Rollei Automat question...

[willijt]

Hello. Am pondering the purchase of an MX-EVS, and wonder about the differences between Type I and Type II. At this point would I be best advised to seek out the Type II? In advance, I thank you. ~Jim

 

[Dan Daniel]

The type II allows for the EVS coupling to be locked out or in as desired. If you look at the middle of the aperture dial, the first type will have a silver circle. Pushing this in disengages the EV lock, allowing you to adjust the shutter and aperture separately. When you release the center circle, the EV system locks back in. On later models, there is a silver oval, not a circle. You can push the center in and rotate it to disengage the EV system, and it will stay disengaged.

I would not let this define which camera I buy. I would let overall condition be the determining factor. If I had two cameras, one type I and one type II, in equally good condition, I would take the type II because I personally do not use an EV system. But the reality is that you will quickly learn to push the center button without much thought.

I think Rollei found out the answer- people like to be able to choose whether to have the system engaged or not. So they modified it to allow this option. I have a 2.8C where you need to push a side tab to change either shutter or aperture settings; some people do not like this at all, but I got used to it quickly. Many Hasselblad lenses have the EV system and people still use them. Sure, it'd be nice if it can be locked out, but you'll adjust. Get an MX-EVS in good condition and the EV system will fade quickly as you enjoy a great camera.

 

[willijt]

The type II allows for the EVS coupling to be locked out or in as desired. If you look at the middle of the aperture dial, the first type will have a silver circle. Pushing this in disengages the EV lock, allowing you to adjust the shutter and aperture separately. When you release the center circle, the EV system locks back in. On later models, there is a silver oval, not a circle. You can push the center in and rotate it to disengage the EV system, and it will stay disengaged.

I would not let this define which camera I buy. I would let overall condition be the determining factor. If I had two cameras, one type I and one type II, in equally good condition, I would take the type II because I personally do not use an EV system. But the reality is that you will quickly learn to push the center button without much thought.

I think Rollei found out the answer- people like to be able to choose whether to have the system engaged or not. So they modified it to allow this option. I have a 2.8C where you need to push a side tab to change either shutter or aperture settings; some people do not like this at all, but I got used to it quickly. Many Hasselblad lenses have the EV system and people still use them. Sure, it'd be nice if it can be locked out, but you'll adjust. Get an MX-EVS in good condition and the EV system will fade quickly as you enjoy a great camera.

Hello Dan. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. That is a great bundle of information that will surely help me in my quest for the right device. I am very excited about what lies in the near future. Thank you again. Be well Sir. ~jim

 

[willijt]

The type II allows for the EVS coupling to be locked out or in as desired. If you look at the middle of the aperture dial, the first type will have a silver circle. Pushing this in disengages the EV lock, allowing you to adjust the shutter and aperture separately. When you release the center circle, the EV system locks back in. On later models, there is a silver oval, not a circle. You can push the center in and rotate it to disengage the EV system, and it will stay disengaged.

I would not let this define which camera I buy. I would let overall condition be the determining factor. If I had two cameras, one type I and one type II, in equally good condition, I would take the type II because I personally do not use an EV system. But the reality is that you will quickly learn to push the center button without much thought.

I think Rollei found out the answer- people like to be able to choose whether to have the system engaged or not. So they modified it to allow this option. I have a 2.8C where you need to push a side tab to change either shutter or aperture settings; some people do not like this at all, but I got used to it quickly. Many Hasselblad lenses have the EV system and people still use them. Sure, it'd be nice if it can be locked out, but you'll adjust. Get an MX-EVS in good condition and the EV system will fade quickly as you enjoy a great camera.

Hello Dan. Thank you again for the information. Just this day received notification that my new/old Rolleiflex MX-EVS (type I) Xenar 3.5 has been shipped from the Netherlands. It comes with a certication from a Netherlands Rollei facility that it is free of defects and fully functional. But in the meanwhile I have corresponded with Harry Fleenor at Oceanside Camera Repair about the possible need for some tweaking, and a new focus screen. So, your information was helpful. Grateful Sir. ~jim w.

 

[elcabezagrande]

The rare Type 0:

 

[bence8810]

I have this rare type - no buttons to push despite the fact it is there and seems like a button. The aperture and speed knobs and infinitely coupled, to turn them independently one needs to hold the other knob down by force. Works like a charm otherwise!

Had to record a video of mine once when talking about it in a forum as people didn't believe there was no button

Ben

 

[Harry Stevens]

On my Rolleicord VA MKII you just push gently in the right aperture lever(rear view) and hold in to disconect the coupling action, I believe the aperture lever is on the left side on the VA MK I version. My Rolleiflex K4A model as no coupling and I am glad of it.