Test film on my Rolleiflex Old Standard (type 622), TLR from the 30s

In the world of vintage photography, Rolleiflex TLRs (Twin-lens reflex cameras) are among the most sought-after and liked. I am no exception.

Therefore, some time ago I was happy to buy an old, one of the earliest models called Old Standard (type 622) with a Zeiss Tessar 75mm f/3.5 lens for about 200$. Yeah, not the best deal, but still more affordable than later, more advanced models.

The model was designed and produced around 1932-1934. And it was quite popular among professional photographers at that time. For example, famous photographer Robert Doisneau had this model.

Now my camera is in service, so I can't share pictures of the body. But yesterday I developed the test roll and was amazed by results. I really thought that the camera is so old that there is a little chance of visible pictures.

As you can see pictures are a little bit of low contrast. Maybe because there is some fungus on the taking lens. Maybe it's the absence of lens coating or just a film. But I definitely will repeat the test after service with the fresh film. I don't expect the modern lens contrast and sharpness though.

But overall, it feels like magic - the camera is 90 years old and you can take pictures on it.

That's it for today. See you next time. I am going to review a lot of other strange and interesting devices. Cheers!