Attaching a Rolleiflash to a Rolleiflex MX?

Kaywix · Mar 9, 2020

Hey everyone! I'm looking at getting a flash for my Rolleiflex and was considering getting an original Rolleiflash. However I can't find anything online regarding how to attach it and whether or not it varies from Rollei model to the next.
Does anyone know how to attach an original flash and which one I should be looking for? I was also considering buying a digital flash but I'm not even sure where to start with that!

Thanks in advance!
-Kay

Kino · Mar 9, 2020

The original flash bulb-type flash attaches to the bayonet mount of either the taking or viewing lens and takes a funky (but still available 22.5 volt battery). I do believe the MX is a Bay 1 size; there is 1, 2 and 3 for Rollei TLR cameras.

Most sellers on Ebay are clueless as to what size they have, so be prepared to be disappointed unless they specify which size attaching arm comes with the flash gun. Of course, the flash head unscrews from the attaching arm, so any size Bay adapter can be used with the flash gun, but finding the right size took me about three purchases. Luckily I have Rolleicords that work with my "failed" attempts.

Rollei did make a strobe version of this unit, but they are harder to find and the electronics are getting quite old, so they can be a gamble for reliability.

Of course, you can use a common flash bracket in the tripod screw and have the flash "outboard" on a hand grip, but you will have to purchase a Rollei flash terminal adapter as it is not a standard PC connector on the camera.

The easiest option would be to purchase a Rollei flash terminal adapter and use a bracket mount "potato-masher" style press strobe like the Sunpak or Metz variety. The added bonus is auto exposure on some dedicated models of these strobes with the right set-up.

Kino · Mar 9, 2020

Uncharitably, I might add that these bulb flashes are awkward, kind of goofy and big pain in the posterior...

The battery is uncommon, tends to be expensive and the flash bulbs are getting hard to find and expensive.

Other than that, its great...

https://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleiflex_acc/rolleiflex_acc.htm

Kino · Mar 9, 2020

One more thing...

You need to know that when you go to plug the flash cord into the camera, the switch MUST be in the center position to allow the plug to slide in or out.

THEN you turn the switch to the desired position, bulb or electronic flash and two rather fragile looking wires lock the plug onto the camera body.

Failure to place the switch in the center position when you attach or remove the plug can result in a damaged locking mechanism!

Kino · Mar 9, 2020

You're welcome. So glad I could be of assistance...

Kaywix · Mar 9, 2020

Kino said:
The original flash bulb-type flash attaches to the bayonet mount of either the taking or viewing lens and takes a funky (but still available 22.5 volt battery). I do believe the MX is a Bay 1 size; there is 1, 2 and 3 for Rollei TLR cameras.

Most sellers on Ebay are clueless as to what size they have, so be prepared to be disappointed unless they specify which size attaching arm comes with the flash gun. Of course, the flash head unscrews from the attaching arm, so any size Bay adapter can be used with the flash gun, but finding the right size took me about three purchases. Luckily I have Rolleicords that work with my "failed" attempts.

View attachment 241762 View attachment 241763 View attachment 241764

Rollei did make a strobe version of this unit, but they are harder to find and the electronics are getting quite old, so they can be a gamble for reliability.

Of course, you can use a common flash bracket in the tripod screw and have the flash "outboard" on a hand grip, but you will have to purchase a Rollei flash terminal adapter as it is not a standard PC connector on the camera.

The easiest option would be to purchase a Rollei flash terminal adapter and use a bracket mount "potato-masher" style press strobe like the Sunpak or Metz variety. The added bonus is auto exposure on some dedicated models of these strobes with the right set-up.

Thank you so much for all your information, I cannot believe how helpful you have been! I will look for the bay 1 size on ebay. I have an excess of the bulbs that I need so I'd really like to keep everything analog if possible (which now I feel ready to move forward with a purchase). I couldn't even visualize how to attach the flash so those images are super helpful. But like you said, it has a lot of "pros" lol! I think I may get one just to have in my collection but then look into a Sunpak just for reliability and multiple frames since I only have enough for two rolls of film (I just really love the little burst when the bulb is fired and then the smell afterwards, it's like magic to me haha).

Thank you once again, I made this account specifically for this issue because I was so confused. You are great!!

-Kay

Kino · Mar 9, 2020

Kaywix · Mar 10, 2020

So I just wanted to give you an update: I began looking for a sunpak and a rolleiflex flash terminal adapter as you said. After doing some googling I remembered that I had a Minolta Auto 25 flash somewhere in my collection. After some digging I was able to find it. I plugged it into the sync port on my MX, then I set the dial to "X" and turned the auto 25 to Auto mode. I set my shutter speed to 1/50 and followed the settings for distance on the wheel thats on the back of the flash. IT WORKED!!! The flash fired on cue so I loaded a roll of film and shot it last night using the flash in the back yard. If you're interested I can share with you the results once I get them processed. I just thought you might be interested since your information led me to this little flash!

Thanks again, I'm so excited to be able to experiment with this!

-Kay

Kino · Mar 10, 2020

Sure! Always happy to see new photographs! Glad you had something that was on-hand to try.

John Koehrer · Mar 10, 2020

FWIW there's no need to use 1/50 on a leaf shutter, it will sync at every speed.

Kaywix · Mar 10, 2020

Oh, awesome! I wasn't sure what to set the shutter to so this is really helpful, especially since I am waiting a tripod adapter in the mail before I can actually use my Rollei on it. I appreciate the info!

Helge · Mar 26, 2020

Always was very wary of putting that much weight and twist in the bayonet and viewing lens.
I’d never actually do it I’m afraid.

The flash has a very handy roll-up cord though so it would be quite possible to mount the original flash on a bracket to the side with the appropriate standard thread for most medium format gear.

Attaching a Rolleiflash to a Rolleiflex MX?

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