Rolleicord Ia Model 3 - Model K3 - 531

Rolleicord cameras are Rollei´s Amateur Versions of the world famous Rolleiflex cameras. Tough slightly different product details these classic TLR even nowadays wow Photographers from beginner to professional.

Recently I got hold of a precious camera old timer. I couldn´t believe my eyes when I saw a Rolleicord dangling from a friends neck at a costume party.(He was dressed as a 40ies Photo Journalist) After a quick function check it wasn´t too difficult to convince him that this piece of precision work could be used for better things than as a costume accessory!

Back at home I did a little research to find out more about this classic TLR camera. Rolleicord cameras are much alike Rolleiflex ones but unlike Rolleiflex Models they were made for hobby photographers. They have different lenses and no crank to advance the film. Yet they are one of the best cameras of their time. Just like Lomography's Lubitel+ it has a scale on the back helping the Photographer out with exposure charts.

The model I got hold of is a Rolleicord Ia Model 3 – Model K3 – 531. It was built from February 1938 to October 1947. All together 12,150 pieces were produced. The taking Lens of that Model is a Zeiss Triotar 4,5/75mm with screw mount filter. A Heidosmat Anastigmat 4/75mm with screw mount filter is used as Finder Lens. It´s using a Compur C00 Shutter enabling 1 – 1/300 sec exposures. Regularly the camera takes normal 120 film but there is also a 35mm adapter called “Rolleikin I” besides a sheet film adapter. With it´s measurements of 9.3×9.5×13.5cm it´s a pretty handy camera for an oldtimer. Its 730 grams feel really solid in your hands – still it´s not too heavy to become a loved and trusted co-traveler.

Find out more about your Rollei Camera at the rolleiclub homepage

written by somapic on 2009-03-28 #gear #rollei #review #rolleicord #somapic #kodak-epp-100 #rolleicord-ia-model-3-model-k3-531