shops (and find stores that stock the cameras I want...) 🙂

 

[easyrider]

It's 893793.

Going by the number, it's an Automatic Rolleiflex type 3 -- 1939-1945.

The numbers go from 805,000 to 999,999.

Then "New Standard" Rollei (1939-1941) has the same numbers but it has levers to adjust the shutter and speed instead of the knurled wheel. I am guessing that you have the wheels and that it's a Type 3.

If you post a pic, it would help.

My sources is the Arthur Evans book "Collectors guide to Rollei Cameras."

IMO the wartime ones are too old to be reliable users. I would look for a postwar MX Type 1 or 2. I have an MX 2. There are a lot of these around and parts are easier to find.

Good luck!

 

[Kalli]

Thank you, easyrider. I'm looking for a user so I'll pass on this. I have enough broken cameras as it is 🙂

 

[easyrider]

There is another thread on this subject

There is another thread on this subject

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1121751#post1121751

This was a discussion of Rolleicord vs Rolleiflex. It has a pic of my MX.