When you an't find ANY info on the internet about an item you own

[Starless]

OK, over the last couple of years I've been selling all my film cameras and accessories. Now I've come across this Rollei electronic timer. Before putting it up for sale I would like to know a little more about it. I don't remember where I got it and I don't have the instructions. I spent over 2 hours searching the internet (Google, etc) and find nothing. I'm always amazed at the knowledge is found on this forum about just about any topic, so I'm here asking for help. What do you know or what can you find out about this item?
Thanks!

[stevej37]

Maybe shoot this guy an email?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-Rolleiflex-SLX-ME-1-Multiple-Exposure-Controller-10FPS-for-6003-6006-602/402030409064?hash=item5d9ae13568:g:2L0AAOSwgedeFkf j:sc:UPSGround!49442!US!-1

There are other ones for sale on ebay.

[Starless]

Thanks Steve, I did see that one. I guess i could try and email him. can't hurt.

[Seahawk]

I tried! I am not a camera guy so it was fun poking around on a snowy Saturday.

I recommend contacting Rolleli:

https://www.rollei.com/contact

Here is an interesting link:

https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Rollei

Interesting name change that is partially on your box: Rollei Fototechnic GmbH & Co KG

[Starless]

I think that contacting Rollei may be the best way to go about this. Thanks

[Starless]

Originally Posted by stevej37

Maybe shoot this guy an email?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-Rolleiflex-SLX-ME-1-Multiple-Exposure-Controller-10FPS-for-6003-6006-602/402030409064?hash=item5d9ae13568:g:2L0AAOSwgedeFkf j:sc:UPSGround!49442!US!-1

There are other ones for sale on ebay.

Steve, he got back to me. Has no idea. Has never seen one. I'll contact Rollei and see what they say.

[CurtEgerer]

That's for an 80's Rolleiflex 3003 (35mm). That was one of my dream cameras in the day, but priced well out of reach (or at least the lenses were!).

EDIT: Looking at your box, the timer is for the previous generation early 1980s SL2000 35mm. Same timer was available for the 3003 introduced around 1984. Pretty sure the timer works for both cameras.

[CurtEgerer]

The timer was not a consumer item. It was for scientific use and special order only. Might be a cool item for the Rollei collector who wants all the accessories.



SL2000:

[Starless]

Thanks Curt. Where did you find the info on the timer? I had a couple of 3003's, a 2000, and a 6006. I just don't remember where I picked up this timer. I need more info to see if it works. I see no power source. Unless it got it's power from the camera.
Thanks again, you found more than I was able to.

[CurtEgerer]

It is listed in the Rolleiflex 3003 brochure.
https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/00432/00432.pdf

[javadog]

Generically, those types of things are called intervalometers.

Your word for the day.

You might be the only guy in the US that owns one for a Rollei...

[CurtEgerer]

I did some research on this and I believe the timer is actually part of the 'RolleiMetric System'. So I believe there were special scientific versions of the 3003 (and the MF 6008) that had 12-pin sockets to plug in the timer. It's probably powered from the camera since the timer is basically just a fancy quartz stopwatch that wouldn't draw much power.

https://web.archive.org/web/20040218033236/http://www.photarc.co.uk/rollei/6008.pdf

[Starless]

Originally Posted by javadog

Generically, those types of things are called intervalometers.

Your word for the day.

You might be the only guy in the US that owns one for a Rollei...

I've owned my share of rare photographic items, this one beats them all. I've been able to find info on everything else I've had. I don't even remember where I got this. I've been digging up stuff that i don't remember buying, but I've been at this for 45 years!!!!
I sent Rollei a message. We'll see what they say.

[Starless]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

I did some research on this and I believe the timer is actually part of the 'RolleiMetric System'. So I believe there were special scientific versions of the 3003 (and the MF 6008) that had 12-pin sockets to plug in the timer. It's probably powered from the camera since the timer is basically just a fancy quartz stopwatch that wouldn't draw much power.

https://web.archive.org/web/20040218033236/http://www.photarc.co.uk/rollei/6008.pdf

It's very light, 12oz. so not much in there. The cable has a 6 pin connection but the unit has 14. Plugs right in. There may be another cable for other uses, but I don't have it. I'm also guessing that it got it's power from the camera. There is only one port where the cable plugs in and no sign of anywhere a battery would go.
I'll have to wait and hope Rollei gets back to me.

[CurtEgerer]

It will be interesting to see if there's anyone still at Rollei who remembers film cameras.

[Starless]

I don't think that Rollei is a big player in the digital camera business. As a matter of fact i don't know what that company is up to. I have owned all sorts of Rollei cameras over the years. They had some interesting cameras out there. The tiny Rollei 35, the 3003/SL/SLX the SL66, the 6006 series the TLR's with all sorts of variants. I've owned just about one of everything they've ever put out. It will be interesting to see what they have to say. If they say anything at all.

[CurtEgerer]

I didn't realize Rollei quit making cameras entirely several years ago. How far the mighty have fallen. They're just an accessories company now and even had to resort to a kickstarter campaign to market this novelty instant camera

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1447938-REG/mint_camera_tl70_rolleiflex_rolleiflex_instant_kam era.html

[CurtEgerer]

Maybe they've got their version of Milton down the basement with all the archives

[Starless]

Well I heard back from Rollei. They answered me in German and basically said, "we have no more parts" Great. Thanks I guess.
I'm at a dead end.

[javadog]

Stick it on eBay and see if anybody in the world needs one of these.