Want to Buy WTB: Rolleiflex

In particular, I'm looking for a 2.8e or 3.5e model, preferably with no meter but with a removable hood. And, more importantly a sample with pristine optics.

the E models, with rare exception, don't have a removable hood, fyi. Anything with a removable hood is going to cost you a lot more, too. Would a rolleicord IVb suit your needs? I dont have one, just suggesting. Premium optics, removable hood, costs a lot less than a rolleiflex.

While no E has a removable hood, the E2 does. From memory, I can't recall if there is an E3 or not. If so, it probably would have a removable focusing hood also.

I have a 3.5E3 Xenotar, with removable hood. So yes E3 exist!

It sure looks like the E models without a meter but with a removable hood are not as plentiful. But I'll keep looking. Thanks for the input!

obscura.lucida said:

It sure looks like the E models without a meter but with a removable hood are not as plentiful. But I'll keep looking. Thanks for the input!

Click to expand...

- Rolleiflex E: no removable finder
- Rolleiflex E2/E3: removable finder, but these are later models so cost is high
- Rolleiflex F: removable finder, but these also fetch high prices
- Rolleiflex T: removable finder. "T" as in "Tessar" and only 3.5. Stop it down and it's a fine performer.
- Rolleicord Vb: removable finder (on Vb only, not earlier models!) but only 3.5. Fine camera and a lot lighter than a Rolleiflex.

You are really going to pay if you need the 2.8, and unless you plan on using a prism, the removable finder isn't really required. My experience has been that Rolleiflexes generally need a CLA, and maybe a bright screen, and these together can set you back a few hundred USD depending on who does the work. The Rolleicords are much simpler -- I have some ancient ones and they have never needed servicing.