This is one of Rollei's premier line of medium format twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras. (Not to be confused with the Rolleicord companion line intended for amateur photographers - which I did at first!)

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Like many of my cameras I inherited this one from my Dad and it is in mint (A+++) condition, it is like brand new, there isn't a scratch or mark on it and the same is true of its leather case. This is all the more remarkable as Dad being a massive hoarder hasn't always kept things in the best of environments; in fact I 'discovered' this camera during a 'big sort out' in an old box in the  attic along with 2 Rolleicords and many assorted Rollei accessories none of which had seen the light of day for nearly 40 years!

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The Rolleiflex TLR film cameras were notable for their exceptional build quality, compact size, modest weight, durability, simplicity, reliable mechanics and bright viewfinders with high-quality 75mm lenses, manufactured by Zeiss and Schneider,

 

Unique to the Rolleiflex Automat and Letter model cameras is the mechanical wind mechanism which is robust and clever, making film loading semi-automatic and quick. The mechanism starts the exposure counter automatically, auto-spaces the 12 exposures, and tensions the shutter; all with less than one full turn of the film advance crank. Apparently this makes the Rolleiflex Automat (and Letter model cameras) very sought-after for street photography.

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I have only just begun to appreciate this camera, it is a thing of absolute beauty, and if I can learn to use it proficiently, I think I can get some really great photos with it, especially as it is medium format.