Rollei's Rolleiflex 2.8B TLR — 6x6 on 120, f/2.8 taking lens, leaf shutter, 1952.
The Rolleiflex 2.8B continued the faster f/2.8 Rolleiflex line from Franke & Heidecke in the early 1950s. Introduced in 1952, it followed the 2.8A within the f/2.8 branch of the Rolleiflex TLR range. It is an early post-war body that sits among the brighter-lens models of the series.
This is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) exposing 6x6 frames on 120 roll film, using separate viewing and taking lenses on one front standard with a waist-level finder over ground glass. The f/2.8 taking lens sits behind a leaf shutter in the front standard, and automatic film loading handles frame spacing. Confirm the taking-lens make and shutter markings on the specific example.
The f/2.8 taking lens suits portrait and professional work in the square format where a brighter aperture helps, alongside general documentary use. The waist-level finder and front-mounted controls follow the familiar Rolleiflex handling with mechanical, battery-free operation.
When buying used, compare taking and viewing lenses for haze, fungus and separation, remembering only the taking lens affects the negative. Check focus-knob smoothness, verify the leaf shutter and aperture work across speeds on the front standard, test the film-wind and counter, and inspect ground-glass brightness.