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Kamerastore Digital Database

Rollei Rolleiflex 2.8 C Planar - Camera

Rollei Rolleiflex 2.8 C Planar - Camera

Manual focus 120 TLR introduced by Rollei in 1952. This version, with the Carl Zeiss Planar, became available in 1954 for an extra 50 Deutsche Mark in Germany or 12 dollars in the USA. Has a separate self-timer, on future models this was included in the MX or MVX lever. Does not have an EVS scale as on the D and E models. Has plastic safety catches on the shutter and flash socket. This was replaced by metal on later models. One of the main improvements over the 2.8B was the ability to override the double exposure prevention mechanism. 1/500s can only be accessed before the shutter is cocked. Metal body available in silver.

  • Taking lens: Carl Zeiss 80mm f2.8 Planar
  • Viewing lens: Rollei 80mm f2.8 Heidosmat
  • Minimum focus distance: 1m
  • Shutter: Synchro-Compur leaf, 1s - 1/500s + B
  • Aperture blades: 10
  • Size: 146 x 105 x 99mm
  • Weight: 1190g
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TLR

Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) cameras are defined by having two lenses. One lens is used for taking images and the other is for viewing, focusing, and framing your photos. The lenses are synchronized and the same focal length to allow for proper framing and focusing.

Normally, the viewing lens redirects light upwards towards a waist level viewfinder and the lower lens exposes the film using a built-in leaf shutter. Because of the way this system works the image in the viewfinder is flipped horizontally, which can take some time to get used to. There are also slight differences in framing between the two lenses that can affect images at close focusing distances.

Most TLRs take 6x6cm images on 120 medium format roll film, although some could also use now-discontinued 220 film. Many companies made TLRs, including Yashica, Minolta, and Zeiss Ikon. The most famous TLR brand, though, is Rollei.

The Rolleicord and Rolleiflex cameras are the definitive TLR designs, with all others taking major inspiration from them. These cameras pair world-class build quality with legendary Carl Zeiss & Schneider-Kreuznach lenses to make an excellent, if expensive, camera.

TLRs are iconic ”old school” cameras, used as the primary camera of journalists and documentary photographers for decades before 35mm SLRs took over. Most people will recognize a TLR as an ”old camera” and many will be intrigued by its strange (by today’s standards) two-lens design.

DHW Fototechnik is still making Rolleiflex TLRs today in Germany.

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Rollei Rolleiflex 2.8 C Planar - Camera Availability & Price History
Date Sold SKU Quality Control Price Image
11 May 2024 T68678 € 1.631,56 Rollei Rolleiflex 2.8 C Planar - Camera Image
20 Jan 2024 T59030 € 1.631,25 Rollei Rolleiflex 2.8 C Planar - Camera Image