Please start with the "Short-cut to the First Exposure". Only two pages, but they will tell you in rapid fashion all you need to know.

The handling of the model 2.8 F shown here and of the 3.5 F (which is identical in all constructional features) is then explained once more in detail, step by step. The first part covers its everyday use: it contains the standard rules for picture-taking; thanks to Rollei's automatic principle, these are simpler than ever before. The second part deals with the additional features of the camera, useful from time- to time to master special photographic problems.

The aim of this booklet is to facilitate getting quick information on all necessary details and also to help you to take full advantage of the great capabilities of your Rolleiflex.

ROLLEI-WERKE FRANKE & HEIDECKE

I. The Rollei In Everyday Use

Page

Short-cut to the First Exposure 4 - 5

Ever-ready Case 6

Lens Cap 7

Neck Strap 7

Loading the Camera 8 - 10

Focusing for Sharpness 11

Setting the Exposure 12 - 13

Selecting the Shutter Speed 14 - 15

Depth-of-Field 1 6 - 1 7

Releasing Shutter 18

Film Transport 19

Shutter Tensioning 19

Unloading the Camera 20

Care of the Camera 21

II. Special Applications

Page

Sports Finder 22

Self-timer 23

Tripod 23

Flash Shots 24 - 25

Diaphragm 26

Double Exposures 26

Use of Filters 27

Correct Exposure (Reflected and

Incident Light Measurement) 28 - 29

Adjusting the Exposure Meter 30

Exposure Value 30

Changing the Magnifier 31

Changing the Back 31

Rolleikin 32

Rolleiflex Accessories 33 - 34

Short-cut to the First Exposure

(I) DIN—ASA Setting

Immediately after loading the camera: gently press knurled knob and set to the DIN or ASA value of the film used in camera—important for getting correct exposure.

Set filter scale to zero ( --> page 27).

(2) Focusing

Raise rear edge of focusing hood.

Composition and sharpness can now be examined on the focusing screen; turn the focusing knob until principal object appears with maximum sharpness. For more critical observation of the image, raise magnifier by gently pressing the direct view finder panel. Direct view finder ~ page 22.

(3) Pre-selecting Shutter Speed

Turn speed selector wheel, using right thumb, until the desired shutter speed (red figures) appears in the center of the peep window. Selecting Shutter Speed ~ page 14.

Lens Cap

To remove: lift the lower part by the tab at the lower edge and fold it against the upper part; remove cap from the bayonet by turning it counterclockwise (4).

To attach: fit the folded cap into the viewing bayonet and fold down after a short turn (5).

Neck Strap:
To attach: insert the retaining prongs at the ends of the strap into the strap holders ton camera or ever-ready case) and they will immediately snap into position.

To release: press the retaining prongs together and pull strap (6).

The leather loop and snap buttons on the left side of the ever-ready case serve to hold the protective leather cover for the light meter in place. It is necessary to un-snap the lower left button before opening the case, when the meter cover is used.

To open camera: turn the safety back lock clip at the tripod socket (I), lift back lock lever (a) and pull back open.

To adjust film guide plate: press the plate against the back, push it up or down until it stops 0 and let spring forward into the normal plane.

Inserting new film spool: pull out film spool knob of lower spool chamber (4), insert film, right side first, and allow film knob to return to position.

Tear off tape seal.

Thread the beginning of the backing paper C printed side outwards C through the rollers of the film feeler mechanism (5) and push the paper leader into the long slot of the take-up spool (using the crank for correct positioning) (6). Tighten the backing paper by one half turn of the crank, while braking the full spool with the thumb (7).

To close camera: press the back with the palm of the hand, fold down the back lock lever and secure (8).

Focusing for Sharpness

To open the focusing hood: lift rear edge of hood 0 and raise cover. To close: fold in both sides A).

To raise magnifier: press direct viewfinder panel inward, following this simple method: grip upper edge of hood with two fingers, pushing the panel gently inward with the fingertip (a). Always hold magnifier close to the eye.— To close: push magnifier support down Q).

Focusing: Turn the focusing knob until the picture is pin sharp, or until the two halves of the image meet in the Rangefinder Wedge (Center of the view finder).

If you select the shutter speed first:

turn the speed selector wheel kob, until the desired instantaneous shutter speed (red figure) appears In the center of the indicator window, and then adjust the diaphragm opening:

Turn the diaphragm wheel (left), until both exposure meter pointers are lined up — you can always be sure: the exposure will be correct.

This is an easy rule. All you have to do is to watch two pointers. Thus Rollei clearly signals:

The exposure is correct, when both pointers are aligned.

Any sudden change in light intensity — indicated by the moving meter needle — can be noticed instantly and can then be compensated for by the proper pointer adjustment. With the camera ready to shoot, correct exposure is kept under constant control, even up to the actual moment of exposure.

The exposure meter is directly cross-coupled to the speed and stop settings. Adjustment according to the meter automatically sets the depth-of-field indicators well. This facilitates focusing even further. Now you can also pre-select the diaphragm opening, without checking the diaphragm setting,—depending upon whether you prefer a faster shutter speed (A page 14) or a greater depth-of-field (A page 16). The correct speed/stop relationship is positively controlled by the two pointers.

Selecting the Shutter Speed

The red section of the scale denotes instantaneous, shutter timed speeds, in fractions of a second (500 = 1/500th sec., 1 = 1 sec.). Intermediate values between clicks cannot be used therefore: always set shutter so that desired speed figure is in the middle of the indicator window. This rule also applies when pre-selecting depth-of-field. Only after clicking the speed into position can the final adjustment of the exposure meter pointers be made with the diaphragm control wheel. The green section of the scale is for time exposures only and indicates the required exposure time in full seconds. It is used only when unfavorable lighting conditions require greater exposure, while at the same time further stopping down in order to gain depth-of-field. After lining up the exposure meter pointers, the green numbers indicate, in full seconds, the time the shutter has to be kept open (A time exposures, page 18). Intermediate values can be used in the green shutter speed section.

What Shutter Speed?

Selecting a sufficiently short shutter speed is an important factor in getting a sharp picture.

First rule: in hand-held shots, use fast speeds to avoid camera movement. The longest permissible shutter speed is 1/30 sec. Safer and most widely used: 1/60 and 1/125 sec.

Second rule: In scenes involving motion, the faster the objects move, the shorter the exposure has to be, to prevent a blurred picture.

As a guide: sport scenes 1/500, running children 1/250, quick marching pedestrians 1/125, people walking leisurely 1/60 or—from some distance—1/30. To eliminate the possibility of blurred scenes, remember this. general rule: the danger of subject movement is greatly reduced by increasing the taking distance and shooting as nearly in line with the direction of motion as possible, in other wards, rather from the front than from the side.

What About Depth-of-Field?

A sharp focusing screen image indicates that the camera is focused correctly on the main subject.

But both before and behind the plane of sharp focus there is always a sufficiently sharp zone. The range of this "depth-of-field" is shown by a white band on the focusing knob: the length of the white band indicates on the distance scale the depth-of-field available.

The indicator band changes when the diaphragm selector wheel is turned, permitting a quick and direct coordination of shutter speed and depth of field. The faster the film, the easier is it to take care of special needs calling for short shutter speeds and great depth-of-field.

The zone of definition does not break off abruptly, but gradually changes to unsharpness. Therefore it is difficult to define the exact limits of the depth-of-field. Maximum definition always prevails at the focusing distance.

When Does One Need Depth -of- Field ?

Extended depth-of-field becomes very helpful when taking surprise snapshots sport scenes with constantly changing subject distance and subjects with extended depth.

Snapshots with the camera pre-focused to the anticipated distance: work with extended depth-of-field to compensate for changes in the focusing distance. (Sports Finder page 22.)

Landscapes with foreground: to extend the depth-of-field as far as possible into the foreground, do not set the camera to 00, but turn the focusing knob until the no mark is opposite the end of the indicator band.

Subjects with great depth: focus separately on the nearest and farthest point bracketing the subject. Turn the focusing knob so that the white band reaches both distance figures. If necessary, extend depth by turning selecting wheel.

Up to the moment of exposure all camera settings are kept under perfect control: sharpness, framing, exposure, shutter speed and depth-of-field. They can be readjusted instantly if the subject so requires.

To unlock shutter release: move release guard from locked Id, to lower unlocked (I) position.

Snapshot Exposure (1/500 - 1 sec.): press shutter release gently, selected speed goes off automatically.

Time Exposure (" B", over 1 sec.): press shutter release and hold for required time. Shutter will close when you let go.

Long Time Exposures ("B"): press release and lock with safety guard Terminate exposure by releasing lock. (Caution: Do not shake camera! Shield the lens with your hand when opening and closing the shutter.)

Cable Release: insert in cable release socket with safety guard locked.

Film Transport and Shutter Tensioning]\

After each shot: swing out crank, turn it forward with one continuous swing, until it stops and then again to stop.

The shutter is now automatically wound. The crank will turn only after releasing shutter. Double exposures or blank frames are positively eliminated. If the crank can be turned, it must be turned—forward and back to lock. Only if it is locked the camera is ready to shoot. (Exception: double exposures, ~ page 26.)

The crank need not be folded down after each shot when shooting in rapid sequence.

When using the Rolleikin: the film transport for the 35 mm film is accomplished in exactly the same manner as above.

When using the Plate Adapter: turning the crank by one half turn will suffice to wind the shutter.

Unloading the Camera

After the 12th or 24th* exposure the film is finished: the crank is no longer locked and can be turned freely again.

To remove the film: roll up remaining backing paper with three full revolutions. Open back in subdued light. Pull out upper spool knob and remove film from the left. Fold backing paper (for convenient tearing when developing) and fasten down with sticker. Keep the exposed film away from light and return it to original packing.

To transfer the empty spool: pull out lower film spool knob and lift the empty spool out of the lower spool chamber. Insert the spool into upper spool chamber, fitting the slotted end over the winding key on the right side.

Load the camera with a fresh roll of film avoiding direct sunlight. Use your own body's shadow for protection.

*with 24 exposure set

Using the Sports Finder

Sport scenes and fast moving objects can be framed more conveniently through the direct view finder. Only a slight raising or lowering of the camera is needed to alternate between observing the center portion of the focusing screen (to control sharpness) and the full open view in the direct finder.

To open sports tinder: press panel inward all the way (1). To close: tap both sides of the hood gently (2) Always use the direct view finder close to the eye, looking directly at the subject without tilting the camera. 

Exposures with Self-timer

If you photograph a group of people or take a remembrance snapshot and you also want to appear in the picture, wind the self-timer before releasing the shutter. When pressing the shutter release, the shutter will open for the previously selected exposure time after a delay of approximately 10 seconds.

The self-timer can be used with all instantaneous speeds 1/500 - 1 sec. (red section of speed scale) and also for flash shots with the ,l contact setting. It operates only when the shutter is wound.

To operate self-timer: wind the shutter (film transport), move self-timer tensioning lever 0 in the direction of the arrow until it stops. Release shutter as usual.

Shutter and self-timer may be left tensioned even when camera is not in use—spring strength will not deteriorate.

Tripod Pictures

Length of tripod's screw must not exceed the normal 3/16" (4.5 mm)—if necessary, use a spacer of proper thickness. A reducing bushing is available for use with English thread (1/4"). More practical: the "Rolleifix" for instant mounting of camera to tripod.

Flash Shots

Modern flash technique permits taking snapshots even under lighting conditions which do not allow instantaneous exposures with a hand-held camera.

The Synchro-Compur shutter is fully synchronized. It fires high-speed electronic flashes as well as the slower flash bulbs at exactly the right moment to permit the fastest shutter speeds in both cases with the appropriate synchronizing setting.

Connecting the flash cord: insert the plug into the flash connector socket on the camera. When disconnecting flash cord: swing locking lever at the socket downward and pull out plug.

Setting the contact to (X-contact) or (M-contact): pull out the small knurled knob and swing synchro lever of the desired position.

The X-setting (for normal use) utilizes the full light output of the flash with the prescribed shutter speed and can also be used for shots with the self-timer. The M-setting is for flash bulbs only and synchronizes the fastest speeds, up to the top speed.

The correct exposure depends on the light output of the flash and the distance between flash and subject. Therefore, it cannot be determined with an exposure meter. Exact data regarding choice of proper contact, exposure time and diaphragm may be gathered from the instructions furnished by the lamp manufacturers.

Adjusting the exposure (as per instructions supplied by the flash manufacturer): Using peep window, select shutter speed first, then set diaphragm opening (A page 26). The exposure meter pointers are disregarded completely.

Diaphragm

In practical use, observation of the diaphragm is necessary only when shooting without measuring the exposure (flash shots, dim light, night exposures).

Higher number diaphragm figures indicate smaller openings and increased depth-of field (A page 16), but closing down to each succeeding stop cuts the light passing through exactly in half, requiring double the exposure of the preceding stop.

The correct diaphragm opening is indicated in the center of the peep window. Intermediate values can be used (f/3.5 is a midpoint stop between f/2.8 and f/4 in the international diaphragm scale).

To permit the use of the entire diaphragm range when taking manually controlled time exposures (over 1 sec.), keep the shutter speed scale set to the value "2" of the green section of the scale.

Use of Filters

Filters absorb light and therefore usually require a prolonged exposure. The necessary correction for each filter is indicated by the filter compensating number (A page 33) and is automatically taken care of when measuring the exposure by means of the filter compensating scale.

Adjusting the filter scale: turn the indicator knob until the corresponding compensating number of the filter used is opposite the reference mark. Adjust the exposure meter pointers as usual.

When removing the filter: return filter scale to zero!

In special cases (flash, high filter compensating numbers over—3) the filter is compensated for by decreasing the film speed by 3 DIN for each full value.

Three Ways to Correct Exposure

With the Rolleiflex, even difficult light conditions are no problem as long as you keep the following in mind:

Is there a great contrast in illumination between the main subject and the rest of the picture area? The choice of the proper measuring method depends on the correct answer to this question.

Normal object measurement

covers the average case: this is an evenly illuminated subject, with front lighting or the light partially from the side, well balanced differences in light and shade and no heavy shadows. (When shooting color, only front lighting will produce the most saturated colors.)

Incident light measurement (with diffuser)

This method gives a correct reading in those special cases of high-contrast subjects, where detail measurement cannot be achieved. Main uses: against-the-sun shots, objects with brilliant background (snow, water, beach) and close-ups of small objects with contrasty background. To get correct reading, point camera in opposite direction to measure the illumination received by the subject. Place diffuser in position over holding knobs on the photo cell and aim towards the light falling on the subject from the direction of the intended camera position

Incident light measurements are taken at the subject or at a position identically illuminated. The reading corresponds to an average subject brightness. According to whether the important part of the scene is darker or brighter than the average, the diaphragm should be opened or closed by 1/2 stop.

Re-adjusting the Exposure Meter

When the photo cell is completely covered, the indicator needle should be in zero position, pointing to the red reference line (a). If it is off this position, perhaps due to prolonged and heavy shaking, the meter can be re-adjusted as follows:

Loosen both screws on the front of the meter (I), until it can be removed from the focusing knob.

Turn adjusting screw on back of instrument (a) until meter needle points to the red reference mark 0.

IMPORTANT: Before re-inserting instrument: first set camera to DIN/ASA value 12, filter factor 0, shutter speed 1/500th sec. and diaphragm f:22, then insert exposure meter and tighten screws.

Table of Exposure Values

In case you are interested in knowing which exposure value corresponds to a given speed/stop combination, the table on the camera back provides this information: determine diaphragm and shutter speed the camera is set to and the exposure value will be found where the respective diaphragm and speed columns cross; for example: for f :5.6 and 1/30th sec. the exposure value 10.

Changing Magnifier to correct for Faulty Vision

For critical focusing without glasses, interchangeable magnifiers within the range from + 3 to -3 diopters are available. (Specify prescription for glasses.) If you want to change the magnifiers yourself:

Upper Magnifier: with the direct view finder open, grasp lens from above and below, pull it back and then lift it up and out (a). To insert: push magnifier forward against retaining spring and let snap into place. For convenient cleaning: fold down magnifier with the direct view finder open.

Rear Magnifiers: remove and open focusing hood (A page 32). Use both thumbs to grasp, from the inside of the rear wall, the two retaining clips on either side of the rear peep window and pull back retaining lever 0. After changing magnifier, push retaining spring forward until it snaps into place Clean magnifier with soft cloth.

Exchanging the Back:  (to use the plate adapter)

To exchange camera back: open back fully, turn the safety latch below the right back hinge in the same direction 6) and remove back. To attach: with the safety latch in upper position, insert back first into the left, then into the right back hinge and close.

Using the Rolleikin

Inserting the Rolleikin Focusing Screen Mask:

To remove the hood: press the spring catches on either side of the hood and slide hood towards rear (1).—To replace: press hood down on track and slide forward until it locks.

To lift the focusing screen: take hold of the two sides of the frame, pull backwards slightly and lift (2) Close by pushing downward.

Inserting the focusing screen mask: drop into place so that the notch and punched holes fit over the studs provided (3). The Rolleikin mask is now coupled to the automatic parallax correction of the camera.

Adjusting the film pressure plate ( --> page 9): slide plate downward until inscription 1 x 1 1/2" (24 x 36 mm) is visible.

Adjusting the ever-ready case to the larger diameter of the Rolleikin counter knob: remove leather insert at the left side after bending the metal retaining clips upward.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Rolleikin instruction sheet.