Rollei's Rolleiflex Automat MX TLR — 6x6 on 120, M/X flash sync, leaf shutter, 1949.
The Rolleiflex Automat MX was a post-war continuation of the Automat line from Franke & Heidecke, carrying the automatic film-loading design into the late 1940s. Introduced in 1949, the MX designation refers to its M and X flash-synchronisation settings, reflecting the move to newer flash technology. It sits in the earlier post-war part of the Rolleiflex range.
This is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) exposing 6x6 frames on 120 roll film, using separate viewing and taking lenses on a single front standard with a waist-level finder over ground glass. A leaf shutter is mounted in the front standard behind the taking lens, and the body adds M and X flash sync. Automatic film loading spaces the frames. Confirm the taking-lens and shutter engravings on any given example.
The MX suits composed portrait, documentary and slower reportage work in the square format, with the added flash-sync options broadening its use with period flash equipment. Handling follows the familiar Rolleiflex pattern of a waist-level finder and front-mounted controls, giving mechanical, battery-free operation.
When buying used, compare taking and viewing lenses for haze, fungus and separation, keeping in mind only the taking lens affects the negative. Check focus-knob smoothness, verify the leaf shutter and aperture operate across speeds on the front standard, test the flash-sync settings, film-wind and counter, and inspect ground-glass brightness.