The New Rollei Club

[rolleiclubleader]

Welcome to the all New Rollei Club

Many visitors may have seen the old Rollei Club pages before. Unfortunately that website 'died' with the disappearance of the owner/webmaster of those pages Dr. Mark Meijer. Now more than a year ago. If you can provide serious and reliable information about his faith and or whereabouts please let me know.
You are not encouraged though to start new discussions about his ceased business activities. Given the extremely high positive feedback on his Ebay pages untill his activities stopped so suddenly we have to assume something tragic happened to him.

The NEW Rollei Club is a voluntary continuation of dr. Mark Meijer's work. It will be again the most comprehensive Rollei Camera & History website on the web. Over time the site will grow and many new features will be added .
This forum may be the first example of the high quality I intend to present.

Since I am a sole operator and have to make a humble living out of photography and web design I ask you for patience and occasionally some support.

For now : Let me know your whishes for the NEW Rollei Club Pages and bookmark the site, come back often !
Best Regards;
Jaap Roskam

[rich815]

Thanks for bringing this back to life Jaap. I hope it thrives!

Regards,

Richard
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[Lordcroker]

Hi Jaap.
It's great to see some new Rollei content on the web! A lot other Rollei sites have either now vanished or not been updated in years. Given the huge worldwide interest that there is out there in Rollei's (list a Mint, boxed Rolleifix on ebay to see what I mean) I am surprised that a forum like this doesn't already exist.
A forum like this is a great way for Rollei owners from all over the world to meet, share experience, tips, photo's or just to discuss those strange looking old cameras that we love so much!

Theres a lot of Rolleiflex sites out there which have neat aspects to them, but as I mentioned before have often not been maintained or updated for quite a while. It would be really great if all of these enthusiasts with their little gems of information and site content could be incorporated into this site, to truly make this the one-stop-shop site for the Rollei fan.

If I can be of any help then count me in! I have a modest collection of Rolleiflex literature (manuals and brochures) from the '30's through to the 70's that I'd be willing to scan should you wish to incorporate a literature section at any time. I'm sure there are other hoarders of paperwork out there that would be willing to add what they have to the database, but I'm not sure about copyright issues though?

Anyway good luck with the site, it deserves to do well!

James
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Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.? Edward Weston

[rolleiclubleader]

Thanks James,
Your words encourage me and certainly many others to make this a REAL INTERNATIONAL Rollei Club. I hope my 30 years of professional experiences with the Rollei system , my reasonable webdesign capablities and my love for the Rollei Cameras in general may all accumulate into that one stop for Rollei on the web.
Knowledgable support into Rollei history with regards to all aspects, from brochures to manuals and from factory and dealer collections to that singe privately owned gem, any relevant information is welcome ! It may very well be that it becomes to big for one man , so your offer is greatly appreciated. Who follows?
Jaap

[nifeng]

Hi Jaap,

Glad to see it back.
What happened with the original product sheet and database for Rollei. We always use those infor for reference. Could it be found back?

B.rgds./nifeng

[rolleiclubleader]

I am still in the process of simultanuously reorganizing all data AND redisigning the website. It will be an entirely new design with many more features as the old site. The data from the old site how-ever should return as it was : very comprehensive. Please be patient: Recollection of all the data from the old site is like putting a book together that was ripped apart in a storm where many pagenumbers got lost in the rain. A bit of a huge puzzle;-)

[Marco]

Hi Jaap,

If you need the old site I have bought the cd some years ago and I have also downloaded the site on my pc just let me know if you want I can send you a copy by mail or e-mail.
Good luck

Marco

[rolleiclubleader]

Hello Marco
Thanks so much for the offer. I was able to download probably all the contents of the old site(s) from a "historic" webarchive, but it iss a very scattered archive and I am still in the process of putting it all together. So your offer is more than welcome. On the other hand: I will give the site a complete re-design and only use the 'old' site structure as a basis to start from. Besides of that I bought a set of 3 CD's from Mike Kovacs in Canada they will be in my mail any day now I hope. Possibly your offfer is a duplicate of those but just as well an addittion So yes by all means if you do not mind ....?

jaap

[Marco]

I Jaap,

When I buy the cd set was only made of 2 cd
BTW if you are interested if you drop in my email your address I will put the 2 cd set on a dvd and ship it.

Marco

[jerevan]

Good to see that someone finally took up the task of returning this great and detailed information to the internet again. The old site was a very good source of reference for identifying the different Rolleis.

I look forward to the day when it is up and running again.

[NikolaySmirnov]

Hi, Jaap!
Thank you for awaking the interesting site, I'm very appreciate for your efforts and looking forward for Rollei related info :)

Goog luck

Nikolay

[georges h]

:grin: Hi all, I'm very happy to find this " clubhouse " , and this enthusiasts.
Regards.
_________________
Best Regards, georges h

[mikedk]

I get my old Rolleiflex T out of its case for a dusting-down and exercise, and make a decision to get back into medium format b&w, after some years of courting 'digital'. Don't get me wrong, digital is fine for purpose and along with my 35mm OM's will continue to have a place in my photographic life, but then, there's the experience of handling and using a piece of kit as old as I am (but in much better condition!), where I can ponder and walk back and forward instead of zooming and think about filters and tones, and developing, and, and. Well, many of you will know what I mean. Then I do a Google search for the old Rollei site and come across this forum.
Jaap, I wish you and your venture success and trust that it will serve to give the Rollei enthusiast a new dimension to his or her hobby or profession. I hope that I will be able to contribute in some small way.

Michael.

[Bengt Fred?©n]

Hi all,

When searching for information on Rolleicord cameras, I more or less 'stumbled' onto the doorstep of this very pleasant Forum. It didn´t take me more than a minute to decide to register. I have been an admirer and user of all things Rollei for about 35 years now. It all began in 1970 when my father loaned me his precious Rolleicord IV so I could try it out on a summer vacation with a friend. After this first venture into '6x6-land', photography was for me a new-born thing.
I had hitherto used a very nice new Pentax Spotmatic 24x36mm camera for a couple of years but I sold it and started saving money for a really good 6x6.
I was totally blown away with the quality and tonal range of the larger negatives and the almost grain-free black & white prints, which I made in the school´s darkroom. I set my aim very high and a year later, with extra money earned from summer jobs, I bought a Hasselblad 500 C/M with a wide-angle lens. Once more, I was impressed with the amazing quality offered by the larger format. However, I rather quickly discovered that the 'Hassie' wasn´t as light and portable as the handy Rolleicord. So, I occasionally asked my father if I could borrow his fine camera and he always had a rather perplexed look since he knew that I had the new exclusive Hasselblad (a camera which he never had dreamed of buying).
On top of this, I also rather quickly discovered that there is something special with the Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 1:3,5/75mm lens - it¬¥s 75mm angle of view gives a better 'prescence' in the scene and a slightly better depth of field than a Planar 80mm on the 'blad. While being exceptionally sharp, it is also a slightly soft and 'tonal' lens to work with - a feature which I found very attractive for landscape and nature photography. Much like an artist chooses his brushes for different textures, I could choose the 'softer brush' of the Rolleicord. To me, this lens 'sings' like no other. In later years, I have found that the Voigtl?§nder 1:4,5 Heliar lens has almost the same quality. The shadows made with the Xenar seemed to be more textured and rich compared to the contrasty reproduction-quality Zeiss lenses. I used both cameras for some time.

Then I realized that I needed a Rolleicord of my own, too - I couldn´t rely on my father´s camera anymore. So I had the good fortune of finding a 'mint' Rolleicord IV, made in 1953, exactly like my father´s camera (which also, by the way, is the year I was born). The following summers, I travelled Europe by train with my school mates, on the InterRail ticket - a cheap way to experience all of Europe, east and west. In 1973, I also bought a new Leica M4 camera, with 35 and 90mm lenses for travel photography on Kodachrome II colour film. But I also brought the trusty (never fails) and portable Rolleicord IV for the black & white shots.
Today, 30 years later, I´m very glad I did - those large, sharp negatives I have from all corners of Europe are priceless to me now.

Much has happened since then. In 1973, I graduated from high school having devoted my final graduation project solely to black & white documentary of a large piece of beautiful land destined to be ruined for a project of new housing, close to Stockholm. I made a large book, with text which I wrote, intertwined with black & white Rolleicord pictures and pencil and ink drawings. It was very well received with the highest grade and this inspired me to try to find work where I could use my skills in sketching, drawing and photography.

I got a job as an Art Diector´s assistant at an advertising acency in Stockholm. Working closely for the first time with some of the best advertising photographers in Stockholm at the time, I used much of my salary to expand the Hasselblad and Leica systems and try new areas of photography. After a couple of years, I resigned the good job with the steady (and rather high) income that I had and applied for a place as a first photographer´s assistant with the leading advertising photographer in Stockholm in the mid 70s, Arne Nilson. Once more, I had to start the mornings making coffe and sweep floors but I also learned very much of advanced lighting for both photography and film production and got to meet the most influential people.
Years later together with a good friend, after a period as a museum photographer in Uppsala, I started my own studio. Here, with the added qualities of the view cameras, I worked for twenty years servicing many advertising agencies in the Stockholm area with travel pictures, industrial photography, architecture, all kinds of table-tops, food pictures for books, people, etc, etc.

Somewhere on the way, in a hasty decision, I sold my Rolleicord.
About five years ago, I had to give up my career due to a muscular illness. At the same time, my father died - I grieved my lost friend, inspirator and mentor very much. However, I found some consolation in the fact that I discovered that I had inherited his beloved Rolleicord IV - a camera that he had used for most of his grown-up life, documenting his and my mother´s travels and the raising of his two kids -many wonderful photographs, mostly taken when he had some free time, on family holidays, journeys and vacations.

Quite recently, I have bought a new, 'mint'-condition brown leather casing for the camera - the old one is in bits and pieces after fifty years of use and will have to be restored. I have bought a special thread and curved leather needles for the job. I will also let it have a much-needed lubrication - the shutter has started to jam at the lower end after lying unused for a number of years. After this, I expect it will be as new again.
I will not make the same mistake again now - this Rolleicord stays within the family. Altough I have a store-ful of much more expensive cameras in all kinds of formats from Minox up to 8x10", this simple, straightforward camera is my most valuable 'gem'.
I will teach my oldest daughter (now 15) how to use it in every way and when I go, it will be hers.
Rolleis never grow old.

Sorry for the 'essay' - I just had to share this.
Best regards and good luck with this new Forum!

Bengt Fred?©n, photographer,
Stockholm, Sweden.

PS: I am also the proud owner of two German Rollei 35 cameras (one chrome and one rare black model) and accessories. And, I have just bought my first Rolleiflex, a 4x4 Rolleiflex 'Baby' on eBay. I look forward very much to take some pictures on 127 film with it´s 60mm Schneider Xenar soon.

[mikedk]

Hi Bengt,

Firstly, I'm not patronising but your English is exceptionally good. Secondly, I wonder how many genuine Rollei fans (and I'm sure I can count every member of this forum a genuine Rollei fan) can relate very closely to your life's experiences with the Rollei, and your aspirations. I certainly can, and I'm sure I'm not alone, not by a long shot. :)

Michael.

[Bengt Fred?©n]

Michael,

Thank you very much for the kind words - I appreciate it.
I hope that many members can relate to my experiences with the Rolleicord and to my appreciation for the fine Francke & Heidecke products.

Cheers,
Bengt

[rolleiclubleader]

Hi Bengt
What a great story you shared with this RolleiClub. It is this and so many more that inspire me to make this website simply the very best Rollei site on the web.
What really struck me are the many paralels in your life and mine. Age, Pentax Spotmatic, Interrail early 70's ( in 1974 I even went to ... Stockholm), RolleCord, work for a photographer, own studio, passing away of a parent ... most likely to young .
Al I can say from far away yet so close Australia : Welcome Mate !!
Jaap Roskam

[engbobs]

Jaap thank you a great deal for reinstituting this site. The original site was so helpful and I am sure this will be as well or better. Elsewhere in this site I have noted my early connection with Rollei cameras. My father started me in photography, I still have one of his cameras a treasure I will always keep. Work and business travel disrupted my photography, but now being retired I have plunged into it again and have gathered a few Rolleis which I use frequently. As long as I am able I will work in the traditional form of photography and this forum will be a great help in my continued efforts. Thank you again for your efforts and if I can provide useful information please let me know.

[Bengt Fred?©n]

Cheers, mate,

Thanks for the hearty welcome - I feel at home already.

Thanks also for that new Rollei historical chart - I just found out that the Rolleicord that I inherited from my father isn´t a IV model from 1953 at all as I have always believed ( I feel like a complete 'drongo'), it´s a V model from 1954 or later. The bigger focusing knob, double exposure lever and self timer determined this.
I´d like to have the Vb model as well, with the detachable focusing hood and the possibilty to use the 4,5 x 6 cm format with 16 exposures.

How are things down under?
I used to know a very nice guy from Sydney - we once met in the Swiss alps (back in 1989) at the foot of the Matterhorn, which we decided to climb the next day. After that, we kept in touch with letters for a while. I had always wanted to climb this mountain because the beauty of it. I went to Switzerland on my own to do this, and slept in the back of the car on the way down in Germany. When we had succeeded (after quite an 'epic' descent, rapelling down in complete darkness in an electrical thunderstorm), I wrote my 'Sheila' a postcard and told her the good news.
The day after the climb was a happy, sunny day - we celebrated with a couple of good pints in the small town of Zermatt and became really good friends. I took some colour photographs of the climb and the mountain, which hangs on the wall to this very day.

Travelling is very nice - its a wonderful way to get to know new and interesting people, if you have an open mind.
I would really like to visit Australia and New Zealand some day.

Take care,
Bengt :-)

[jerevan]

Nice story, Bengt!

I bought my first Rollei some eight years ago, (actually my first real camera) a Rolleicord Vb in mint condition. Unfortunately, less than a year later, due to empty pockets and no job, I was forced to sell it. I regretted it sorely, but what to do?

Years have passed, but about two months ago, I found another Rolleicord Vb. When I got it, it looked a bit different, having a feet instead of meter DoF scale. I got curious and asked the seller about it, and he replied: "Aah, well, I found this one in a shop in Melbourne and it seemed to call out to me, so I bought it." :)

So now it sits on my desk, having travelled over land and sea to Sweden. It's a small world sometimes. It needs a CLA but my Rolleicord IV does the duties at the moment instead.

[Bengt Fred?©n]

Hello jerevan,

That´s a really nice story, too, about the wandering ways of the Rolleicords.
Whreabouts in Sweden do you live? I live in Sundbyberg, a town just north of Stockholm.

All the best,
Bengt :-)

[jerevan]

Well, Bengt,

at the moment I am living in Link??ping. But when I lived in Stockholm I shared a darkroom on Bastugatan, so I've roamed the streets of the capital with a Rolleicord, too... :lol:

All the best,
J

[Bengt Fred?©n]

Hi jerevan,

Link??ping - what a coincidence. I went there this summer for a couple of days, to be able to vist the Swedish Air Force museum at Malmsl?§tt - my aim was to take a lot of documentary, detail photographs (digital) of the only surviving Swedish ?ñ1 'Tummelisa' trainer biplane for a flying scale model that I am about to start building (any year now . . .). Here¬¥s a photo of it (not mine, though - they are a lot sharper):



I also visited the beautiful open air museum of Old Link??ping, where I visited the historical camera exhibition, where they had these camera beauties:
An early Rolleicord from the 1930s, with the Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar f=4,5/75mm lens:


A Rolleiflex from the 1950s, with the Schneider Xenotar f=3,5/75mm lens:


This camera collection was very interesting with hundreds of different cameras, ranging from the late 19th century to fairly recent 'point-and-shot' ones from the 60s and 70s, for example a Canon DIAL 35. Including also a Leica M3 and a Hasselblad 1000F equipment, with three rare Zeiss lenses.
It´s well worth a visit if you are in the vicinty - I stayed at the modern Youth hostel and hotel in the city centre.

Best,
Bengt :)

[mikedk]

[Toffle]

Just thought I'd say hi and contribute to the traffic here. I'm still madly in love with my 1959 3.5f (which is considerably newer than my 1953 Conn 6M Alto sax... )

I'm looking forward to many photographic adventures in 2009, not the least of which will (hopefully) be Photostock 2009, an annual gathering of analog photographers in Northern Michigan at the end of June. http://www.northlightworkshops.com

Cheers,
Tom

[Edhead2008]

Greetings from lovely Galway. Like many others, I found this site while trawling t'internet looking for info on my newly purchased Rolleiflex T. This is a brilliant resource, fair play to Jaap for maintaining the site.

Cheers,

Eamonn
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[Bill]

I'm not able to get here very often due to my profession but it's nice to have such a website available. Thank you Jaap for making this happen.

Bill