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Cameras/Rolleiflex Camera & attachments

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Expert: - 12/11/2008


Question
We are interested in selling my dad's old Rollieflex camera.  I have the camera in the original leather case, the booklet that came with the camera and another booklet that he must have purchased when he bought the camera.  The stitching on the leather case is drying out and coming apart, but it's still usable.  The #'s on the camera are DBP 1290765 DBGM.  He also had an exposure meter which is still in original leather case and in the box it came in and a Brownie flash holder (which used to practically blind us when he used it!).  There also a Wollensak lens in it's original box which says APOS 90mm f:4.5 Colorstigmat.  What can you make of this?  My brother and sister and I truly appreciate your help.

Answer



Hello Toni,

From that serial number, you must have a Rolleiflex Automat (type 4, with MX flash synchronization), a classic twin-lens-reflex camera made by Franke & Heidecke of Germany from 1951 to 1954, for 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch exposures on #120 roll film.  It's a very common model, but is still regarded as a desirable studio camera, especially for portrait work.  In excellent condition, it should sell in the $250-$300 range today.

You neglected to tell me what model the meter is, but I'd be willing to bet it's either a Weston or a GE because those were the two best selling meter companies back then.  In general, these have minimal value today, perhaps $20 for a top-of-the-line model in working condition.  The Brownie flash is basically worthless.

The Wollensak lens is a puzzle because it has no relationship to the Rolleiflex at all.  It's a good lens, but it should be attached to a specific medium format camera!  If you can send a picture of the lens to me at <silver@well.com> I can look at it for you, and possibly figure out what it came from.  Value depends on that connection.

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:

http://www.photographyhistory.com


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