Rolleicord no shutter counter...

[moeisme]

Hello,

I received this beautiful Rolleicord from my father. He himself seems to have used it only once and unfortunately cannot help me with any information. A preliminary question, as I couldn't figure it out... Does anyone know which model this is?

Now, onto my main question After what felt like hours on YouTube, I figured out how to load the film. It was mentioned that the film transport wheel needs to be turned 6 1/2 rotations. After that, the numbers should be displayed, and you can start taking pictures. However, the numbers on mine didn't seem to change at all. Is there a specific number of rotations for the film transport so that I know I'm in the next frame, similar to the 6 1/2 rotations?

Before I waste another expensive roll of film (I've already "shot" one randomly) or possibly never use the camera again, I thought I'd ask for some advice I would also appreciate any tips, manuals, etc., as I've never used a medium-format camera, let alone one of this age!

Best regards, Moritz

 

[BrianShaw]

You can probably identify the exact model number from information on this site:

Account Suspended

 

[BrianShaw]

… and manuals are easily found on internet, such as

https://elekm.net/downloads/Rolleicord%20II%20manual.pdf

Rolleicord II instruction manual, Rolleicord II Anleitung Zur Handhabung, Rolleicord Mode D'Emploi, user manual, free PDF manual, camera manual

Rolleicord II camera instruction manual

www.butkus.org

 

[BrianShaw]

… and welcome to Photrio!

 

[Dan Daniel]

You can take the roll of film that you ran through and use it as a test roll. You will need to rewind the film; be aware that the film is not taped at the end of the roll so when you start unspooling the roll the film will flow loose. Just hold it in place and roll on.

Although it can take a bit to get the film loaded properly, I think you will find the camera very interesting to use. That lens can give a wonderful look at winder apertures and is very sharp closed down.

The camera has no double exposure prevention. It is best to establish a standard so you know if the film is unexposed or not. For me, this means that after I take a shot, I immediately roll to the next frame.

Hold on to the test roll. Often the first mediu8m format camera is followed by a few more and it is always good to have around.

 

[Rolleiflexible]

Moritz! It’s a Rolleicord “Ia Model 3.” Read the Rolleicord II manual linked in Brian’s post — it has the same film loading/advance system. Basically, you advance the film until you see the number one in the red window on the bottom, then pull down on the little silver button next to the focusing knob, while also pushing in the big black button in the middle of the film winding knob — that resets and engages the film counter. It’s not obvious but once you read the instructions, it is easy.

You are so lucky! The Rolleicord II, much like your Ia, is my favorite Rollei TLR. The Triotar is the only Rollei lens with any sort of character. I’ve shot a Rolleicord II for years and I love it. I am attaching a sample from the camera. Have fun with it.

 

[Rolleiflexible]

Also: If the viewfinder is dim, be aware that a lot of early Rolleicords have issues with the mirror (under the viewfinder) desilvering. It’s an easy problem to fix.

 

[JPD]

And after you have set the counter to (1), thereafter when you have taken a photo you press the button on the winding knob to free it and wind until it stops at the next frame, and so on.

The silvery aluminium button if only used when you reset the counter for the first frame.

I see that a previous owner has had a flash contact added, which could be useful.

I have this model and I really like the Triotar lens.

 

[moeisme]

Thank you very much for all the replies and tips! After about 2 hours I finally understood how the system works! Especially the tip with a testing roll was awesome, I didn't think of it before but it just makes sense. So I rewinded my first film ever and used it about 10 times until I finally figured out the way to go.
Its awesome to see how many people helped in such a short time

I will update you here with my first few shots in a little bit!

 

[moeisme]

One more question: I am using the Kodak 200 120 Film. How many pictures will I be able to take with it? And how do I find this out?
From what I am reading it depends on the format but it should be around 12 pictures... is that correct?

 

[Rolleiflexible]

One more question: I am using the Kodak 200 120 Film. How many pictures will I be able to take with it? And how do I find this out?
From what I am reading it depends on the format but it should be around 12 pictures... is that correct?

Twelve frames for all 120 roll film. The brand and type does not matter.

 

[moeisme]

Twelve frames for all 120 roll film. The brand and type does not matter.

Thank you very much. So I have 6 more to go