The Rolleiflex…
35mm Rollei cameras have been pretty normal fare,(sorta)…until the Rolleiflex SL 2000 F. While production seemed painful after the fanfare at Photokina, it eventually got done. The biggest problem with this camera? (and subsequent 3003) Tradition. Photographers, whether they like to admit it or not, are a pretty reactionary bunch. Anything too radical, and their hair catches fire.
A Rollei 35mm SLR
But, enough with the op ed. Most would agree the SL 2000 F was way ahead of its’ time. Electronic shutter, built in winder, regular viewfinder plus chimney viewfinder and interchangeable dark slide magazines. All in a body smaller than an F3 with winder! If you want my opinion, the woeful lack of marketing was a pre-cursor to the death knell for this amazing camera. I doubt 1 in 10 photographers even knew about this beauty. Sadly, after the 3003, Rollei left the 35mm SLR market for good.
Both a chimney and eye-level viewfinder with adjustable diopter was part of the body. The interchangeable film magazine, (including darkslide), was a great improvement over the only other camera ever to have one. (the Zeiss Ikon Contarex) The Rolleiflex 3003 was basically an upgraded version of SL 2000 F. The main differences were small.
SL 2000 F vs. 3003
- ‘Rolleiflex 3003’ logo instead of a plain ‘Rolleiflex’.
- A video camera type of handgrip was installed on the 3003.
- Shutter speed increased to 1/2000 on 3003 as opposed to 1/1000 on SL 2000 F.
- Flash indication in viewfinder as flash symbol instead of a red dot.
The biggest user complaint seemed to be occasional magazine jamming. Rare, but it did happen sometimes. Other than that, it was a very reliable camera. Built to the normal Rolleiflex high standards, and sporting the exquisite Zeiss lenses. Most people weaned on traditional SLR’s found a small learning curve on using the camera.
Rolleiflex SL 2000 F Metering
The metering system used on the Rolleiflex SL 2000 F (and 3003) was quite different from the rest of the Rolleiflex medium format models. Rollei has always used a basic center weighted metering. The meter used more of an scene based meter, combined with a spot meter. Both aperture priority metering and full manual metering, plus exposure lock and EV adjustments.
Only an electronic cable release was available for both cameras. However, when using the ME2000 or RC3000, “fake” mirror lock up is possible. (employing bulb) Both models use 5 AA batteries. While it can use alkaline batteries, NiCd rechargeable batteries actually work better than alkaline ones. NiMH batteries can also be used. The original release provided empty battery housings. However, later models supplied only intergrated NiCD battery packs. I feel this was not an improvement. What do you do when they go bad? I suppose replace them with the original empty battery housing. 😒
Even Rarer – The Simplified Version
There was also a 3001 model, which was a simpler version of the 3003. The 3001 body only came with the top release button. The 2 side release buttons were removed, as well as the chimney finder. Otherwise,….the same camera.
Despite the awesome licensed Zeiss optics, I’ll concede these cameras are not for everyone. If you’re a manual camera aficionado, and auto film advance or reliance on batteries, will probably freak you out. Although this is a manual focus camera. Think of it like having a Nikon F5 and using a manual focus lens. Either/or, this is an exceptional, (but rare), camera.
Manual PDF
Not to forget – the original design was done by the Zeiss Oberkochen engineers as a successor to the famous CONTAREX. As it was encouraging to deliver again the best and most versatile 35mm with changeable magazines. After the shutdown of the Zeiss Camera factory the design was given to Voigtlaender which heredited it to Rollei, as well as the questionable Rolleiflex SL35.
Hi Jochen,
I’m sometimes amazed at the minutiae and esoteric facts exhibited by our visitors. You are right! 👍
I always believed the camera appeared at the wrong time
IIRC, cameras with faster and more precise auto-focus systems were just gaining traction when the 3003 was being shown at trade shows.
I did hold and examine the Rollei when introduced, but I couldn’t deduct the system as a business expense and my salary didn’t justify buying such a nice camera for hobby use.
However, using the ME2000, mirror lock up is possible.
How is this done? I have a Rolleiflex SL2000 f with an ME 2000 and I can’t figure out how to do a mirror lock up. Thanks for your help.
Hi Michael,
A little complicated,….but, try page 22 of the manual. Although a bit confusing, (to me), it does work. https://www.cameramanuals.org/rolleiflex/rolleiflex_sl_2000f.pdf
Also, to use WITH the ME2000 is another WTF. (again, for me) An RC3000 is much better for most purposes, including mirror lockup. However, the ME2000 model,…using “B mode” with is kinda weird. (to say the least) Set the camera in B mode, select 2 frames on the ME2000. When you squeeze the ME2000, the camera mirror will lock up. When ready to complete the exposure, turn the frame selection switch on the ME2000 from 2 to 1. I have used a Rollei 6000 series camera for years. Why Rollei occasionally makes things overly complicated is beyond me. But I still love Rollei, and other than buying one new battery in almost 2 decades,…I have no complaints.
Federico
Thanks Federico. I know what you mean…convoluted… A manual remote is way more intuitive (as a matter of fact, I modified one of the two buttons to accept a manual screw in remote like for the old cameras) – and I’m way more happy with it than with ME2000.
I knew about the workflow you are discribing. However, setting ME2000 to 2 and pressing the button (while in B mode) does not do a mirror lock up but, in fact, starts an actual exposure (mirror up and shutter open) – basically performing a bulb (long time) exposure. Are you sure that there actually IS a mirror lock up only workflow?
Thanks for your help man!
Michael
Michael,
I only used a borrowed SL2000 F for a week, and I’m forced to ask my buddy who actually owns and uses the camera on these questions. And he never uses mirror lockup on any camera. (although I’ve used Rollei’s medium format cameras for years) As I’ve said previously, (although probably not very clearly), the workaround is using one of the two electronic cable releases in conjunction with “bulb”. However, other than the workaround I detailed and is reflected in the manual, “true” mirror lockup is not an option on either the SL2000 or 3003. While I think Rollei was quite brave to tackle such a technologically advanced, (for the time), and original camera,…I stand by the statement,…”I’ll concede these cameras are not for everyone”. (BTW, I shoot Nikon, Contax and MF Rollei)
Federico
Hej, hvor kan jeg få en bateri pak til min 2000f
http://ebay.us/7GvqJa
How much is it selling for? The lens for this camera are not as good as it should be 🙁
Sorry for the delay in answering. I really wasn’t sure what you were asking. While Rolleinar lenses are available, the Zeiss lenses for this camera are without reproach. (they’re awesome) However, I will admit the camera is a bit prissy, hard to get repaired,….or even get parts for a repair. So unless you’re a fervent Rollei “collector”, I would probably advise bypassing this technological wunderkind. My two cents.
Federico