A friend inherited an old Rolleiflex camera, and needs help identifying it and understanding its use.

moose10101 wrote in post #17944930
It doesn't have a light meter. Light leaks are very unlikely unless there's damage to the camera back. More likely is flare when shooting anywhere near the sun, so a hood is the first accessory I'd get.

Well, that solves that problem.

If there is no light meter, then there probably isn't a battery anywhere in this one? No battery would solve another potential problem.

The light meter in my Yashica works well, but the batteries are impossible to find. I have to go to a custom battery shop and have one fabbed up for it.

Is the battery only for the metering, i.e. can you still use the camera without the light meter and use your phone or just get a handheld?

lilkngster wrote in post #17944958
Is the battery only for the metering, i.e. can you still use the camera without the light meter and use your phone or just get a handheld?

For my TLR, the battery only runs the light meter. The camera works without a battery. I have a handheld light meter that I use.

Was there ever a TLR made that wasn't a purely mechanical camera? I know a number were made with a built in meter that would need a battery, (Or could take a meter-viewfinder) but I've never seen one that required batteries for any other operation.

I picked up a Mamiya C330 awhile ago, and rather enjoy the mechanical process. 120 film isn't the cheapest, but developing at home is easy enough if they're keen on it.

Luckless wrote in post #17945006
Was there ever a TLR made that wasn't a purely mechanical camera? I know a number were made with a built in meter that would need a battery.

I'm not aware of any. And later Rolleiflex models that have a meter don't need a battery; the meter runs off a selenium cell positioned above the top lens.

Just in case. Here is the link to exactly the same user manual of this camera as on first picture OP has provided.
This manual is just beside the camera on the picture.

http://www.butkus.org …/rolleiflex_aut​omatic.pdf

It tells you all about film to use and exposure meter and what camera has and how to use it...

Dear Tom,

I would like to suggest that you go to the rangefinderforum.com and post these pictures in the TLR section.

While I am not familiar with them, I do know from reading over there that Rollei TLR's can be rather valuable.

People there shoot mostly film so they can offer realistic ideas as to the value as well as make suggestions for repair or tune-up sources.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

I am sure you should know by now that the Rollei is a 6x6 medium format twin lens reflex camera. It uses 120 film. Back in 40s and 50s, having a light meter with the camera is a luxury. You can go by the sunny 16 rule. Of course, are the shutter speed settings in the right speed? These cameras are OLD, older than me. Is possible that the shutter speeds are off. Maybe there is light leaking by the film door. How is the lens? Haze? Fungus?

neacail wrote in post #17944951
Well, that solves that problem.

If there is no light meter, then there probably isn't a battery anywhere in this one? No battery would solve another potential problem.

The light meter in my Yashica works well, but the batteries are impossible to find. I have to go to a custom battery shop and have one fabbed up for it.

There is a cheap hearing aid battery that with a little aluminum foil modification will run the meter on your Yashica Mat124.

This is just one example of a hearing aid battery fix.
http://rick_oleson.tri​pod.com/index-111.html

jtmiv wrote in post #17946418
Dear Tom,

I would like to suggest that you go to the rangefinderforum.com and post these pictures in the TLR section.

While I am not familiar with them, I do know from reading over there that Rollei TLR's can be rather valuable.

People there shoot mostly film so they can offer realistic ideas as to the value as well as make suggestions for repair or tune-up sources.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

This is the base model Rolleiflex. It's worth between $100 and $250, depending on condition. I have a list of shops that do CLA/repair, if needed.

.

You guys here on POTN are AWESOME!!! So many helpful responses - THANK YOU!

I have forwarded several of the replies to my friend, and she is very grateful for the info.
She is going to bring the camera to our next club meeting, so that I will be able to see it for myself. Should be fun!

.

Vivian Maier shot with a Rolleiflex.

So did Harold Feinstein

http://www.haroldfeins​tein.com/why-i-loved-my-rollei/

So did Neil Leifer. Imagine shooting one of the most iconic sports action photos with a TLR:

http://www.slate.com …eil_leifer_s_pe​rfect.html