Rolleiflex 3.5F FAke or real?

Diogo Miguel · Nov 15, 2020

Hi,

Im about to buy this Rolleiflex 3.5F with planar 75mm.

My question is, on this particulary 3.5F model, there is no ASA dial. Every other model 3.5F i see online has the ASA dial!

Also, his asking from 600€. I may ask for less. What do you think?

I Will put various angles of the câmera, but my main concern is that there is no ASA dial. Thats what makes me think its Fake.

Im no expert, and this may be a dumb question/concern!
Thank you

Diogo

campy51 · Nov 15, 2020

It may be an 3.5E type 3 that the nameplate with meter from a 3.5F was swapped. My 3.5F with ser.# 229xxxx doesn't have the linked shutter and aperture EVS.
https://www.antiquecameras.net/rolleiflex.html

Dan Daniel · Nov 15, 2020

That is not an F. It's an E. Someone swapped in a different meter housing to get the F serial number.

Could be legit reasons, could be a sign of more tampering under the hood. I'd be careful.

AgX · Nov 15, 2020

I would look at the barrel with the exposure meter. At its outer black ring.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/iZQAAOSwbw1aBEMH/s-l1600.jpg

Dan Daniel · Nov 15, 2020

AgX said:
I would look at the barrel with the exposure meter. At its outer black ring.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/iZQAAOSwbw1aBEMH/s-l1600.jpg

That's a T, isn't it?

What is he to look for?

AgX · Nov 15, 2020

Any exposure meter needs a dial to set the film speed. At the sample which the OP got in mind such dial is not located where it should be.
My idea is to look/consider with his sample whether such dial is not incorparated in the barrel of the meter as it seemingly is at other samples/models.
The OP was wondering about such dial lacking as such and not wondering of it being relocated. But maybe I misunderstood what he meant.

itsdoable · Nov 15, 2020

The ASA setting for pre-F meters should be located as shown:

I can see the window, but not the underlying marks.

I have not seen one with brass coloured dials, it's obviously been serviced and repaired, modified with newer parts taken off an F. It looks like the linked EVS is there, but no longer marked.

Edit: Oops - what I showed above is the EV window; Here is the page from the E meter:

(I should know better than replying when I don't have the camera anymore!)

JPD · Nov 15, 2020

Yes, it looks like a 3,5 C (or '3.5 E' in America) that has been modified so it can use the removable viewing hood, so it got a 3,5 F nameplate from a spare parts camera. It's a Frankenrollei.

ic-racer · Nov 15, 2020

Not "F" and not a copy.

Diogo Miguel · Nov 15, 2020

Guys thank you so much. What i take from here is that it is a model 3.5E (América) and 3.5C in Europe. Not an F. Its a Frankenrollei!

So, for how much should i get it if it is in good condition (Lens and body)? 600€ may be a good price? Remember this is a particular seller, like those from ebay.

I Also have this options on a trustful store.

From intuition, comum Sense, what would you advise without much thinking? Suposing the câmeras are fine.

Diogo

JPD · Nov 15, 2020

Diogo, I wouldn't buy the "Frankenrollei". Yes, it might work just fine, but that it isn't in original configuration would annoy me. But it's up to you.

I looked at the pictures of the other cameras on the seller's site, and:

The 2,8 C has coating damage on the lenses and ugly dents on the front standard.
The 2,8 D looks to be in very good shape! The distance scale is in Feet, if that matters to you.
The 3,5 C looks like a good user camera. Not pristine, but fine if it works ok.

If the 2,8 D is in good working condition, I would be tempted to buy it. The distance scale is in Feet, but that doesn't affect the photo quality. The 3,5 C is not as good looking, but could be a more than fine user camera.

Dan Daniel · Nov 15, 2020

JPD said:
Yes, it looks like a 3,5 C (or '3.5 E' in America) that has been modified so it can use the removable viewing hood, so it got a 3,5 F nameplate from a spare parts camera. It's a Frankenrollei.

There were E models made with the removable hood. Not sure if they were sold in Europe, nor what the actual model name was. Usually referred to as a Type 3 E in the US. Best as I know, this was made at the same time as the F models. Basicallly an F without the meter coupling mechanics.

JPD · Nov 15, 2020

Dan Daniel said:
There were E models made with the removable hood. Not sure if they were sold in Europe, nor what the actual model name was. Usually referred to as a Type 3 E in the US. Best as I know, this was made at the same time as the F models. Basicallly an F without the meter coupling mechanics.

Yes, the E2 and E3. The difference is that the E3 uses the same shutter as the F so the spacing between the lenses is a little larger.

If this camera was an E2 then the model name and serial number would be below the taking lens. Or perhaps it was on the nameplate for the really early ones, but I doubt that. If this camera was made with a removable hood from the beginning, then why the F nameplate? Sure, it could be an unusal E2 with no serial number on the front and with a broken nameplate replaced with a spare F one. I doubt that.

AgX · Nov 15, 2020

Seen the discussion above this thread might better be filed under "collectors". I hope my remark is not too provocative.

JPD · Nov 16, 2020

AgX said:
Seen the discussion above this thread might better be filed under "collectors". I hope my remark is not too provocative.

I don't think so. First this thread was about identifying the pictured camera and then taking a look at other Rolleiflexes for sale. Not only collectors would enjoy a camera that is on good shape more than one that has damages.

Diogo Miguel · Nov 17, 2020

I can't thank you all enough. I may go for the 2.8d, even though the viewfinder is not removable (i read Somewhere its hard to Change it).

After all, Im just looking for a beautiful camera that can take beautiful pictures. My Guess is that the 3.5F, 3.5E, 2.8d,c or F, will take excelent photos.

So for now i will wait a bit to see if any other deal comes up. That price for the D, i don't know. It seems a lot!

Rolleiflex 3.5F FAke or real?

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