I've had these for a few years.
The "Art Deco" Rolleicord I is on the left with a Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar, and on the right an early Rolleiflex with a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar. This isn't the first Rolleiflex model, however, it was in very good condition, and I got it for a steal - I think about $125. It was dirty as heck, and the original German owner had sort of inscribed his name and town into the sides of the viewfinder. At least, I think it was the original owner. Who knows, really?
The Rolleicord I is a nice piece, and it took me many years to find one that didn't have major damage or wasn't completely corroded.
I've shot with the Rolleiflex, but I need to give the Rolleicord a go. The Rolleiflex roll had a light leak, and I'm not sure if it was the film or the camera. I'll shoot another roll and find out for sure.
See what I mean by light leak?
Aside from the light leak, the Tessar is pretty damn sharp. I think the roll was loose when I took it out of the camera, so maybe that was the leak. But the fact that it's in the same location makes me think it's the back. I'll need to do the thing of shining a light through the front of the lens with the shutter open.
