Can Anyone Tell Me What's on the Side of this Rolleicord?

Punkinhed7 · Dec 19, 2014

I ask because I've got something very, very similar that came in a box of old camera goodies awhile ago and I've never been able to quite figure out what it was. By chance I came across these image of the device attached to the side of a Rolleicord II. It's not exactly the same as the piece I have -- which I will upload images of later -- but close enough to obviously serve the same purpose, and with the same HR(?) branding. Is it some sort of auxiliary shutter release? It would make sense given the Rolleicord's lack of a shutter release button, and considering the nature of the moving parts on mine, but I haven't been able to figure out how you would trigger it. Also, the Rolleicord II that I have doesn't have any little silver bits in the places where the device seems to be connected in the pictures...did someone drill holes in their camera to attach this?

I know this is a lot of questions but any help would be sincerely appreciated. Thanks in advance.

bdial · Dec 19, 2014

On Graflexes, these were triggered by a button on the flash and would trip the shutter. Presumably this would work in the same way. All you need now is an old Graflex flash and some bulbs

Sirius Glass · Dec 19, 2014

A flash solenoid used for flash synchronization.

summicron1 · Dec 19, 2014

they put these things more commonly on speed graphics to use those big light saber flash tubes -- you pushed a button on the flash tube which both fired the bulb AND the shutter button.

So feel free to remove this if you like. It's just in the way and serves no purpose without the associated flash bulb assembly. Yes, someone drilled holes to mount this. Fill any screw holes with putty and cover with black tape, but it is doubtful they would cause light leaks because of where they are.

Arklatexian · Dec 20, 2014

Sirius Glass said:
A flash solenoid used for flash synchronization.

They were also used on synched cameras to enable you to shoot 'off the camera' flash. I don't believe I ever saw one on a Rolleicord before though........Regards

jimjm · Dec 20, 2014

Actually, Rollei started providing flash synch on their cameras in 1949. I think that was around the same time (Post-WWII) that most other manufacturers started doing the same.

Exakta in 1935 was the first to do so, but since electronic flash was not yet common, there wasn't much demand.

AgX · Dec 20, 2014

Employing a solenoid is one means to gain the necessary delay of the shutter release.

gone · Dec 20, 2014

That's my favorite Roleicord model, and it has my favorite lens on it too. They take beautiful portraits, and are sharp as the dickens in the center stopped down. Unless you need the solenoid, it looks a little goofy hung out to dry over there.

I'm pretty sure it's attached by using the pre existing screw holes that are under the front camera cover. They probably pulled the cover up on that side, took the screws out that are under there, put small holes in the cover, and screwed in the bigger chrome screws you see to attach that mount. They look like knurled screws, so you could quickly unscrew things to put the camera into a case again.

factus10 · Dec 20, 2014

That's a Heiland "electromatic coil"... it's part of a flash synchronizer system. You need the battery pack, cable and other bits. Specifically, it's part of the "Press Model SR", which you can see on this page (#6):
https://books.google.com/books?id=e...g&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=heiland&f=false

frank · Dec 20, 2014

Can also be used for remote triggering of shutter. (Wired, not wireless)

Punkinhed7 · Dec 21, 2014

Thanks for all the info everyone, much appreciated. @Frank, how would you use it to remotely trigger the shutter? What kind of release would you need?

AgX · Dec 21, 2014

A electrical switch with own power source.
Does such exist readymade for that solenoid?

BrianShaw · Dec 21, 2014

Heiland flash handle. On ebay quite often. Will also need appropriate solenoid cord.

AgX · Dec 21, 2014

How stupid of me...
Of course, in synchro-mode you release the camera from the flash (-handle) via that intermitted, retarding solenoid.
In remote-use you insert a cable and use the same handle, now ommitting or not switching the flash bulb. The short retardation will not form a problem.

Can Anyone Tell Me What's on the Side of this Rolleicord?

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