What's a Rollei Worth? (model 1, aka RF 111A, late 30s)

rogueguineapig · Jun 26, 2016

Hey guys,

Decided to part ways with the Bronica and got a trade offer for a Rollei.
After some research on Rollei club I figured out its a 1837-38ish Model RF 111A aka the Model 1.
Exposure guide on the back is in English oddly enough.
6-7/10 condition, works.
eBay only has two that have sold in the last long while, one for $300 with a recent CLA and one for $400 in the UK.
These seem like they might be high...
Any guesses in value?
Pic attached, I dated it off the serial.
Thanks

summicron1 · Jun 26, 2016

it's an early automat -- I'd want to know if the automatic film feeler works properly, shutter and so on. Cosmetics? Exposure guide in english is not unusual at all -- the USA has always been a top market for German cameras, more so than germany.

If it's in cherry cosmetic condition, optics clear and in top working order then $300 would not be excessive, but no more than that.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 26, 2016

This site is not too far off:

Dead Link Removed

But it really comes down to the seller being of good reputation because a Rolleiflex that's recently CLA'd by a good technician vs one that needs work on its film advance, focusing, etc and possible lens issues might need $100-300 of work. I own and have owned a lot of Rolleiflexes, frankly I'd stay away from the Automats unless you can confirm its in tip top shape and had a recent CLA.

Dan Daniel · Jun 26, 2016

It's a pre-war uncoated Tessar. Mainly a collector item, not a shooter. Look for a post-WWII Automat with a coated Xenar or Tessar.

Two23 · Jun 26, 2016

The earliest Rollei did not use 120 film, but rather some discontinued size. If, I recall correctly.

Kent in SD

Jeff L · Jun 26, 2016

Dan Daniel said:
It's a pre-war uncoated Tessar. Mainly a collector item, not a shooter. Look for a post-WWII Automat with a coated Xenar or Tessar.

Don't tell my '37 Automat that! It's fully working and produces very nice photos, black + white as well as colour.
I'm still looking for an Automat with a Xenar to round things out. No rush there though. Like Dan said, coated Tessar or Xenar lens will have more contrast and be a better day to day shooter.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 26, 2016

Two23 said:
The earliest Rollei did not use 120 film, but rather some discontinued size. If, I recall correctly.

Kent in SD

Yup. 117. See model "K1" here: http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/info/early_tlr.shtml

rogueguineapig · Jun 27, 2016

hey guys,

thanks for the info and advice!
I had a hunch that all of this was true about the camera--just got a feeling it was a deal to pass on, and this all kind of confirmed it. Already got a Yash-C on the shelf that I'm pretty content with...so maybe I'll hold out for an F3 or a 28mm or something.
Thanks so much for tips!

benjiboy · Jun 29, 2016

How much things are "worth", depends if you are buying or selling

elcabezagrande · Jul 1, 2016

RF111A, type 2. Don't believe the naysayers regarding lens quality, you would think that it was impossible to produce quality photographs prior to WWII. The uncoated Tessar is a fine lens, it will certainly benefit from the use of a lens hood, but it will produce exceptional images on both color and black and white. But don't expect the viewfinder to be as bright as the later cameras, and the reflex mirror will almost certainly have to be replaced.

gone · Jul 1, 2016

Hardly a collector item! What you have there is a camera w/ a great lens on it. I had one w/ an uncoated Tessar from around that era, and the pics from it were stunning. Put a yellow filter and a hood on it, load it w/ Tri-X, and blow the negs up to 3'x3'. Tack sharp too. $200+ in the described condition is my estimate. I had one w/ a Xenar too (coated) and was not impressed. The uncoated Tessar is much better. I'm sure you know that it takes 120 film. If I was in the market I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Few things in MF are better than a Rolleiflex uncoated Tessar lens.

JPD · Jul 2, 2016

I don't like how Rolleiclub gives out the model names. RF 111 was only the internal factory name, and not a public one. I don't know how they got the "A" behind it. The threadstarter's camera is a Rolleiflex Automat (type 2).

And they also have fantasy names like "Rolleicord IIb, IIc, IId, IIe". There are no such Rolleicords. The only Rolleicord models with letters are the Ia, Va and Vb.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jul 2, 2016

JPD said:
I don't like how Rolleiclub gives out the model names. RF 111 was only the internal factory name, and not a public one. I don't know how they got the "A" behind it. The threadstarter's camera is a Rolleiflex Automat (type 2).

And they also have fantasy names like "Rolleicord IIb, IIc, IId, IIe". There are no such Rolleicords. The only Rolleicord models with letters are the Ia, Va and Vb.

The front intro page to the TLR section mentions "Extracted from old Franke & Heidecke , Rollei and later Rollei Optische Werke archives we compilated an unsurpassed database" so I'm sure the naming and differentiation as you mention above have some semblance as to how the models were made, designed, run on the factory lines, introduced and re-introduced, etc. I don't think the site purports to say the differentiators are model names as per how they were shown or sold to the public but I believe they are indeed based on some factual differences that are relevant.

TheFlyingCamera · Jul 2, 2016

If you've got the itch for a Rolleiflex, keep shopping and watch for a nice 2.8E or 3.5E to come along. They're not THAT much more expensive, but they have markedly better lenses. And no matter what you buy, unless it has had a CLA from a known Rolleiflex tech in the last year, budget $300 for an overhaul. Rolleis are in the Rolls Royce category of cameras - Service is expensive, but if done well, the camera will last you a lifetime and then some.

What's a Rollei Worth? (model 1, aka RF 111A, late 30s)

rogueguineapig

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summicron1

Richard S. (rich815)

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Two23

Jeff L

Richard S. (rich815)

rogueguineapig

benjiboy

elcabezagrande

gone

JPD

Richard S. (rich815)

TheFlyingCamera

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What's a Rollei Worth? (model 1, aka RF 111A, late 30s)

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