Near Mint! 1938 Rolleiflex Automat, Freshly Serviced, CLA’d!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use

If you’re familiar with the Rolleiflex and Rolleicord cameras you’ll know that they’re considered a cult classic by many fans. It’s a 6x6 TLR camera that uses 120 roll film. It was the camera of choice by pros until the middle of the 1960’s. And even today it’s still a camera that’s often mentioned by websites as an excellent way to get into medium format photography. It’s a very famous design that just like Leica, inspired countless copies over the decades.

This is a very early example of the first model that had the features and controls that we now take for granted when we think of a Rolleiflex. This is the first model of the Rolleiflex Automat which unlike later versions does not have a bayonet mount on the top lens. This model was introduced and produced in Germany by Frank & Heidecke between 1937-1939, starting with serial number 568,516 and ended with serial number 805,000.  

The serial number of this camera (795273) indicates that it was produced in Germany in 1939. It was a brand-new camera when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, triggering World War II. Understandably such an early Rolleiflex from this new generation is a desirable and significant camera. Many were used by war correspondents and photographers during WWII and subsequently damaged, worn out or lost in action…

85 years after it left the factory, this Rolleiflex is still in exceptionally fine condition and thanks to the attention we’ve given it, it will give you years of enjoyment. It’s has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. Focusing is accurate. The film advance and film counter works correctly. The Compur-Rapid shutter works well and all speeds (T, B, 1 Sec-1/500th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the faster ones are clean and snappy.

The sharp Zeiss 3.5/75mm Tessar lens (four elements in three groups) is in exceptionally fine condition. The lens is clean and clear. There are no scratches, no cleaning marks and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and black & white films.

All in all, a very enjoyable vintage camera. Load it with your favorite film and keep it handy for that perfect shot you’ve been looking for. You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing that you had a classic vintage camera with you…

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