C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
View profileMedium Format TLR
Rollei Rolleicord Vb1962
- Mount
- fixed-rollei-bay-i
- Years
- 1962–1976
- Shutter
- 1s – 1/500s
The Rolleicord Vb (1962–1976) is the final model in Rollei's budget TLR line and the most refined version of the long-running Rolleicord V family. It retains the **Schneider Xenar 75mm f/3.5** four-element taking lens, the Synchro-Compur leaf shutter, and knob film advance shared across all Rolleicords. The key distinguishing feature of the Vb is its **removable focusing hood** — the top hood can be detached to accept an accessory prism finder, matching a capability previously reserved for the Rolleiflex. No built-in meter, but a clip-on accessory selenium meter was sold alongside the camera. The Vb outlasted the Rolleiflex 3.5F in production by nearly a decade, surviving until 1976.
Reference
Find film for your Rollei Rolleicord Vb
Recommended film stocks for the — format your camera takes.
ISO 400
BW
Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
View profileBW
Ilford HP5 Plus
Ilford HP5 Plus is a flexible ISO 400 black-and-white film with classic grain and strong push-processing tolerance.
Develop — film
We're growing the lab directory near you. Browse all labs.
Before you buy used
- **Xenar lens** — simpler construction than a Planar; less prone to separation, but still check for haze and fungus against bright light.
- **No built-in meter** — nothing electronic to fail; fully mechanical.
- **Slow shutter speeds** — the 1s and 1/2s speeds commonly stick after decades of storage. Test all speeds before shooting.
- **Knob advance** — verify smooth, consistent advancement without slipping. Double-exposure prevention mechanism should engage normally.
- **Removable hood** — check that it seats and locks cleanly; the release mechanism is simple but wears.
- **Light seals** — Rollei bodies seal at the back; inspect the rear door hinge and latch area.
- CLA: $350–550 from a Rollei-capable technician (Harry Fleenor, Pelican Refurbishment). Not all general repair shops are familiar with Rollei leaf-shutter timing.
About this camera
The last Rolleicord. Fourteen years of production, a removable focusing hood, and the same Xenar 75/3.5 as ever.