Rollei's Rolleiflex 2.8E2 TLR — 6x6 on 120, f/2.8 taking lens, leaf shutter, 1959.
The Rolleiflex 2.8E2 was part of the f/2.8 E-series from Franke & Heidecke, a group of late-1950s Rolleiflex TLRs. Introduced in 1959, the E2 followed the earlier E model within the f/2.8 line. It sits among the more developed post-war bodies of the range, with the faster taking lens of the f/2.8 branch.
This is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) exposing 6x6 frames on 120 roll film, with separate viewing and taking lenses on one front standard and a waist-level finder over ground glass. The f/2.8 taking lens is fitted behind a leaf shutter in the front standard, and E-series bodies were offered with provision for interchangeable finders. Verify the taking-lens make and shutter markings on the individual camera.
The f/2.8 taking lens suits portrait and professional work in the square format alongside general documentary use, with finder interchange adding viewing flexibility. Handling follows the familiar Rolleiflex pattern of a waist-level finder and front-mounted controls with mechanical operation.
For a used example, examine taking and viewing lenses individually for haze, fungus and separation, noting only the taking lens affects images. Check focus-knob smoothness, confirm the leaf shutter and aperture operate across speeds on the front standard, test the film-wind and counter, and check the finder and ground-glass brightness.