Rollei Rolleiflex 2.8 E Xenotar (BAY III) Medium Format TLR Camera Review

The Rolleiflex 2.8 E is a classic medium format twin-lens reflex camera from Rollei, equipped with the highly regarded Zeiss Xenotar 80mm f/2.8 lens in a Bay III mount. This model represents a professional-grade tool from the golden age of TLR design, delivering square 6x6 negatives on 120 film. The Xenotar is known for its sharpness and smooth bokeh, making it a favorite among portrait and fine-art film shooters. This particular listing is a used bargain unit with an inoperative meter and includes a Rolleikin counter, which adapts the camera for 35mm film use. At this price point, it offers an entry into the Rolleiflex ecosystem for those willing to work around the metering limitation with an external light meter or sunny-16 estimation. The TLR format demands a learning curve, particularly for waist-level composition and the laterally reversed viewfinder image, but rewards patience with timeless image quality and mechanical reliability.