Camera Talk

I am getting ready to (re)shoot a video about the Rollei Rolleimatic, and I was doing a bit of research on Heinz Waaske's other cameras for Rollei.

I came across this little gem. I already have two others, but this one is special:



What makes this different from the other Rollei A26 cameras that I've seen is that it has both the Rollei and Carl Zeiss badges on the camera.

I already have one of these (OK, I have two of them), so maybe I'll unload one of the spares. Damn, I wish that Lomo would bring back 126 film.

This has a Sonnar lens, by the way.

The camera looks to be in great shape; seems to stay with the Kodak Instamatic profile. Is it significant that they chose the Kodak quick loading system rather than Agfa's Rapid system? I'd like to see pictures from it if you can find some film that would do justice to the lens.

Bill D.

There were four or five really excellent 126 cameras made and this was one. I have one as well though I have never gotten it to work. For a very long time I was unable to find where the battery was placed and I don't even remember if I found it! In any case, I have never used it, so I would be interested to see the results with yours.

Well 126 film may be going back into production. Ferrania has said that after the initial run of E6 35mm film that 126 could happen as all the machinery was salvaged and in working order.

Woohoo! My Kodak 500 might get some work after all.

PF

The 625/PX13 battery is under the cover on the left side.

There is a recessed collar that you loosen -- I use a nickel, I think.

I have some older Ferrania 126 film. I've shot this in the past and thought the photos were very decent. As I recall, I really was quite bad that day on guessing distance.

The flash has non-replaceable rechargeable batteries ... NiCads, most likely. Somewhere along the way, I ended up with the necessary Rollei charger.

One of the flash units still holds a charge, while the other doesn't.

Thanks for the tip about the battery/ies.

This weekend I am going to look for mine. I still have a small stash of b&w 126 and some 1970s C41 126 too.

If I find it and get it working, we will have to compare pictures!


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