trying to nail down my Rollei model / year

<p>Hey there, I have a 1950'ish Rolleiflex. From the serial number, 1122458, I'm pretty certain it's a 3.5, X Synch; 1950 == 1100000-1169999 serial numbers; Tessar 3,5; Zeiss-Opton, Nr 78193. Although the top of the frame is imprinted with DRP / DRGM which I'm told is pre - world war II. But, it looks more like the 2.8 as pictured on the owner's manual. So, I'm not completely certain of its lineage :-)<br>

I'd like to get a lens cap; Would like an owners manual; Would like a case for protection.<br>

OK,I think that's enough questions for one post. Thanks for any insight you can provide!! --Nina</p>

<p>If it's a Tessar, it is Bay I (one). That is the size for lens caps, filters, hoods, etc.</p>

<p>DRP/DRGM was used up until about 1949. Not certain of the exact dates of the change to DBP/DBGM, but it was used after the war.</p>

<p>A photo is best for ID. If it is a 3.5, not a 2.8, this will show you a variety of models-<br /> http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/info/automat.shtml<br /> Look at the style of the shutter release and its lock; the style and color of the dials for shutter and aperture; the style of any self-timer or flash sync lever; if the view finder has a sports finder.</p>

<p>If the camera is a 2.8 Tessar, look here-<br /> http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/info/A-F_tlr.shtml</p>

<p>Oh, if it IS a 2.8 Tessar, it is Bay II (two), not one. But it takes a unique lens hood.</p>

<p>Serial number lists are usually somewhat flawed. Rollei was a busy busy company in the '50s, changing parts and such all the time.</p>

<p>More importantly, is it working?</p>

What's the focal length of the lens?<br>

The taking lens is a Tessar?<br>

What's the shutter name?<br>

Is the film advanced by a knob or a crank?<br>

Does the camera have a four-leaf hood or a two-component one? Does the hood have a direct-vision flap?<br>

Does the viewing lens have a bayonet, or just the taking lens?<br>

Are aperture/shutter speed controlled by wheels or levers?<br>

If wheels, does the shutter speed wheel have an EV scale on it?

<p>Hey there, here's what I can answer...<br>

Tessar; 1:3,5; 75mm; T; zeiss-opton nr 78193<br>

film advanced by a crank<br>

aperture and shutter speed controlled by knobs / dials<br>

I'd describe the hood as 4 leaf; with direct view flap, and the very rare secret decoder compartment<br>

focus knob very simple, not bulky as I've seen in some models</p>

<p>Most likely a K4. Third camera down on this page-<br>

http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/info/automat.shtml</p>

<p>A Rolleiflex Automat.</p>

<p>By the way, that might be a cable release socket on the lower focus-knob side of the lens board, not a flash sync socket.</p>

<p>Is the T on the lens red? It's probably the symbol for a coated lens.</p>

<p>Getting an instruction manual for a different model is common. </p>

<p>Your camera sounds indeed like a Rolleiflex 3.5 Automat X. According to my reference, this model was in production from October 1949 to May 1951. The serial number of your camera would date its manufacture to no earlier than 1950.</p>

 

<p>This model has Bayonet I lenses. The camera was supplied with a hinged metal lens cap with chrome centres. There was also a leather case available.</p>

 

<p>I took a look on butkus.org to see if the manual specifically for this model was there, but the closest available seems to be for the succeeding Rolleiflex 3.5 Automat MX model (with Synchro-Compur shutter with both M and X flash synchronisation).</p>

 

<p>Superficially, many Rollei TLRs may look similar, but there are distinguishing features that identify the specific model.</p>

 

<p>My information is from the excellent 'The Classic Rollei' by John Phillips.</p>

<p>Rolleiflex X (Type 1), factory name (apparently) Rolleiflex Automat II, built between October 1949 and late 1950. DRP means Deutsches Reichspatent (Imperial German Patent), DRGM means Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster (Imperial German Registered Design), both would have changed to DB... (Federal German ... ) at or shortly after the time of founding of the Federal German Republic in 1949. Twin accessories mount (viewing and taking lenses), both bayonet 1 size.</p>