Rollei pollei ID

guitstik · Jul 4, 2010

I am suffering info overload. I knew this was the place to get the answers I need. I don't have the camera with me right now but I can tell you there is a triangular mirror on the bottom side of the viewfinder hood. It has a lever on the side that moves it back and forth at an angle for use as a sports finder. The name plate is thin tin or aluminum with the logo screen printed on it and held in place by four small screws and it is stepped out from the camera face.
I looked inside the film chamber with a light and magnifying lens and could find no serial number. The taking lens does have a serial number but the focusing lens does not. I don't recall if the F&H logo is on the hood but it is on the face plate.

Andy38 · Jul 4, 2010

guitstik said:
... there is a triangular mirror on the bottom side of the viewfinder hood. It has a lever on the side that moves it back and forth at an angle for use as a sports finder.

With this description and a Triotar f4,5/75 lens, it's probably a Rolleicord 1a model 1.
But it's easier to identify with a serial number...

guitstik · Jul 4, 2010

Andy38 said:
With this description and a Triotar f4,5/75 lens, it's probably a Rolleicord 1a model 1.
But it's easier to identify with a serial number...

Ok, I finally got home from work and if all the info is correct then the serial is on the taking lens, correct? That number is 1950637. The logo "is not" on the hood. Will this help to decipher what I have?

JPD · Jul 4, 2010

guitstik said:
Ok, I finally got home from work and if all the info is correct then the serial is on the taking lens, correct? That number is 1950637. The logo "is not" on the hood. Will this help to decipher what I have?

Can you post a photo of the camera?

guitstik · Jul 4, 2010

I can try.

guitstik · Jul 4, 2010

Will this help, sorry it is sideways can't figure out why.

Q.G. · Jul 4, 2010

It doesn't show up in my browser.

Is it like this one: http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/im/019_Rolleicord_I_A_6x6_1937-1938.jpg

It matches the serial number, and is listed as a "Rolleicord Ia Model 2 - Model K3 - 530"

P.S.

The link to the image doesn't work: it's number 19 on Rollei Club's Rolleiflex TLR page

guitstik · Jul 4, 2010

I think there may have been some flim flamery going on here. From what I can tell from the Rolleiclub web site, the body is the same as the Ia model II(k3-530) but the hood matches the IIa.

JPD · Jul 4, 2010

guitstik said:
I think there may have been some flim flamery going on here. From what I can tell from the Rolleiclub web site, the body is the same as the Ia model II(k3-530) but the hood matches the IIa.

Then it is the Ia, type 2, with a later viewing hood. When it was changed is impossible to tell, since it could have been between 1937-2010.

guitstik · Jul 4, 2010

JPD, that's what I am thinking 'cause I am about to do the same thing sorta. I just bought an early Rolleicord for parts so that I can restore this one. The one I have works and takes good pictures but it is missing a few screws (like it's owner) and I want to try and do a total repaint/restoration. I know that is not going to add to the value, probably detract from it, but I am not planning on reselling it but using it till the lenses fall out.
I had come to the same conclusion but was uncertain until I asked apug and now I am about 99.99% confused, I mean certain that it is a Ia type II. I just love Al Gore for inventing the internet.

JPD · Jul 4, 2010

guitstik said:
I just bought an early Rolleicord for parts so that I can restore this one. The one I have works and takes good pictures but it is missing a few screws (like it's owner) and I want to try and do a total repaint/restoration. I know that is not going to add to the value, probably detract from it, but I am not planning on reselling it but using it till the lenses fall out.

Good idea. Restored not-so-perfect-shape Rolleis are often the best cameras to use! I have collected Rolleis, but am now mostly a user. The other day I thought about which Rolleis I should take with me to our summer home (and on trips from there), and thought I should load my fine Rolleiflex Standard with Plus-X. But then I thought it's condition is too perfect, and if I slip on a wet rock or bump it against a tree... Oh, I could take my Rolleicord II, type 4, it's easy to use and... Damn, it's almost MINT. Darn. :rolleyes:

Andy38 · Jul 5, 2010

I wrote "it may be" because, on these old Rollei's (Flex and Cord), it's easily possible to modify some important features : lens, shutter, finder; and I guess some users did so.
For instance, it works when I change (front and rear elements), on a 621 Standard Flex, the f3,8 Tessar lens by a better 3,5 taken from a 622; and it also works on an Art Deco Rolleicord, when I change the f4,5 Triotar by a f4,5 Tessar from a 620 Standard.

guitstik · Jul 6, 2010

Ok, the Flex came in the mail today and I dove into the packing peanuts with grace and finesse of a sugar doped, hyperactive tot on a big wheel in WalMart. It's a beauty that I can not wait to load up with film and go on a photo taking rampage around the neighborhood. I have noticed a few items that may have to be addressed prior to that tho. It appears as if the trigger has experienced some sort of trauma as it points up at a slight angle (about 2*) and it is loose but it does not seem to affect the action, we'll see.
Now to the ID of this gem, it is pre-war as it has the "Reich" markings on it(DRP-DRGM). The serial# on the top of the name plate is 1213239. It has the dual format back but does not have the RolleiKin markings on it. The focus lens is marked Heidosmat 1:2,8/75 and the taking lens Schneider-Kreuznach-Xenar 1:3,5/75 It also has the "small square" glass and the info plate on the door is in German. I have not had a lot of luck identifying this on the Rolleiclub site. Any ideas on this one?

Q.G. · Jul 6, 2010

Are you sure it's not DBP and DBGM?

The rest would make it an Automat from the early 1950s (K4A - nr. 7 on Rollei Club's TLR page)

guitstik · Jul 6, 2010

Positive, I even have pictures to prove it but darned if I can't remember how to load them up here.

Q.G. · Jul 6, 2010

Does it have the fold-in direct view thingy in the finder?

If not, it could be nr. 5, Autonat Model 2 from the early 1940s.

JPD · Jul 6, 2010

guitstik said:
Positive, I even have pictures to prove it but darned if I can't remember how to load them up here.

You can use http://tinypic.com . It's easy to upload pictures there.

guitstik · Jul 7, 2010

Q.G. said:
Does it have the fold-in direct view thingy in the finder?

If not, it could be nr. 5, Autonat Model 2 from the early 1940s.

HUH? I'm gonna take a stab at answering this, here goes.
The finder is the standard blade type that slides down and back not into the center as on some I have seen.
It does have a flip up magnifier in the hood and one in the back panel as if it should have the sport finder mirror(it does not), as well as the square hole just above it.
The lid to the finder has the hinged center panel and it only folds in up to about a 45* angle, again, as if it should have the sport finder mirror.
I have done my research and I believe that I have found it to be a 51' model
Rolleiflex Automat 6x6 - Model K4A

Highslide JS June 1951 - March 1954
Serials: 1.200.001 - 1.474.999
Taking Lens:
Zeiss Jena Tessar 3,5/75
Zeiss Oberkochen Opton 3,5/75
Schneider Xenar 3,5/75
All with filter Bayonet I
Finder lens:
Heidoscop Anastigmat 2,8/75mm
Bayonet I
Shutter:
Compur - Rapid, 1 - 1/500 sec., T & B, self timer. X sync.
Film: 6x6: B II 8 (120) & 35mm with Rolleikin 2 adapter set.
Film Transportation: winding lever with auto stop, no red window, film pressure plate with black color coating. Lever also cocks the shutter. Double exposure prevention. Dimensions: 14.3x9.0x9.5cm
Weight: 970 grams.

This model has a hinged dual format back with exposure guide. The special feature is a new EV related exposure scale.
(information courtesy of [I]www.rolleiclub.com[/I])

Q.G. · Jul 7, 2010

guitstik said:
HUH? I'm gonna take a stab at answering this, here goes.
The finder is the standard blade type that slides down and back not into the center as on some I have seen.
It does have a flip up magnifier in the hood and one in the back panel as if it should have the sport finder mirror(it does not), as well as the square hole just above it.
The lid to the finder has the hinged center panel and it only folds in up to about a 45* angle, again, as if it should have the sport finder mirror.
I have done my research and I believe that I have found it to be a 51' model
Rolleiflex Automat 6x6 - Model K4A

Highslide JS June 1951 - March 1954
Serials: 1.200.001 - 1.474.999
Taking Lens:
Zeiss Jena Tessar 3,5/75
Zeiss Oberkochen Opton 3,5/75
Schneider Xenar 3,5/75
All with filter Bayonet I
Finder lens:
Heidoscop Anastigmat 2,8/75mm
Bayonet I
Shutter:
Compur - Rapid, 1 - 1/500 sec., T & B, self timer. X sync.
Film: 6x6: B II 8 (120) & 35mm with Rolleikin 2 adapter set.
Film Transportation: winding lever with auto stop, no red window, film pressure plate with black color coating. Lever also cocks the shutter. Double exposure prevention. Dimensions: 14.3x9.0x9.5cm
Weight: 970 grams.

This model has a hinged dual format back with exposure guide. The special feature is a new EV related exposure scale.
(information courtesy of [I]www.rolleiclub.com[/I])

That's the one i thought it would be if (!) it had DBP and DBGM on it, instead of DRP and DRGM. That's why i asked about that.
After the war, the Reich was replaced with the Bund. So if it still has the "R" instead of a "B", it either is pre-war or another 'hybrid' made up out of bits coming off different cameras.

guitstik · Jul 7, 2010

I have no idea. But how does that explain the serial number on the same name plate as the DRP/DRGM? I talked to Harry Flennor in CA. about this and he said to disregard that and just go by the serial. I am rather upset at the seller, I bought it BECAUSE of it being pre-war. It is still a nice camera and I will probaly keep it and send it off to Harry to have it gone over. unless y'all have a better idea.

JPD · Jul 7, 2010

guitstik said:
The lid to the finder has the hinged center panel and it only folds in up to about a 45* angle, again, as if it should have the sport finder mirror.
I have done my research and I believe that I have found it to be a 51' model
Rolleiflex Automat 6x6 - Model K4A

That is the Rolleiflex 3,5 A, if it has the M/X switch next to the flash contact. (K4A was the internal name at the factory). The mirror in the viewing hood was probably broken or lost.

Q.G. said:
That's the one i thought it would be if (!) it had DBP and DBGM on it, instead of DRP and DRGM. That's why i asked about that.
After the war, the Reich was replaced with the Bund. So if it still has the "R" instead of a "B", it either is pre-war or another 'hybrid' made up out of bits coming off different cameras.

"DRP" and "DRGM" was used at least intil October 1949 when the Bundespatentamt was formed. Bundesrepublik Deutschland was founded in may 1949.

JPD · Jul 7, 2010

guitstik said:
I have no idea. But how does that explain the serial number on the same name plate as the DRP/DRGM? I talked to Harry Flennor in CA. about this and he said to disregard that and just go by the serial. I am rather upset at the seller, I bought it BECAUSE of it being pre-war. It is still a nice camera and I will probaly keep it and send it off to Harry to have it gone over. unless y'all have a better idea.

Please post pictures of it! Use tinypic.com to upload them easily.

Andy38 · Jul 8, 2010

Here is a pic of two MX Rolleiflex's; they have the "R" instead of the "B", and were made between 1951 and 1954; an Automat X (K4/50, 1949-1951) also has the "R", but an MX-EVS (1954-1956) has the "B".

Edit : these MX cameras are the earlier (1951), with serial number 121.... and 122.... ; a later MX, with number 126.... (~1952), and a 2,8C, with number 129.... (~1953), have the "B".

guitstik · Jul 8, 2010

Andy, Those are sweet... my leatherette looks no where as good as those, in fact I am going to have to replace it but first I am going to send it off to Harry Fleenor to have it gone through.

stonemute · Apr 4, 2012

Rollei pollei ID

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