Want to Buy WTB Rolleifix tripod head [resolved, thanks]

Bernard Kelly · Aug 22, 2016

Looking for Rolleifix tripod head to fit Rolleiflex 2.8E.

dpurdy · Aug 23, 2016

There is such a thing as a Rollei tripod head. I might even have one as I have bought 3 Rollei special deluxe tripods which are among the crappiest tripods made. I am going to guess you don't actually want a cheap Rollei tripod head, you want a Rolleifix which is a quick release tripod attachment for a Rolleiflex.
dennis

etn · Aug 23, 2016

The Rolleifix will fit any Rollei TLR (even including the baby rollei!)

An "insider trick" is to find a Rollei pistol grip (which can sometimes even be found cheaper
than a Rolleifix!). The pistol grip contains a Rolleifix.

You can mount a Rollei onto a tripod without a Rolleifix but this is NOT RECOMMENDED.
(There is a risk of bending the base plate).

Hope this helps!

Etienne

etn · Aug 23, 2016

dpurdy said:
There is such a thing as a Rollei tripod head.
dennis

Dennis, is this the panorama head?

Bernard Kelly · Aug 23, 2016

dpurdy said:
There is such a thing as a Rollei tripod head. I might even have one as I have bought 3 Rollei special deluxe tripods which are among the crappiest tripods made. I am going to guess you don't actually want a cheap Rollei tripod head, you want a Rolleifix which is a quick release tripod attachment for a Rolleiflex.
dennis

You're right. Thanks for the clarification.

Bernard Kelly · Aug 23, 2016

etn said:
The Rolleifix will fit any Rollei TLR (even including the baby rollei!)

An "insider trick" is to find a Rollei pistol grip (which can sometimes even be found cheaper
than a Rolleifix!). The pistol grip contains a Rolleifix.

You can mount a Rollei onto a tripod without a Rolleifix but this is NOT RECOMMENDED.
(There is a risk of bending the base plate).

Hope this helps!

Etienne

It does indeed. Thank you. I'm afraid I've already bent the base plate at one corner by turning it too hard on a tripod. I'm hoping this won't cause any light leaks. Trying to bend it back into shape, I suspect, would make things worse.

etn · Aug 23, 2016

I just had a look on *bay (searching for Rolleifix), there are many rolleifixes, including a pistol grip for $39.99.
There are surely other sourcing options if you prefer other sources.

Good luck

BrianShaw · Aug 23, 2016

dpurdy said:
There is such a thing as a Rollei tripod head. I might even have one as I have bought 3 Rollei special deluxe tripods which are among the crappiest tripods made. I am going to guess you don't actually want a cheap Rollei tripod head, you want a Rolleifix which is a quick release tripod attachment for a Rolleiflex.
dennis

I thought I was the only one who made that mistake! I bought mine in the early 1980's against the advise of the camera store owner. I did it anyway and when I tried returning it he told me I was stupid and needed to learn a lesson in life. I still have it and it makes me angry every time I look at it.

But more to the point of the thread: OP, I looked on ebay last night and there are lots available and at decent prices. Get one; you'll not regret that decision!

baachitraka · Aug 23, 2016

Its one must have accessory for Rollei TLR.

Bernard Kelly · Aug 23, 2016

Many thanks to all who contributed to this thread. I've just purchased a Rolleifix from eBay. (If only I'd done that several days ago.)

dpurdy · Aug 23, 2016

Two things I don't like about the Rolleifix. It is easy to get the camera miss seated if you aren't careful. I learned that the hard way when my Rolleiflex fell some 5 feet into the sand at the beach. The other thing is that you have to be very careful putting the camera on it to avoid scarring up the bottom of the front cover on the camera. Those two nubs on the front of the rolleifix are really good at scratching the paint off the camera. Some people don't care if a camera gets lots of battle scars and dents but I like mine to be at least not carelessly damaged.
I have a different quick release than the Rolleifix, I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 4 inch hex plate that is large enough that all four feet on the bottom of my cameras sit on the plate. That gives it all the stability it needs. Then I use a Bogen tripod head that takes the hex plate. Unfortunately those 4 inch bogen plates are hard to find, I own 4 of them. They are good for 8x10 too.
I have on occasion needed to use the Rolleifix and now I put a piece of non residue type tape on the bottom of the cover on the camera and that gives protection from the scratching Rolleifix.

The camera can be used without a Rolleifix or any other quick release. You don't want to carry the camera connected to the tripod over your shoulder and you don't want to aim the camera down on the tripod and lean on it. The sheet metal is too weak for that.

Dennis

Bernard Kelly · Aug 23, 2016

That adds yet another dimension to the matter. Thank you. What non-residue-type tape would you recommend?

dpurdy · Aug 23, 2016

I think probably lots of tapes don't leave residue especially it you take it right off when you are done shooting. I use blue masking tape that doesn't have much stick.

Bernard Kelly · Aug 23, 2016

Thanks. I'll try that.

Bernard Kelly · Aug 23, 2016

Dennis:

Is your hex plate one of these?

http://www.tripodquickrelease.com/Bogen_Quick_Releases.htm

dpurdy · Aug 23, 2016

Yes it is the 3297 listed as no longer available on the B&H site. I looked for awhile on ebay and didn't see one...

GRHazelton · Aug 23, 2016

Interesting thread, especially the risk of damage without the Rolleifix. I have a YashicaMat 124 G, and also an Ikoflex 1b. Do these face the same risk of damage when used on a tripod? I have a Manfrotto quick release tripod, using the rectangular plate - I can't remember the model numbers.

Bernard Kelly · Aug 23, 2016

The damage I mentioned (to the Rolleiflex) came from -- carelessly, I now see -- twisting it on the tripod (a Slik 212AF) while trying to find the sweet spot for releasing the quick release, to which the camera was attached. Presumably, the QR itself tightened up (too much) while I was fumbling.

Want to Buy WTB Rolleifix tripod head [resolved, thanks]

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