The Rolleiflex is the first of the modern twin-lens reflex (TLR) cameras. Several large wooden TLRs were produced in the 1890s and continued to be sold until the late 1910s. In contrast the Rolleiflex was a small metal camera which proved very popular with many similar cameras being produced by Franke & Heidecke and other makers. The general construction and many parts of the camera are similar to the earlier Rolleidoscop stereoscopic camera by F&H.

The Original model was produced in two versions, having either an f4.5 or f3.8 lens. The price with an f3.8 lens was £18.15.0.

Variations

There are several minor variations of the original model:

• Film roller guide near film spool (not present on very early models).
• Leather carried around edge of the camera back (very early) later backs have a painted metal rim.
• Cast strap retainers (very early), or an attached plate, or incorporated into back retaining spring (very late).
• Black pressure plate (very early), later aluminium finish.
• With or without index line across red window.
• Focusing knob without calibration (early).
• Leather insert in focusing knob (early), metal insert (late).
• Cable release holder on front panel (late).
• 'High and Low' positions for strap lugs (early). Both high (late).
• Hinged back (late).

The Original was designed to take 117 film, when this became obsolete and many cameras were converted to take 620 spools.