davela
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I am selling what I would rate as a user-grade Rolleiflex, but it works. The serial number is barely discernable, but I believe this is a post-war Automat model from about 1950. The taking lens is a coated Zeiss Opton 75mm F3.5, known of course for its phenomenal performance.
The good:
The taking lens is clear and clean with no internal problems and at worst, a few negligible micro cleaning marks. The condition is notably better than most vintage Rolleiflexes actually. One reason is that I had it professionally cleaned recently. The mechanical controls are smooth and normal. The hood opens and closes normally and the magnifier works as expected. The image on the viewing screen is normally bright for a Rolleiflex of this era (which means fairly dim, but certainly workable!). The shutter fires at all speeds and sounds right except 1 sec and 1/2 sec, which seem about like 2 sec and 1 sec, respectively. Before me the camera was owned by a working photojournalist who apparently took care of it as there are no signs of mistreatment.
The bad:
The mirror has many dark spots on it and that are either debris or more likely, coating loss - not sure. Amazingly this has not really reduced the brightness of the image noticeably IMO. The focusing screen looks undamaged and without obvious dust, but as with all old Rolleiflexe, I'm sure it could use cleaning - it still does the job however! Replacement mirrors are commonly available as are newer, brighter focusing screens for those who want to trod that path (all at modest cost). The case has a lot of wear and is missing stitches on one side, but it still serves its main purpose of protecting the camera. There is paint chipping on some parts and the leatherette could use updating for cosmetic purposes, but everything is still intact. The camera had a slight cigarette smell. I wiped it lightly with some alcohol and that might clean that up, but a good airing should, in time anyway.
Yes it is a user Rolleiflex for sure, but I have little doubt it will still deliver the goods. The camera is sold as shown with the case and take-up spool and priced accordingly.
Price: $300 plus shipping
The good:
The taking lens is clear and clean with no internal problems and at worst, a few negligible micro cleaning marks. The condition is notably better than most vintage Rolleiflexes actually. One reason is that I had it professionally cleaned recently. The mechanical controls are smooth and normal. The hood opens and closes normally and the magnifier works as expected. The image on the viewing screen is normally bright for a Rolleiflex of this era (which means fairly dim, but certainly workable!). The shutter fires at all speeds and sounds right except 1 sec and 1/2 sec, which seem about like 2 sec and 1 sec, respectively. Before me the camera was owned by a working photojournalist who apparently took care of it as there are no signs of mistreatment.
The bad:
The mirror has many dark spots on it and that are either debris or more likely, coating loss - not sure. Amazingly this has not really reduced the brightness of the image noticeably IMO. The focusing screen looks undamaged and without obvious dust, but as with all old Rolleiflexe, I'm sure it could use cleaning - it still does the job however! Replacement mirrors are commonly available as are newer, brighter focusing screens for those who want to trod that path (all at modest cost). The case has a lot of wear and is missing stitches on one side, but it still serves its main purpose of protecting the camera. There is paint chipping on some parts and the leatherette could use updating for cosmetic purposes, but everything is still intact. The camera had a slight cigarette smell. I wiped it lightly with some alcohol and that might clean that up, but a good airing should, in time anyway.
Yes it is a user Rolleiflex for sure, but I have little doubt it will still deliver the goods. The camera is sold as shown with the case and take-up spool and priced accordingly.
Price: $300 plus shipping
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