Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 Medium Format TLR

Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 Medium Format TLR - Good Condition | Classic German Twin-Lens Reflex with Carl Zeiss Planar 75mm f/3.5 and Original Case

The Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 is a beautifully crafted German medium format Twin-Lens Reflex camera that represents the pinnacle of mid-century optical and mechanical engineering from Franke & Heidecke in Braunschweig. Produced between 1957 and 1959, the 3.5 E2 is a refined and highly accomplished TLR that combines the legendary Carl Zeiss Planar 75mm f/3.5 taking lens — one of the finest medium format optics ever produced — with a built-in uncoupled selenium light meter for streamlined exposure workflow. The Heidosmat 75mm f/2.8 viewing lens provides a bright and clear focusing experience on the 6x6 ground glass, while the iconic crank-handle film advance simultaneously winds the film and cocks the shutter with mechanical precision that remains unmatched to this day. This example comes complete with its original brown leather ever-ready case — making it a particularly complete and well-preserved find. Serial numbers: Body 1651350 / Taking Lens 1776973.

Key Features

• Carl Zeiss Planar 75mm f/3.5 taking lens — one of the finest medium format optics ever produced
• Heidosmat 75mm f/2.8 viewing lens for bright and accurate framing
• Built-in uncoupled selenium light meter — no battery required
• Iconic crank-handle film advance — simultaneously winds film and cocks shutter
• Synchro-Compur leaf shutter — quiet, precise, and vibration-free
• Medium format 6x6 — exceptional image quality and fine grain
• Waist-level viewfinder with integrated pop-up magnifier
• Compatible with 120 film
• Original brown leather ever-ready case included
• Produced between 1957 and 1959 — a significant period in Rolleiflex's history

Condition Report

• Body: Good condition — light marks consistent with age and use; minor paint wear on edges and leatherette consistent with vintage status; no cracks or damage to housing
• Optics: Both viewing and taking lens elements clean and clear — no fungus, haze, or significant dust; coatings intact
• Mechanics/Electronics: Shutter fires correctly across all speeds; film transport and crank advance mechanism operating smoothly; selenium meter responding; focus and aperture controls operating smoothly

"The Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 with a Carl Zeiss Planar is one of the most coveted combinations in medium format photography. The Planar's rendering is simply exceptional — sharp, three-dimensional, and with a bokeh quality that no modern lens can truly replicate. The built-in selenium meter makes exposure straightforward without requiring a battery, and the crank advance is one of the most satisfying mechanical experiences in all of photography. In good condition with the original case, this is a truly special find."

What's Included

• Rolleiflex 3.5 E2 TLR camera
• Original brown leather ever-ready case

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Rolleiflex (Franke & Heidecke)
• Model: Rolleiflex 3.5 E2
• Serial Number (Body): 1651350
• Serial Number (Taking Lens): 1776973
• Viewing Lens: Heidosmat 75mm f/2.8
• Taking Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 75mm f/3.5
• Production Period: 1957 – 1959
• Film Format: Medium Format 6x6 (120 film)
• Shutter: Synchro-Compur leaf shutter
• Shutter Speed: 1s – 1/500s + Bulb
• Aperture Range: f/3.5 – f/22
• Metering: Built-in uncoupled selenium meter — no battery required
• Viewfinder: Waist-level with integrated pop-up magnifier
• Filter Thread: Bay II
• Dimensions: approx. 100 x 150 x 100mm
• Weight: approx. 1050g
• Type: Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera
• Category: Cameras
• Condition: Good Condition