Rolleicord Model V

The Rolleicord is a medium-format twin lens reflex camera made by Franke & Heidecke (Rollei) between 1933 and 1976. It was a simpler, less expensive version of the high-end Rolleiflex TLR, aimed at amateur photographers who wanted a high-quality camera but could not afford the expensive Rolleiflex. Several models of Rolleicord were made; the later models generally had more advanced features and tend to be valued higher in today's market.

History

The first Rolleicord, introduced in November 1933, was the Rolleicord I. This camera was a simplified version of the Standard Rolleiflex, with a cheaper 75mm Zeiss ''Triotar'' lens and a simplified film advance mechanism using a knob instead of the crank found on the Rolleiflex. The Rolleicord I was available either with a plain leatherette covering or elaborately patterned metal faceplates. The latter variant is referred to as the "Art Deco" Rolleicord.

The models that have the letters DRP on the left and to the right DRGM on the front of the camera means that they were made before World War II, because DRP means 'Deutsches Reichspatent' (German Reich patent) and DRGM means 'Deutsches Reichs-Gebrauchsmuster' (roughly equivalent to a design copyright). In post WW2 models you will find DBP and DBGM. They switched from "Reichs" to "Bundes" (German Federal Patent).

Later models incorporated improved designs for the taking lens, a 4-element Schneider Kreuznach ''Xenar'', which also appeared on the Rolleiflex cameras. However, while the Rolleiflex was also available with an lens, the Rolleicord was never offered with a larger aperture than , thus ensuring its pedigree as an "amateur" camera.

In the early 1960s, Rollei introduced the ''magic'' line, which added a light meter and autoexposure capability to the Rolleicord line.

An accessory, known as a Rolleikin kit, was available for the Rolleicord and the Rolleiflex, which allowed those cameras to accept 135 film (35 mm).

List of models

File:Rolleicord I type2-Kaihei01.jpg, I ("leatherette")
File:Rolleicord sst.jpg, II (Model 1)
File:Rolleicord-01.jpg, IIc (Model 4)
File:Rolleicord type4.jpg, IV
Image:Rolleicord Model V.jpg, V, 1955
File:Rollei magic (I) (2354347775).jpg, ''magic'' I

Viewfinder lenses were of Heidoskop, Heidoscop or Heidosmat type, whereas various Carl Zeiss Jena ''Triotar'' or Schneider ''Xenar'' lenses were used as taking lenses. Post-war ''Rolleicord'' cameras generally are equipped with faster shutter speeds and electronic flash synchronization (X-sync).

Estimated market desirability

A Vb model with a serial number beginning with 2 or 3 is slightly more valuable in most cases depending on condition first and foremost.

References

External links

International Rolleiclub website with details on all Rollei modelsRolleiflex/Rolleicord Repair Shops and Related Services World Wide
by Ferdi Stutterheim

{{Rollei

German cameras
Rollei TLR cameras
Rollei brands
120 film cameras