Rollei Pro model?

ToddB · Mar 7, 2013

What are considered to be PRO model Rollei"s the camera's that can be put the test as far as durabilty and regars of pro use.

Todd

Slixtiesix · Mar 7, 2013

There is no such think like a Rollei that is unpro ;-) I think all the TLRs are pro. Even the Rolleicord. SL66 was also a highly professional camera (but not as resilient). Rollei 6000 is a professional system, as is the Hy6. I have no experience with the Rollei 35mm cameras though, but I think all the 6x6 Rolleis are very dependable and durable as long as they are treated accordingly and serviced from time to time. When it really comes to abuse, I think the TLRs can take the most. I once have seen a 2,8F listed on Ebay that looked really beaten, but was fully functional. It went for only 300 bucks, unfortunately I missed it.

ToddB · Mar 7, 2013

Very true.. however the T model on another thread accusing it to be a step down from the rest due to the transport mechinism and less robust functionbilty. I did notice that my F TLR from the start had a chunckier retaining door catch.

Todd

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 7, 2013

The T model is a cheaper version with less expensive and durable parts, as discussed two very experienced and reliable Rollei repair techs have specifically said so. Also the C model has more plastic parts though still a very good camera.

The actual condition example to example is FAR more important for cameras this old than comparing model to model or lens to lens.

ic-racer · Mar 7, 2013

If you are processing your own film, I'd say it might be impossible to wear out a Rolleiflex T. There are not enough hours in the day to eat, process film, make prints and shoot pictures before you die.

I'd say the only non-Pro Rollei items are stamped "Made in Singapore".

smolk · Mar 8, 2013

rich815 said:
Also the C model has more plastic parts though still a very good camera.

The only plastic bits of the 2.8C are the release lock and flash connector lock, everything else being the same and durable, BUT:

the 2.8C has 10 aperture blades, instead of 5 as all the other flexes. Ha!

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 8, 2013

Troll said:
The only plastic bits of the 2.8C are the release lock and flash connector lock, everything else being the same and durable, BUT:

the 2.8C has 10 aperture blades, instead of 5 as all the other flexes. Ha!

True enough! My cleanest and best condition Rolleiflex is a 2.8C Xenotar. I personally do not see those plastic bits a big deal but some purists do (then again there are manywho would never own any Rolleiflex older than an F). As to the aperture blades I cannot see any significant difference vs my 2.8E Planar.

prumpkah · Mar 9, 2013

ic-racer said:
I'd say the only non-Pro Rollei items are stamped "Made in Singapore".

And I'd say that Rollei quality standards did not vary in any real life way due to different manufacturing venues.

ic-racer · Mar 9, 2013

prumpkah said:
And I'd say that Rollei quality standards did not vary in any real life way due to different manufacturing venues.

???
I have quite a collection of 1980s and 1990s Rolleiflex equipment. The non-working display models are all marked "Made in Singapore" except for a single non-working SL2000F that is marked "Made in Germany". This even applies to things that were made in both places, like the E36RE flash. I have two made in Singapore and one made in Germany. The German one is still working the other two quit. In terms of 50mm f1.4 lenses, all the ones with wobbly focus and incorrect collimation are marked "Made in Singapore." Don't get me wrong, I still have plenty of "Made in Singapore" Rolleiflex gear, but I baby them for fear of breakage (like my collection of SL35E).

frogfroggy · Mar 9, 2013

Rollei never really made an "unpro" camera model. For durability and longevity I think the Rolleiflexes are on top, however with less moving parts, bells and whistles the Rolleicord seems for me the most stable and robust camera. They were considered as consumer models but when compared to the Flexes almost identical.

However, I heard after the 1970's Rollei started to build in plastic parts into their cameras. So maybe the pre 1970 models, during the hey days of TLR's are considered the best cameras.

dpurdy · Mar 9, 2013

frogfroggy said:
Rollei never really made an "unpro" camera model. For durability and longevity I think the Rolleiflexes are on top, however with less moving parts, bells and whistles the Rolleicord seems for me the most stable and robust camera. They were considered as consumer models but when compared to the Flexes almost identical.

However, I heard after the 1970's Rollei started to build in plastic parts into their cameras. So maybe the pre 1970 models, during the hey days of TLR's are considered the best cameras.

I am afraid this is miss information. Rollei made the Rolleicord for amateur use as well as the baby Rollei which they called the Ladies Rollei. The introduction of the T was specifically to compete with the amateur camera market as was the Magic.

The plastic parts were an experiment in the T for awhile. Rollei never started building plastic parts into their cameras and they don't to this day. The few tiny bits of plastic you find are exterior and not subject to wear.

Dennis

ToddB · Mar 9, 2013

Thanks for everyone's input. Some interesting info.

frogfroggy · Mar 10, 2013

Thanks Dennis for the enlightment, did not know that and only read the info on the internet. Now I know better and not spreading the myth ~

Rollei Pro model?

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