Film cameras
Rolleiflex 2.8 GX User manual
User manual for Rolleiflex 2.8 GX. 22 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Rollei
- Model / document
- Rolleiflex 2.8 GX
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 22
- File size
- 3.5 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
Contents
Componentsand functions 4 Most importantaccessories t c
Introduction 5 Interchangeableviewfinders 1 5
Soft leathercarryingbag
Handlingand use 6 Pistolhandgrip
FlashadapterSCA356
Removingthe lenscap 6 Tripodhead"Rolleifix" t c
Attachingthe carryingstrap 6 Brightfocusingscreenwith
Insertingand changingthe battery 6 centralmicroprismringand split-imagewedge t c
Batterycheck 6 Groundglassscreen I O
Openingthe vieMinderhood 7 Brightfocusingscreen t o
Measuringthe exposure 7 Brightfocusingscreenwith split-imagewedge 1 6
Matchingspeedand aperture 8 Brightfocusingscreenwith microprismring 1 6
Insedingthe film X
Settingthe filmspeed 10 Remedyfor handlingfaults 1 6
Filmmemo-holder 1 0
Focusing 10 Careof the camera 1 B
Selectingthe frame 1 0
Releasingand exposing 11 Technicaldata 1 B
Filmtransportand shuttertensioning 1 1
Multipleexposureson request 12 Depth-of-fieldtable 20
l I^ ZRemovingthe film
Closingthe viewfinderhood 1 3
Detachingthe viewfinderhood I J
Changingthe magnifierfor spectacle-wearers I J
Changingthe focusingscreen 1 3
Flashoperation 1 4
Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Components
andfunctions
1 Standardviewfinderhood 23 Tripod.bushl/+"
2 Magnifier,interchangeable 24 Safetyclipforbackcover
3 Holderformagnifier 25 Backcoverlocklever
4 Viewfinderhoodcover,folding 26 Spoolknobforfilmspoolchamber
5 Flapforframefinder 27 Lidforbatterycompartment
6 Focusingscreen 28 Scalefordepth-of-fieldwithdistanceindex
7 LEDindicatorforexposurebalance 29 Focusingknobwithdistancescale
8 Indicatorwindowforapertureandshutterspeed in"m"and"feet"
9 VieMinderlensHeidosmat2.B/BOmm 30 Releasewiththreadforcablerelease
withdoublebayonetsizelll 31 Safetyleverforrelease
10 Aperturewheel 32 Crankforfilmtransoortandshuttertension
11 Speedselectorwheel 33 Releaseringavoidingfilmtransport
12 LensPlanar2.B/BOmmHFT formultipleexposures
withdoublebayonetsizelll 34 Filmframecounter
13 X-synchronizingflashsocketforstandardplug 35 Holderforcarryingstrap,right
14 Diopterforframefinder 36 Unlockingbuttonsforviewfinderhood
15 Holderforcarryingstrap,left or prismviewfinder
16 Spoolknobforemptyspool 37 Hingedframeforfocusingscreen
17 Pushbuttonfor batterycheck
18 LEDindicatorforadequatebatteryvoltage
19 Filmmemo-holder
20 Controldiskforfilmspeed . i
21 Camerabackcover
22 HotshoewithX-synchronizingcontact(a)
and contactsfor systemflashunit(b)
4 Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Introduction
To utilizeentirelyall pbssibilitiesof the cameraand to
avoidanyhandlingfaults,you arerecommendedto
readthroughthis manualcarefully.lt is subdivided
as follows:Next,allcomponentsand functionsare
presented.Allthe imporlantinformationaboutthe
camerais followingdescribedand illustratedin
detailand in the usefulsequenceof necessary
manipulations- fromsettingthe camerareadyfor
useup to the removalof the exposedfilm.
In caseof anyhandlingfaults- whichevenmay
happento the experiencedphotographerwhentaking
picturesin a hurryor aftera longperiodof not using
the camera- a trouble-shootingguidewillhelpto find
out quicklythe possiblecauseand its remedy.
Comoonentnumbersmentionedin text and
illustrationalwaysreferto the samecomponentand
arefirstgivenin the picturegatefoldwhichis best left
unfoldedwhgryreadingthe instructions.
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Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Inserting and changing the batteryHandlingand use The powerforTTl-exposureand flashmeteringis
Removingthe lens cap suppliedby a battery.A 6-Vsilveroxideor lithium
Liftthe lowercap by the tab and fold it againstthe batteryis required,e.g.DuracellPX28 or equivalent
uppercap. Removethe cap fromthe bayonetby products.Turnfocusingknob29 to the "'1m" stop.
turningit counter-clockwise. Unscrewthe batterycompartmentlid27 in the
Forattachmentfitthefoldedcap intothevieMinder focusingknobcounter-clockwiseby meansof a coin
lensbayonet,turn it clockwiseto lockand folddown tillthe batterycompartmentis released.Insert
the lowercap. batterywiththe plussigndown and rescrewthe lid.
Attaching the carrying strap Battery check
Clipthe self-lockingcarryinghooksin holder15 Presspushbutton17briefly:if the LEDindicator
and 35.To releasethe strap,pressthe locking 18lightsup the batteryvoltageis adequate.
buttonsof the carryinghooks.The strapholders To avoidunnecessarylossof the powersupplydo not
at the cameracan turnthrough90' and allowthe test the batterytoo oftenor for too long.
camerato be carriedin variouspositions.
Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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A B C D E
Rated field for
exposure measurement
Openingthe viewfinder hood Measuringthe exposure
Liftrearedgeof the hood coverand swingupwards. By touchinglightlythe freedrelease30 the exposure
To raiseup the magnifier,pressthe framefinderflap5 meteris switchedon for about30 seconds.
slightlyinwardsuntilthe magnifierholderspringsup. Activatingthe exposuremetercan be repeated
Framefinderfor eye-levelviewing:Pressdown wheneverneeded.Oneof the 5 LED'sin the
flap5 untilit snapsintoposition.Viewingtakesplace vieMinderwilllightup.Theyhavethe following
throughdiopter14(inthispositionfocusingviathe significance:
distancescale).
(A)red left: (E)redright:
at least1 exposure at least1 exposure
valueunder-exposed valueover-exposed
(C)greencentre:
correctexposure
(B)yellowleft: (D)yellowright:
about7zexposure about7zexposure
valueunder-exposed valueover-exposed
Note: The measurementcharacteristicsof the
Rolleiflex2.8 GX makethiscameraidealfor eventhe
mostdemandingphotographicsituation,suchas
exposuresinvolvingparticularlyhigh-contrast
subjects.Forexposurecompensation,alwayskeep
the most importantsubjectdetailwithinthe
measurementfield(seeillustration)and then
determinethe requiredframearea.
Rolleiflex2.8 GXView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
Matching speed and aperture Insertingthe film
Preselectionof exposuretime:Turnthe selector Openingthe backcover:Turnthe safetyclip24 at
wheel11to set the shutterspeed.Intermediate the camerabottom,unlockand openthe backcover.
settingsarenot applicable.l/sooto 1 s, B : time Insertthefilm:Pullout filmspoolknob26 of the
exposureof anydesiredduration,the exposuremeter lowerspoolchamberto stop and holdtight.Insert
can be matchedto an exposuretime up to 2 s. For rollfilmafterremovingthe gluedstrip- rightsidefirst-
choiceof exposuretimeusingflash:seepage 14. so, thatthe backingpaperis on the outside.
Matchingwithaperture:Turnaperlurewheel10 Allowspoolknob26 to springbackfullyin its position.
untilgreenLEDlightsup. lt clicksintopositionon
fulland halfaperturestops.Specifiedmatchingon
"yellow"allowsover-and under-exposingby about
7zexposurevalue.
lf correctmatchingcannotbe obtained:select
anothershutterspeedand matchapertureagain.
Note:Speedandaperlureshouldalwaysbe matched
withthe magnifierfoldedout, so as to avoidstray
tightand hencefalsereadings.
Filterfactorsof anyfittedfiltersmust be taken
intoconsiderationby reducingthe filmspeed.
lf thefiltershouldbe includedfor matchingit hasto
be fittedto the viewfinderlensbayonetduring
measurement,
Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Pushthe paperleaderdeeplyintothe longslotof the Advancingthefilmto No. 1:Turncrank32 continuously
emptyspool(usethe crank32for correctpositioning). to itsstopandin oppositedirectionuntilit stopsagain.
Tightenthe filmby turningthe crank(lowerspoolmust The crankis now lockedin its startingposition.The
be brakedwiththe thumb)untilthe arrowsignon the filmframecounter34 indicatesNo. 1,the shutteris
backingpaperis in coincidencewiththe red indexon cocked,the film is readyfor the firstexposure.
the camerabody.
Closingthe backcover:Foldlocklever25 to the
holdingbolt and securewith safetyclip24.
Note: Filmmusteverbe insertedby utilizingthe
shadowof the own body,neverin fullsunlight.
Rolleiflex2.8 GXView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
Setting the film speed Focusing
Clickcontroldisk20 intoplaceon DIN/lSO-valueof Openthe vieMinderhood,foldup the magnifier2if
the insertedfilm.The rangeof filmspeedsettingis needed.Forfocusingturnthe focusingknob29.
fromISO25115'toISO6400/39'whichcovers Measureddistanceis readableat the "m" index.The
practicallyallfilmemulsionsavailableon the world rangeof depth-of-fieldcan be determinedviathe stop
market. numberson both sidesof the distanceindex28.
lf under-or over-exposingis desired,the film The standardfocusingscreen6 offersthree
speedmustbe variedaccordingly. differentfocusingfeatures:the centralsplit-image
wedge,the microprismringand the Fresnelground
Film memo-holder glassscreenitself. Formanyapplicationsthe standard
To identifuthe type of film beingused:Tearoff the focusingscreenrepresentsthe optimumwhereas
tab of the filmpackand insertintothe memo-holder specialphotographyareasneedadditionalinter-
19fromabove.Colourand letteringof this "original" changeablefocusingscreensavailablein the
preventany error. accessories'range.
Selecting the frame
The squaregridon the standardfocusingscreen
assiststhe verticaland horizontalalignmentof the
'10 camera,The linesof the gridare mm apart.Smaller
imagesin 4.5x0 cm verticalor horizontalformatas
wellas in 4x4 cm formatcan be framedby usingthe
intersectionsof the gridlines.Foreye-levelviewing,
pressthe framefinderflap5 totallyinwardsuntil
it clicksintoplace- viewthroughthe diopter14.
Alternativelyto the standardvieMinderhoodtwo prism
viewfinderwith 45" or 90' eyepieceareavailableas
accessones.
10 Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Releasingand exposing Film transport and shutter tensioning
Unlockrelease:Throwsafetylever31 at release30 Aftershooting:Unfoldthe crank32,turn it clockwise
from"locked"to "unlocked"(greendot).To ensure untillockand backagainto its startingposition
shakelessexposure,the releaseis providedwith a The shutteris now cockedagainand the camera
cablereleasesocket. is readyfor operation.Onlyafterreleasethe crank '1 Longtimeexposures("8",over sec):Press can be operatedagain.Doubleexposuresand blank
releaseand holdfor timeof exposure.The shutterwill framesareexcluded,
not closetillyou letgo. (Exception:Doubleexposures,see page 12,)
Forextremelongtimeexposurespressreleaseand
"lock"with safetylever.Terminateexposureby
"unlocking".(Caution:Do not shakethe camera!
Withouttouchingthe camera,shieldthe lenswith
yourhandwhenopeningand closingthe shutter.)
Rolleiflex2.8 GX 11View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Multiple exposureson request Removing the film
Fortrick-or combinedexposuresthe double After the 12th exposure the crank can be turned freely.
exposurespreventionmechanismcan be switched Wind up the remainingbacking paper by three full
off (possibleonlywith inserledfilm):Afterexposure revolutions,Open back cover in shadow conditions
turnnotchedreleasering33 nextto the crank'shinge if ever possible. Pull spool knob '16and remove
in directionof arrowand thenturncrankthroughone film from the left. Fold backing paper widely
completerevolutioncounter-clockwiseuntilstop. (for more convenienttearing when developing)
Thisoperationcocksthe shutterfor anotherexposure and stick fast. Keep the exposed film light-protected.
withoutfilmtransporl.Aftereachexposurethe
describedprocedurecan be repeatedand the same
framecan be exposedas manyas requested.
12 Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Closing the viewfinder hood Changing the focusing screen
Fold down magnifierholder 3 between magnifierand Remove the viewfinderhood. Take hinged frame for
viewfinderhood cover. Press both side sections focusingscreen 37 on both the sides, pull backwards
inwards and releaseagain so that the hood shuts slightlyand liftup. Take out the focusingscreen.
automatically.lf the frame finder had been used: When insertingpay attentionto the exact position
Pressin springyside sectionsand allow flap to spring of the screen between upper and lower strrpand lateral
up, Now close the viewfinderhood fullyas described guides. Take also care that the matt side of the
aoove. screen faces towards the camera. Screens with lens
have to be insertedwith the lens on the upper side.
Detaching the viewfinder hood For closingfold down the hinged frame and push
The standard viewfinderhood is easilydetached for forurrard.
cleaningthe camera or changing the viewfinder
system:Unlock the hood by pressingboth buttons 36
and remove it backwards. For setting on press the
hood down and slide rt towards the lens till both
buttons 36 lock into olace,
Changing the magnifier for spectacle-wearers
For focusingwithout spectaclesthe magnifierof the
viewfinderhood can be rnterchangeciby magnifiers
with t 3 diopterscorrection.For changing press
the magnifierwith open frame finder fonvards at its
back rim and liftup. Push the replacementmagnifier
fonrvardsinto holderaccordinglyand press home,
Rolleiflex2.8 GX 13View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Flash operation Boththe systemadapterRolleiSCA356 and the Metz
The Rolleiflex2.8 GX is X-synchronizedfor allshutter C7O areconnecteddirectlywiththe cameraviathe
speedsup to Tsoosec.The cameraofferstwo X-synchronizingcontact(a)and the controlcontacts
possibilitiesof flashconnection: (b)of the hotshoe22. Filmspeedsettingis doneon the
1. To utilizethe advantagesof the TTLflash adapter.The "flashready"and computercontrol
metering,the useof Rolleiflex2.SGX-compatibleflash indicationcan be watchedon the flashunit.
systemsis recommended.In conjunctionwiththe Trial-flashingservesfor utilizingthe optimum
Rolleiflex2.8 GXtorchflashdevicesareparticularly apertureas follows:keeptryingstop down as longas
recommendable.The RolleiflashadapterSCA356 the computercontrolindicatoris illuminated.lt is
offersthe systemconformityto allflashsystemsof recommendedto carryout the trialflashesusingthe
well-knownmanufacturerssupplyingthe SCA300 multipleexposurefunction(only1 frameis lost!).
system.Withthe MetzC 7O-adapter,the Metz45 CT5 2. Ordinarymanualor computerflashunitscan
and 60 CT 2 flashunitscan be used.Withfully be connectedviathe camera'shot shoeor the
automaticTTLflashmeteringthe lightmeasurement X-synchronizingsocket13.
is realizedby a sensorinstalledin the camerawhich
registersthe lightreflectedfrom the filmsurface
duringthe exposure.The specialflashcontrol
electronics(housedin the externalflashadapter
RolleiSCA356 or in the MetzC 70 adapter)then
regulatesthe quantityof lightrequiredfor the specific
subject,Filterfactorsof anyattachedfilterswillbe
takenintoconsiderationautomatically.
14 Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Mostimportantaccessories
Interch angeable viewf inders Flash adapter SCA 356
Two interchangeableviewfinders,as well as five The RolleiflashadapterSCA 356 offersthe system
differentbrightfocusingscreens,ensurethe ideal conformityto allflashsystemsof well-known
subjectimageis obtainedfor anytask.The standard manufacturerssupplyingthe SCA3OOsystem.System
viewfinderhood servesfor the verticalviewingand is connectionis establishedby simplymountingthe flash
fittedwith an interchangeablemagnifier(+ 3 diopters, unitwiththe SCAadaoterin the camera'shot shoe.
31 x magnification).The prismviewfinderwith45'or Thisguaranteescorrectdatainputfor system-conform
90'eyepiecegivesa right-readingand uprightfinder flashingand perfectflashexposures.
rmage.
Tripod head "Rolleifix"
Ever-readycase offersfast and convenientassemblyof the Rolleiflex
Blackcowhide,takescamerawith standardfolding 2.8 GX on the tripod.The cameraonlyhasto be
hood,one filterand lenshood.The frontof the case slipped-inbetweentwo holdingguidesand to be
swingsdown and is removable. securedby a rockinglever.The Rolleifixcan
permanentlyremainat the tripod.
Soft leather carrying bag
for the camerawith standardviewinghood,attached Brightfocusing screen with central microprism
filterand lenshood.Twozippersappliedto eachside ring and split-image wedge
of the bag servefor rapidreadyfor operation.During Universalfocusingscreenwith split-imagewedge,
the exposurethe bag remainsat the camera. microprismring,Fresnelgroundglassscreen,split-
imagewedgefor mostexactfocusingon vedical
Pistolhandgrip lines,the microprismwith adjustingcriterion
makeswork easierand fasteroarticularin connection "flicker-freeimage".Groundglassscreenwith
withthe 45'or 90" prismviewfinder.The righthand microstructurefor sharofocusinooverthe whole
holdsthe cameraat the gripand releasesthe shutter, rmagearea.
The lefthandoperatesthe focusingknob.A leather
loopsecuresgripand camera.
'15 Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Remedyfor handlingfaults
Grcundglass scl€en
Finemattgroundglassfodusingscreenfor most
exactfocusing.Farticularlyusefulfor creative
photographywherefocusingaidsmayobstruct.
Brlghtfocuslng screen
Focusingscreenwithmicrofinestructureforfu||- image
areafocusingandunobstructedcomposition.
Brbmfocuslng scrcen with spllt-lmagewedge
Unilersdfocusingscreenfor mostexactsharpness
assiessmentwithsplit-imagewedgeandgroundglass
scr@n.Split-imagewedgefor mostexactfocusing
on wrticallines,e.g.in architecturalphotograpfty.
Brlghtfocuslng scrcen vuitr micrcprism ring
Universalfocusingscreenfor rapidshootingwith
microprismringandgroundglassscreenallowsexact
focusingevenunderpoorlightconditions.Adjusting
criterion"flicker-fieeimage".
16 Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Gause Remedy
Releaseis locked Unlockthe release(turn)
Shutteris not locked Swingthe crankpendufous
Crankis in an intermediate
position,not in the cocked end position
30 sec "switchedon" periodhas e lbuch releasebutton again
Batterydischarged Changebattery
Batterypolaritywrong Insertbatterycorrectly
Unsuitablechoiceof film:highspeedfilmin bright Usea moresuitablefilm
lightslowfilmin weak light
Fauhmeasurementduetostrongstraylightviathe Coverviewfinderhoodagainststraylight
viewfinderhood
lmportantpartsofthepicturelayoutsidethe Refertothemeasuringfieldoftheexposuremeter
measuringfield
Wrongsetof filmspeed Settheconectfilmspeed
Flashunitnotready PaVattentiontothe'flashready"indicator
Flashenergytolowrespectivelyaperturetoosmall Payattentiontoelectronicindicatorattheflashafter
exposureandif necessaryrepeatexposurewithlarger
aperture
Wiongsetof filmspeed Settheconectfilmspeedon theadapter
Rolleiflex2.8 GX 17View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
Technicaldata
Care of the camera Camera type
The Rolleiflex2,8 GX requiresthe same care as any Doublelensreflexcamerawith TTL exposuremeter
valuablepieceof equipmentthat is expectedto be andTTLflashautomatic.
reliableovera longperiod.
To clean,pleaseusefollowingwell-provenmethods: Picture format
Removedustwith a soft camel-hairbrushor air 6xO cm
blower.lf requestedcleanthe outersurface,breathe
uponand thenpolishthem with lenscleaningpaper. Film types
Forprotectionagainststatic,breatheuponthem and 120-rollfilmfor 12 pictures6x6 cm
allowthe moistureto evaporate.Takespecialcare in
cleaningthe focusingscreen:Upperand lowerside Film speed
arerough,theymustonlybe treatedwith a soft brush Adjustableon the camera:ISO25115"toISO6400/39'
or air blower.Protectfrom dift and fingermarks!
Protectthe camerafrom long-termharmfuleffectsof Exposure metering
steamor dampness.Highhumidityin tropicalor Centre-weightedintegralmeteringby meansof
subtropicalregionsthreatensmetalpartsby corrosion 2 Si-photoelements.Indicationin the viewfinder
and glasssufacesby fungusattack.Whenever by 5 LED's.
possible,dry the camerafrequentlyin freshairand
sunshine.Keepthe filmguidesurfacesclean(padicles Measuring range
of gelatinerubbedoff the filmarea breedingground Lightvalues3-18/3.2-100,000asb/1-33,000cd/m'
for fungus).Whenthe camerais not be usedoverlong usingISO1OO/21'filmwith lensf 2.8/80mm.
periods,keepit in an airtightcontainerwith silicagel
cartridges.Protectthe camerawith particularcare
fromany kindof dirt.
18 Rolleiflex2.8 GX
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Lens Flash automatic
Planar2.8/80 mm HFT;fieldof view 53', bayonet TTL flashmeasurementon the film surfacevia
sizelll,focusingrangeco-1m. additionalSi-p_hotoelement
Shutter Film transport
Synchro-Compur(1-11500sec and B), Transporlcrankcoupledwith shuttertension.
X-synchronized. Automaticstop at picture1.Disconnectabledouble
Stopsand speedscoupledwith exposuremeter. exposuresstop, Framecounterfrom 1-12. Returns
backto O-positionautomaticallywhenchangingthe
Mewfindersystem film.
ViewfinderlensHeidosmat2.8/80mm.Viewfinder
hoodstandard.Compensationof parallax Connections
correspondingto set distance.Interchangeablefor Cablereleaseconnection.Tripodbush7+".Junction
45'or 90' prismviewfinder.Fiveexchangeable for tripodhead,,Rolleifix".
focusingscreens'
Dimensions
Ffashsynchronization H/W /L: 147x1O9x1OBmm
1/soa-1 sec and B. Accessoryshoewith centre
synchronizingcontactand contactsforTTLflash Weight
automaticin combinationwith systemflashunitsand app.1275g
specialadapter.X-synchronizingsocketfor plugs
accordingto DIN19003.
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Rolleiflex2.8 GX 19
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