Rolleiflex 3.5F and 220 Roll

IngMacca · Mar 8, 2017

Does anyone know if it's easy to load and use a 220 roll in a Rolleiflex 3.5F without any modification?
Any problem about it?

Thanks a lot!

Harry Stevens · Mar 8, 2017

I would suspect there could be a issue with the frame counter and the film thickness(no paper backing I believe) to activate it plus it only goes up to twelve.

Just guess work on my part but I own a Rolliflex and Cords but have never tried a 220 film.

Frank53 · Mar 8, 2017

IngMacca said:
Does anyone know if it's easy to load and use a 220 roll in a Rolleiflex 3.5F without any modification?
Any problem about it?

Thanks a lot!

Loading the film is no problem, but you need a modification to make 24 exposures.
Regards,
Frank

choiliefan · Mar 8, 2017

It's possible to shoot 11 or 12 frames then open the camera back just enough to reset the counter and resume shooting. I'm hazy on the details but recall you may have to insert a business card momentarily under the thickness sensor as you start winding on. Pull out the card, close the back and wind on to frame 1 and resume shooting. Just like a Rollei with 120/220 counter, you lose a couple frames.

anfenglin · Mar 8, 2017

My Automat has a switch which I can use to make the frame counter got to 24 instead of just 12. Just turn it and I can use 220 film.
Is there no such thing on a 3,5F?

Chrismat · Mar 8, 2017

I had my MX-EVS modified to use 220. After shooting the 12th exposure I move a switch that sets the counter to 0 then its ready for the next 12 exposures.

guangong · Mar 8, 2017

Like anfenlin, my 2.8F has a switch beside the counter for 24 exposures. I haven't used 220 for a long time but it seems to me that the pressure plate must also be adjusted because 220 lacks backing paper. (Right now my cameras are not at hand for inspection.) So, if your Rollei has no 24 exposure switch and no pressure plate with two positions, 12 and 24 the short answer is no!

Chris Livsey · Mar 8, 2017

If not factory equipped from new Rollei originally offered two different 220 modifications:

1) A switch by the strap lug.
To use 220 film you expose the first 12 then push the switch foreword. This returns the counter to zero. Then you advance to #1 the second time and expose the second 12.

2) A switch by the wind handle with the numbers 12/24 on it.To use 220 film, start with the number "24" on the top. After you expose the first 12 the advance will not work until you flip the switch so that the number "12" is on the top. Then you advance to #1 the second time and expose the second 12.

http://www.rolleirepairs.com/220mod.html

Early 2.8F's and 3.5F's pre-date 220 film 1965

In a Rolleiflex the film plane is governed by the guides that the pressure plate pushes the film 120 or 220 against, but that plate must have a strong enough spring mechanism.

Harry Stevens · Mar 8, 2017

Last time I saw a 220 roll some guy on Ebay wanted £19.00 per roll of expired Tri-X, I could buy a new five pack of Tri-X 120 for £23.00 at the time.

Yashica made a 220 model that needs a bit of alteration to take 120 rolls,

Chris Livsey · Mar 8, 2017

Harry Stevens said:
Yashica made a 220 model that needs a bit of alteration to take 120 rolls,

Yashica 24

You can shoot 120 and the camera is on the rare side.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/18894742@N05/4929249248/
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105665

dpurdy · Mar 8, 2017

It can be done, I have actually shot 220 in my 2.8FX that has no modification. It is a PIA but what you can do is after the 12th frame don't wind the film through, as you would normally do with 120 film, but just advance the lever to about 7 o'clock and then return the advance lever back to the top and shoot another frame. Then advance the frame again to about 7 o'clock return the lever to the top again and on and on.

One problem you encounter is keeping track of the number of shots you have taken so you know when to wind the film off. Also after advancing the lever to 7 oclock for a few shots you then need to advance it a bit farther. Maybe 9 oclock. I tested it all out and made notes but it was years ago I did that and I can't quite remember how I adjusted the advance as it went along. I do remember that the film came out fine and perfectly sharp.

Rolleiflex 3.5F and 220 Roll

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