Rolleiflex 3.5C set film speed (and what lenscap..?)

<p>I have just acquired a Rolleiflex 3.5C, at least I think it's that one. It fits the image and description of the RolleiClub including the serial (which other such lists cause it to be called differently). Only it doesn't feature the planar 2.8/80, but a planar 3.5/75mm.<br>

In difference from other models that I have been able to find the manual of, this one has a single knob at the left combining all the left side functions. From various discussions I have found out how to handle most of these functions, but setting the film speed remained elusive so far. One mentioned that it was quite a hassle to set, and right he may have been, but it didn't help to discover whitch parts to push or pull or turn. I expect the light meter needs this setting, doesn't it?</p>

<p>On other thing is that it didn't come with a lens cap. I want to buy one, but listings on ebay say "75mm" or "80mm" instead of what I would expect: "bay II". Which type would fit my camera?</p>

<p>Thanks, <br>

Wim</p>

<p> </p>

<p>There is no setting for the film speed: the camera doesn't have a light meter.</p>

 

<p>Most certainly it has...</p>

<p>Got to love Rolleiflex model numbers.</p>

<p>I think the 3.5 C was the first Rolleiflex to offer a built in light meter, I think it was optional on the one with Xenotar lens.</p>

<p>I can't speak specifically about setting the film speed as I have a 2.8 C which does not have a light meter; however, here is a link to a manual that might help you.</p>

<p>http://www.cameramanuals.org/rolleiflex/rolleiflex_3_5.pdf</p>

 

<p>And, to add...</p>

<p>I think the 3.5C confusion comes from the 3.5C being called the 3.5E in North America and 3.5C in Europe.</p>

 

<p>Thank you, Martin! <em>"Turn the adjusting ring beyond the left or right stop" </em>- that does it. I will keep that booklet.<br>

Any suggestions on the lense cap, or would I better measure it and find a 3D-printer?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I am pretty sure you will need a Bay II.<br>

There can be confusion on the lens caps depending on the lens type and the serial number.<br>

Do a Google search on lens cap for Rolleiflex 3.5E and you will see much advice specific to the lens or serial number of your camera.<br>

The original Rollei hinged lens caps can be quite expensive but there may be some after-market for less.</p>

<p>Yes, Bay II it is. The marking is engraved on the filters. It's the 75/80mm thing that puzzles me.<br>

Interesting point on the international naming. Mine has a metric scale, so I presume it is a "C" of "continental" :-)</p>

 

<p>All of the f/3.5 Rollei TLRs that I'm familiar with for 120 film have 75 mm lenses. The f/2.8 versions for 120 film that I have seen have 80 mm lenses. My 3.5 E w/Planar and meter takes a Bay II lens cap and accessories; my 2.8 D w/Xenotar takes Bay III. The original caps in either size are fairly pricey, but I think you will find useful alternatives on eBay or elsewhere if you're not in collector mode. </p>

<p>there are variations in the models, depending on where the end market was to be. I had a hard time determining that mine even existed. I believe mine to be a C or E. I purchased it in Germany in 1963 with 75mm 3.5 Planar lens, bay II and no meter. I belive the US importer at that time had a model that offered the choice of Xenotar or Planar and had a meter. It was labeled as the "E" model. </p>

 

<p>The Rolleiflex 3.5C is more commonly called the 3.5E. (The factory designation for this camera was K.4 C, and it's from that name that 3.5C derives.)</p>

 

<p>The Rollei Club website is often regarded as an authority, but I have come across too many errors there to trust it. They say the Rolleiflex 3.5C (3.5E) has a f/2.8 lens?! The very reason it has 3.5 in its name is because it has a f/3.5 taking lens!</p>

 

<p>The 3.5E was introduced in October 1956, the same month as the 2.8E. These were the first Rolleiflexes to offer an optional built-in but non-coupled meter. To set the film-speed index, you turn the ring that controls the meter's follower needle until a stiff resistance is felt, then turn it further against the resistance until the appropriate ASA number comes up in the sideways-facing window. This then sets the meter to display its reading using the correct range of EV values for the film speed in question.</p>

 

<p>The lens cap supplied with the 3.5E was the same as that supplied with the 3.5E2. It's a metal cap with black rear and chrome front, with Bayonet II fittings and 42mm separation from the centre of the viewing lens to the centre of the taking lens, which is slightly less than the 45mm separation in the case of the lens cap for the 3.5E3 and 3.5F.</p>

 

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

<p>Excellent detail, Colin. Thank you.</p>