Is the Rolleifix attachment necessary if I use the Rollei Panorama head?

[HerSmokeySun]

Hello everybody! I've been a long-time lurker mooching off the wealth of info here without making an account, however a question has come up that I haven't been able to find a definitive answer to.

In short, I recently upgraded from my '51 Automat MX Rolleiflex to a '56 2.8E with a Xenotar Lens after almost a year of saving my pennies. This camera (the 2.8) came with some accessories, including a Panoramic Head attachment. It is the older style with the support pegs in the front next to the level.

So, my question is:

Does the old-style pano-head attachments provide the same protection that the Rolleifix does?

I still have the Rolleifix from my Automat that is compatible with my 2.8E, however I'm curious if I could use the pano-head in place of the Rolleifix when it comes to protection from bending the back of the camera when mounted to a tripod. The quick disconnect feature is nice, but not something that I use incredibly often when I mount my Rollei to a tripod, I'm simply looking to ensure that I won't damage my cameras.

Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[plummerl]

Two reference books that I have from the 50's, both show and state that you use the older version attached directly to the tripod. The one thing they mention is to loosely attach the head to the cameras tripod socket, couple the camera to the support pegs and then tighten the head to the camera.

 

[BrianShaw]

Yes, both the Rolleifix and old-model panorama head support the camera similarly and spread the support better than just using the tripod mount socket.

But the convenience of the quick release makes it worth using the rolleifix instead of the panorama head!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to APUG from another 120 film user.

 

[dpurdy]

What makes the pano head more accurate is that the camera mounts on it so that the turning axis is the center of the taking lens. That is automatic with the old style pano head. With the newer style pano head you must put a rolleifix on it to offset the lens alignment correctly. If you use the new style without the rolleifix it makes the turning axis the center of the camera rather than the center of the taking lens.

 

[HerSmokeySun]

Wow- thank you everyone for the information and the warm welcome. I'll be sure to report back once I get my Rollei back from being CLA'd after I've tried out the panorama head. Thanks again!