Latest revision as of 05:32, 4 April 2023

1927 Balda-Werk type
image by Uwe Kulick (Image rights)

1927 Balda-Werk type View of opened filmback showing
component parts
image by Nicholas Middleton (Image rights)

1952 knob wind Linhof Rollex
image by John Gateley (Image rights)

Rollex is a brand of accessory rollfilm holder (film back) fitted with a dark slide, originally designed as adapters for 9×12 or 6.5×9 plate cameras to use rollfilm (of various sizes—primarily 120 film resulting in a 6×9 image or smaller ). First created and sold by Balda of Dresden, Germany, a modern version is made by Linhof of Munich, Germany.

History

1927 - Max Baldeweg founder of the Balda-Werk camera company of Dresden,Germany patented the Rollex roll film cassette. It was a staple in the Balda-Werk catalogs until the beginning of WWII.

1946 - Following WWII Balda-Werk Dresden found itself in East Germany and Max Beldeweg left for the West.

1952 - Linhof Precision Camera Work of Munich, Germany took up the Rollex name for their new roll film back which was an entirely new design from the 1927 Balda-Werk Rollex back.

1957 - Linhof changed the design again and re-named it the Super Rollex roll film back.

1960 - Linhof released a Cine Rollex back for 70mm perforated rollfilm. It used 56x72mm Ideal Format and 53 exposures were possible per roll.

1980 - Linhof released the AeroRollex 4x5 back for the Aero Technika 45EL. It used 50’ feet of 5”(126mm) roll film on a NATO film spool. The back was motorized for automatic film advance as well as vacuum suction at the film plane for flatness.

1982 - Linhof released the Techno Rollex 6x12 for 120/220 film.

1988 - Linhof released the Rapid Rollex for spring backs in 23 & 4x5.

2022 - Linhof currently makes the Super Rollex 120 rollfilm back for 2x3 and 4x5 cameras. New backs are available in either 6x9 or 6x7 image sizes and retail for $2,600.

Balda Rollex

Balda made 6 models of Rollex backs for 3 sizes of camera; 9x12, 6x9 and 645. ^[1]

A simple wind mechanism with no set stops was used in conjunction with a red window to properly advance the frame. Some Balda models could use masks and an alternate red window to make a smaller image and get more shots per roll. (i.e. Universal Rollex Model 3 used 6x9 Rollfilm for 8 6x9 images a roll or used with the included mask and alternate red window 15 4x6 images.)

Rollex - Balda Werk Dresden, Germany (1927 - c.1940)

Rollex Model 1 & 2 ^[1]

Rollfilm : 6x9

Image size: 6x9

Shots: 8

Universal Rollex Model 3 ^[1]

Rollfilm : 6x9

Image size 6x9 or 645

Shots: 8 @ 6x9 /15 @ 4x6

Universal Rollex Model 4 & 6 ^[1]

Rollfilm : 4x6.5

Image Size : 4x6.5 or 3x4

Shots: 8 @ 4x6.5 / 16 @ 3x4

Universal Rollex Model 5 ^[1]

Rollfilm : 8x10.5

Image Size : 8x10.5 or 5x8

Shots: 8 @ 8x10.5 / 11 @ 5x8

Rollex Model 5a - for 9x12 cameras ^[1]

Rollfilm : Agfa Optima Type (A film stock c1931, obviously not referencing the 1950's 35mm camera, must have recycled the name)

Image Size : 7.5x10.5

Shots: 8

Linhof Rollex

Linhof made 5 models of Rollex back; the original 120 knob wind Rollex in 1952, which was replaced by the 120 lever wind Super Rollex a few years later in 1957, the Cine Rollex for 70mm perforated film, the Techno Rollex for panoramic 6x12 images on 120/220 film, and a Rapid Rollex for spring backs.

Linhof Rollex backs were made for either 9x12cm 4x5” cameras or 6x9cm 2x3" cameras.

Linhof Rollex backs used a complex wind mechanism that could automatically stop the film advance without need of a red window. The knob wind backs estimate this which can lead to image overlap if a film stock is particularly thin, the later lever wind types actually measure film travel and are thus not prone to spacing issues.

Knob wind backs were made in either 6x9 or less common 6x6 image sizes. Lever wind backs were initially made only in 6x7 and eventually less common 6x6 and 6x9 were added. A very rare Linhof Super Rollex 135 (35mm Film) 24x36mm back exists as well. Today only the 120 6x9 and 6x7 sizes are made.

Linhof also made a Press/Aero version of the 2x3” Super Rollex 120 & Cine Rollex 70mm without a lever to advance the film. Instead of the lever a gear protruded which linked to an electronic or mechanical advance on the camera body.

Rollex - Linhof Precision Camera Munich, Germany (1952 - Present)

2x3” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9 (Knob Wind)

120 Rollfilm

Image Size : 6x9

Shots : 8

Mounts via circular rotation flange standard to all 23 Technika cameras, not compatible with other brands of 23 cameras

Note: Early version with Linhof Munchen text logo in football shape have an extended flange edge and will only fit the early Technika III 23 cameras without the quick release back. The excess flange can be removed with a file for universal 23 Technika compatibility. Later versions with the Linhof Shield logo do not have this issue.

4x5” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9 (Knob Wind)

120 Rollfilm

Image Size : 6x9

Shots : 8

Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Grafloc style backs, not compatible with spring backs.

Note: First version with Linhof Munchen text logo in football shape were designed to fit on a 9x12 plate back. To use this version on a Grafloc type back you need the millionfalz plate adapter. Later versions with the Linhof Shield logo were sized for the Graflok back.

2x3” Super ROLLEX (Lever Wind)

120 Rollfilm or 220 Rollfilm

Image Size : 56x72 (Linhof ideal format)

Shots : 10 / 20

Mounts via circular rotation flange standard to all 23 Technika cameras, not compatible with other brands of 23 cameras

4x5” Super ROLLEX (Lever Wind)

120 Rollfilm or 220 Rollfilm

Image Size : 56x72 (Linhof ideal format)

Shots : 10 / 20

Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Graflok style backs, not compatible with spring backs.

Note: The original 1957-1960 backs are tan and chrome and have black plastic tips on the wind lever. Only 56x72 image size was available until the mid 1960’s when the far less common 6x6 and 6x9 were added. In 1972 the Super ROLLEX color style changed to black paint and leather.

2x3” Cine Rollex

70mm back for Linhof cameras
or 4x5" Graflok; 1962

70mm Perforated Rollfilm

Image Size : 56x72

Shots : 53

Mounts via circular rotation flange standard to all 23 Technika cameras, not compatible with other brands of 23 cameras

4x5” Cine Rollex

70mm Perforated Rollfilm

Image Size : 56x72

Shots : 53

Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Graflok style backs, not compatible with spring backs.

4x5” Techno Rollex

120 & 220 Rollfilm

Image Size : 6x12 panoramic

Shots : 6 / 12

Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Graflok style backs, not compatible with spring backs.

45 & 23 Rapid Rollex

120 Rollfilm

Image Size : 6x7

Shots : 10

Slides under the Ground Glass just like a filmholder

Super Rollex 135 24x36mm

135 (35mm Film)

Image Size : 24x36mm

Shots : 12/24/36 are common 135 roll sizes

Likely an adaptation when Kodachrome was available in 135 and 828 but not 120/620

Notes

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 ^1.5 1931 ROLLEX informational sheet- Gebrauchs-Anweisung fur die Patent- Rollfilm-Kassetten ROLLEX

Links

In English

In Swiss

Details & images of the Balda-Werk Rollex Model 3 at Emtus Camera Reference book Switzerland.ch

[Sheet-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 ^1.5 1931 ROLLEX informational sheet- Gebrauchs-Anweisung fur die Patent- Rollfilm-Kassetten ROLLEX

[1]

Difference between revisions of "Rollex rollfilm back"

Latest revision as of 05:32, 4 April 2023

History

Balda Rollex

Rollex - Balda Werk Dresden, Germany (1927 - c.1940)

Rollex Model 1 & 2 ^[1]

Universal Rollex Model 3 ^[1]

Universal Rollex Model 4 & 6 ^[1]

Universal Rollex Model 5 ^[1]

Rollex Model 5a - for 9x12 cameras ^[1]

Linhof Rollex

Rollex - Linhof Precision Camera Munich, Germany (1952 - Present)

2x3” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9 (Knob Wind)

4x5” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9 (Knob Wind)

2x3” Super ROLLEX (Lever Wind)

4x5” Super ROLLEX (Lever Wind)

2x3” Cine Rollex

4x5” Cine Rollex

4x5” Techno Rollex

45 & 23 Rapid Rollex

Super Rollex 135 24x36mm

Notes

Links

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@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
 |}
+__NOTOC__
+'''Rollex''' is a brand of accessory [[rollfilm]] holder (film back) fitted with a dark slide, originally designed as [[adapters]] for 9×12 or 6.5×9 plate cameras to use rollfilm (of various sizes—primarily [[120]] film resulting in a 6×9 image or smaller ). First created and sold by [[Balda]] of Dresden, Germany, a modern version is made by [[Linhof]] of Munich, Germany.
-Rollex is a brand of accessory [[Rollfilm]] holders (film backs) fitted with a dark slide, designed as [[adapters]] for 9×12 or 6.5×9 plate cameras to use rollfilm (of various sizes but primarily [[120]]/[[220 film]] since the 1940’s resulting in a 6×12 image or smaller ). Originally created and sold by [[Balda]] of Dresden, Germany. Currently a modern version is made by [[Linhof]] of Munich, Germany.
+=History=
-[[Balda]] made 6 models of Rollex backs for 3 sizes of camera; 9x12, 6x9 and 645.
-A simple wind mechanism with no set stops was used in conjunction with a [[red window]] to properly advance the frame. Some [[Balda]] models could use masks and an alternate [[red window]] to make a smaller image and get more shots per roll.
-(i.e. Universal Rollex Model 3 used 6x9 [[Rollfilm]] for 8 6x9 images a roll or used with the included mask and alternate [[red window]] 15 4x6 images.)
-[[Linhof]] made 4 models of Rollex back; the original [[120]]/[[220]] knob wind Rollex in 1952, which was replaced by the [[120]]/[[220]] lever wind Super Rollex a few years later in 1957, the Cine Rollex for 70mm perforated film, and a Techno Rollex for panoramic 6x12 images on [[120]]/[[220]] film.
-[[Linhof]] Rollex backs were made for either 9x12cm 4x5” cameras or 6x9cm 2x3" cameras.
-[[Linhof]] Rollex backs used a complex wind mechanism that could automatically stop the film advance without need of a red window. The knob wind backs estimate this which can lead to image overlap if a film stock is particularly thin, the later lever wind types actually measure film travel and are thus not prone to spacing issues.
-Knob wind backs were made in either 6x9 or less common 6x6 image sizes. Lever wind backs were initially made only in 6x7 and eventually less common 6x6 and 6x9 were added. Today only the [[120]] 6x9 and 6x7 sizes are made.
-[[Linhof]] also made a Press/Aero version of the 2x3” Super Rollex 120 & Cine Rollex 70mm without a lever to advance the film. Instead of the lever a gear protruded which linked to an electronic or mechanical advance on the camera body.
-==History==
 - Max Baldeweg founder of the [[Balda]]-Werk camera company of Dresden,Germany patented the Rollex roll film cassette. It was a staple in the [[Balda]]-Werk catalogs until the beginning of WWII.
@@ Line 60: / Line 45: @@
 - [[Linhof]] released a Cine Rollex back for 70mm perforated rollfilm. It used 56x72mm Ideal Format and 53 exposures were possible per roll.
-- [[Linhof]] released the Techno Rollex 6x12 for 120/220 film.
+- [[Linhof]] released the AeroRollex 4x5 back for the Aero Technika 45EL. It used 50’ feet of 5”(126mm) roll film on a NATO film spool. The back was motorized for automatic film advance as well as vacuum suction at the film plane for flatness.
+- [[Linhof]] released the Techno Rollex 6x12 for 120/220 film.
+- [[Linhof]] released the Rapid Rollex for spring backs in 23 & 4x5.
 - [[Linhof]] currently makes the Super Rollex 120 rollfilm back for 2x3 and 4x5 cameras. New backs are available in either 6x9 or 6x7 image sizes and retail for $2,600.
-==Rollex - Blada Werk Dresden, Germany  (1927 - c1940)==
+= Balda Rollex =
+[[Balda]] made 6 models of Rollex backs for 3 sizes of camera; 9x12, 6x9 and 645. <REF name="Sheet">1931 ROLLEX informational sheet- Gebrauchs-Anweisung fur die Patent- Rollfilm-Kassetten ROLLEX</REF>
+A simple wind mechanism with no set stops was used in conjunction with a [[red window]] to properly advance the frame. Some [[Balda]] models could use masks and an alternate [[red window]] to make a smaller image and get more shots per roll.
+(i.e. Universal Rollex Model 3 used 6x9 [[Rollfilm]] for 8 6x9 images a roll or used with the included mask and alternate [[red window]] 15 4x6 images.)
+==Rollex - Balda Werk Dresden, Germany  (1927 - c.1940)==
-'''Rollex Model 1 & 2'''
+===Rollex Model 1 & 2  <ref name="Sheet" />===
 Rollfilm : 6x9
@@ Line 76: / Line 72: @@
-'''Universal Rollex Model 3'''
+===Universal Rollex Model 3 <ref name="Sheet" />===
 Rollfilm : 6x9
@@ Line 85: / Line 81: @@
-'''Universal Rollex Model 4 & 6'''
+===Universal Rollex Model 4 & 6  <ref name="Sheet" />===
 Rollfilm : 4x6.5
@@ Line 94: / Line 90: @@
-'''Universal Rollex Model 5'''
+===Universal Rollex Model 5  <ref name="Sheet" />===
 Rollfilm : 8x10.5
@@ Line 103: / Line 99: @@
-'''Rollex Model 5a''' - ''for 9x12 cameras''
+===Rollex Model 5a - ''for 9x12 cameras''  <ref name="Sheet" />===
 Rollfilm : Agfa Optima Type (A film stock c1931, obviously not referencing the 1950's 35mm camera, must have recycled the name)
@@ Line 110: / Line 106: @@
 Shots: 8
+= Linhof Rollex =
+[[Linhof]] made 5 models of Rollex back; the original [[120]] knob wind Rollex in 1952, which was replaced by the [[120]] lever wind Super Rollex a few years later in 1957, the Cine Rollex for 70mm perforated film, the Techno Rollex for panoramic 6x12 images on [[120]]/[[220 film |220]] film, and a Rapid Rollex for spring backs.
+[[Linhof]] Rollex backs were made for either 9x12cm 4x5” cameras or 6x9cm 2x3" cameras.
+[[Linhof]] Rollex backs used a complex wind mechanism that could automatically stop the film advance without need of a red window. The knob wind backs estimate this which can lead to image overlap if a film stock is particularly thin, the later lever wind types actually measure film travel and are thus not prone to spacing issues.
+Knob wind backs were made in either 6x9 or less common 6x6 image sizes. Lever wind backs were initially made only in 6x7 and eventually less common 6x6 and 6x9 were added. A very rare Linhof Super Rollex 135 (35mm Film) 24x36mm back exists as well. Today only the [[120]] 6x9 and 6x7 sizes are made.
+[[Linhof]] also made a Press/Aero version of the 2x3” Super Rollex 120 & Cine Rollex 70mm without a lever to advance the film. Instead of the lever a gear protruded which linked to an electronic or mechanical advance on the camera body.
 ==Rollex - Linhof Precision Camera Munich, Germany  (1952 - Present)==
-'''2x3” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9''' (Knob Wind)
+===2x3” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9 (Knob Wind)===
 Rollfilm
@@ Line 126: / Line 134: @@
-'''4x5” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9''' (Knob Wind)
+===4x5” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9 (Knob Wind)===
 Rollfilm
@@ Line 136: / Line 144: @@
 Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Grafloc style backs, not compatible with spring backs.
-Note: First version with Linhof Munchen text logo in football shape were designed to fit on a 9x12 plate back. To use this version on a Grafloc type back you need the millionfalz plate adapter. Later versions with the Linhof Shield logo were sized for the Grafloc back.
+Note: First version with Linhof Munchen text logo in football shape were designed to fit on a 9x12 plate back. To use this version on a Grafloc type back you need the millionfalz plate adapter. Later versions with the Linhof Shield logo were sized for the Graflok back.
-'''2x3” Super ROLLEX''' (Lever Wind)
+===2x3” Super ROLLEX (Lever Wind)===
 Rollfilm or 220 Rollfilm
@@ Line 150: / Line 158: @@
-'''4x5” Super ROLLEX''' (Lever Wind)
+===4x5” Super ROLLEX (Lever Wind)===
 Rollfilm or 220 Rollfilm
@@ Line 158: / Line 166: @@
 Shots : 10 / 20
-Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Grafloc style backs, not compatible with spring backs.
+Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Graflok style backs, not compatible with spring backs.
 Note: The original 1957-1960 backs are tan and chrome and have black plastic tips on the wind lever. Only 56x72 image size was available until the mid 1960’s when the far less common 6x6 and 6x9 were added. In 1972 the Super ROLLEX color style changed to black paint and leather.
-'''2x3” Cine Rollex'''
+===2x3” Cine Rollex===
+{{Flickr_image
+|image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/camerawiki/52560216846/in/pool-camerawiki/
+|image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52560216846_9ebec3ce6b_w.jpg
+|image_align= right
+|image_text= 70mm back for Linhof cameras<br>or 4x5" Graflok; 1962
+|image_by=
+|image_rights=
+}}
 mm Perforated Rollfilm
@@ Line 174: / Line 189: @@
-'''4x5” Cine Rollex'''
+===4x5” Cine Rollex===
 mm Perforated Rollfilm
@@ Line 182: / Line 197: @@
 Shots : 53
-Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Grafloc style backs, not compatible with spring backs.
+Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Graflok style backs, not compatible with spring backs.
-'''4x5” Techno Rollex'''
+===4x5” Techno Rollex===
 & 220 Rollfilm
@@ Line 193: / Line 208: @@
 Shots : 6 / 12
-Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Grafloc style backs, not compatible with spring backs.
+Mounts on cameras with 4x5 Graflok style backs, not compatible with spring backs.
+===45 & 23 Rapid Rollex===
+Rollfilm
+Image Size : 6x7
+Shots : 10
+Slides under the Ground Glass just like a filmholder
+===Super Rollex 135 24x36mm===
+(35mm Film)
+Image Size : 24x36mm
+Shots : 12/24/36 are common 135 roll sizes
+Likely an adaptation when [[Kodachrome]] was available in [[135 film | 135]] and [[828]] but not 120/620
-<!-- == Notes ==
+== Notes ==
 <references />
--->
 ==Links==
@@ Line 203: / Line 239: @@
 In English
 *[https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/rollex-patent-rollfilm-back.196045/ Loading a Balda Rollex patent rollfilm back discussion] at [https://www.photo.net/ Photo.net]
-*[https://linhof.com/en/super-rollex-kassetten/ Super Rollex Currently sold by Linhof, Munchen] at [https://linhof.com/ Linhof.com]
+*[https://linhof.com/en/super-rollex-kassetten/ Super Rollex Currently made by Linhof, Munchen] at [https://linhof.com/ Linhof.com]
 *[https://www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pdf/linhof_rollex_rollex.pdf Instructions for Linhof ROLLEX rollfilm Adapter (1952 Knob Wind Type)] at [https://www.cameramanuals.org cameramanuals.org]
 *[https://www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pdf/linhof_super_rollex.pdf Instructions for Linhof Super ROLLEX rollfilm Adapter (1966 Lever Wind Type)] at [https://www.cameramanuals.org cameramanuals.org]
@@ Line 209: / Line 245: @@
 *[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hPG27tN-mFJJS8YskB84ZwJ8foKlR6Va/view Linhof Cine Rollex 70mm rollfilm back Operating Instructions] at [http://www.laflexcamera.com Laflexcamera.com]
 *[https://usermanual.wiki/Linhof/LinhofTechnoRollex6X12InstructionManual776010.1076223231/view Linhof Techno Rollex 6x12cm rollfilm back Instructions] at [https://usermanual.wiki usermanual.wiki]
+*[https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/linhof-super-rollex-135-35mm-film-holder-for-4x5-5x4-large-format-rare.183417/ Super Rollex 135 - photos from past sale] at [https://www.photrio.com photrio.com]
 In Swiss
 *[https://www.emtus.ch/balda-patent-rollfilm-kassette-rollex--modell-3-universal-rollex-.html Details & images of the Balda-Werk Rollex Model 3] at [https://www.emtus.ch/ Emtus Camera Reference book Switzerland.ch]
@@ Line 216: / Line 252: @@
 [[Category: Germany]]
 [[Category: Film backs]]
+[[Category: Balda|Rollex]]
+[[Category: Linhof|Rollex]]

Difference between revisions of "Rollex rollfilm back"

Latest revision as of 05:32, 4 April 2023

History

Balda Rollex

Rollex - Balda Werk Dresden, Germany (1927 - c.1940)

Rollex Model 1 & 2 [1]

Universal Rollex Model 3 [1]

Universal Rollex Model 4 & 6 [1]

Universal Rollex Model 5 [1]

Rollex Model 5a - for 9x12 cameras [1]

Linhof Rollex

Rollex - Linhof Precision Camera Munich, Germany (1952 - Present)

2x3” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9 (Knob Wind)

4x5” Original Linhof Rollfilmkassette ROLLEX 6x9 (Knob Wind)

2x3” Super ROLLEX (Lever Wind)

4x5” Super ROLLEX (Lever Wind)

2x3” Cine Rollex

4x5” Cine Rollex

4x5” Techno Rollex

45 & 23 Rapid Rollex

Super Rollex 135 24x36mm

Notes

Links

Navigation menu

Search

Rollex Model 1 & 2 ^[1]

Universal Rollex Model 3 ^[1]

Universal Rollex Model 4 & 6 ^[1]

Universal Rollex Model 5 ^[1]

Rollex Model 5a - for 9x12 cameras ^[1]