Rolleiflex 2.8 E | High-Speed TLR

Rolleiflex 2.8 E | High-Speed TLR - Good Condition | The Legendary Choice of Professional Photographers

The Rolleiflex 2.8 E is a pinnacle of German precision engineering and a hallmark of the "Golden Age" of twin-lens reflex (TLR) photography. Produced between 1956 and 1959, the 2.8 E was the first model to feature a built-in light meter, offering a streamlined workflow for the professional photojournalists and studio artists who relied on it. This specific model is equipped with a high-performance Schneider Xenotar or Zeiss Planar taking lens, widely considered among the finest medium-format optics ever made. Paired with the bright Heidosmat 75mm f/2.8 viewing lens, the 2.8 E offers an exceptionally clear and crisp focusing experience on the 6x6 ground glass. With its legendary "crank" advance and world-class build quality, this camera remains a definitive tool for those seeking the ultimate 120 film experience.

 

Key Features

• World-class 80mm f/2.8 taking lens (Xenotar or Planar) for unparalleled sharpness and bokeh

• Bright Heidosmat 75mm f/2.8 viewing lens for effortless and precise focusing

• Built-in, uncoupled selenium light meter for accurate exposure readings

• Legendary Synchro-Compur shutter with speeds up to 1/500s and flash synchronization

• Famous "Automat" film loading system for rapid and reliable film handling

• Iconic crank-handle advance that simultaneously winds the film and cocks the shutter

• Large, immersive waist-level viewfinder with integrated pop-up magnifier

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Medium Format Camera

• Film Format: 120 Roll Film (6x6 cm images)

• Viewing Lens: Heidosmat 75mm f/2.8

• Shutter: Synchro-Compur (1s to 1/500s + Bulb)

• Category: Cameras ▸ Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera

• Battery Type: No Battery Required (Mechanical/Selenium Meter)

Specialist Note "The Rolleiflex 2.8 E is often preferred by purists over the later 'F' models because of its simpler, uncoupled meter system which is less prone to mechanical failure. This specific unit (S/N: 1651350) dates from approximately 1956 and represents the very best of Franke & Heidecke’s craftsmanship. The f/2.8 lens provides a depth-of-field and 'pop' that 3.5 models simply cannot replicate. Holding a Rolleiflex is a tactile experience like no other; the weight, the sound of the leaf shutter, and the sheer quality of the 6x6 negative make it a camera that every serious photographer should use at least once."

Condition Report Good condition. The camera body (S/N: 1651350) shows normal signs of professional use, including some minor paint wear on the edges and leatherette consistent with its vintage status. The taking lens is clear with no fungus or haze. The Heidosmat viewing lens (75mm f/2.8) is bright and clear. The shutter fires accurately at all speeds, and the film transport mechanism is smooth. The selenium meter is responsive, though external metering is recommended for critical professional work.

 

What's Included

• Rolleiflex 2.8 E TLR Camera (S/N: 1651350)
  

• Original Brown Leather Ever-Ready Case