Rolleiflex TLR Camera Price & Information
Guide
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The price ranges shown are the
approximate amount one should expect to
have to pay for a Rolleiflex in excellent,
but used, condition. Camera should be
fully functional as a classic camera with
a mostly clean appearance, showing light
signs of use or age. Mechanics should be
working fully, but may need a CLA service.
Pricing was gathered from sales on
photo.net, ebay auctions, KEH.com,
Kohs.com, and other camera dealers. Prices
are biased towards ebay auctions. Expect
to pay +10 to +20% more buying from a
dealer. You should also budget $ 200-$400 for a
good CLA ( clean, lube and adjust ) if
you plan to use the camera regularly. In
fact, many cameras that have had
professional CLA's done by folks like
Fleenor or Krikor, can demand much more
on ebay. Similar to Leica values -
the exact condition of the camera - will
determine final price. High premiums are
paid for minty cameras.
Because there are many ways
in which Rolleiflex cameras are
categorized, this list may differ
slightly to other lists. Its best to
utilize the serial # to identify your
exact model and variation within that
model line. Planar Rollei's
typically sell for more than Xenotar
fitted cameras. Lastly, models with the
optional meter installed are generally
worth more than a non-metered camera, if
the meter is working. The price of a Rolleiflex on ebay
varies widely for the same exact
model. - it pays to watch prices before
buying. A late 2.8F camera, for
example, frequently sell over
a range of $ 1,000-2,400 ! The
standard deviation on these cameras is
enormous. I attribute this to the fact
that there is a large supply of used
Rollei's in circulation and, that many
buyers and sellers are confused as to
the exact model in question.
Market Update, APRIL
2021
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Where the serial number is typically
found on most models
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Camera
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Amount $$
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Comments
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Original Rolleiflex
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$ 100-250*
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About 35,000 produced from 1929-32.
75mm Tessar 4.5 or 3.8 Lens.
*Prices can be much higher for
early variations ($200-400).
Compur shutter 1/300 to 1, B + T.
28.5mm Taking lens filter. Heidoscop
Anastigmat 75mm F3.1 viewing
lens.
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Standard Rolleiflex
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$ 150-275
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About 95,000 produced from 1932-38.
75mm Tessar 4.5, 3.8 or 3.5 lens.
Compur Rapid shutter 1/500 to 1, B + T
( early versions Compur to 1/300 ).
28.5mm Taking lens filter. Heidoscop
Anastigmat 75mm F3.1 viewing
lens.
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Standard Rolleiflex, New
Model
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$ 200-300
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Serial # 805000-927999 from 1939-41.
75mm Tessar 3.5 lens. Bay I. Compur
Rapid shutter 1/500 to 1, B + T.
Heidoscop Anastigmat 75mm F3.1 viewing
lens.
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Rolleiflex Automat
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$ 100-250
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Serial # 568516-805000 from 1937-39.
75mm Tessar 3.5 lens. Compur Rapid
shutter 1/500 to 1, B + T. Heidoscop
Anastigmat 75mm F2.8 viewing lens. Bay
I.
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Rolleiflex Automat Type 2
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$ 175-275
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Serial # 805000-1099999 from 1939-45.
75mm Tessar 3.5, Opton 75/3.5 or Xenar
75/3.5 lens. Bay I. Heidoscop
Anastigmat 75mm F2.8 viewing lens.
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Rolleiflex Automat Type 3
("X")
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$ 125-275
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Serial # 1100000-1168000 from
1949-51. 75mm Tessar 3.5, Opton 75/3.5
or Xenar 75/3.5 lens. Bay I. Compur
Rapid shutter 1/500 to 1, B + T with X
sync.
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Rolleiflex Automat Type 4
("MX")
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$ 175-300
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Serial # 1200001-1474999 from
1951-54. 75mm Tessar 3.5, Opton 75/3.5
or Xenar 75/3.5 lens. After Serial #
128xxxx, internal baffles added.
Synchro Compur shutter 1/500 to 1, B +
T and MX sync.
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Rolleiflex Automat Type 5
("MX-EVS")
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$ 250-425
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Serial # 1428001-1739999 from
1954-56. 75mm Tessar 3.5, Opton 75/3.5
or Xenar 75/3.5 lens. Internal baffles
added, larger focus knob, EVS system.
Synchro Compur shutter 1/500 to 1, B +
T and MX sync with EVS
system.
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Rolleiflex 2.8A Type 1
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$ 500-700
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-Serial # 1100001-1164999 from
1949/50. About 7870 produced. 80mm
Tessar 2.8 lens. Heidoscop-Anastigmat
80mm F2.8 viewing lens.
Interchangeable finder loupe. Parallax
control. Compur Rapid shutter to
1/400. Bay II unique to this
model.
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Rolleiflex 2.8A Type 2
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$ 600-800
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-Serial # 1201000-1204999 from 1951.
About 2000 produced. 80mm Tessar 2.8
lens. Heidoscop-Anastigmat 80mm F2.8
viewing lens. Interchangeable finder
loupe. Parallax control. Compur Rapid
MX shutter to 1/500. Bay II unique to
this model.
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Rolleiflex 2.8B Type 1
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$1,200-1,600
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-Serial # 1220000-1220999 from
1952-53. 80mm Biometer 2.8 lens. Bay
III. Heidoscop-Anastigmat 80mm F2.8
viewing lens. Very few made, about
1000. Interchangeable finder loupe.
Parallax control. Compur Rapid
MX.
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Rolleiflex 2.8B Type 2
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$2,000-3,000
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-Serial # 1241000-1260000 from
1952-53. 80mm Biometer 2.8 lens. Bay
III. Heidoscop-Anastigmat 80mm F2.8
viewing lens. Only 250 made.
Interchangeable finder loupe. Parallax
control. Synchro Compur. 3 point
accessory mask on hood.
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Rolleiflex 2.8C Type 1
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$ 550-750
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-Serial # 1260250-1299999 from
1953-54. About 30150 made of type 1
& 2 combined. 80mm Xenotar F2.8
lens. Internal baffles added, larger
focus knob, adjustable focusing
magnifier. Heidosmat 80mm F2.8 viewing
lens. Parallax control. Bay III.
Synchro Compur. 3 point accessory mask
on hood.
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Rolleiflex 2.8C Type 2
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$ 650-800
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-Serial # 1400000-1475405 from
1954-55. Mostly fitted with 80mm
Planar F2.8 lens, some early with
Xenotar lens. Internal baffles added,
larger focus knob, adjustable focusing
magnifier. Heidosmat 80mm F2.8 viewing
lens. Parallax control. Bay III.
Synchro-Compur. 3 point accessory mask
on hood.
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Rolleiflex 2.8D
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$ 600-950
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-Serial # 1600000-1620100 from
1955-56. About 20,100 made. 80mm
Xenotar 2.8 or Planar 80/2.8 lens.
Very similiar to 2.8C, now has EVS
System, double exposure capability.
Heidosmat 80mm F2.8 viewing lens.
Synchro-Compur shutter 1/500 to 1, B.
Bay III.
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Rolleiflex 2.8E
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$ 675-800
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-Serial # 1621000-1665999 from
1956-59. About 44000 made. 80mm
Xenotar 2.8 or Planar 80/2.8 lens.
Built-in, uncoupled meter, Automatic
DOF Indicator. Heidosmat 80mm F2.8
viewing lens. Synchro-Compur shutter
1/500 to 1, B. Bay III.
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Rolleiflex 2.8E E2
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$ 700-850
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-Serial # 2350000-2356999 from
1959-60. About 7000 made. 80mm Xenotar
2.8, Planar 80/2.8 or Opton 80/2,8
lens. Optional uncoupled meter,
detachable hood, improved focus
screen. Synchro-Compur shutter 1/500
to 1, B. Bay III.
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Rolleiflex 2.8E E3
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$ 725-950
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-Serial # 2360000-2362024 from
1962-65. About 2025 made. 80mm Xenotar
2.8, Planar 80/2.8 or Opton 80/2,8
lens. Optional uncoupled meter. EVS
system. detachable hood, improved
focus screen. Bay III.
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Rolleiflex 3.5E Type 1
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$ 450-600
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Serial # 1740000-1787999 from
1956-59. About 26000 made. 75mm Planar
F3.5 lens. Built-in meter. However,
cameras with Xenotar had no meter (
unless installed later ). Bay II.
Non-removable finder hood.
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Rolleiflex 3.5E Type 2
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$ 500-725
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-Serial # 1850000-1869999 from
1957-59. About 17000 made.75mm Xenotar
F3.5. Meter optional. Bay II.
Non-removable finder hood.
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Rolleiflex 3.5E E2 Type 1
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$ 600-825
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-Serial # 1870000-1872999 from
1959-60. Very few made, about 2010.
Serial # will be preceeded with "E2"
marking. Meter could be installed.
75mm Xenotar 3.5 or Planar 75/3.5
lens. Detachable hood. Bay II.
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Rolleiflex 3.5E E2 Type 2
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$ 650-875
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-Serial # 2480000-2481999 from
1961-62. Very Few Made, about 2000.
Meter could be installed. 75mm Xenotar
3.5, Planar 75/3.5 or Opton 75/3.5
lens. Detachable hood. Bay II.
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Rolleiflex 3.5E E3
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$ 800-1,100
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-Serial # 2380000-2385034 from
1961-65. About 5035 made. 75mm Xenotar
3.5, Planar 75/3.5 or Opton 75/3.5
lens. Meter could be installed. EVS
system. Detachable hood. Bay II.
Distance between lenses expanded from
42mm to 45mm.
The Xenotar lenses were changed to
6 elements. The Planar was changed
to 6 elements starting with lens
serial # 2753002.
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Rolleiflex T Type 1
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$ 400-500
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Serial # 2100000-2199999 from
1958-66. About 99000? made. Grey and
black versions. 75mm Tessar 3.5 lens
or Opton 75/3.5 lens. Meter optional.
Synchro-Compur MXV shutter 1/500 to 1,
B. Rollei expert Alex Pearlman remarks
that the Tessar on the Rolleiflex T
utilizes Lanthanum glass for improved
resolution and color correction.
Detachable hood, improved focus
screen. Heidosmat 75mm F2.8 viewing
lens. Bay I.
Metered models bring more $
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Rolleiflex T Type 2
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$ 450-600
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-Serial # 2220000-2228999 from
1966-68. Mostly About 9000 made.
Shutter has X synchronization only.
75mm Tessar 3.5 lens or Opton 75/3.5
lens. Meter optional. Prices vary
widely depending on condition.
Heidosmat 75mm F2.8 viewing lens. Bay
I. Metered models bring more $
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Rolleiflex T Type 3
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$ 550-750
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-Serial # 2242000-on. From
1971-76. About 18,000 made.
Mostly Black. Rollei-Werke nameplate
on camera now. 75mm Tessar 3.5 lens or
Opton 75/3.5 lens. Meter optional.
Synchro-Compur VX shutter 1/500 to 1,
B. Prices vary widely depending on
condition. Add $ 150 for "White Face"
version ( "Type 4" T ). Heidosmat 75mm
F2.8 viewing lens. Bay I. Metered
models bring more $.
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Rolleiflex 3.5F
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$ 750-900
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-Serial # 2200000-2229999 from
1958-60. About 20000 made. 75mm
Xenotar 3.5 or Planar 75/3.5 lens.
Heidosmat 75mm F2.8 viewing lens.
Synchro-Compur MXV shutter 1/500 to 1,
B. Optional coupled meter, has
detachable hood, improved focus
screen, eye level viewing, distance
scale in meters or feet. Bay II.
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Rolleiflex 3.5F Type 2
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$ 800-1,000
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-Serial # 2230000-2241500 from 1960.
About 11500 made. 75mm Xenotar 3.5 or
Planar 75/3.5 lens. Heidosmat 75mm
F2.8 viewing lens. Synchro-Compur
shutter MXV 1/500 to 1, B. Optional
coupled meter, has detachable hood,
improved focus screen, eye level
viewing. Provision for 220 Film. Bay
II. Distance scale in meters or feet.
Accepts plate glass back.
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Rolleiflex 3.5F Type 3
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$ 950-1,250
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-Serial # 2250000-2810000 from
1960-69. 75mm Xenotar 3.5 or Planar
75/3.5 lens. Heidosmat 75mm F2.8
viewing lens. Synchro-Compur shutter
MXV 1/500 to 1, B. Optional coupled
meter, has detachable hood, improved
focus screen, eye level viewing.
Provision for 220 Film. Bay II.
Accepts plate glass back. Distance
scale in meters AND feet after Serial
# 2298816. Serial #'s after 2299547
accept both 120 and 220 film.
After Lens Serial # 2753002, the
Planar lens had 6 elements. After
Serial # 2299547, the Xenotar lens
had 6 elements.
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Rolleiflex 3.5F Type 4
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$ 950-1,250
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-Serial # 2810000-on from 1969-71.
75mm Xenotar 3.5 or Planar 75/3.5
lens. Heidosmat 75mm F2.8 viewing
lens. Synchro-Compur MXV shutter 1/500
to 1, B. Optional coupled meter, has
detachable hood, improved focus
screen, eye level viewing. 12/24 Frame
Counter. Bay II. Does not accept plate
glass back. Distance scale in meters
AND feet. 6 element lenses.
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Rolleiflex 3.5F Type 5
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$ 1,200-1,700
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-Serial # 2840000-on. From 1971-on.
75mm Xenotar 3.5 or Planar 75/3.5
lens. Heidosmat 75mm F2.8 viewing
lens. Synchro-Compur MXV shutter 1/500
to 1, B. Optional coupled meter, has
detachable hood, improved focus
screen, eye level viewing. 12/24 Frame
Counter. Bay II. "White Face" versions
get big premium, distance scale
in meters AND feet. 6 element
lenses.
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Rolleiflex 2.8F Type 1
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$ 1,400-1,850
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-Serial # 2400000-2442133 from
1960-66. 80mm Planar F2.8. Coupled
Meter, Detachable hood, improved focus
screen. Synchro-Compur shutter 1/500
to 1, B. Bay III. 12 frame counter,
12/24 counter optional as an add on.
1965-66 models accepted plate glass
back.
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Rolleiflex 2.8F Type 2
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$ 1,800-2,400*
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-Serial # 2442132-2984999 from
1965-81. Early, mostly 80mm Planar
F2.8 lens. Factory installed 12/24
Frame counter. 1966 version still
accepted plate glass back, post 1967
does not. Post 1973 models were mostly
fitted with 80mm Xenotar F2.8 lens.
Coupled Meter was optional, but most
were installed. Synchro-Compur shutter
1/500 to 1, B. Bay
III. Factory 12/24 Frame counter.
"White Face" shutter versions and
serial #'s starting 295**** and
above can fetch up to $
3,500*
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Rolleiflex 2.8F Aurum
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$ 2,400-3,500
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1983/4. First "Special Edition"
Rolleiflex 2.8, Gold plating, 80mm
Xenotar F2.8 lens. About 1500
made.
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Rolleiflex 2.8F Platin
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$ 3,700-4,400
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1984 issuance of the 2.8F Platin
Edition. Serial 298xxxx. 500 made.
Newly manufactured Rollei ( licensed
by Zeiss ) 80mm Planar lens.
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX Type I
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$ 2,200-2,500
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Serial # starts at 2985501.
1987-1994. 80mm Planar HFT F2.8 lens.
LED Meter readout. Bay III. 120 film
only.
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX '89-91
Edition
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no data
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Serial # starts at 4 and 5 mill.
1989-1991. 1500 made. 80mm Planar HFT
F2.8 lens. LED Meter readout. Bay III.
Alligator leather, Gold plated
nameplate.
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX Expression
94
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$ 1,900-2,400
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1994 issuance of the 2.8GX
"Expression 94" Edition. Serial
901xxxx. 500 made. 80mm Planar HFT
F2.8 lens. LED Meter readout. Bay III.
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX Helmut
Newton
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$ 2,200-3,000
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1994 issuance of the 2.8GX "Helmut
Newton" Limited Edition. Grey. Serial
603xxxx. 80mm Planar HFT F2.8 lens.
LED Meter readout. Bay III.
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX Jersery
Edition
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$ 2,400-3,000
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX Type II
"Expression"
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$ 1,900-2,400
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The GX "Expression" is the 1995
update of the GX Type I, with new
focus knob and Copal shutter. 1000
made. 80mm Planar HFT F2.8 lens. LED
Meter readout. Bay III.
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX Type II "75
Years"
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$ 2,200-3,000
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1995. Brown Lizard print covering and
Gold plated nameplate. 80mm Planar HFT
F2.8 lens. LED Meter readout. Bay
III.
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX Royal
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$ 3,000-3,300
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1996. 2.8GX "Royal" Limited Edition.
Serial 200xx. Royal Blue finish.
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Rolleiflex 2.8GX Type II "80
Years"
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$ 1,900-2,300
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2000 issuance.
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Tele-Rolleiflex Type 1
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$ 1,400-1,750
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Serial # 2300000-2306419. From
1959-65. About 6420 made. Sonnar 135mm
F4.0 lens. 120 Film only, Accepts
plate glass back. Bay III.
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Tele-Rolleiflex "Transition"
Type
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$ 2,000-2,600
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Serial # 2306420-2306871. From
1965-66. About 452 made. Sonnar 135mm
F4.0 lens. 120 and 220 Film. Accepts
plate glass back. Bay III.
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Tele-Rolleiflex Type 2
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$ 1,800-2,400
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Serial # 2306872-2308489. From
1966-75 About 1618 made. Sonnar 135mm
F4.0 lens. 120 and 220 Film. Does not
accepts plate glass back. Bay III. The
Sportsfinder opening on the W/L finder
differs from the Type 1 Tele-Rollei in
that it has some empty "space" around
the frame to be able to see beyond the
lenses taking view. "White Face"
versions.
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Wide-Rolleiflex Type 1
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$ 3,000-3,500
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Serial # 2490000-2493501. About 3502
made. From 1961-65 Distagon 55mm F4.0
lens. 120 film only. Bay IV.
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Wide-Rolleiflex Type 2
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$ 3,500-4,000
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Serial # 2493502-2493905. About 404
made. From 1965-67 Distagon 55mm F4.0
lens. 120 and 220 film. Bay IV.
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Rolleiflex 2.8FW
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$ 2,000-2,400
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Latest version, wide angle lens,
Rolleiflex available. 50mm Super
Angulon 4.0 HFT lens. LED Meter
readout. Bay III. 120 film only. It
sells for $ 5,555 new, as of 11/07.
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Rolleiflex 2.8FT
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$ 2,000-2,400
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Latest version, tele angle lens,
Rolleiflex available. 135mm Tele Xenar
4.0 HFT lens. LED Meter readout. Bay
III. 120 film only. It sells for $
5,850 new, as of 11/07. Sold example
at $ 3500 on Dec 22, '07 on
ebay.
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Rolleiflex 2.8FX
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$ 3,800-4,400
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Latest version, normal lens,
Rolleiflex available. 80mm Planar 2.8
HFT lens. LED Meter readout. Bay III.
120 film only. It sell for $ 4,444
new, as of 11/07.
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The Rolleiflex Story
The Rolleiflex Twin Lens Reflex Camera was
basically an instant success from the time
the first model reached the market in 1929.
After producing many different models with
continual upgrades, in December 1949, Franke
& Heidecke introduced its first f/2.8
taking lens into a Rolleiflex, namely the
80mm Tessar 2.8 (of pre-war manufacture).
The camera that featured this lens is known
as the Rolleiflex 2.8 A model. Only sold in
the US, this camera with its fast Tessar
lens was poorly recieved and was frequently
cited as being soft. One source* states that
half of these cameras were returned to
Franke & Heidecke as part of a recall.
Supposedly, the construction of these
Tessars was faulty and the Rolleiflex 2.8 A
was a commercial flop for Franke &
Heidecke which resulted in the creation of
the Rolleiflex 2.8 B camera (Feb. 1952) with
a new lens; the 80mm f/2.8 Zeiss Biometar
constructed with 5 elements. Again, this
model was only sold in the US with a mere
1,250 models produced (versus 9,870 model
2.8 A cameras) given issues with post war
supplies. While the Biometar produced much
better results than the Tessar 2.8, given
the tiny production, it wasn't until Franke
& Heidecke brought to market the
Rolleiflex 2.8 C in December of 1952 with a
Schneider Xenotar 5 element lens, that
Rollei proved it could produce a f/2.8 TLR
that could compete with the resolution of
their f/3.5 models while providing a lens
speed advantage. *
http://rollei.org.uk/the-rolleiflex-2-8b/
Shortly after the "C" model came to market,
in May of 1953*, Modern Photography magazine
published the following article by Arthur
Kramer:
The New Rollei. How Good is the New $385
Model 2.8C
"The camera's most important feature
is its new 80mm, air-spaced five-element
f/2.8 Schneider Xenotar lens. The f/2.8 lens
on a previous model was a four-element
objective [80mm f/2.8 Tessar on the
Rolleiflex 2.8A] which often gave trouble
when used wide open. The makers of the
Rolleiflex claim this trouble has been
eliminated in the Xenotar lens. Optical and
practical tests (which we will get to later)
indicated that this was true - at least on
the cameras tested....
Finally we get to the most important of all
the improvements - the lens. This is not the
first f/2.8 lens ever put on a 2 1/4 x 2 1/4
Rollei. Many photographers who have used or
tested the previous f/2.8 model, which this
new camera supersedes, felt that the
definition was not up to their acceptable
standards. Wide aperture lenses which must
cover comparatively large film areas are
often notoriously poor in edge definition at
full aperture. Practically all Automatic
Rolleiflexes have up to this time been
supplied with four element Tessar or Xenar
f/3.5 or Tessar f/2.8 lenses. The new
Xenotar is a five-element lens of the
air-spaced type. It was not until the advent
of modern optical coatings that the full
advantage of such a design could be
exploited.
The camera was taken to a well-equipped
optical laboratory and placed on an optical
bench. The lens appeared to be free of
astigmatism. It showed no shift of focus
when stopped down. There seemed to be the
faintest trace of flare at f/2.8 but this
disappeared when the diaphragm was stopped
down to about f/3, a definite improvement in
this respect to what we had previously seen
in other lenses of similar focal length and
aperture. The definition at the edges was
far above that of the old four-element
f/2.8. This individual Xenotar lens looked
excellent in bench tests, but that did not
guarantee excellent pictures. Only extensive
tests on actual film could tell about
that….
The camera was also checked for lens, film,
and ground glass alignment. Then it was
ready for the film tests. An f/3.5 Rollei of
known image quality was used as a control
unit The first test was made on a cross-lit
brick wall A series of shots was taken at
various distances and apertures with both
cameras. Negatives were carefully enlarged
to about 30x30 inches and examined over the
entire field. Results showed that the
Xenotar f/2.8 lens wide open was equal in
most respects to the f/3.5 lens wide open.
It did not noticeably lose definition when
stopped down to f/22. A second Xenotar
tested actually had better definition at
f/2.8 than the older type lens had at f/3.5!
The tests were repeated on various objects
and at varied distances with the same
result. Twenty rolls or film were used on a
variety of subjects. Results were
consistently good.”
* Most online sources of this article
incorrectly date this article to May 1952
but its actually May 1953
The model C with a Xenotar lens would be
made until 1955. In 1954, Rollei also
produced the model C with a Zeiss Planar
lens of 5 elements. This would be the first
appearence of the famous Rolleiflex 2.8
Planar lens. All in all, over 30,000 model C
cameras were produced; more with Xenotars
than Planars given their later appearence in
the production run.
Rollei's next 2.8 camera was the model "D"
produced in 1955. Also, produced with either
a Xenotar or Planar 2.8 taking lens, just
over 20,000 of these cameras were made. In
general, Rollei priced their cameras with
Xenotar lenses as slightly less expensive
than those featuring Planar lenses.
In 1956, Rollei brought out the model "E"
2.8 cameras - yet again making these
available with either a Xenotar or Planar
2.8 taking lens. By 1960, over 45,000 model
E cameras were made. Also in 1956, Rollei
began producing new f/3.5 model cameras
featuring either the 5 element Planar lens
or 5 element Xenotar lens - slower versions
of their bigger sister f/2.8 lenses. These
models are known as the Rolleiflex 3.5 E
cameras.
All of these exciting improvements to the
Rolleiflex line further solidified their
position as king of the Twin Lens Reflex
cameras. Inevitably, this led to questions
as to which Rolleiflex cameras performed
better - the 2.8 or 3.5 cameras ? In
May of 1956, Modern Photography published an
article comparing the new 5 element Xenotar
on the Rolleiflex 3.5E compared to older
Rolleiflex models with 4 element Tessar
lenses.
Are the new Rolleis Really Better? "Now
lets take a look at that five element f/3.5
lens. It's no secret that there was a cry
from professional photographers for a
Rolleiflex with an f/2.8 lens and that these
camera enthusiasts only got what they wanted
when a five element optical system was
developed.
With a maximum f/3.5 aperture in 75mm focal
lengths, the story has been quite different.
The four element Zeiss Tessar and Schneider
Xenar 75mm f/3.5 lenses have long been
standards of excellence for Rolleis and many
other cameras. What more can the new Xenotar
five element offer? For all but the most
persnickety professional, a good Xenar or
Tessar will do nicely. Testing the new
Xenotar against a good example of a
Schneider Xenar, the resulting picture
definition with both lenses was almost
identical. This is not to disparage the new
Xenotar but rather point out that a good
four element Xenar or Tessar can be a very
good lens indeed. Perhaps the Xenotar proved
a shade sharper in the corners at full
aperture than the Xenar. However, in actual
photographic practice we doubt that this
difference would be perceptible. Xenar or
Xenotar? They're both fine lenses."
In 1957, more interesting comparions were
done by Modern Photography;
Great Cameras? Fact or Fiction Rolleis have
always had a great reputation. Do they still
deserve it? "Which Lens is Best? Four or
Five Element, F/2.8 or F/3.5 A. 80mm
f/2.8 Zeiss Planar is a five-element
alternative to the Xenotar on the Rolleiflex
2.8E. Although the line-up of optical
elements is rather different from the
Xenotar, performance is similar. It produces
excellent definition to the corners of the
negative, even at full aperture.
B. 80mm f/2.8 Schneider Xenotar has five
elements and can be had on the Rolleiflex
2.8E. In extensive tests with this lens
Modern found it extremely sharp in overall
definition. The five-element 80mm f/2.8
lenses are considerable improvements over
the discontinued four-element 80mm f/2.8 Tessars
once available on the Rolleiflex 2.8.
C. 75mm f/3.5 Zeiss Planar is a five element
alternative to the Xenotar on the Rolleiflex
3.5. It shows excellent definition even at
full aperture.
D. 75mm f/3.5 Schneider Xenotar with five
elements has now completely replaced the
four element Xenar on all Rolleiflexes.
Differences in definition between the
discontinued four-element Xenar and this
five-element Xenotar at f/3.5 are almost
impossible to see, even with great
magnification of the negative corners.
Definition, to say the least, is excellent
in the 75mm f/3.5 Xenotar.
E. 75mm and 60mm Schneider Xenar are
available on the Rolleicord Va and
Rolleiflex 4x4 respectively. The Xenar
design is of a traditional four-element
Tessar-type construction. Performance at
such moderate aperture (f/3.5) and focal
length (75mm) is excellent compared with
that of the 75mm f/3.5 five-element Xenotars
and Planars."
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The 2.8 and 3.5 Planars and Xenotars would
continue to garner acclaim from
professionals, amateurs and photography
magazines through the late 1950s and
1960s. These have been called the
golden years for Rolleiflex.
Once again, Modern Photography decided it
would test the various models with different
lenses to try and settle what had become
(and remains) a debate; which is better, the
Planar or Xenotar. In many ways by
pricing the Xenotar slightly (~5%) cheaper
than the Planar, many thought Rollei
themselves signified the Planar was
superior, but many people (including modern
users) will argue which is better. At
the end of the day, both lenses are highly
capable and it really comes down to quality
control and owning an excellent example of
either lens type.
Here's Modern Photography's October 1963
testing from the article, 4 Different Rolleis, 4 Different
Lenses
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As a summary to the test above, it appears
that the 2.8 Xenotar is "better" for center
sharpness overall than the Planar, but the
Planar is moderately superior for edge
sharpness. For the 3.5 lenses, it appears
that the Planar is superior both in center
and edge sharpness. But again, this is not a
large sample size and I bet in normal
shooting, the differences are hard to see.
The model 2.8 E would go on to be produced
until 1965 with about 53,000 total units
produced. The 3.5 E model cameras were also
produced until 1965 but at some point before
1965 (probably 1962 +/- 1 year), the 3.5
Planar and Xenotar lenses were further
developed into 6 element lenses. It remains
a mystery as to why this was done. Some
Rollei experts mention the additional
element was a UV or color correction filter*
to produce warmer images. Others state
Franke & Heidecke wanted to improve the
resolution** of the 5 element Planar and
Xenotar lenses. And finally, another group
of people state this was done to lower
production costs. My sources indicate that
the switch to the 6 element lens on the 3.5
E models occured after lens serial # 2753002
for the Planar and after # 2299547 for the
Xenotar. * Ian Parker ** Claus Prochnow
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Prochnow Report
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After the 2.8 E model camera (which ran
until 1965), came the famous 2.8 F model in
1960 which sold all the way until 1981,
again fitted with either a 80mm 2.8 Planar
or Xenotar lens. For the 3.5 camera line,
the 3.5 F models arrived in 1958 with either
a 75mm 5 element Planar or Xenotar lens, but
just like the early 1960s E models, the
switch to 6 element lenses came into play.
Again, my sources indicate that the switch
to the 6 element lens on the 3.5 F models
occured after lens serial # 2753002 for the
Planar and after # 2299547 for the Xenotar.
Today, many collectors and users seek out
the late model 3.5 E and 3.5 F model cameras
that have a 6 element lens. Their remains a
premium for these models given they are the
only Rolleiflex TLRs produced with a 6
element normal lens.
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