Rolleiflex 2.8F, mystery knob

[Helinophoto]

Hello

I own a 2.8F, or....I have had it for 3-4 years already, but I just noticed this knob on the right side of the camera.

What is this for?

Seemingly, it is placed at the same height as the take-up spool mechanism, so I am thinking it has something to do with that.

But why the knob? Everything else regarding mechanics on this cameras, seems to be embedded nicely in it's internal chamber.

Anyone know what it is and the use, as well as the reason why it needs its own little knob on the outside of the camera?
Could find nothing trough google and the original manual for the camera does not refer to it.

 

[BAC1967]

What happens when you turn the knob? Maybe it's just a cover for adding something like the Rolleikin 35mm adapter kit.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Best as I know, it is not a knob. It is a raised section of the side panel. As you've noticed, it is centered over the upper spool drive. On older Rolleiflexes this spool drive gear is held in place by a flat spring washer between the gear and the side panel, pressing the gear down. For reasons I don't know, Rollei changed the design for the F and later E cameras to have a coiled spring and axle setup. This required making this bump for the new additions. Yes, strange in ways, but I doubt Rollei made new stamping tooling just for the fun of it.

 

[R.Gould]

I have the same on my T, it is to do with the way the take up spool is held in place, It seemx to be something new on the T and F models, I don't have one on my 54 automat, I guess rollei changed something to do with the film winding/counter, mine is on the same side as the winding crank

 

[Kodachromeguy]

To add to Dan's note: The 2.8E, 3.5E, and older Rolleiflex bodies not not have this bump, as far as I have seen. This came along with the later E bodies and the 2.8F, and 3.5F - bodies with removable folding finder. Here is a picture of my 3.5E.

 

[EdSawyer]

And yet the Tele and Wide both have that little nub, and those are based on the "E" chassis...

 

[Theo Sulphate]

The "cap" is on my 3.5F but not on my 2.8D. Dan's assessment makes sense to me.

 

[shutterfinger]

Rollei changed the design for the F and later E cameras to have a coiled spring and axle setup. This required making this bump for the new additions. Yes, strange in ways, but I doubt Rollei made new stamping tooling just for the fun of it.

Exploded parts diagram confirms this.

 

[Helinophoto]

Whoa...! Thanks for the elaborate and well-formulated answers here.

Always cool to learn something new ^^

 

[Alan Gales]

It's a wart. You need to sell it to me real cheap. I don't mind warts on cameras.

I'd say it's a cap instead of a knob. If you talk to a repairman they can tell you.

 

[shutterfinger]

Its a raised portion of the side plate painted black.

There is no separate part for the raised portion.
04242.00.2 - leatherette (04289.00.1 - leather covering).
07000.18.2 - film transport side panel (07279.41.0 - film transport side panel 220).