Rolleiflex 2.8 and 3.5 leather case - compatibility

[Matus Kalisky]

Hello,

I have a question concerning the leather case for Rolleiflex Planar and Xenotar 2.8 and 3.5 models. Are these two compatible (same) - or are there differences?

I may be soon looking for a case for 2.8E and not sure which cases could fit.

thanks

 

[BMbikerider]

I have just spoken to a dealer who specialises in Rollieflex models and they won't fit. The back part will fit but the front on the 2.8F needs to be bigger.

 

[Nick Merritt]

Right -- the 2.8 case would work with a 3.5 but not the other way around.

 

[jochen]

Hello,
please remember that there are differences also between the different 3.5 and 2.8 models since some have a light meter and some do not. The openings at the sides may be different. A case in good condition may be quite expensive and for working with the camera it can be obstructive. To protect it during transport there are a lot of good bags available.

 

[Matus Kalisky]

Thank you guys.

I have had Rolleiflex T before and found the leather case quite useful - I would detach the front part (if I was shooting a lot - like visiting a new city) and the sides and back would still be shielded. I plan to get a very nice 2.8E, but the case is in a bad shape and I am not sure whether it can be repaired, or whether I need a new one. Frankly - I have no idea where I would have such a case repaired (in Germany).

Sure, one can do without, but I liked to have one.

 

[ToddB]

I have no idea where I would have such a case repaired (in Germany).

I have one that had blown out threads and it was in rough shape. I was able to fix it myself. There is tutorial on-line some place. Just type in Everready case repair. This all dependitant on the condition of your case. If the leather itself is ripped, that might be a problem.

ToddB

 

[Matus Kalisky]

Thanks, there are indeed some helpful links online.

I actually may give it a try if only stitching will need top be redone. Still I will need to find a proper stitching material (I do not know the proper name).

I have already checked eBay, but to find a case in a good shape may take a while and be pricey. But first things first - I do not have the camera yet

 

[ToddB]

Upolstry thread is what I used.. You can find it at Joannes fabrics type of place.

Todd

 

[ToddB]

If you have any questions, PM me.

Todd

 

[Matus Kalisky]

Little update - I have just got another case for the 2.8E - I was not 100% sure it is the correct one as the seller did not have that information. But it fits perfectly and looks like new! It must have been a case for later models as it even has a diffuser for the light meter clipped-in. There is also a clear glas plate in a separate little pouch on the back side of the case. I am not 100% sure what would be the purpose.

 

[jochen]

Hello Matus,
maybe the case is for a F-model. There were some cameras modified for the use with a "Planglas" in the film window for better flatness of the film. As far as I know the camera could be used with or without the glas but the film pressure plate had to be set correctly.

 

[Matus Kalisky]

Jochen, that is indeed possible, however I had the impression that F models (at least some of them) had different size and location of the frame counter wheel (the large one on the upper part of the left side of the camera)

 

[jochen]

Hello,
I think you are right, there were models with the standard 12-frame counter and some with the possibility to use 220 films and they had a 24-frame counter.