Rolleiflex MX twin-lens reflex camera, no. 1405220, Franke and Heidecke
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
June 1951 to March 1954
This Rolleiflex MX twin-lens reflex camera, serial number 1405220, was manufactured in Braunschweig, Germany, by Franke and Heidecke. This specific model was produced between June 1951 and March 1954, gaining significant popularity, particularly within European markets.
The camera utilizes 120-rollfilm and features a two-lens configuration: an upper Heidosmat 75mm 2.8 viewing lens and a lower Zeiss-Opton Tessar 75mm 3.5 taking lens, serial number 1067254, integrated with a Synchro-Compur shutter. The camera is constructed in the characteristic boxy twin-lens format with a top-down viewfinder hood. It is accompanied by a protective leather carrying case equipped with a wearable shoulder strap.
The camera body features the 'Rolleiflex' brand name prominently displayed on the front housing. Its design reflects the mid-20th century engineering typical of the Rolleiflex range, known for its precision mechanical reliability and distinct waist-level viewing experience. The item represents a notable example of German optical manufacturing during the early post-war era, historically associated with Ernest Hemingway.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Accessory
- leather carrying case with strap
- Camera type
- twin-lens reflex
- Film format
- 120-rollfilm
Technical characteristics
- Shutter
- Synchro-Compur
- Taking lens
- Zeiss-Opton Tessar 75mm 3.5
- Viewing lens
- Heidosmat 75mm 2.8
- Serial number
- 1405220
- Taking lens serial
- 1067254
Design
- Branding
- Rolleiflex
- Viewfinder
- waist-level hood
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Franke and Heidecke
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.