In an antique shop a few months back, I checked my favorite spot, the pile of old cameras. Two young women were rummaging through the selection. I passed by and gave them their space, waiting my turn. They picked the camera above and moved it around a few times. I thought I knew what it was. It was in three pieces (though I did not know that then) to someone who might not know it was nothing but junk. They left, and I went back, and there it was, a Rolleiflex. I found the back and one of the top flaps in the pile, a small piece of paper stuffed behind the lens that said “1929 original”, and a name I could not read. It is not in great shape. I got the pieces back on, but is peeling, cracked, and not in working order at all. Still, it is a Rolleiflex, one of the most collectible cameras there are. I bought it at a very fair price. I got it home and did more research on it. It is an Orginal Rolleiflex K1 612. From 1929, if I am correct, there were 800 or so made. I have more research to do. It will be a great addition to the collection and maybe a refurbishing project when I find the time. No matter what, it made a nice subject for the new Hasselblad to photograph.

tr/trp