{"id":19429,"date":"2018-01-31T14:30:09","date_gmt":"2018-01-31T20:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.psnwa.org\/ns\/?p=19429"},"modified":"2025-01-31T14:36:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T20:36:40","slug":"rolleiflex-original","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.psnwa.org\/ns\/rolleiflex-original\/","title":{"rendered":"Rolleiflex Original"},"content":{"rendered":"

The iconic Rolleiflex was introduced by Franke & Heidecke in 1929. The first model, later known as the Rolleiflex Original, quickly earned a reputation as one of the most respected camera lines in the world of photography, especially among professional photographers.<\/p>\n

<\/a>As the company\u2019s first Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) model, the Rolleiflex Original featured two lenses\u2014one for capturing the image and another for viewing and focusing. While it wasn\u2019t the first twin-lens reflex camera, it played a pivotal role in popularizing the TLR design. Photographers would compose their shots by looking down into a waist-level viewfinder, offering a unique shooting experience. Combined with the square 6×6 cm format and exceptional lens quality, the Rolleiflex Original quickly set itself apart from other cameras of the time.<\/p>\n

The Rolleiflex soon became synonymous with craftsmanship and innovation, marking the beginning of a successful line of TLR cameras that remained in production until 2014.<\/p>\n

Born from a passion for pairing top-tier optics with the art of photography, the Rolleiflex Original stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of camera design and imaging technology. While it may not be as collectible as later models like the Rolleiflex 2.8, the Original holds a special place as the pioneering camera that inspired nearly a century of similar designs, laying the foundation for the enduring Rolleiflex legacy.<\/p>\n

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Rolleiflex Original<\/h4>\n

Manufacturer:<\/strong> Franke & Heidecke
Production:<\/strong> 1928-32
Type:<\/strong> Twin Lens Reflex
Media:<\/strong> Kodak 122 Autographic Roll Film – can be converted to 120
Lens:<\/strong> Zeiss Tessar 1:4.5\/7.5 cm
Focus:<\/strong> TLR
Accessories:<\/strong> 28.5 mm push-on filters, shutter release cable<\/p>\n

Collectability:<\/strong>

Rolleiflex Original<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

On a scale of 1 to 100, the Rolleiflex Original scores close to 90 for collectibility. As the first model in a lineage of cameras renowned for their quality, it has firmly cemented its place in photographic history. The Rolleiflex remains a classic among collectors, its iconic status and exceptional performance continuing to inspire both vintage camera enthusiasts and contemporary photographers alike. Today, well-preserved examples of the Rolleiflex Original can fetch high prices, further reflecting its lasting appeal and timeless reputation.<\/div><\/div>\n

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Photographer: John Baltz<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n

John is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years in photography. A native to Northwest Arkansas, John\u2019s first interest in photography began with collecting cameras as a child from antique markets around town. Later, John received a degree in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas. It is his strong knowledge in digital photography, along with a love for the the history of photography that provides for a unique sense of creativity driving many of his projects.
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Other Classic Cameras<\/h4>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t