Six-element lenses appeared on Rolleiflex 3.5F models from late 1960 starting at serial number 2,250,000. (This model had factory designation K.4F.) There were two lens options - Zeiss Planar or Schneider Xenotar. The Planar is more common, and when new, the Planar option was the more expensive one (whether that was to do with quality or simply supply and demand I don't know). From 1960 to 1964, both lens options were offered. From 1964 (starting approximately at serial number 2,282,000) to 1973 only the Planar was available, and from 1973 onwards (starting approximately at serial number 2,851,000) only the Xenotar was available. There were other minor model variations during the 3.5F production run. My information is from the excellent 'The Classic Rollei' by John Phillips.
I’m no expert on Rolleiflex TLR’s but I do know there are many user groups and lists of serial numbers. Buying a Rolleiflex of. A Rolleiflex 80 2.8 planar. Results 1 - 48 of 67 - For sale is a beautiful Rolleiflex Model K8 T1 serial number. Rolleiflex 2.8F TLR Camera w/ 80mm Zeiss Planar Lens - Film Tested.
Colin, your information doesn't seem to be the same as the Rolleiclub have in their. After a quick look it seems like these were the modells with the 6 element taking lens: Rolleiflex 2,8 E3 - Model K4G July 1961 - January 1965, 5,035 pieces, with 6 element taking lenses. Serials: E3-2.380.000 - E2-2.385.034, engraved above Rolleiflex label. Both models - Taking Lens: Planar 3,5/75mm, Carl Zeiss Oberkochen, (for eastern Europe OPTON PI 3.5/75) Xenotar 3,5/75mm, Schneider both Bayonet 2 (No. 41) Rolleiflex 3.5 F Model 3 & 3-I - Model K4F. It doesn't say anything about a 6 element taking lens for those modells.
Hi Ann, You mention the 2.8E3 - Bill was asking just about 3.5F models with six-element lenses, so I was referring only to the 3.5F. As for the Rolleiclub not having any details of six-element lenses on the K.4F model, I can't speak for that, but the details they show don't look fully reliable. They make no mention of Planar lenses on K.4F models, instead they talk of Tessar lenses which were not offered on the K.4F, and they also say the model can't be used with the Rolleimarin underwater housing which I believe is not the case (i.e. The K.4F model could be used with the Rolleimarin).
The first brochure is from an early 3.5F. You can tell because they are offering the optical flat glass back which was stopped later. As I read that brochure it says Planar or Xenotar, 5 or 6 element. I take that to mean that the Planar had 6 and the Xenotar had 5 which matches the information from my source which says that the early 3.5F Planar had 6 elements while the xenotar yet had 5, which was changed to 6 later. The second brochure is from a later version. You can tell because there is no mention of the optical glass back and the T has already changed from grey to black leather.
Here's more info from my book. I'm not claiming it's infallible, but it's certainly an excellent guide. As I said before, if you're researching Rolleiflex TLRs, I recommend checking it out. Rolleiflex 3.5F: Type 1 (factory designation K.4D) Produced from December 1958 to February 1960 Serial number range: 2,200,000 - 2,219,999 Features EV-coupled exposure control such that rotation of one of the exposure control wheels alters shutter speed and aperture in tandem so as to retain the EV setting. Type 2 (factory designation K.4E) Produced from February 1960 to November 1960 Serial number range: 2,230,000 - 2,241,500 (approx) Type 2 removed EV coupling (so that the two exposure control wheels respectively alter shutter speed and aperture independently), and introduced the film plane glass to ensure film flatness (which required a modified camera back with a prominent external bulge which was available by special order). Type 3 (factory designation K.4F) Produced from November 1960 to December 1976 Serial number range: 2,250,000 - 2,299,999 and 2,800,000 - 2,970,149 (?) The ability to accept 220 film was introduced in 1965 (from serial number 2,299,547).
These models are sometimes called Type 4. The film plane glass feature was removed in 1966 (from serial number 2,815,000). The altered 'white face' faceplate was introduced around 1970/1971 (from approx serial number 2,845,000).