Serial Numbers of Rolleiflex 2.8 TLR cameras

Photograph of a Rolleiflex 2.8 F. The so called ‘White-face’ around the Carl Zeiss Planar 1:2.8 f=80 mm taking lens is clearly visible. The flash synchro switch is set at electronic flash. Photo ©2020  F.W. Stutterheim

Serial Numbers Lists

Rolleiflex 2.8 A

Start at №	End at №	Number made	Produced	Name according to Prochnow Particulars1	Taking Lens	Name acc. to Parker	Name acc. to Evans
1,101,000	1,116,999	7870	1949-1951	Rolleiflex 2,8 A Compur-Rapid X CR0 shutter 1/400s, X-synchronization. 6×6 cm single format back.	CZJ Tessar Opton Tessar	Rolleiflex 2.8A Type 1	Rolleiflex 2.8A (type 1)
1,117,000	1,164,999			Rolleiflex 2,8 A Compur-Rapid X CR0 shutter 1/400s, X-synchronization. Fit for Rolleikin II without modification.
1,201,000	1,204,999	2000	1951	Rolleiflex 2,8 A Compur-Rapid MX CR0 shutter 1/500s, MX-synchronization. Fit for Rolleikin II. Pressure plate with settings for 6×6 cm and 24×36 mm.	Opton Tessar	Rolleiflex 2.8A Type 2	Rolleiflex 2.8A (type 2)

Common Particulars: Bayonet II filter mount. When № 1,100,000 - 1,164.999 first left the factory all were fitted with pre-World War II CZJ 2.8/80 mm Tessars. Cameras were recalled to have the East-German CJZ Tessars replaced for West-German OPTON Tessars. Not all cameras were returned. Note that only a small portion of the available serial numbers were used. The 4-element wide aperture f/2.8 Tessar was quickly replaced for the CZJ Biometar and shortly later the the Schneider Xenotar and the CZ Planar. All three 5-elements optics.
Factory upgrade: Compur-Rapid X to MX.

Rolleiflex 2.8 B

Start at №	End at №	Number made	Produced	Name according to Prochnow Particulars	Taking Lens	Name acc. to Parker	Name acc. to Evans
1,220,000	1,220,999	1250	1952-1953	Rolleiflex 2,8 B	CZJ Biometar	Rolleiflex 2.8B	Rolleiflex 2.8B (type 1)
1,260,000	1,260,249		1953	Rolleiflex 2,8 B Groove in tripod plate for Rolleifix.	CZJ Biometar	Rolleiflex 2.8B	Rolleiflex 2.8B (type 2)

Common Particulars: Bayonet III filter mount. Compur-Rapid MX CR0 shutter, 1/500s, M and X synchronisation. Fit for Rolleikin II. Counter and rewind knobs not factory fitted.

Rolleiflex 2.8 C

Start at №	End at №	Number made	Produced	Name according to Prochnow Particulars	Taking Lens	Name acc. to Parker	Name acc. to Evans
1,260,250	1,285,999	30150	1954-1955	Rolleiflex 2,8 C From No. 1,267,000 groove in tripod plate for Rolleifix.	CZ Planar	Rolleiflex 2.8C	Rolleiflex 2.8C (type 1)
1,292,000	1,299,9992		1952-1955	Rolleiflex 2,8 C	Schneider Xenotar	Rolleiflex 2.8C	Rolleiflex 2.8C (type 1)
1,400,000	1,475,405		1952-1955	Rolleiflex 2,8 C	Schneider Xenotar CZ Planar3	Rolleiflex 2.8C	Rolleiflex 2.8C (type 2)

Common Particulars: Bayonet III filter mount. Synchro-Compur MXV CR0 shutter, M and X synchronisation, delayed action. Rolleikin counter and rewind knobs fitted. From this model: Multi-exposure protection.

Rolleiflex 2.8 D

Start at №	End at №	Number made	Produced	Name according to Prochnow Particulars	Taking Lens	Name acc. to Parker	Name acc. to Evans
1,600,000	1,620,100	20100	1955-1956	Rolleiflex 2,8 D	CZ Planar Schneider Xenotar	Rolleiflex 2.8D	Rolleiflex 2.8D

Common Particulars: Bayonet III filter mount. Exposure Value System, aperture wheel and shutter speed wheel coupled or uncoupled with push button to disconnect. Synchro-Compur MXV CR0 shutter, M and X synchronisation, delayed action. Rolleikin counter and rewind knobs fitted.From this model flash socket with Rolleilock connector.

Rolleiflex 2.8 E and E2

Start at №	End at №	Number made	Produced	Name according to Prochnow Particulars	Taking Lens	Name acc. to Parker	Name acc. to Evans
1,621,000	1,663,999	44000	1956-1959	Rolleiflex 2,8 E Glass focusing screen. Delivered with or without 2-range uncoupled Se exposure meter. Meter could be added by the user afterwards. Delivered with Rolleikin counter and rewind knobs. From № 1,630,751: when fitted, exposure meter with ‘0’ calibration. Serial number on Rolleiflex name shield.	CZ Planar Schneider Xenotar	Rolleiflex 2.8E	Rolleiflex 2.8E
1,664,000	1,664,999			Rolleiflex 2,8 E Plastic Bright focusing screen. Delivered with or without 2-range uncoupled Se exposure meter. Meter could be added by the user afterwards. Delivered with Rolleikin counter and rewind knobs. Serial number on Rolleiflex name shield.
E2 2,350,000	E2 2,356,999	7000	1959-1960	Rolleiflex 2,8 E2 Second detachable viewfinder hood, plastic Bright focusing screen. Optional 2-range uncoupled Se exposure meter. Prepared for Flat Glass (3-way back needed). Delivered without Rolleikin counter and rewind knobs. Serial number under focusing lens.	CZ Planar Schneider Xenotar	Rolleiflex 2.8E 2	Rolleiflex 2.8 E2

Common Particulars: Bayonet III filter mount. Exposure Value System. Aperture wheel and shutter speed wheel coupled or uncoupled with push button. Rolleikin counter and rewind knobs fitted. Synchro-Compur MXV CR0 shutter. M and X synchronisation, delayed action.

Photograph of Rolleiflex 2.8 F ‘Whiteface’. The camera with #2478095 shows the so called ‘ear’ under the frame counter window, indicating the film transport is capable of 24 exposures, but it lacks the 12/24 switch. Photo ©2020  F.W. Stutterheim

Rolleiflex E3 and 2.8 F

Start at №	End at №	Number made	Produced	Name according to Prochnow Particulars	Taking Lens	Name acc. to Parker	Name acc. to Evans
E3 2,360,000	E3 2,362,024	2025	1962-1965	Rolleiflex 2,8 E3 F model, without coupled exposure meter. Optional 2-range exposure meter. Flat Glass.	CZ Planar Schneider Xenotar	Rolleiflex 2.8E 3	Rolleiflex 2.8 E3
2,8 F 2,400,000	2,8 F 2,442,133	75000	1960-1966	Rolleiflex 2,8 F m or ft scales. From 2,8 F 2,437,000 (mid 1964): m and ft scales. Flat Glass.	CZ Planar Schneider Xenotar4	Rolleiflex 2.8F	Rolleiflex 2.8F (type 1/2)
2,8 F 2,442,134	2,8 F 2,454,999		1966-1967	Rolleiflex 2,8 F Flat Glass. 12/24 exp.	CZ Planar	Rolleiflex 2.8F	Rolleiflex 2.8F (type 1/2)
2,8 F 2,455,000	2,8 F 2,475,999		1967-1971	Rolleiflex 2,8 F 12/24 exp. From mid 1971: ‘White-face’5.	CZ Planar	Rolleiflex 2.8F type 2	Rolleiflex 2.8F (type 1/2)
2,8 F 2,476,000	2,8 F 2,479,999		1971-1973	Rolleiflex 2,8 F 12/24 exp. Flat film pressure plate, revised film-gate. From mid 1971: ‘White-face’.	CZ Planar	Rolleiflex 2.8F type 26	Rolleiflex 2.8F (type 1/2)
2,8 F 2,950,000	2,8 F 2,984,999	7800	1973-1981	Rolleiflex 2,8 F 12/24 exp. Flat film pressure plate, revised film-gate. ‘White-face’	Schneider Xenotar CZ Planar	Rolleiflex 2.8F type 47	Rolleiflex 2.8F (type 2)
2,8 F 8,300,001	2,8 F 8,301,500	1500	1983	Rolleiflex 2,8 F Aurum8 Bare metal parts guilded.	Schneider Xenotar	Rolleiflex 2.8F Aurum	Rolleiflex 2.8F Aurum
2,8 F 2,985,001	2,8 F 2,985,500	500	1984-1985	Rolleiflex 2,8 F Edition 1984 Platin9 001/500 - 500/500	CZ Planar HFT	Rolleiflex 2.8F Platin	Rolleiflex 2.8F Platin Edition

Common Particulars: Bayonet III filter mount. Single range exposure meter mechanically coupled to both shutter and aperture (except for E3). Fit for Rolleikin but counter and rewind knobs not factory fitted. Synchro-Compur MXV CR0 shutter, M and X synchronisation, delayed action. Engravings on deliveries to Eastern Europe: ‘OPTON Pl 2.8/80 mm Oberkochen’ instead of Carl Zeiss and Planar.
Factory upgrade: New body side with 12/24 frames switch.

Photograph of Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 1. Photo ©2020  F.W. Stutterheim

Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 1 Series

Produced from	Produced until	Number	Name	Taking Lens	Particulars
08/1987	03/1994	10,200	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 1, Black Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number Synchro-Compur X CR0 shutter, X-synchronization. Aperture scale from 2.8 to 22 shutter speeds scale from 500 - 1, B From 1989 chrome ring around flash socket. From 03/1991 chrome frame around ISO memory compartment on the back.
1989	1989	1,500	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 1, 60 Years Rolleiflex Edition Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Synchro-Compur X CR0 shutter Aperture scale from 2.8 to 22 shutter speeds scale from 500 - 1, B
12/1991	1992	500	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 1, Helmut Newton Edition Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Synchro-Compur X CR0 shutter Aperture scale from 2.8 to 22 shutter speeds scale from 500 - 1, B
03/1994	01/1995	500	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 1, Expression 94 Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Synchro-Compur X CR0 shutter Aperture scale from 2.8 to 22 shutter speeds scale from 500 - 1, B
05/1994	12/1994	33	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 1, Gold Expression 94 Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Synchro-Compur X CR0 shutter Aperture scale from 2.8 to 22 shutter speeds scale from 500 - 1, B 65 years TLR Jubilee
09/1995	09/1995	130	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 1, Japan Edition Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Seiko #0 shutter, although Synchro-Compur cannot be ruled out. Aperture scale from 22 to 2.8 shutter speeds scale from B, 1 - 500 Serial Numbers 001/130 - 130/130

Common Particulars: Centre-weighted average light-metering by two Si photo elements behind the mirror. X-synchronisation only. SL66-style strap hinges. The focusing knob has a rubber rim. The Planars were produced at the Rollei factory under licence from Carl Zeiss. Single format 6×6 cm camera back, cannot be detached by the user.

Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 2 Series

Produced from	Produced until	Number	Name	Taking Lens	Particulars
01/1995	12/1995	900	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 2, 75 Years Rollei Edition Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Synchro-Compur X CR0 shutter Aperture scale from 2.8 to 22 shutter speeds scale from 500 - 1, B or Seiko Nr 0 shutter Aperture scale from 22 to 2.8 shutter speeds scale from B, 1 - 500
07/1995	12/1996	1000	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 2, Expression Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Copal Nr 0 shutter Aperture scale from 22 to 2.8 shutter speeds scale from B, 1 - 500
1996	1996	100	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 2, Club Rollei Jersey Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Seiko Nr 0 shutter Aperture scale from 22 to 2.8 shutter speeds scale from B, 1 - 500
1996	2000	1000	Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 2, Royal Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Seiko Nr 0 shutter Aperture scale from 22 to 2.8 shutter speeds scale from B, 1 - 500
2000	2000		Rolleiflex 2.8 GX Model 2, ‘80 Years’ Focusing knob with annversary print Special Series	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Seiko Nr 0 shutter Aperture scale from 22 to 2.8 shutter speeds scale from B, 1 - 500

Common Particulars: Centre-weighted average light-metering by two Si photo elements behind the mirror. X-synchronisation only, System 6000-style strap hinges. The slotted lid of the battery compartment in the focusing knob is obscured by an additional cover. The focusing knob has a chrome rim. The Planars were produced at the Rollei factory under licence from Carl Zeiss. Single format 6×6 cm camera back, cannot be detached by the user.

Rolleiflex 2.8 FX

Produced from	Produced until	Number	Name	Taking Lens	Particulars
2002	2015		Rolleiflex 2.8 FX	Rollei Planar 2.8/80 HFT Rollei S-Apogon 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Aperture scale from 22 to 2.8 shutter speeds scale from B, 1 - 500 Inner and outer Bayonet III as usual
2012	2015		Rolleiflex 2.8 FX‑N	Rollei S-Apogon 2.8/80 HFT	Coded Serial Number. Aperture scale from 22 to 2.8 shutter speeds scale from B, 1 - 500 Close focusing up to 55 cm Outer Bayonet IV, no inner bayonet For using filters an adaptor is needed and available from Rolleiflex USA.

Common Particulars: Bayonet III mount. Centre-weighted average light-metering by two Si photo elements behind the mirror. X-synchronisation only. Classic ‘alligator’-style strap hinges like 2.8 F. The S-Apogon lens is said to be similar to the Planar. That makes sense. Both lenses were produced at the Rolleiflex factory. My guess is that they are identical, except for he lens name. Single format 6×6 cm camera back, cannot be detached by the user.

Notes

[1]

Particulars are only described to distinguish between cameras from a single production run or in case of special interest. Not all particulars are listed. Back

[2]

Prochnow gives 1,292,999 as the highest number of this batch. I have been in contact with the owner of Rolleiflex 2.8 C № 1,299,993. The next batch starts at № 1,300,.. so I have set the highest number of this batch at 1,299,999. Back

[3]

This number range was allocated to Xenotars, however Planars are known. № 1444565 is equipped with Planar № 19665 from Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen. Back

[4]

This batch of 75,000 cameras was intended to be fitted with Planars only. Early Rolleiflex 2.8 F cameras with Xenotars were marketed at least in some countries in the 1960s. A U.K. sales leaflet with the Xenotar ordering code exists.
Anecdotal information: The leaflet shows the mysterious product codes like “XUCIX”. These were telegram codes.
The next batch of 7800 cameras are supposed to be fitted with Xenotars only, but some Planar fitted cameras exist. Possibly made on demand from remaining spare Planars. Back

[5]

Mid 1971 a shiny silver name plate with small print around the taking lens was introduced. This was just a purely cosmetic change. Later it became the sought after ‘White-face’. Camera № 2473336 is a ‘Whiteface’. Camera № 2478095 is a ‘White-face’ but still has the film pressure plate with 4 long dents to cover the rails for 120 size film and 35 mm film when the Rolleikin is mounted. There is no 12/24 exposures switch on the crank side. The pressure plate has two positions: 6×6 cm and 24×36 mm. There is no provision for the Flat glass. The arrivals of the ‘White-face’ and the new new pressure plate did not coincide. The number of the first ‘White-face’ is unknown, the change happened in mid series. Cameras with the old style pressure plate were still made after № 2476000. № 2950197 has a White-face, a Planar lens and the old style grooved pressure plate. № 2954489 has a White-face, 12/24 exposures, a Xenotar and the grooved pressure plate. Back

[6]

Ian Parker mentions a ‘type 3’ without giving any description. The numbers run from № 2,600,000-2,799,999 (1969-1976). This series cannot be found in Prochnow’s listings. Back

[7]

In Ian Parker’s book the type 4 series runs from № 2,900,000-2,959,999 (1976-1980). Back

[8]

Ian Parker also lists an earlier batch of Rolleiflex 2.8 F ‘Aurums’ with № 7,570,001-7,571,249 (1982). According to Prochnow just one prototype was made with № 7,570,001. This series was not used for the following production cameras. Back

[9]

Ian Parker lists a second series of Rolleiflex 2.8 F ‘Aurum Platin’ from 1989-1990 with № 2,986,500-2,986,599. Claus Prochnow writes that the ‘Edition 1984 Platin’ did not sell well. Eventually 60 remaining cameras were slightly altered and sold to an agent in the Far East in one batch as a special edition. He does not mention the separate series.
This batch of Planars was a special order with Carl Zeiss Oberkochen. Planars for the Rolleiflex TLR had not been ordered for more than a decade. The Planars were multi-coated - probably T* - but labelled HFT for reasons of uniformity. HFT is Rollei’s registered trade-mark for multi-coating. Back

References

• Das Rolleiflex-Buch, Heering, Dr Walther, ISBN 3-928126-00-8, im Heering-Verlag, Seebruck am Chiemsee, (1967).
• Rollei Report 2, Rollei-Werke Rollfilmkameras 1946-1981, Prochnow, Claus, ISBN 3-89506-118-2, Lindemans, (2000).
• Complete Rollei TLR User’s Manual, Parker, Ian, ISBN 1-874031-96-7, Hove Foto Books Ltd, (1994).
• Collector’s Guide to Rollei Cameras, Evans, Arthur G., ISBN 0931838061, Centennial Photo Service, (1986).