Rolleiflex Automat

Automatic film advance meets German precision.

1937–1949 6x6 on 120 film Made in Braunschweig, Germany
Rolleiflex Automat twin-lens reflex camera

Photo: Heimatmuseum Aesch · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

Specifications

Taking LensCarl Zeiss Tessar 75mm f/3.5
Viewing LensHeidosmat 75mm f/2.8
Lens Elements4
ShutterCompur-Rapid
Shutter Speeds1s - 1/500s + B
Light MeterNone
Filter MountBay I
FocusingCrank with auto film stop
  • First automatic film advance Rolleiflex
  • Revolutionary auto-stop mechanism
  • Multiple variants (MX, X models)
  • Set the standard for later models

History

The Rolleiflex Automat series introduced automatic film spacing and frame counting, eliminating the possibility of overlapping exposures. Available with either Zeiss Tessar or Schneider Xenar lenses, these cameras represented the pinnacle of pre-war TLR design.

Innovations

  • Automatic film spacing
  • Auto frame counter

Collector Notes

Historic model that introduced automatic features. Pre-war models are rare.

Current Market Prices (USD)

ConditionPrice Range
Poor$100 – $200
Average$200 – $350
Good$350 – $500
Excellent$500 – $750
Mint$750 – $1100

Source: eBay 2024

Manuals & Documentation

Shoot with your Rolleiflex Automat

metergeist is a free light meter app and film roll tracker built for TLR and medium format photographers. Meter light, load film, track every frame.