Medium Format TLR
Rolleiflex Automat
The Rolleiflex Automat was very commonly used by War Correspondents.
Rolleiflex Automat Model 3 is a TLR film camera and manufactured by Franke & Heidecke, Braunschweig, Germany. All Rolleiflex Automat series was produced between 1937-1956.
Automat name stands to introduced automatic film counter in 1937; this counter senses the thickness of the film backing to accurately begin counting frames, obviating the need for the ruby window that forced the photographer to read the frame number off the back of the film itself. This model won the Grand Prix award at the Paris World's Fair in 1937.
Rolleiflex TLR film cameras were most famous and the standard of news and studio photographers for decades. Many photographers still shoot with Rolleiflex TLR film cameras and black-and-white film.
Rolleiflex in Normandy
To the left is a picture of several War Correspondents, including Ernest Hemingway (at right wearing bonoculars). The Correspondent at left is wearing a Rolleiflex Automat around his neck.
Rolleiflex History
The Rolleiflex TLR film cameras were known for their exceptional build quality, compact size, modest weight, superior optics, durability, simplicity, reliable mechanics and bright viewfinders. The high-quality 7.5 cm focal length lenses, manufactured by Zeiss and Schneider, allowed for a smaller, lighter, more compact camera than their imitators.
Bert Brandt
In the picture to the left, Acme News Photographer Bert Brandt is seen with a Rolleiflex Automat in a leather case around his neck. This is a clip of footage of Warcos before the invasion of Normandy.
Automat RF 111A
The Rolleiflex to the right is an early Automat, model RF 111A. This is owned by one of our members.
George Silk
In the picture to the left, Life Magazine Photographer George Silk works through the fighting with his Rolleiflex Automat around his neck. This picture was taken just before Silk crossed into Germany. Of note, Silk also has a Leica III, and a Contax II around his neck.