The Rolleiflex SL2000F is a line of modular 135 film single lens reflex cameras (SLR) made by Rollei which share the QBM lens mount with the earlier Rolleiflex SL35 line, adding interchangeable film backs, similar in concept to contemporary medium format SLR systems including the Rolleiflex SL66 / SLX, Hasselblad V-System, and Mamiya RB67. The SL2000F was first announced at photokina in 1976, and released in 1981 after a prolonged development period. It was succeeded by the SL3003 (1984), which extended the fastest shutter speed from 1⁄1000 to 1⁄2000 sec., and SL3001 (1985), a simplified SL3003 which removed the waist-level finder and reverted to 1⁄1000 sec.
 Rolleiflex SL2000F motor with Planar 1.4/50 lens | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Rollei (Franke & Heidecke) |
| Type | Modular SLR |
| Released | 1981 |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | QBM |
| Lens | Interchangeable lens |
| Sensor/medium | |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film size | 36 mm × 24 mm |
| Film speed | 25–6400 |
| Film speed detection | Manual setting |
| Film advance | Motor |
| Film rewind | Manual |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure modes | Manual (M), Aperture-priority (A), and Bulb (B) |
| Flash | |
| Flash | Hot shoe, PC Sync |
| Flash synchronization | 1⁄125 s |
| Shutter | |
| Shutter | Electronically timed vertical running metal shutter |
| Shutter speed range | 16s – 1⁄1000 s with Bulb and 1⁄125 s flash sync |
| Viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder | Telescopic eye-level or waist-level |
| General | |
| Battery | 5×AA or NiCd pack |
| Dimensions | 3.5×4.75×6.25 in (88.9×120.7×158.8 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lb 12 oz (1,200 g) (incl. lens, without batteries) |
| Made in | Germany |
History
editThe prototype SL2000 was first exhibited at photokina '76, featuring both aperture- and shutter-priority autoexposure modes along with a top speed of 1⁄2000 sec.[1] However, when it was released in February 1981 for Germany and selected other European countries, the shutter-priority mode had been dropped and the top speed reduced to 1⁄1000 sec.[2] Rollei's bankruptcy later that year halted production temporarily.[3]
The SL3003 was shown at photokina '84, increasing the fastest shutter speed and adding a grip to the right side of the camera; it required the NiCd battery pack.[4][5]
Design
editThe SL2000F body includes both eye- and waist-level finders.[3] The SL2000F offers motorized film advance at up to an observed three frames per second, powered by a battery pack that attaches to the rear of the film magazine; either five AA batteries can be used, or a separate NiCd pack is available. Film must be rewound back into the cartridge manually.[3]: 110
Manually selectable shutter speeds range from 16 to 1⁄1000 sec., with a "B"ulb mode. The vertically-traveling focal plane shutter has a maximum flash synchronization speed of 1⁄125 sec. In aperture-priority automatic exposure mode, the camera can select a top speed of 1⁄2000 sec. under certain conditions.[6]
An accessory Sportsfinder Prism was released in 1983.[7]
Lenses
editThe Rolleiflex SL2000F takes the same lenses as the Rollei SL35, which use the QBM (quick bayonet mount) interface. Some lenses were designed by Carl Zeiss AG and manufactured by Rollei under license, while others were designed and manufactured by Zeiss. In addition, Rollei manufactured a lower-cost line of Rolleinar MC lenses for QBM.[3]: 174
Backs
editThe standard magazine back requires the photographer to set the film speed and roll length using two dials; film is carried in an interchangeable cassette insert which can be removed through the bottom of the magazine independently of the magazine itself.[3]
In 1983, Rollei introduced a 250-exposure magazine back.[8] Also that year, a Polaroid film back was released.[7] A 750-exposure magazine back was introduced in 1988.[9]
References
edit- ^ Wahl, Paul (April 1977). "Buyer's guide: Incredible new 35mm SLR cameras". Popular Science. Vol. 210, no. 4. Times Mirror Magazines. pp. 124–127, 137–138. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
- ^ Schwalberg, Bob (July 1982). "Programmed-exposure SLRs: Are They for You?". Popular Photography. Vol. 89, no. 7. Ziff-Davis. pp. 80–87, 157–158. ISSN 0032-4582. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
The international photo press first saw a multimode model in the prototype for the Rolleiflex SL-2000 F shown at photokina 1976. But when this camera was finally Euromarketed, in February, 1981, it had shed both its multimodishness and the 1/2,000-sec top speed for which it is still named.
- ^ a b c d e Schwalberg, Bob (March 1982). "First Look: Rolleiflex SL 2000 F". Popular Photography. pp. 110–111, 174. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ "Photokina '84 New-product Highlights". Popular Photography. December 1984. p. 78. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ "Are These the World's Most Innovative SLRs? Rolleiflex 3003". Popular Photography. Vol. 92, no. 9. CBS Magazines. September 1985. p. 72. ISSN 0032-4582. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
- ^ "Rolleiflex SL 2000 F 35mm Single Lens Reflex Camera System" (PDF). Rollei Division, Berkey Marketing Companies. May 1982. Retrieved 3 October 2024 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
- ^ a b Fesce, Joseph P. (June 1983). "PMA '83: Accessories". Popular Photography. pp. 96–97. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ Frank, Michele A. (December 1983). "New Products from Rollei". Popular Photography. pp. 94–95. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ "The Big Show '88: 800-shot SLR (Almost)". Popular Photography. March 1988. p. 98. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
External links
edit- "Handbook · Rolleiflex SL 2000 F · Practical Hints" (PDF). Rollei Fototechnic GmbH – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
- "Rolleiflex 3003: The 35-mm reflex system with the creative potential of medium-format cameras" (PDF). Rollei Fototechnic GmbH. September 1984 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.
- "Rolleiflex 3001: More Creative Possibilities in 35 mm Photography" (PDF). Rollei Fototechnic GmbH. 1986 – via Pacific Rim Camera, Reference Library.