How Much Does a Rolleiflex Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

One of the iconic cameras that are known for their image quality and amazing craftsmanship is Rolleiflex. This particular brand has been a favorite for experienced photographers for several decades.

A lot of people considering getting one will wonder how much a Rolleiflex camera costs. This article will go over the prices of these classic cameras, also going over different Rolleiflex models, their pros, and their prices, as well as give you a couple of tips to find the best price out there and even some surprise deals..

How Much Does a Rolleiflex Cost?

The Rolleiflex cost is anywhere between $800 and $3,000, depending on several important factors including the exact model of the camera, its condition, age, and rarity. As a general rule, Rolleiflex cameras will be more expensive than your average film camera, as they were considered high-end devices when they were first invented and started to hit the market.

The contrast, bokeh, and harness of the lenses make them very popular in the photography world, which is why they are particularly looked for by professional photographers. So let’s go over the prices of some of the most popular Rolleiflex models.

Rolleiflex Models and Prices

Like most cameras out there, the Rolleiflex camera has been made in several different models over time. Each model comes with its own capabilities and unique features. Rolleiflex 3.5F, Rolleiflex 2.8F, and Rolleiflex Automat are the most popular models ever made by this brand and their expected prices are as follows:

• Rolleiflex 3.5 F: $1,000 – $1,800
• Rollei 2.8 F: $1,500 – $2,500
• Rolleiflex Automat: $800 – $1,200

These are just average prices, as these cameras will have different costs depending on their rarity, general condition, and age. There are limited editions like the Rolleiflex 2.8GX that can easily cost $5,000 or more.

Factors influencing the cost of a Rolleiflex

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1. The exact camera model: Different models come with different features that influence their costs. But different models were also made in different amounts, making rarer ones a lot more expensive than those that are easily procured.
2. The condition of the camera: Cameras in their original packages or at least in close to the new state are a lot more expensive than those in poor condition. Likewise, perfectly working ones will cost a lot more than those that need some work to function properly or have missing buttons or other pieces.
3. The age: Cameras that were made a long time ago but still work great will usually cost more than the ones that are newer when it comes to vintage models.

Tips for Finding a Great Rollei Deals

When you want a Rolleiflex camera but you’re on a tight budget, there are some things you can do to find interesting deals. First off, the Facebook Marketplace and websites like eBay or Craigslist are great places to start looking for used cameras.

You will usually be able to find cameras for significantly lower prices than when bought from stores and their condition is usually pretty good, although this is something you would want to check with the seller before buying something.

Another option is to snipe camera stores for vintage camera sales or discounts. Local flea markets and camera fairs are also great places to keep an eye out for, as this is where vendors could sell second-hand Rolleiflex cameras. Make sure you check the condition of anything you buy from flea markets, as some items are in very poor condition or even fake brands.

You can also buy classic second-hand cameras online from websites like KEH Camera. These websites often have experts in the field who know exactly what they’re selling and they check and can vouch for any second-hand devices they sell. This is because they are experts in the field and will sell you something that’s tested and guaranteed by them.

You can also offset the cost of a new Rolleiflex, if this is the path you’re going on, by selling or trading in your old camera. Several online marketplaces and camera stores have trade-in programs where you can get credit that you can use to buy a new camera if you exchange your old camera.

So, with proper research and a lot of patience, you can find a Rolleiflex camera for the right price. Although these cameras can be considered a big investment, due to their great durability, image quality, and amazing craftsmanship, they will surely be worth the cost.

What makes Rolleiflex cameras so expensive?

Cameras produced by Rolleiflex were made in very limited numbers. This means that they are not only hard to find, but also very sought after by photographers and even some collectors. The cost is driven up by the fact that the demand for these cameras exceeds the supply pretty significantly.

The manufacturing process is another factor that contributes to the high cost of Rolleiflex cameras. These cameras are considered a superior product and are likely made by skilled artisans, a lot of them being handcrafted.