First-time Rolleiflex buyers frequently ask for advice on internet forums about which Rolleiflex model they should prefer, or which lens would be the best choice. These questions invariably draw a large number of different answers, as well as a lively debate, but there is one interesting fact that emerges from them. Choice does not matter. While some addvise that a Rolleiflex F a with Planar lens is clearly the best choice, as many recommend a different model and a different lens. In short, there is no unanimous or even majority opinion on which model or lens is the best choice. Even owners of pre-war Rolleiflex models with an uncoated Tessar or Xenar lens affirm the excellence of their cameras and claim complete satisfaction with them.
One is left with the strong impression from these comments that choice of Rolleiflex model or lens does not really matter in terms of photographic performance or owner satisfaction. So long as the camera is working as it should, any model or lens is likely to leave the new owner feeling very satisfied with his or her purchase. This is a testament to the quality of Rolleiflex cameras, of course, but it also suggests that most of the comparisons between different Rolleiflex models and lenses, which at times has been both technical and intense, misses the more fundamental point that Rolleiflex owners are invariably delighted with their cameras no matter which model or lens they possess.
Eddie Vaughan