Rolleiflex 6008 AF

Overview

At the time of its introduction at the Photokina 2002 the Rolleiflex 6008 AF was the world's first autofocus 6×6 medium-format camera. The camera is the culmination of the successful 6000-series, which started its life in 1984 and was itself an evolution from the earlier fully mechanical SL66 series (1966-1982). The 6000-series introduced major electric/electronic features such as multiple light metering modes (built-in the body and thus available with all viewfinders), TTL auto flash metering, programmed exposure control, auto bracketing, the built-in roller darkslide, and -with the advent of the 6008 AF-, autofocus. The Rolleiflex 6000 series were, technologically speaking, the most advanced medium-format camera system and superior to contemporary camera models from major competitors Hasselblad and Mamiya. For instance, Hasselblad was unable to integrate an autofocus mechanism in its classical 6×6 500- and 2000-series (later called V-series) and had to develop an entirely new 4,5×6 medium format camera (the H1, which was equally introduced at Photokina 2002). But it had to forgo backward-compatibility with the earlier series and it broke with the square 6×6 format. Not so with the Rolleiflex 6008 AF, with full compatibility with the 6000-series. From a technological viewpoint, Rollei should have been the most succesful player in the medium format arena. However, financial and marketing difficulties with the company (with several times changing ownership) decided otherwise and kept the company away from the top spot in terms of sales. That said, the 6008 AF remains a formidable and solid performer with a proven track-record.

Its appearance and manipulation are typically German. All elements are where they should be and are intuitive to use. No need for a manual in order to operate the camera. Users of classical 35mm or medium format cameras should feel at home right away.

The 6008 AF can be used with film backs with 120 or 220 rollfilm, either in 6×6 (6060 film back) or 4,5×6 format (4560 film back, which can be taken off and turned from landscape into portrait mode). The camera also works well with digital backs. Rollei offered the camera in a digital bundle with a OEM'ed PhaseOne P20 digital back (called Rollei DB20p), introduced in early 2005. The beauty of the DB20p is that it has a square format sensor, thus retaining the classical medium format appearance. It has a 36,9×36,9mm sensor, offering an effective 4.080×4.080 pixels (16 megapixels) with a pixel size of 9 micron and a sensitivity of 50 to 800 ISO. As with all medium format systems and with most 35mm reflex systems, there is a lens crop factor (1.6 with the DB20p). This bundle is arguably the best, both quality- and comfort-wise, for the Rolleiflex 6008 AF.
Another such bundle offered by Rollei was the SinarBack eMotion digital bundle, introduced in April 2006. The Sinar eMotion 22 has a 48×36mm sensor, with an effective 5.344×4.008 pixels (22 megapixels) with a pixel size of 9 micron and a sensitivy of 50 to 200 ISO. Since the latter sensor has a rectangle format, the SinarBack can be turned from horizontal into vertical format without the need to change camera positions.
As those digital back and/or bundles can no longer be purchased new, the only way to source them is to look out on the second-hand market. However, Sinar eMotion 54 and 75 as well as eVolution 75 series digital backs can be mounted on the 6008 AF through a dedicated Sinar adaptor. PhaseOne's current digital backs can also be fitted for use with the 6008 AF, which is a special order through a PhaseOne dealer and takes three weeks extra delivery time. The possibility to use PhaseOne digital backs on the 6008 AF distinguishes the camera from the Hy6, which can not be used with PhaseOne backs.
The only downsides to using a digital back with the 6008 AF are the lack of EXIF data passed from camera body to digital back (the back works independently and does not capture e.g. lens, f-stop and shutter speed used), and the fact that changing the back's standard ISO 100 to a lower or higher ISO setting requires a compensatory EV setting on the body. But these are all-in-all minor issues.

The camera formed the technological basis for the introduction of the Hy6 at Photokina 2006. The 6008 AF is still offered new at DHW-Fototechnik, the successor company to Franke & Heidecke.

Technical Data

Type:
Single-lens reflex AF camera with automatic multiple exposure control, variable metering characteristics, TTL auto flash (SCA 3000), motorised film transport.

AF-Mode:
AF-H sensor (3-zone sensor), use of older lenses is possible with focus indicator

Frame sizes:
6 x 6 cm and 4.5 x 6 cm

Film types:
120 and 220 rollfilm for 12/24 exposures of 6 x 6 cm or 16/32 exposures of 4.5 x 6 cm. Instant film packs for 10 exposures of 6 x 6 cm.

Film speed:
ISO 25/15° to 6400/39° in 1/3 steps, adjustable on the film magazine.

Shutter:
Electronically controlled leaf shutter from 1/1000 sec (PQS lenses) to 30 sec plus B.

Exposure metering:
1. Centre-weighted multi-zone metering
2. Spot metering by photodiode in centre of frame (approx. 3 % of frame area).
3. Multi-spot metering by metering and storing up to five individual values.
4. Automatic stray-light compensation during metering and exposure.

Exposure modes:
1. Shutter priority AE
2. Aperture priority AE
3. Program AE with fastest shutter speed priority
4. Metered manual in 1/3 steps

Metering ranges:
1. Exposure metering: EV -1 to EV 19 at ISO 100/21° with 80 mm f/2 lens
2. AF range: EV 0 to EV 19 at ISO 100/21° with 80 mm f/2 lens
3. TTL flash 25 - 1600 ISO

Exposure lock:
Functions with all auto programs, stores speed and aperture as exposure values.

Exposure correction:
1. Manually in 1/3 steps from -4 1/3 to +2 EV
2. Autobracketing (S+/- position) with +/- 2/3 EV (in 1/3 EV intervals)

Automatic flash:
TTL flash metering on the film plane. Flash-ready and exposure control in the finder. Automatic flash switch-on possible with Metz dedicated flash units in poor available light, additional fill-in flash.

TTL studio preflash exposure metering:
In conjunction with studio flash units.

Flash synchronisation:
With all shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 30 sec., hot shoe with flash terminal and contacts for dedicated flash units from Metz. New SCA interface via Rollei's SCA 3562 Adapter.

Shutter release:
1. Solenoid-controlled on shutter speed dial
2. and on front right-hand side of camera
3. also remote control connection
4. self-timer (10 sec.)
5. cordless connection

Multiple exposures:
1. With film advance disengaged in ME position of camera switch. Screen image permanently visible in the finder.
2. With film advance disengaged electronically without screen image for digital backs.

Reflex mirror:
Pre-releasable instant return with partially transmitting multi-coating and pneumatic mirror brake. Setting can also be changed after pre-release.

Finder system:
Supplied with folding hood with swing-out magnifier; can be exchanged for prism finder, 90° eye-level finder or rigid hood. Interchangable focusing screens. Super-bright high-D focusing screen also supplied.

Finder display:
Illuminated LC finder display for focusing status, shutter speed and aperture (with 1/3 increments), exposure compensation with metered manual mode, exposure correction, spot/multi-spot mode, flash ready and flash autocheck, film speed, special modes, frame counter, horizontal/vertical format with 4.5 x 6 cm, battery status. LC illumination controlled by exterior light and con be switched off.

Film transport:
Automatic with built-in high-speed motor. Single exposures and continuous exposures up to 2 fps. Automatic film advance to frame 1. Automatic film rewind after exposure of last frame.

Power supply:
Rechargable NiCad sinter battery for approx. 200 exposures (fully charged battery, 20°C ambient temperature, camera switch-on time 60 sec, operating mode single AF, AF cycle close up-infinity-close up). Quick-charge unit (100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz) with automatic switchover to trickle charge and 12 V socket for car battery.

Action grip:
Clicks in four positions (for use with waist-level hood or eye-level prism finder), removable; leather strap also removable.

Interchangeable magazines:
6 x 6 / 120, 6 x 6 / 220 and 4560 magazines with built-in laminar drawslide, frame counter, film-speed input, film-type reminder and preloadable film insert. Instant picture magazine for pack film (10 exposures of 6 x 6 cm), digital backs.

Special modes:
Via "mode" switch
1. Flash sync time
2. Preflash metering
3. Self-timer
4. Display on/off
5. Silent running on/off
6. Film advance disengaged on/off
7. Centre weighting of exposure metering on/off
8. AF 3-zone metering

Connections:
1. 14-pin universal plug connection for cable release and other electrical release systems.
2. Interface for digital backs and PC (Masterware).

PC link-up:
Individual programming and control of all camera functions possible with the aid of optional Rollei Masterware for Windows. PC connection via 14-pin universal plug socket on the camera.

Tripod:
Rapid release with 1/4 and 3/8-inch tripod thread.

Dimensions, weight:
1. Without lens: 143 x 139 x 124 mm; with 80 mm f/2.8 lens: 143 x 139 x 176 mm (without hand strap)
2. Without lens: 1500 g.