Rolleiflex 3 5
Rolleiflex 3 5
8 F posted 11-26-02
Camera Manual
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The designations left, right, forward, back, above, below apply to camera in normal operating position.
Accordingly: left = focusing side, right = crank side, etc.
(2) Focusing
To open: lift the top from the rear (I) and fold forward and
down. Before closing the case set camera to (1)
Lens Cap
To remove: lift the lower part by the tab at the lower edge and fold it against the upper part; remove cap from the bayonet
by turning it counterclockwise (4).
To attach: fit the folded cap into the viewing bayonet and fold down after a short turn (5).
Neck Strap
To attach: insert the retaining prongs at the ends of the strap into the strap holders ton camera or ever-ready case) and
they will immediately snap into position.4www.butkus.org
To release: press the retaining prongs together and pull strap (6).
The leather loop and snap buttons on the left side of the ever-ready case serve to hold the protective leather cover for the
light meter in place. It is necessary to un-snap the lower left button before opening the case, when the meter cover is
used.
The Rolleiflex uses 2 3/4x3 3/2" roll film No. 120 or 220* (B II 8) giving 12 or 24* exposures "2 1/4 x2 1/4''.
The Film Pressure Plate inside the camera back can be adjusted for 120 roll film as well as for 35 mm film (using Rolleikin, ~ page 32): when using roll film, the
inscription 2/ x 21/4" must be visible.
Never change film in direct sunlight! Utilize, at least, the shadow of your own body!
To open camera: turn the safety back lock clip at the tripod socket (I), lift back lock lever (a) and pull back open.
To adjust film guide plate: press the plate against the back, push it up or down until it stops 0 and let spring forward into the normal plane. 4www.butkus.org
Inserting new film spool: pull out film spool knob of lower spool chamber (4), insert film, right side first, and allow film knob to return to position.
Thread the beginning of the backing paper C printed side outwards C through the rollers of the film feeler mechanism (5) and push the paper leader into the long
slot of the take-up spool (using the crank for correct positioning) (6). Tighten the backing paper by one half turn of the crank, while braking the full spool with the
thumb (7).
To close camera: press the back with the palm of the hand, fold down the back lock lever and secure (8).
Adjusting to DIN/ASA speed ratings (1): determine the speed of the film used (to be found on the packing or an accompanying instruction sheet),
which will be indicated in DIN or ASA values. Gently press and turn knurled knob until the corresponding speed rating appears above the indicator mark
in the DIN or ASA window. (The dots correspond to intermediate film speeds, ~ page 27.)
Setting the filter factor (a): Under normal shooting conditions, turn setting button to zero. Set the corresponding filter factors only
Setting the film type (as a reminder) (2): Turn the knurled knob at the focusing knob to set the film type—black and white, color artificial light, color
daylight, color negative.
Advancing the film to No. 1: Turn crank continuously until it stops—past a slight resistance during the last turn, when the counter mechanism
engages—and then in opposite direction until it stops again A). The crank is now locked in its starting position. The film frame counter indicates No. 1,
shutter is cocked—the film is in correct position and ready for the first exposure.
Focusing for Sharpness
To open the focusing hood: lift rear edge of hood 0 and raise cover. To
close: fold in both sides A).
Focusing: Turn the focusing knob until the picture is pin sharp, or until the
two halves of the image meet in the Rangefinder Wedge (Center of the view
finder).
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turn the speed selector wheel fright) until the desired instantaneous shutter speed (red figure)
appears In the center of the indicator window, and then adjust the diaphragm opening:
turn the diaphragm wheel Cleft), until both exposure meter pointers are lined up
This is an easy rule. All you have to do is to watch two pointers. Thus Rollei clearly signals:
Any sudden change in light intensity—indicated by the moving meter needle—can be noticed
instantly and can then be compensated for by the proper pointer adjustment. With the camera
ready to shoot, correct exposure is kept under constant control, even up to the actual moment of
exposure.
This automatic exposure control covers an extremely wide measuring range, it is limited only
by the poorest illumination, which will not allow the thin meter needle to leave the area of the
red reference mark.
The exposure meter is directly cross-coupled to the speed and stop settings. Adjustment
according to the meter automatically sets the depth-of-field indicators well. This facilitates
focusing even further. Now you can also pre-select the diaphragm opening, without checking
the diaphragm setting,—depending upon whether you prefer a faster shutter speed (A page
14) or a greater depth-of-field (A page 16). The correct speed/stop relationship is positively
controlled by the two pointers.4www.butkus.org
The red section of the scale denotes instantaneous, shutter timed speeds, in fractions of a
second (500 = 1/500th sec., 1 = 1/1 = 1 sec.). Intermediate values between clicks cannot be used
therefore: always set shutter so that desired speed figure is in the middle of the indicator window.
This rule also applies when pre-selecting depth-of-field. Only after clicking the speed into position
can the final adjustment of the exposure meter pointers be made with the diaphragm control
wheel. The green section of the scale is for time exposures only and indicates the required
exposure time in full seconds. It is used only when unfavorable lighting conditions require greater
exposure, while at the same time further stopping down in order to gain depth-of-field. After lining
up the exposure meter pointers, the green numbers indicate, in full seconds, the time the shutter
has to be kept open (A time exposures, page 18). Intermediate values can be used in the green
shutter speed section.
What Shutter Speed?
But both before and behind the plane of sharp focus there is always a
sufficiently sharp zone. The range of this "depth-of-field" is shown by a
white band on the focusing knob: the length of the white band indicates on
the distance scale the depth-of-field available.
The indicator band changes when the diaphragm selector wheel is turned,
permitting a quick and direct coordination of shutter speed and depth of
field. The faster the film, the easier is it to take care of special needs
calling for short shutter speeds and great depth-of-field.
The zone of definition does not break off abruptly, but gradually changes to
unsharpness. Therefore it is difficult to define the exact limits of the depth-
of-field. Maximum definition always prevails at the focusing distance. 4www.butkus.org
When Does One Need Depth -of- Field ?
Landscapes with foreground: to extend the depth-of-field as far as
possible into the foreground, do not set the camera to 00, but turn the
focusing knob until the no mark is opposite the end of the indicator band.
To unlock shutter release: move release guard from locked Id, to lower unlocked (I) position.
Snapshot Exposure (1/500 - 1 sec.): press shutter release gently, selected speed goes off
automatically.
Time Exposure (" B", over 1 sec.): press shutter release and hold for required time. Shutter
will close when you let go.
Long Time Exposures ("B"): press release and lock with safety guard Terminate exposure by
releasing lock. (Caution: Do not shake camera! Shield the lens with your hand when opening
and closing the shutter.)
Cable Release: insert in cable release socket with safety guard locked. 4www.butkus.org
After each shot: swing out crank, turn it forward with one continuous swing, until it stops and
then again to stop.
The shutter is now automatically cocked. The crank will turn only after releasing shutter. Double
exposures or blank frames are positively eliminated. If the crank can be turned, it must be
turned—forward and back to lock. Only if it is locked the camera is ready to shoot. (Exception:
double exposures, ~ page 26.)
The crank need not be folded down after each shot when shooting in rapid sequence.
When using the Rolleikin: the film transport for the 35 mm film is accomplished in exactly the
same manner as above.
When using the Plate Adapter: turning the crank by one half turn will suffice to cock the
shutter
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Unloading the Camera
After the 12th or 24th* exposure the film is finished: the crank is no longer locked and can be
turned freely again.
To remove the film: roll up remaining backing paper with three full revolutions. Open back
in subdued light. Pull out upper spool knob and remove film from the left. Fold backing paper
(for convenient tearing when developing) and fasten down with sticker. Keep the exposed
film away from light and return it to original packing.
To transfer the empty spool: pull out lower film spool knob and lift the empty spool out of
the lower spool chamber. Insert the spool into upper spool chamber, fitting the slotted end
over the winding key on the right side.
Load the camera with a fresh roll of film avoiding direct sunlight. Use your own body's
shadow for protection.
Sparkling cleanliness, especially of all the optical parts, is a pre-requisite for maximum sharpness. In cleaning all optical surfaces (lenses, focusing
screen, reflex mirror, magnifiers), use a camel's hair brush to remove dust, then wipe off fingerprints with a soft cloth or doeskin. On the contoured
undersurface of the focusing screen, use a clean soft brush only; avoid touching the screen. To prevent a dust-attracting electrostatic charge, breathe
onto the surfaces before and after cleaning and let moisture evaporate, do not wipe off.—Incidentally, the lenses have abrasion resistant anti-reflection
coatings. The reflex mirror, too, is covered with a special protective layer to withstand scratches and corrosion. However, any cleaning should be done
carefully and only when necessary. 4www.butkus.org
Do not forget that moisture, dust, sand, strong sunlight, a hard blow or fall can be harmful to a precision camera. If possible, always use the ever-ready
case, for heavy duty operations the stronger and tightly closing metal ever-ready case. Carry camera around neck and when riding in your car, keep your
camera in a safe spot, well protected against the hot sun and bumpy roads. In a nutshell: be kind to your Rolleiflex!
And please remember: Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke always maintain their interest in the welfare of your camera. The international Rollei Service will
always gladly take care of any special technical problems that might come up during your photographic practice.
Using the Sports Finder
Sport scenes and fast moving objects can be framed more conveniently
through the direct view finder. Only a slight raising or lowering of the camera
is needed to alternate between observing the center portion of the focusing
screen (to control sharpness) and the full open view in the direct finder.
To open sports tinder: press panel inward all the way (1). To close: tap
both sides of the hood gently (2) Always use the direct view finder close to
the eye, looking directly at the subject without tilting the camera.
The self-timer can be used with all instantaneous speeds ]/500 - 1 sec. (red
section of speed scale) and also for flash shots with the ,l contact setting. It
operates only when the shutter is cocked.
Shutter and self-timer may be left tensioned even when camera is not in
use—spring strength will not deteriorate. 4www.butkus.org
Tripod Pictures
Length of tripod's screw must not exceed the normal 3/16" (4.5 mm)—if
necessary, use a spacer of proper thickness. A reducing bushing is
available for use with English thread (1/4"). More practical: the "Rolleifix" for
instant mounting of camera to tripod.
Flash Shots
Modern flash technique permits taking snapshots even under lighting conditions which do not
allow instantaneous exposures with a hand-held camera.
Connecting the flash cord: insert the plug into the flash connector socket on the camera. —
When disconnecting flash cord: swing locking lever at the socket downward and pull out plug.
Setting the contact to (X-contact) or (M-contact): pull out the small knurled knob and
swing synchro lever of the desired position.
The X-setting (for normal use) utilizes the full light output of the flash with the prescribed
shutter speed and can also be used for shots with the self-timer. The M-setting is for flash
bulbs only and synchronizes the fastest speeds, up to the top speed.
The correct exposure depends on the light output of the flash and the distance between flash
and subject. Therefore, it cannot be determined with an exposure meter. Exact data
regarding choice of proper contact, exposure time and diaphragm may be gathered from the
instructions furnished by the lamp manufacturers. 4www.butkus.org
Adjusting the exposure (as per instructions supplied by the flash manufacturer): Using peep
window, select shutter speed first, then set diaphragm opening (A page 26). The exposure
meter pointers are disregarded completely.
Diaphragm
In practical use, observation of the diaphragm is necessary only when shooting without measuring the
exposure (flash shots, dim light, night exposures).
Higher number diaphragm figures indicate smaller openings and increased depth-of field (A page 16),
but closing down to each succeeding stop cuts the light passing through exactly in half, requiring double
the exposure of the preceding stop.
The correct diaphragm opening is indicated in the center of the peep window. Intermediate values can
be used (f/3.5 is a midpoint stop between f/2.8 and f/4 in the international diaphragm scale).
To permit the use of the entire diaphragm range when taking manually controlled time exposures (over
1 sec.), keep the shutter speed scale set to the value "2" of the green section of the scale.
For intentional multiple or trick exposures the double exposure prevention mechanism can be switched off (possible only with roll-film loaded camera):
after exposure move release ring at base of crank in direction of arrow and then turn crank through one complete backward revolution until it stops. This
operation cocks the shutter for a second exposure without advancing the film. After releasing the shutter, repeated tensioning in the described manner
for multiple exposures is possible. An absolutely firm tripod is a pre-requisite for this kind of work.
Use of Filters
Filters absorb light and therefore usually require a prolonged exposure. The necessary correction for
each filter is indicated by the filter compensating number (A page 33) and is automatically taken care of
when measuring the exposure by means of the filter compensating scale.
Adjusting the filter scale: turn the indicator knob until the corresponding compensating number of the filter
used is opposite the reference mark. Adjust the exposure meter pointers as usual.
In special cases (flash, high filter compensating numbers over—3) the filter is compensated for by
decreasing the film speed by 3 DIN for each full value. 4www.butkus.org
Three Ways to Correct Exposure
With the Rolleiflex, even difficult light conditions are no problem as long as you keep the following
in mind:
Is there a great contrast in illumination between the main subject and the rest of the picture area?
The choice of the proper measuring method depends on the correct answer to this question. 4www.butkus.org
covers the average case: this is an evenly illuminated subject, with front lighting or the light
partially from the side, well balanced differences in light and shade and no heavy shadows.
(When shooting color, only front lighting will produce the most saturated colors.)
becomes very helpful in special cases: when either very light or dark areas prevail and there is a great illumination contrast between main subject and
background. Example: a sun-tanned face in front of bright clouds— what is wanted is correct exposure for the head, but as camera position
measurement
also includes the sky, an average reading, resulting in under-exposure of the face, would be obtained.
For proper measurement of detail in such cases, move the Rollei towards object until only the main part of subject appears in the focusing screen. Set
camera to the reading now obtained and return to original camera position.
Incident light measurement (with diffuser)
Give preference to whichever measuring method that does not expose photo cell to direct rays of the sun. 4www.butkus.org
When not in use, the photo cell need not be covered. The diffuser is kept in the front flap of the ever-ready case. A protective cover can be placed over
the focusing knob. The shockproof exposure meter is ruggedly built; duration and intensity of the light falling on the cells will not effect its accuracy.
When the photo cell is completely covered, the indicator needle should be in zero position, pointing to the red
reference line (a). If it is off this position, perhaps due to prolonged and heavy shaking, the meter can be re-
adjusted as follows:
Loosen both screws on the front of the meter (I), until it can be removed from the focusing knob.
Turn adjusting screw on back of instrument (a) until meter needle points to the red reference mark 0.
IMPORTANT: Before re-inserting instrument: first set camera to DIN/ASA value 12, filter factor 0, shutter speed
1/500th sec. and diaphragm f:22, then insert exposure meter and tighten screws.
In case you are interested in knowing which exposure value corresponds to a given speed/stop combination, the
table on the camera back provides this information: determine diaphragm and shutter speed the camera is set to
and the exposure value will be found where the respective diaphragm and speed columns cross; for example: for
f :5.6 and 1/30th sec. the exposure value 10.4www.butkus.org
Changing Magnifier to correct for Faulty Vision
For critical focusing without glasses, interchangeable magnifiers within the range from + 3 to—3 diopters are
available. (Specify prescription for glasses.) If you want to change the magnifiers yourself:
Upper Magnifier: with the direct view finder open, grasp lens from above and below, pull it back and then lift
it up and out (a). To insert: push magnifier forward against retaining spring and let snap into place. For
convenient cleaning: fold down magnifier with the direct view finder open.
Rear Magnifiers: remove and open focusing hood (A page 32). Use both thumbs to grasp, from the inside of
the rear wall, the two retaining clips on either side of the rear peep window and pull back retaining lever 0.
After changing magnifier, push retaining spring forward until it snaps into place Clean magnifier with soft cloth.
To exchange camera back: open back fully, turn the safety latch below the right back hinge in the same
direction 6) and remove back. To attach: with the safety latch in upper position, insert back first into the left,
then into the right back hinge and close.
Using the Rolleikin
To remove the hood: press the spring catches on either side of the hood and slide hood towards rear (1).—To
replace: press hood down on track and slide forward until it locks.
To lift the focusing screen: take hold of the two sides of the frame, pull backwards slightly and lift (2) Close by
pushing downward.
Inserting the focusing screen mask: drop into place so that the notch and punched holes fit over the studs
provided (3). The Rolleikin mask is now coupled to the automatic parallax correction of the camera.
Adjusting the film pressure plate ( --> page 9): slide plate downward until inscription 1 x 1 1/2" (24 x 36 mm) is
visible.
Adjusting the ever-ready case to the larger diameter of the Rolleikin counter knob: remove leather insert at the
left side after bending the metal retaining clips upward.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Rolleikin instruction sheet. 4www.butkus.org
Ever-ready
Case Protective Cap for exposure meter (leather), for attaching to ever-ready case
Neck Strap
Shoulder Pad for neck strap
Lens Cap
Metal Ever-ready Case
The Optical Accessories
Lens Hood
Light yellow —1
Light green —1
Green —1.5
Infrared Filter
Diffusion Discs
Rolleisoft 0
Rolleisoft 1
Rollel Micro-Tube
Rollei Micro-Prism
Magnifier Hood
For Cut-film and Plates 2% x 33/2" Plate adapter outfit 2~/4 x 23h" (1 adapter back, 3 slides, 3 cut-film sheaths) Adapter
Back Slide Cut-film Sheath Focusing Screen Slide