SUPERB! 1934 Rolleicord, Freshly Serviced!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!

If you’re familiar with the Rolleiflex and Rolleicord cameras you’ll know that they are considered a cult classic by many fans. They are also often mentioned by photographic websites as an excellent way to get into medium format photography. The Rollei TLR is a very famous design that just like Leica, inspired countless copies over many decades.

This week we have an exceptionally fine Rolleicord which was built by Frank & Heidecke in prewar Germany. This is the very first version of the leather covered Rolleicord which was only produced from 1934 to 1936. The serial number of the lens (1592202) indicates that it was produced in circa 1934. This camera uses readily available 120 roll film. It’s been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. Focusing is accurate. The mirror has some age-related marks but this has no effect on the viewfinder image which is clean and clear. The film counter works as it should. The quality Compur shutter works smoothly and all speeds (T, B & 1 Sec-1/300^th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along nicely and the faster ones are clean and snappy.

This camera has a sharp Carl Zeiss 3.8/75mm Triotar lens which is a classic Cooke design with three elements in three groups. It’s well known for the attractive rendition and bokeh it produces. The glass is exceptionally fine. It’s, clear and clear. There are no scratches, just some light cleaning wisps (but you’ll need a magnifier to see them) and it’s capable of producing beautiful photos with modern color & B&W films.

Great lenses are not simply defined by high resolution. What artists and photographers love about certain lenses is the beautiful rendition in the fore and back ground. It’s something the Japanese refer to as bokeh. This Zeiss lens has an excellent reputation in Europe for a lovely bokeh and its soft smooth backgrounds.

All in all, a very enjoyable 86 year old vintage camera that’s been waiting patiently to find its way to you. 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 vintage camera with you…