Rolleikin 2 for 24×36 mm exposures on a Rolleiflex TLR

Introduction

Post-War Rolleiflex cameras - from Rolleiflex 3.5 and Rolleiflex 2.8 C - could be adapted to make 24×36 mm exposures on 35 mm film with a Rolleikin set. The origin of 35 mm film is motion pictures film. The “kin” part of the name is taken from ‘Kinofilm’ the German word for movie film. The Rolleikin 2 was offered for decades and the necessary masks were adapted following changes in camera designs. I stayed clear from this subject for many years because it is so complicated and confusing. Not many Rolleiflex users are interested in using Rolleikins anyway. Recently someone asked me about 16 exposures on a Rolleiflex T and a I spent some time to figure out all about film counter sets, masks and even 35 mm film and Rolleikins. The time to write this page had come. An earlier Rolleikin 1 existed, mainly for pre-World War II cameras. All cameras needed a dedicated back to use the Rolleikin 1. It is not described on the page.

There are three different kinds of masks. First of all the film masks that guide the smaller 35 mm film through the large film gate of the Rolleiflex. Then the focusing screen masks. They are placed on top of the screen or slid under the screen in cameras with later detachable finder hoods. The third type of masks is intended for the Direct View finder. That finder is used when looking through two openings in the back and the front of a finder hood. The front opening is normally closed but can be pushed open. The Direct View finder mask is placed over the front gap. A dedicated Direct View finder mask for the Tele-Rolleiflex was separately available.

Rolleikin 2 for 24×36 mm exposures

A number of Rolleiflex TLR camera were prepared to take 35 mm cartridges to make exposures of 24×36 mm. Next to masks additional hardware had to be added. The TLR film counter is unable to cope with 35 mm film and contrary to roll film 35 mm film has to be rewound into its cartridge. The factory developed the Rolleikin counter/rewind knob for this purpose. The film mask is equipped with a cogwheel for reading the film perforations and a transport lock. Most 2.8 camera models left the factory with the counter knob already mounted. There is not much point in mentioning the models that had the knob from factory. It could be added or removed by the user. Quite a few users not interested in making exposures on 35 mm film removed the knob at some point. The Rolleikins were sold as sets with or without the knobs. The sets I am discussing are called Rolleikin 2. The ‘2’ is not printed on the cover of the case. An earlier Rolleikin (1) set exists. The knob is the first thing to watch when buying. Over the years several runs of the Rolleikin were marketed usually fit for contemporary camera models. The camera also need a Dual-format or Triple-format back that can be set to 24×36 exposures. Nearly all post-war cameras have it but there were a few exceptions in the early years. The user had to buy a new back when using a Rolleikin. Most Rolleikin sets that are offered today have no Rolleikin knob. I have seen hardy any single knobs on offer. When you do find a knob or a set with knob make sure the longer dedicated screws for the Rolleikin knob are included. The standard screws of the spool holder that is replaced for the knob are too short.

Three runs of Rolleikins 2 were made. From 1958 camera models were built with new second generation folding finder hoods with moving frames for parallax compensation under the focusing screen. It made new finder masks necessary. That makes buying a Rolleikin 2 set on line tricky. Even after finding the proper set for your camera model you may end up with the wrong finder mask. Unfortunately I have no pictures (yet) to show the differences. I do not own a Rolleikin.

A Rolleikin 2 set consists of:

• Plastic or leather case.
• 35 mm film frame.
• Film take-up spool.
• (Exposure counter knob with 3 dedicated screws, leather disk.)
• 1 or 2 Extension spindle(s) for the Rewind Knob for earlier (and later) camera models, depending on manufactoring date of the set.
• Inner spool knob. This is the extended one that opens the film feeler rollers.
• Focusing screen mask.
• Direct view finder mask.
• (Lens hood mask Bayonet I.)

Rolleikin 2 First Run

Camera needs dual-format back. First run. Rolleiflex 3.5 C(E) only with finder hoods that sink into the camera body when being closed (not E2, E3!).

Rolleikin 2 First Run

First run. Cameras were sold with knob. Rolleiflex 2.8 C, D and E only with non-detachable finder hoods, (not E2, E3!). Cameras have Dual-format back.

Rolleikin 2 Second Run

Only a few hundred sets were made.

Rolleikin 2 Third Run

Rolleiflex 3.5 C(E) only with non-detacgable finder hood, (not E2, E3!). Cameras have Dual-format back.

Rolleikin 2 Third Run

Rolleiflex 2.8 E only with non-detachable finder hood, (not E2, E3!). Cameras have Dual-format back.

Rolleikin 2 Post 1958 Version

Cameras have Dual-format back or three-way back for Flat Glass.

Rolleikin 2 Direct View Finder mask for the Tele-Rolleiflex