Cameras/Value of Rolleiflex TLR Camera
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Question
I am trying to document the value (or lack of value) of a Rolleiflex Ser. #1100483 Compur-Rapid Tessar 1:3.5 f=75mm T Zeiss-Opton Nr 79629 Around the botom of the lens it says Franke & Heidecke Braunschweig
Any help would be appreciated.
Hello Jeff,
According to the serial number, you have a Rolleiflex Automat (this version also called the Autmomat II in Europe), a traditional medium format twin-lens-reflex camera, made by Franke & Heidecke of Germany sometime around 1949-1951, for 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch exposures on #120 roll film. This was a VERY highly regarded camera back then, a camera meant for professionals and advanced amateurs, and, although common and not as desirable as later models, an example in truly excellent condition can still sell in the $150-$175 range today. This type of camera is considered rather archaic now, but you'd be surprised at how many studio photographers keep a Rolleiflex around for portrait work. A superb little machine! Have fun!
Best wishes,
David Silver
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David Silver
Expertise
I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience
I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
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