Recently serviced Rolleiflex 2.8 GX twin-lens reflex camera for medium format film. Camera body serial number is 0012847; taking lens serial number is 8115757. Currently installed with Pro Super Bright screen from Magicflex Camera (90-degree split-prism and surrounding super-fine matte ring, along with grid lines), although original Rolleiflex screen (similar specification, but noticeably dimmer) will also be included, along with original plastic lens cap and metal soft-release button, unbranded fabric-and-leather neck strap, and new battery.

Cosmetic: Excellent

All the surfaces of the camera are remarkably clean for its age, with surprisingly few scuffs or scratches to the metalwork or the leatherette. The only notable degradation is a few small patches where part of the black lacquer has chipped or flaked away from some of the metalwork – see the film tab holder on the back of the camera and around the edges of the front of the body (not the lens board, but the front of the main housing from which it protrudes).

Functional: Excellent

All the functions of the camera operate perfectly, as though it were brand new, with one minor exception – see below. The aperture wheel is reassuringly firm with positive clicks at each full and half stop throughout its range (from f/2.8 to f/22), and the five blades respond appropriately at all settings. The shutter wheel is similarly firm and clicks reassuringly into position at each full stop (speeds range from 1/500 up to 1”, plus B); when fired, the five leaves of the Synchro-Compur shutter, which are perfectly clean and free from oil or any other contaminant, respond instantaneously, and every speed sounds impeccably timed. The focusing knob glides smoothly throughout its range, and the corresponding extension of the lens board is well-damped. The winding action is robust and advances the film with even spacing between the frames, consistently cocking the shutter during its return journey, and the frame counter does its job accordingly. The shutter button operates smoothly, although there is a little resistance at the point when it is half-depressed and the metering circuit engages (standard behaviour on both this model and its younger sibling, the FX); the locking ring around its perimeter, following its servicing, now performs its duty reliably and consistently. The light meter is accurate, but the one detail that the servicing was not able to fix (due to a lack of spare parts) is the non-functional yellow LED that indicates a half-stop of underexposure; the yellow LED indicating a half-stop of overexposure, the red LEDs indicating a full stop of under/overexposure, and (perhaps most vitally) the green LED indicating perfect exposure are all still perfectly operational, however – see the attached video for a demonstration.

Optical: Excellent

Both the viewing lens and the taking lens show slight dust ingress, but only small particles, and evenly distributed – no more than might be expected in a camera of this age, and nothing that will have any impact on the photos taken with it. There are no other more serious concerns such as haze, mould, fungus, scratches or separation. The new screen from Magicflex Camera does a superior job to the original Rolleiflex screen that I bought it to replace, especially in mediocre light. The flip-up magnifying lens is clean and bright. All the elements of the optical system remain properly aligned for correct focus.

Summary

I bought this camera only as a stop-gap, to tide me over whilst its younger sibling, my Rollei FX, was away being repaired – I had committed to a project for which a Rollei was required, hence the extravagance. That project now being completed, however, and my FX being returned in full working order, I cannot reasonably justify holding onto it, as much as I might like to. Whilst this limited edition model might be considered a collectable, my feeling is that its minor cosmetic imperfections, which already existed prior to my ownership of it, would indicate that it has always been a shooting camera, rather than merely an item for display – and, following its servicing, it is in the best possible condition to continue performing this role for whoever decides to take it off my hands. It has already seen Whitby, Hull, Sheffield, Nottingham and Paris, so perhaps you could finally take it somewhere nice?

Disclaimer

I have attempted to describe the condition of the item as accurately as possible, in order that there are no surprises when you receive your purchase, and I hope that the pictures provided are sufficient for your needs in judging whether or not to bid; in addition, I welcome questions if I have omitted to mention anything.

EU buyers only. Payment within two days. No returns.