Need help identifying mystery Rolleiflex

Laurent · Mar 11, 2014

Hello all,

I found, on the equivalent of Craig's list, a Rolleiflex for sale near my home.

The prices seems quite good (if it works, but this I can find later) but I can't identify the model.

It looks very close to my 3.5 "B" (aka MX-EVS aka K4B) but might be a "white face", has a 3.5/75 Tessar, "crocodile" strap... but a serial # in the 2.700000 range, which I can't find anywhere.

The serial would make it a 3.5 "F", and a real bargain, but the lens does not fit in the schema...

any clue would be appreciated!

jp498 · Mar 11, 2014

have to study the shutter release to see which MX/automat model if it is one. The size of the focusing knob is also a clue. There's some rollei collector's website with many variations I presume you've checked.

Nick Merritt · Mar 11, 2014

As you said, there don't appear to be Rollei TLRs in the 2,700,000 range at all. You're sure about that number? My initial reaction was that it might be a T, because it has a Tessar, but the shutter release on those is different from all the other 120 Rollei models. You're sure it's a Tessar?

Jim Noel · Mar 11, 2014

Is that the serial number of the lens or the body of the camera?

Laurent · Mar 11, 2014

I haven't seen the camera yet, so cannot be sure. I checked the sites I know (Rolleiclub, Antique cameras...), the only information that could match is from AntiqueCameras.net, where is reported serial number between 2250000-2810000 for a 3.5F type 3, but no Tessar

From the low quality image I saw, it's definitely not at T, looks very close to my own automat, but with "crocodile" strap attachments.

It has the timer on the upper right corner (like the automats), here's a copy of the only image I've got

The number is the camera's one, the lens would be maked "Tessar 1:3.5 f=75mm CARL ZEISS Nr 1669377"

nanthor · Mar 11, 2014

White face cameras have the serial number on the front taking lens surround. The rest have serial number above the rolleiflex name plate. Look carefully at all the fastening points and the spanner wrench grooves, if they have been tooled then it might be a franken-flex, made up of parts from more than one camera. Bob.

Dan Daniel · Mar 11, 2014

Even the bad photo shows that the faceplate is NOT a white face. Everything points to an MX-EVS, as you suspected. Maybe the serial number is the top lens. Or someone installed a new name plate (but late series plates are set up for removable hoods?).

Laurent · Mar 12, 2014

I'm trying to check with my Rolleiflex repair man, as I know he already did some transformations to add detachable hood to cameras which did not have it.

As far as I know, the serial was found on the hood, and not lens nameplate.

Nick Merritt · Mar 12, 2014

Dan Daniel said:
Even the bad photo shows that the faceplate is NOT a white face. Everything points to an MX-EVS, as you suspected. Maybe the serial number is the top lens. Or someone installed a new name plate (but late series plates are set up for removable hoods?).

It does look like an MX-EVS, but that model did not have the alligator strap lugs. I think we have something that's been "customized." Maybe not a bad thing overall.

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 12, 2014

I'd be very careful with Rolleiflexes that look like this. In my experience of buying and examining many old Rollei's those brownish edges on the camera leather and on the handle generally show me something that may have been stored in wet or not ideal conditions and might be an indication of shutter problems or interior rust problems. Make sure you look at it face-to-face before you buy.

JPD · Mar 13, 2014

I wonder if the seller didn't make a typo? The nameplate is the normal one for a 3,5 B, and this model had serial numbers up in the 1 700 000's. If it's a typo, then it's a normal 3,5 B with the strap lugs changed for the newer type.

Laurent · Mar 17, 2014

JPD said:
I wonder if the seller didn't make a typo? The nameplate is the normal one for a 3,5 B, and this model had serial numbers up in the 1 700 000's. If it's a typo, then it's a normal 3,5 B with the strap lugs changed for the newer type.

It was my first guess, but I'm really unsure.

Anyway, I think I'll never know as I spent the money on a 15mm for the Leica instead of a second Rolleiflex!

TheToadMen · Mar 17, 2014

Laurent said:
It was my first guess, but I'm really unsure.

Anyway, I think I'll never know as I spent the money on a 15mm for the Leica instead of a second Rolleiflex!

Good choice: spending it on more glass instead of on an other black box you already have!
BTW: did you get a Voigtlander 15 mm? I did and it never left my Leica M4-2.

Laurent · Mar 18, 2014

TheToadMen said:
Good choice: spending it on more glass instead of on an other black box you already have!
BTW: did you get a Voigtlander 15 mm? I did and it never left my Leica M4-2.

Yes, this is what I got (version 2, with filter attachment and RF coupling)

I also got two ND filters to go with it, can't wait to shoot it!

TheToadMen · Mar 18, 2014

Laurent said:
Yes, this is what I got (version 2, with filter attachment and RF coupling)

I also got two ND filters to go with it, can't wait to shoot it!

Show us the images, show us the images !!

JPD · Mar 18, 2014

Have fun with your new lens!

I wouldn't have bought that Rolleiflex either, since I want them to be all original. But if I didn't care about that and I just wanted a "user" I would have wanted more information about the specific camera, better pictures, and preferably testing it before buying. I'm a collector as well as user, so I stay away from "frankenrolleis".

Need help identifying mystery Rolleiflex

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