C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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The Rolleiflex T (1958–1976) is the entry-level model of the Rolleiflex line, sitting below the 3.5E/3.5F and the 2.8 series in both price and specification. It was designed to attract buyers who wanted the Rolleiflex name and build quality but did not require the Planar or Xenotar optics of the flagship models. The taking lens is the **Carl Zeiss Tessar 75mm f/3.5** (or Schneider Xenar 75mm f/3.5 on some production runs), a four-element design that performs well from f/5.6 onward but lacks the wide-open rendering of the Planar. Like all Rolleiflex TLRs, the T has a Synchro-Compur leaf shutter with full flash synchronization at all speeds. There is no built-in meter. The T shares its body shell and film transport with the Rolleicord Vb but carries the Rolleiflex badge and crank advance rather than knob advance.
Reference
Recommended film stocks for the — format your camera takes.
C41
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
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Ilford HP5 Plus is a flexible ISO 400 black-and-white film with classic grain and strong push-processing tolerance.
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Before you buy used
About this camera
Rollei's budget Rolleiflex. Tessar optics, Synchro-Compur shutter, and no frills.
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Format | 120 (6x6 cm) |
| Taking lens | Carl Zeiss Tessar 75mm f/3.5 (4 elements / 3 groups) |
| Viewing lens | Heidoscop 75/3.5 |
| Years | 1958-1976 |
| Shutter | 1s - 1/500s + B, Synchro-Compur leaf |
| Flash sync | All speeds |
| Meter | None built-in |
| Advance | Crank (distinguishes from Rolleicord knob advance) |
| Weight | ~ |
The Rolleiflex T was introduced in 1958 as a deliberate cost reduction exercise within the Rolleiflex family. By the late 1950s, Rollei's lineup had grown complex: the Rolleicord handled the budget end, the Rolleiflex 3.5 series handled the mid-range with Planar or Xenotar lenses, and the 2.8 series sat at the top. The T slotted between the Rolleicord and the 3.5E, offering the Rolleiflex crank advance and cosmetic identity at a lower price by adopting the simpler Tessar or Xenar optics instead of the Planar.
Production ran for 18 years, closely paralleling the Rolleicord Vb. Both models were discontinued in 1976 as Rollei restructured its lineup. The T was not replaced; the Rolleiflex 3.5F became the effective entry point for Rolleiflex buyers after that point.
The Rolleiflex T is the most accessible point of entry into the Rolleiflex system for used buyers who want crank advance and Rolleiflex handling without paying Planar prices. The Tessar 75/3.5 is a thoroughly competent lens for landscapes, portraiture at f/5.6 and above, and documentary work. At typical used prices of $250-550, the T trades blows with the Rolleicord Vb - the key differentiators are crank advance (T) versus knob advance (Vb) and Rolleiflex vs Rolleicord body identity.
For photographers who intend to shoot primarily at f/5.6-f/11, the optical difference between Tessar and Planar is largely academic. The T's value proposition rests on this fact.
Lens fixed. Bay I accessory ring:
C41
Kodak Portra 160 is a professional C-41 color negative film with fine grain, soft contrast, and natural color.
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