Rare vintage rolleiflex old standard 1930s fully functional 120 film camera

The Rolleiflex Legacy The Rolleiflex is one of the most important and respected cameras in photography history. Its twin-lens reflex design became a professional standard for decades and was used by photographers all over the world. It is especially known for its high-quality Carl Zeiss lenses, famous for their sharpness, natural rendering, and beautiful image character, which helped define the classic medium format look that is still loved today. About This Camera This is a Rolleiflex Old Standard (Model 622), manufactured by Franke & Heidecke in Germany during the 1930s. It is almost 100 years old and represents an early stage of the Rolleiflex system. It is a medium format camera that uses 120 film, which is still readily available today, making it both a highly collectible historical camera and a fully usable photographic tool. Condition & Exterior Externally, the camera shows its age with some paint loss and normal cosmetic wear consistent with a nearly 100-year-old camera, but the leatherette is fully intact and well preserved, giving it a wonderful vintage character. All doors, latches, and covers close securely and operate exactly as they should. Mechanical Operation The glass optics are clear and in good condition. The aperture opens and closes properly, and the aperture ring rotates smoothly throughout its range. The shutter speed selector also moves smoothly and positively between all settings. The mechanical Compur leaf shutter has been thoroughly tested using a precise shutter speed tester, and the complete test report can be seen in the final photograph of this listing. The results are excellent for a camera of this age. All slow and medium shutter speeds—from 1 second through 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/25, and 1/50 second—operate with remarkable accuracy and exceptional shot-to-shot consistency, closely matching the original factory specifications. The highest shutter speed setting of 1/100 second measured approximately 1/156 second. This represents only about a half-stop difference, which is considered an outstanding result for a fully mechanical shutter approaching 100 years of age. Modern photographic film has more than enough exposure latitude to compensate for such a small variation, resulting in no noticeable effect on real-world photographs. The shutter is stable, reliable, and fully ready to be used with film. The film advance mechanism works smoothly and advances the film correctly. Manual focusing is slightly stiff due to aged lubricants, which is entirely normal for a camera of this age, but it remains fully functional and perfectly usable. The focusing screen is clear and easy to use, the waist-level viewfinder is clean, and the built-in magnifier operates correctly for precise focusing. Although the camera has not been tested with a roll of film, every mechanical function has been carefully inspected and tested. Based on these checks, including the verified shutter performance, the camera is in excellent mechanical working condition and is fully ready for film. Overall, this Rolleiflex is a beautiful example of classic German engineering—an important historical piece of photographic equipment produced by the legendary Franke & Heidecke. Equipped with its renowned Carl Zeiss lenses and performing exceptionally well mechanically, it remains both a highly desirable collectible and a camera ready to continue making photographs nearly a century after it was built. Why Buy From Me? Photography is not just about selling equipment for me—it is something I genuinely love and enjoy, just like many of the people buying from me. I share the same passion for cameras, lenses, vintage equipment, and photography accessories, and this is one of the reasons I carefully choose every item I offer for sale. Having grown up working in sales, I learned that honesty, trust, and accurate presentation are just as important as the product itself. My experience in both photography and selling allows me to properly inspect, test, evaluate, and, when appropriate, service equipment before offering it to someone else. Every item I sell is treated exactly as I would want to receive it myself. It is carefully cleaned, thoroughly checked, tested, and serviced when necessary before being listed. I pay attention even to the smallest details because I know how important condition is to photographers and collectors. Transparency is one of my highest priorities. The photographs in my listings are taken using professional product photography techniques, proper studio lighting, and high-resolution digital cameras with macro lenses so buyers can examine the true condition of every item. I am confident that the way I present my equipment is not only among the best in Cyprus but comparable to many of the most professional sellers worldwide. Dedicated product photography studios are typically used only by experienced dealers and specialist businesses, and I follow the same standard. Many times my photographs reveal imperfections that are difficult to notice even with the naked eye. I deliberately show these details so buyers know exactly what they are purchasing. I also describe every visible imperfection clearly in the written description, not only in the photographs. My goal is simple: complete transparency, with no surprises after the item arrives. Besides local platforms, I also sell internationally through eBay, where seller standards are extremely high. I am proud to maintain 100% positive feedback across my selling platforms, something I believe reflects the honesty, care, and professionalism I put into every sale. Photography equipment—especially vintage equipment—can be surprisingly complex. Lenses may contain fungus, haze, or separation that significantly reduce image quality and value. Digital cameras often suffer from broken battery doors, faulty autofocus systems, worn shutters, or batteries that no longer hold a proper charge. Some cameras also require uncommon memory cards that are not always easy to find, so whenever possible I include compatible memory cards, allowing buyers to begin using their camera immediately. Film point-and-shoot cameras also require proper testing. Even if they produce excellent photographs, deteriorated light seals may eventually cause light leaks if they are not replaced. Mechanical film cameras are even more demanding. Even after successfully exposing a roll of film, hidden issues may still exist, making careful inspection and experience extremely valuable. This is why buying from someone with genuine knowledge and practical experience can make a significant difference. Every item I sell is physically in my possession and ready for dispatch, usually the same or the following business day, so buyers receive their purchase as quickly as possible. Most importantly, I stand behind everything I sell. If an item is genuinely not as described, I offer a 2-day return period so the buyer has sufficient time to inspect and test the equipment properly. Finally, I am always happy to offer advice, recommendations, or guidance if someone is unsure which camera, lens, or accessory best suits their needs. Helping someone choose the right piece of equipment is often just as rewarding to me as making the sale itself.