Wide-Rolleiflex (Rolleiwide)

Buying Tips

The Wide-Rolleiflex is extremely rare and extremely expensive. Due diligence is essential at this price level.

• Lens condition: Inspect the 55mm Distagon taking lens carefully for haze, fungus, and separation. The complex 8-element design is difficult and costly to service. Use a flashlight to check each element from both sides.
• Mechanical condition: Test every mechanical function thoroughly. No spare parts exist for this camera — a broken part could mean an expensive paperweight.
• Buy from a reputable dealer: At prices starting around $3000 and reaching well above $10000, only buy from an established dealer who offers a return policy and can verify the camera's authenticity and condition.
• Serial number verification: Confirm the serial number matches published Rollei production records if possible. With only around 3,600 units made, provenance matters at this price level.
• Budget for the unexpected: Even a clean-looking example may need service. With no parts availability and very few qualified technicians, any repair will be expensive and time-consuming.

See our complete TLR buying guide for a full inspection checklist.