I am not any kind of Rollei expert, but I have done some research into the cameras, and I own 3 Rolleiflex and have used more. This is where a lot of the confusion comes from for people first learning about Rollei TLRs. A 1969 camera will usually cost more than a 1954 camera, and a 2.8 model will typically cost more than the same era 3.5 model, etc. The cost of a Rolleiflex can vary drastically, but in a general sense the newer the camera and the better the features, the more it will cost.
It is not my intention to misinform, and I apologize if I get some details incorrect. Because of the nature of this article, I may generalize, or I may leave some details out. Couple that with the fact that most Rolleiflex don't actually have any model number on them, and it can get quite confusing.īefore going to far, I just want to point out that this guide is meant as a general introduction to classic Rolleiflex, and is not meant to be a super accurate history of the cameras. Why was one camera selling for $300, and another that looked the same selling for $4000! Rolleiflex were made for nearly a century, and other than the very early models and some special models, they really didn't change in looks for the most part. I know that when I first started looking at Rolleiflex, I couldn't make heads or tails of it. If you aren't real familiar with all the different Rollei TLR models, and have spent a little time looking at them on ebay, you will likely find it rather confusing.