Overview | |
---|---|
Type | Medium format single-lens reflex camera |
Focusing | |
Focus | manual, automatic |
Exposure/metering | |
Exposure | TTL exposure |
Flash | |
Flash | hot shoe |
The Rolleiflex 6000 System is a line of medium format single lens reflex cameras made by Rollei, in regular production starting from 1983 with the 6006. The 6006 was derived from the earlier SLX (1976) and retains compatibility with its lenses and accessories, adding an interchangeable film back with an integral dark slide. Like the SLX, the 6000 series cameras incorporate electronic autoexposure and motorized film transport, competing directly with the line of similar integrated-motor Hasselblad V-system cameras which started with the 500EL.
The 6006 was followed by the 6002 (1986), 6008 (1988), 6003 (1996), 6001 (1998), and 6008 AF (2002). The 6002 may be regarded as a simplified version of the 6006, or alternatively as a replacement for the SLX, with a non-interchangeable back; the 6008/6003 are positioned similarly. Rollei released numerous sub-variants of each model.
Broadly, the 6000 System can be divided into two distinct generations: the 6006/6002, which bear some similarities to the preceding SLX, and the 6008/6003/6001, which introduced upgraded metering and shutters.
Like the preceding SLX, the 6006 was designed to marry features from modern small format SLRs, including motorized film transport and autoexposure, with the larger film size of medium format cameras. The first camera released was the 6006 (1984), which had features similar to the SLX, adding through-the-lens (TTL) off-the-film (OTF) flash metering and a fully-interchangeable film back. [1] The film back introduced with the 6006 had an integrated, flexible dark slide; it adds approximately 3⁄4 in (19 mm) to the depth of the 6006, compared to the SLX. [2] A second version of the 6006 was released in 1989 with minor updates. Externally, the mechanical cable release socket was removed; [3] on the original 6006, this was centered on the bottom front of the body between the two microswitch shutter releases. [2]
The 6006 was supplemented by the 6002 (1986), which was a simplified 6006, reverting back to the interchangeable film magazines of the SLX, but retaining the updated TTL/OTF light meter. [4] In addition, the 6002 added multiple exposure capability, which subsequently was added with the updated 6006 in 1989. [3]
In 1988, Rollei released the 6008 professional, which eventually replaced the 6006. Externally, the 6008 moves the on/motor mode switch to a location coaxial with the shutter speed knob. An updated 6008 (branded 6008 professional SRC1000) was released in 1993, which added compatibility with PQS lenses; these feature an increased shutter speed of 1⁄1000 sec. [5] Similar to the 6002, Rollei released the 6003 SRC1000 as a simplified companion to the 6008 in 1994. The 6003 removes the mechanical cable release socket and self timer; [5] in addition, the default camera back takes interchangeable film inserts, but the standard back can be removed and used with 6008 film backs. [6] The original 6008/6003 models were replaced with the 6008 integral (1995), 6003 professional (1996), and 6008 E (1997); improvements included the addition of a multi-spot metering mode and a faster motor drive. [5]
In 1998, Rollei released the 6001 professional, which was a studio-only version of the 6003 professional, dropping the ambient light meter entirely, as it was intended to be used with flash lighting. [5]
The final 6000 series cameras were released in 2002; the 6008 integral2 included improvements to the flash metering system, and the 6008 AF built on that by adding an autofocus system along with a new line of AF lenses. [5]
Rollei released the X-Act2 in 2008, which is a monorail view camera with a full range of rise/fall, shift, and swing movements for both the lens (front) and film (rear) standards. [7] : 2 The front and rear standards each are fitted with a hole which is 85 mm in diameter as an adaptable interface for the lens and back; [7] : 2 Rollei sold adapters that would accept a limited selection of 6000 System lenses, viewfinders, and backs, and additional adapters were available for backs from competing medium format systems, including Hasselblad V-system, Mamiya RB, and Horseman 6×9, or a T2 adapter for use with 135 film and digital SLRs. [7] : 12 When using 6000 System lenses, the handheld LensControl S was used to control shutter speed and aperture. [7] : 10
The X-Act also was designed to accept large format lenses for maximum image coverage and movement flexibility; Rollei also sold its own leaf shutter units, branded ElectronicShutter, for use with lenses with size 0 or size 1 shutters. The ElectronicShutter units also were controlled using the LensControl S. [7] : 10
In 2007, Rollei began selling the Rolleiflex Hy6, a hybrid medium format SLR camera which accepted both analog film backs or backs with digital sensors, using the Rolleiflex SLX/6000 lens mount. The Hy6 was developed by Jenoptik and sold simultaneously by Rollei and other brands, including Leaf (as the AFi) and Sinar (as the Hy6). [8] [9] The 6000 System was discontinued in 2015.
Camera | Dates | Film back | TTL meter | Motor drive | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intro. | Disc. | Measurements | Modes | |||
SLX | 1976 | 1985 | Fixed | Ambient | Centre-weighted average | Max 1.5 frames/sec. |
6006 | 1984 | 1989 | Interchangeable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted average | Max 1.5 frames/sec. |
6002 | 1986 | 1990 | Fixed | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted average | Max 1.5 frames/sec. |
6008 professional | 1988 | 1992 | Interchangeable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot | Max 2 frames/sec. |
6006 Mod. II | 1989 | 1992 | Interchangeable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted average | Max 1.5 frames/sec. |
6008 professional SRC 1000 | 1992 | 1995 | Interchangeable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot | Max 2 frames/sec. |
6003 SRC 1000 | 1994 | 1996 | Detachable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot | Max 2 frames/sec. |
6008 integral | 1995 | 2002 | Interchangeable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot, and multi-spot | Max 2.5 frames/sec. |
6003 professional | 1996 | 2003 | Detachable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot, and multi-spot | Max 2 frames/sec. |
6008 E | 1997 | 2000 | Interchangeable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot, and multi-spot | Max 2.5 frames/sec. |
6001 | 1998 | ? | Interchangeable | Flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot, and multi-spot | Max 1.5 frames/sec. |
6008 AF | 2002 | 2015 | Interchangeable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot, and multi-spot | Max 2 frames/sec. |
6008 integral 2 | 2003 | 2015 | Interchangeable | Ambient, flash | Centre-weighted multi-zone, spot, and multi-spot | Max 2 frames/sec. |
Like the Rolleiflex TLR, SL66, and SLX, the 6000 series uses 120 or 220 rollfilm to produce frames of up to 6×6 cm (nominal); the actual image size is based on imperial units, measuring 2+1⁄4×2+1⁄4 in (57×57 mm). The camera has a modular design; the central camera body incorporates the single-lens reflex mirror and exposure controls, with interfaces accommodating interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, and focusing screens. Most of the cameras accommodate interchangeable film backs. Nearly all of the accessories and components for the SLX could be used with the 6006, aside from the back and body. [11] : 5
Like the SLX, all 6000 System cameras have manual ambient light metering and shutter-priority autoexposure capability, along with motorized film advance and shutter charging. The light meter is integrated into the camera body. The 6006 and 6002 have a centre-weighted average metering pattern; compared to the SLX, these cameras add an off-the-film sensor for TTL flash metering. [4] : 10 The 6008 and 6003 add aperture-priority and program autoexposure modes; in addition, the metering pattern can be switched between centre-weighted multi-zone and spot, covering approximately 1% of the overall image area. [12] : 7–8 [6] : 2 A multi-spot metering pattern was added to later 6008/6003 cameras. [12] : 7 The 6001 drops the ambient light meter entirely, but supports TTL OTF flash metering.
The main switch falls under the photographer's right hand on the 6006/6002, and has three rotary positions for "O"ff, "S"ingle, or "C"ontinuous exposures. A 14-pin interface for remote operation and a depth-of-field preview button (stop-down) are next to the main switch. [11] : 1–2, 7–8 For the 6008 and later cameras, the main switch and depth-of-field preview have been moved to the shutter speed knob. [13] : 1–2, 8
The opposite side of the camera has a strap lug, hotshoe, and a slot to accommodate the rechargeable NiCd battery. Advertised stamina is approximately 500 to 600 exposures per charge. [4] : 13 [12] : 11
Two separate electronic shutter releases are provided on the bottom front corners of the camera, which may be operated by the photographer's right or left hand. [4] : 5 Shutter speeds are selected by a knob operated by the photographer's right hand and range from 30 to 1⁄500 sec in whole steps; [4] : 5 cameras released after the PQS series add a faster 1⁄1000 sec speed. [12] : 30 Since lenses are focused by helicoid extension, the traditional focusing knob on the left side of Rolleiflex SL66 and TLR cameras is not present.
The 6006 uses a interchangeable film magazine with integrated dark slide to accommodate mid-roll film changes. In addition to the standard 6×6 back, a 645 back was available; both of these took film inserts. A bulk 70 mm perforated film back and a Polaroid (packfilm) back also were available. [4] : 14 As shipped from the factory, the 6002 was fitted with a fixed film back which used the same interchangeable film inserts as the SLX. [4] : 15
The 6008 continued using the same film magazine system as the 6006. [12] : 13 The 6003 was fitted as standard with a detachable film back which accommodated the same film inserts as the 6002; the 6003 back also could be removed completely and fitted with the 6006/6008 film magazines. [6] : 3
The Rollei Digital ScanPack is a back with a scanning linear image sensor which was available for the 6000 System cameras. It was tethered to a computer via SCSI. The image recorded was 41.2×35 mm (1.62×1.38 in) with a maximum resolution of 5850×5000 pixels. [12] : 22–23
The 6000 series uses lenses that are physically compatible with earlier SLX lenses. These lenses use conventional helicoids for focusing instead of the extending focusing bellows on the camera body of the SL66. In addition, SLX/6000 lenses all are equipped with in-lens leaf shutters. Because of this, SLX/6000 and SL66 lenses are not compatible.
A 10-pin interface is provided to transmit signals between the lens and camera body. The leaf shutter and aperture leaves are driven by voice coil motors, which Rollei called "linear motors". [14] The aperture control ring on each lens has a separate setting at "A", which puts the camera into shutter-priority autoexposure. [15]
Extension tubes and a bellows unit were available for close-up work. [15]
The 6000 System uses the same viewfinders as the preceding SLX; the standard viewfinder fitted has a folding waist-level finder with a built-in magnifier and a ground glass focusing screen with a central split-image rangefinder spot surrounded by a microprism collar, grid lines etched at regular intervals, and an integrated Fresnel lens. The viewfinder displays an image 55×55 mm (2.2×2.2 in), which is 93% of the area recorded on the film. The magnifying lens in the viewfinder could be changed. [15] Other available viewfinders include:
The screen could be changed to one of several alternatives, which are shared with the SL66: [16] : 524
Image | Catalog | Grid | Fresnel field lens | Central focusing aid(s) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
560 060 | Yes (11 mm) | Yes | Microprism (15 mm dia.) | [16] : 94–95 | |
560 050 | Yes (11 mm) | Yes | Split-image rangefinder (5 mm dia.) | [16] : 115 | |
560 040 | Yes (11 mm) | Yes | No | [16] : 117–118 | |
560 180 | Yes (11 mm) | Yes | Microprism (15 mm dia.) and split-image rangefinder (5 mm dia.) | Standard screen [16] : 116–117 | |
560 030 | No | No | No | [16] : 117–118 | |
560 100 | Yes (11 mm) | Yes | Clear with crosshair and measuring graticule | [16] : 118–119 |
Rollei offered the ME-1 multi-exposure control unit using the 14-pin DIN connector first released with the SLX; it allows the photographer to record up to ten images on a single frame, at a selectable interval between 0.1 and 1.5 seconds. It was supplied with a 2 m (6 ft 7 in) cable as standard, and a 10 m (33 ft) cable was available as an accessory. [15]
A single-lens reflex camera (SLR) is a camera that typically uses a mirror and prism system that permits the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured. With twin lens reflex and rangefinder cameras, the viewed image could be significantly different from the final image. When the shutter button is pressed on most SLRs, the mirror flips out of the light path, allowing light to pass through to the light receptor and the image to be captured.
A twin-lens reflex camera (TLR) is a type of camera with two objective lenses of the same focal length. One of the lenses is the photographic objective or "taking lens", while the other is used for the viewfinder system, which is usually viewed from above at waist level.
The Instamatic is a series of inexpensive, easy-to-load 126 and 110 cameras made by Kodak beginning in 1963. The Instamatic was immensely successful, introducing a generation to low-cost photography and spawning numerous imitators.
Rollei was a German manufacturer of optical instruments founded in 1920 by Paul Franke and Reinhold Heidecke in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, and maker of the Rolleiflex and Rolleicord series of cameras. Later products included specialty and nostalgic type films for the photo hobbyist market.
Rolleiflex is the name of a long-running and diverse line of high-end cameras originally made by the German company Franke & Heidecke, and later Rollei-Werke.
The Rolleiflex SL35 is a range of SLR cameras manufactured and sold by the German camera maker Rollei from 1970 to 1982. This range of cameras uses 35mm film. The camera bodies were initially made in Germany. After Zeiss Ikon discontinued camera production, Rollei acquired the Voigtländer brand and camera designs in 1972, and began producing a second generation of SLR cameras in Singapore starting from 1976. Some of those second-generation cameras were rebranded and marketed as Voigtländer VSL.
The Rolleicord is a medium-format twin lens reflex camera made by Franke & Heidecke (Rollei) between 1933 and 1976. It was a simpler, less expensive version of the high-end Rolleiflex TLR, aimed at amateur photographers who wanted a high-quality camera but could not afford the expensive Rolleiflex. Several models of Rolleicord were made; the later models generally had more advanced features and tend to be valued higher in today's market.
The Rollei 35 is a 35mm miniature viewfinder camera built by Rollei. The original Rollei 35, when introduced at photokina in 1966, was the smallest existing 135 film camera. The Rollei 35 series remains one of the smallest 35 mm cameras after the Minox 35 and Minolta TC-1. In 30 years, about 2 million Rollei 35 series cameras were manufactured. The Rollei 35 was manufactured by DHW Fototechnik up to 2015, the successor of Franke & Heidecke as small-batch production. The last version is the Rollei 35 Classic, an updated Rollei 35 SE.
The Leica M mount is a camera lens mount introduced in 1954 with the Leica M3, and a range of lenses. It has been used on all the Leica M-series cameras and certain accessories up to the current film Leica M-A and digital Leica M11 cameras.
The Rolleiflex SL66 is a line of medium format single lens reflex cameras made by Rollei, in regular production starting from 1966 until Rollei's bankruptcy in 1982. The SL66 represented a change in direction for Rollei, which until that time had focused almost exclusively on its popular twin lens reflex cameras, the Rolleiflex and Rolleicord.
The Minolta X-1 was the professional model in the Minolta SR-mount line of single-lens reflex cameras (SLR), released in 1972 after ten years of development, which was the first X-series camera in the Minolta SLR system; prior to the X-1, specific Minolta SLR models were branded SR-T, and afterward, they included X in the name. The X-1 was the first SLR to combine an electronically-controlled shutter with interchangeable viewfinders.
Contarex is a line of 35mm single lens reflex cameras (SLRs) made by Zeiss Ikon. It was first presented at Photokina in 1958 and initially scheduled for delivery in the spring of 1959, but it was not made generally available in the United States until March 1960. The first model is popularly known as the Contarex I, the Bullseye, or the Cyclops, after the prominent light meter window above the lens, in front of the pentaprism. The camera was aimed at the high-end and professional markets; in 1961, the retail price was $499.
The Fuji GX680 is a series of single lens reflex system cameras for medium format film produced by Fujifilm with interchangeable camera lenses and interchangeable film holders for the unusual film format 6×8 cm on 120 and 220 roll film. The distinguishing feature of the Fuji GX680 is the articulating front standard, which runs on a rail connecting lens and camera body by a bellows; the interchangeable lens is permanently mounted to a lens board.
The Quick Bayonet Mount (QBM) is the bayonet mount system for the range of interchangeable lenses fitted to 135 film cameras built by Rollei in Germany and Singapore from 1970 through 1990, including the Rolleiflex SL35, Rolleiflex SL2000F, and Voigtländer VSL series. Lens brands sold with QBM included Carl Zeiss, Rolleinar, Schneider, and Voigtländer. QBM has a flange focal distance of 44.5 mm.
Icarex is a line of 35mm single lens reflex cameras (SLRs) made by Zeiss Ikon, derived from an earlier Bessaflex project developed by Voigtländer. The Icarex line, which included the Icarex 35, Icarex 35CS, Icarex 35S, and SL 706, was aimed at a mid-range market above the Contaflex SLR, which was intended for advanced amateurs, but below the Contarex line for professionals.
The Vito and Vitomatic, Vitoret, and Vito Automatic were several related lines of 35 mm compact viewfinder and rangefinder cameras made by Voigtländer from the 1940s through the early 1970s, equipped with leaf shutters, similar in concept to and marketed against the competing Kodak Retina cameras manufactured by Kodak. All of these cameras were fixed-lens models; the models in the Vito line identified with Roman numerals were equipped with folding mechanisms and collapsible lenses for portability, while the others were rigid, non-folding cameras.
The Rolleiflex SLX is a line of medium format single lens reflex cameras made by Rollei, in regular production starting from 1976. The SLX incorporated electronic autoexposure and motorized film transport, competing directly with the integrated-motor Hasselblad 500EL/M and effectively displacing the earlier Rolleiflex SL66 line, although the older camera continued to be produced.
The Rolleiflex Hy6, also sold as the Leaf Digital AFi and Sinar Hy6, is a line of medium format single lens reflex cameras designed by Jenoptik for Rollei, introduced in 2006 and in intermittent production starting from 2008. The Hy6 is a hybrid, accepting both analog film and digital image sensor backs, competing directly with the Hasselblad H-series.
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.