Rolleiflex 3.5F

"The King of Twin-Lens Reflex Cameras"

Rolleiflex is my first medium format and twin lens reflex camera. The first model of the Rolleiflex 3.5 series was released in 1949, and the model 3.5F is the last one. 3.5F was introduced in 1959, and its production was discontinued in 1976 through four minor changes. It is known as the most perfect model in the 3.5 series, both functionally and cosmetically.

I own two Rolleiflex 3.5F's, one of which has a Planar 75mm F3.5 taking lens made by Carl Zeiss and the other has a Xenotar 75mm F3.5 made by Schneider-Kreuznach. Based on their serial numbers (228#### for the Planar one and 226#### for the Xenotar one), both of my Rolleiflexes are of type 3, which was manufactured between 1960 and 1964 after the second minor change. The film format of Rolleiflex is 6 x 6, which produces square images of size 56mm x 56mm on 120 film. The image size of 35mm format is 24mm x 36mm, so the image area of 6 x 6 format is about 3.6 times as large as that of 35mm. The focal length of 75mm in the 6 x 6 format is equivalent to 40mm in the 35mm format. It is a little wider compared to the standard angle of view, but it is easy for me to use because I like wide angle lenses. It is also possible to enjoy beautiful "bokeh" (out-of-focus effects) if you get close to the object with the aperture wide open.

When you open the finder hood of a Rolleiflex and look into the finder screen, you would admire the beauty of an image projected there. The lively image through the viewing lens is projected to the screen like a small movie. You advance the film and cock the shutter by winding the lever on the right side of the camera. You set the exposure by two dials (one for aperture, the other for shutter speed) on the front panel. Then you look into the screen from above the waist-level finder and determine composition (it may take a while to get used to the screen-projected image, which is "mirrored"). At the same time, you adjust focus by a focusing knob on the left hand side. Finally, you release the shutter by pressing the release button at the bottom right corner of the front panel. You would enjoy this sequence of "taking a photo." With one roll of 120 size film, you can take only 12 pictures, but it feels good to me to take a rest after every 12 shots. The taking lenses, Planar and Xenotar, are simply great. It is really amazing that these 40 year old lenses bring such beautiful images (you may or may not see it in the photos in my galleries). I feel attached to photos which I take with my Rolleiflexes, no matter how well they are done.

Accessories for Rolleiflex are all well crafted. Rolleifix, which is a shoe adapter used to fix a Rolleiflex on a tripod, Rolleinar close-up lenses, the lens hood, and the strap are must-haves. I sometimes use the prism finder, which can replace the standard waist-level finder hood. Although it is heavy, it makes it possible to focus at the eye level with regular (non-mirrored) image. It is a pity that these days you can't find a variety of lens filters that directly fit to Rolleiflex's bayonet socket (Rolleiflex 3.5F has one called Bay 2 or R-II). I only have Bay 2 UV/protection filters and for other filters I use a Bay 2 to 49mm step ring.

I had the original finder screen relaced by a bright one made by Bill Maxwell, since the original one was very dark. The Planar one got a split-image screen, and the Xenotar one got an entire-matte screen. These are very nice screens easy to focus with. If I am to point out a weakness of Rolleiflex, it would the very thin aluminum back door; it bends easily by a little force, so should be treated with care and be adjusted if bent. It is not limited to the back door - Rolleiflex performs best only when every function and mechanism is adjusted appropriately. When you get a Rolleiflex, I recommend you to have it overhauled, though it may not be easy to find a good repairman near you...

Above are all my personal impressions and feelings. Technical, historical, and all other information about Rolleiflex is readily available in many web sites and books, so those who are interested please refer to the references below.

Viewing Lens: Heidosmat 2,8/75
Taking Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 3,5/75; Schneider-Kreuznach Xenotar 3,5/75
Shutter: Synchro Compur MXV/CR00 B, 1 - 1/500

References

1. Evans, Arthur G. Collectors guide to Rollei cameras. Grantsburg, WI, US: Centennial Photo Service, 1986. ISBN 0-931838-06-1 [English]
2. Parker, Ian. Complete collector's guide to the Rollei TLR: Listing all known Rollei TLR cameras 1928-1994. St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands: Hove Foto Books, 1993. ISBN 1-874031-95-9 [English]
3. Parker, Ian. Complete Rollei TLR user's manual. St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands: Hove Foto Books, 1994. ISBN 1-874031-96-7 [English]
4. Prochnow, Claus. Rollei report 1: Franke & Heidecke die ersten 25 jahre. Stuttgart, Germany: Lindemanns Verlag, 2001. [German/English]
5. Prochnow, Claus. Rollei report 2: Rollei-Werke rollfilmkameras. Stuttgart, Germany: Lindemanns Verlag, 2001. [German]
6. Prochnow, Claus. Rollei technical report. Stuttgart, Germany: Lindemanns Verlag, 1996. [German/English]
7. rolleiclub.com
8. Rolleigraphy