Thoughts on Rolleiflex auction

[dogberryjr]

I was watching this Rollei auction (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLLEIFLEX-...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) and figured it would top out under $800. Is this a case of bid frenzy or did I underestimate?

 

[Vickko]

Interesting, it has a feature from the 2.8f - the self timer is on the right side of the viewing lens (same side as the shutter release). The typical position for the 2.8e is on the other side (side of the flash socket).

And no meter.

Probably a rare variant the at least two collectors wanted.

 

[S.H.]

The 2.8 E3 is uncommon (2000 pieces) => collector's territory

 

[Sanders McNew]

The 2.8 E3 is uncommon (2000 pieces) => collector's territory

I don't think that explains it. I have two 2.8E3s -- they're nice but not
so hard to find. I hate to say this, but I think the number of clean
user Rolleiflexes is in decline -- they are sturdy cameras but an E is
approaching 60 years of age now. Rolleiflex prices have been going
up, to the point where complete beaters command $500 these days.
Try to pick up any clean 2.8-series Rolleiflex these days for under
$1,000 on eBay -- not so easy any more.

 

[Highway 61]

Rolleiflex prices have been going up, to the point where complete beaters command $500 these days.
Try to pick up any clean 2.8-series Rolleiflex these days for under $1,000 on eBay -- not so easy any more.

That's true. And what explains the price going over $1K here is the 2.8 lens IMO. Even the old 2.8C or 2.8D models are almost reaching this peak now.

Actually the E3 is almost a F model but for the lack of the coupled lightmeter (minor difference, who cares) and (most important) still the same lens standard focusing system (parallelogram following a lateral cam) as installed on the previous models, while the F benefits from the two massive brass cylinders on which the lens standard slides (thus the F models are less prone to get their front platine out of alignment with the film plane).

So if you are ready to spend over $1K onto a 2.8, rather look for a F.

 

[dabick42]

I have a nearly mint 2.8 E3, one of the rare ones fitted with a Zeiss Planar - exceedingly rare according to Ian Parker, as stated in his ''Rollei TLR Collector's Guide''.

It came standard with genuine leather cladding, switchable EVS, no meter, detachable hood and split-image screen - lovely camera, my favourite Rollei out of several others in my stable.

 

[thompsonks]

No 2.8 Rolleis in good shape top out at $800 any more. I'm guesing the bidding depended mainly on only 2,000 having been made. If you're a collector, don't you have to have a full set?

Phillips says these were originally fewer in number than the RolleiWides. The latter, though, were more likely to be worn out in professional use, esp. for wedding photography.

Also, a number of us don't want a meter, which is why 3.5E3s are also hard to find (originally 5,000). IMO 3.5E3s are the best-handling Rollei.

Also, Phillips thinks most of the 2.8E3s were Planars. I wonder who's right. In a way, he's a recent 'secondary source'; but he's compared the previous sources.

Kirk

 

[PMCC]

Also, a number of us don't want a meter, which is why 3.5E3s are also hard to find (originally 5,000). IMO 3.5E3s are the best-handling Rollei.

This kindred spirit agrees. Also, the Automat MX-EVS handles similarly, and is more plentiful.

Also, Phillips thinks most of the 2.8E3s were Planars. I wonder who's right. In a way, he's a recent 'secondary source'; but he's compared the previous sources.

My 3.5E3 is a Xenotar (apparently 6 glass). I'm a primary source for that data point. Phillips views the 3.5E3 as basically equivalent to an unmetered 3.5F Type 2. Works for me.

 

[Platinum RF]

Blame the Chinese or Russian

 

[jonasv]

There's a very nice 2.8 Rolleiflex in the classifieds now, for well under 1,000$... (not mine!)

 

[peter_n]

My 3.5E3 is a Xenotar (apparently 6 glass).

Mine too. I'm surprised at the price this 2.8E3 went for although I paid a lot (relatively speaking) for mine as it's like new inside & out. I waited a long time for mine; as Sanders says really good condition bodies are becoming hard to find. I'd like to get a 3.5E3 Planar but I haven't seen one since I got the Xenotar 18 months ago.

 

[dogberryjr]

Interesting. Thanks for the opinions, fellas.

 

[PMCC]

Blame the Chinese or Russian

Yeah, they're always taking advantage of free markets to buy and sell goods, sometimes too cheaply or too expensively.

 

[marduk]

I might be listing my 2.8C Xenotar freshly CLAd and recovered in Griptac for sale some time soon ;-) This thread suggested me that going prices may be higher now than I thought.