Cameras/Rolleiflex
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Question
I was given a Rolleiflex a few years ago and am looking to get an sense of how much it's worth. It seems to be in great shape even though I have not used it. Serial Number: 1464329. Other identifiers: Top lens says: Heidosmat 1:2.8/75; Bottom: Tessar 1:3.5 f=75mm Carl Zeiss Nr 1334324. I also have various accessories including additions lens etc.
Hello Hakeem,
That is most likely a Rolleiflex Automat (the last version of this series, with MX flash synchronization and EVS exposure setting), a traditional medium format twin-lens-reflex camera, made by Franke & Heidecke of Germany around 1954, for 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch exposures on #120 roll film. It's a fairly common model, with over 70,000 produced, but remains popular as a usable studio portrait camera as well as a classic collectible item. A truly excellent example in fully functional condition should sell for around $150-$175 today. Rolleiflex accessories can add much value. If you'd like me to look at them for you, forward this message and send a few small (emphasis on small!) pictures to me at the e-mail address below. Sometimes the Rollei accessories are worth more than the Rollei camera!
Best wishes,
David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization
silver@photographyhistory.com
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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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