Rolleicord Vb (type2) 1968-1975 with intechangeable focusing screen.

The Rolleicord was a populair medium-format twin lens reflex camera made by Franke & Heidecke (Rollei) between 1933 and 1976. It was a simpler, less expensive version of the high-end Rolleiflex TLR, aimed at amateur photographers who wanted a high-quality camera but could not afford the expensive Rolleiflex. Several models of Rolleicord were made; the later models generally had more advanced features and tend to be valued higher in today’s market.

The first Rolleicord, introduced in November 1933, was the Rolleicord I. This camera was a simplified version of the Standard Rolleiflex, with a cheaper 75mm Zeiss Triotar lens and a simplified film advance mechanism using a knob instead of the crank found on the Rolleiflex. The Rolleicord I was available either with a plain leatherette covering or elaborately patterned metal faceplates. The latter variant is referred to as the “Art Deco” Rolleicord.

The models that has the letters DRP on the left and to the right DRGM on the front of the camera means that they were made before World War II, because DRP means ‘Deutsches Reichs Patent’ (German Reich Patent) and DRGM means ‘Deutsches Reichs Gebrauchs Muster’ (basically a copyright for the name). In post WW2 models you will find DBP and DBGM. They switched from “Reichs” to “Bundes” (German Federal Patent).

Later models incorporated improved designs for the taking lens, including the Carl Zeiss Tessar and Schneider Kreuznach Xenar, both of which appeared on the Rolleiflex. However, while the Rolleiflex was available with an f/2.8 lens, the Rolleicord was never offered with a larger aperture than f/3.5, thus ensuring its pedigree as an “amateur” camera. The Vb was the last model Rolleicord made with interchangeable focusing hood and focusing screens. It takes also the different masks to make 4x4cm photo’s.

• First introduced in 1962.
• Camera type : 6x6cm format Twin Lens Reflex Camera
• View lens : Heidosmat F3.5/75mm
• Taking lens : Schneider Xenar F3.5/75mm
• Shutter : Synchro-Compur
• Shutter speeds : B, 1-1/500sec.
• Flash sync contact : M, X