- Rolleicord
The Rolleicord was a popular medium-format
twin lens reflex camera made by Franke & Heidecke (Rollei ) between1934 and1976 . It was a simpler, less expensive version of the high-endRolleiflex 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.The first Rolleicord, introduced in November
1933 , was the Rolleicord I. This camera was a simplified version of the Standard Rolleiflex, with a cheaper 75mmZeiss 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.Later models incorporated improved designs for the taking lens, including the
Carl Zeiss Tessar andSchneider Kreuznach Xenar , both of which appeared on the Rolleiflex. However, while the Rolleiflex was available with an f/2.8 lens, the Rolleicord was never offered with a larger aperture than f/3.5, thus ensuring its pedigree as an "amateur" camera.An accessory, known as a
Rolleikin kit, was available for the Rolleicord to enable it to accept 35mm film.List of models
*Rolleicord I (Art Deco) (
1933 -1936 )
*Rolleicord I (leatherette) (1934 -1936 )
*Rolleicord Ia (1936 -1947 )
*Rolleicord II (1936 -1937 )
*Rolleicord II, type 2 (1937 -1938 )
*Rolleicord II, type 3 (1938 -1939 )
*Rolleicord II, type 4 (1939 -1949 )
*Rolleicord II, type 5 (1947 -1950 )
*Rolleicord II, type 6 (1949 -1950 )
*Rolleicord III (1950 -1953 )
*Rolleicord IV (1953 -1954 )
*Rolleicord V (1954 -1957 )
*Rolleicord Va (1957 -1961 )
*Rolleicord Vb (1962 -1976 )* [http://www.rolleiclub.com More Rolleicord details here] (the International Rolleiclub website with details of every Rolleicord ever made)
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