Rolleiflex 2.8 - what are these?

[ScottH]

Hi all,

Just aquired a new 'toy' and having a great deal of fun. I've printed out one of the 2.8f manuals, but didn't see any information re: 2 different mechanisms on the camera.

(1) facing the lens and to the right of the serial # and inscription DBGM (what might that be?) is a toggle switch, the down position shows a red dot, and the up position covers it. I've noticed no difference funtionally up/down, what gives?

(2) On the meter side of the camera is the 'take up spool' numbered 1-40, with a red dot over 38, though no apparent funtionality for me so far, using 120 film. Again, I didn't see anything in the F manual detailing this, so what the number reference. Also, I can push the center of this knob in, but so far as i can tell, it didn't do anything even while trying to change the position of the numbers. So what am I missing?

TIA - having only had the camera for 4 days now, it's been a lot of fun. Looking at the fist dev'd neg's, focus will need a little practice. I'm still working out the bug's with the best way to hold it as well. Index on the shutter doesn't feel natural.

 

[edz]

(1) facing the lens and to the right of the serial # and inscription DBGM (what might

DBGM := Deutsches Bundes Gebrauchsmuster. Its a way of protecting a design (since its not really patentable) with the German Patent Office.

that be?) is a toggle switch, the down position shows a red dot, and the up position covers it. I've noticed no difference funtionally up/down, what gives?

Double exposure

(2) On the meter side of the camera is the 'take up spool' numbered 1-40, with a red dot over 38, though no apparent funtionality for me so far, using 120 film.

220 Film.

 

[Arne Norris]

Actually, it sounds like the meter/focusing knob side of your camera has the optional mechanism which would be used if you were using 35mm film in the camera. It was part of a kit called the 'Rolleikin' that could be used to switch from 120 film to 35mm film. If you wanted to use 35mm, you would need the other parts of this 'kit' that fit inside the camera. Having the mechanism you have won't bother you when using 120 film.

To use 220 film you would have to have one of the later models of 3.5F or 2.8F cameras. These have a switch on the winder side the moves between 12/24.

TLR Rollei's are great cameras, very refined. Once you get used to the camera it will be second nature to use it. If you do some online research you can find more answers. There is also a book by Ian Parker called 'Rollei TLR User's Manual' that has a lot of info on parts and use of these cameras.