Skip to product overview

Rolleicord VA Medium Format TLR Film Camera

The Rollei VA is a film camera from Rollei — known for its Medium Format TLR Design and 120 Film Compatible. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Rolleicord VA Medium Format TLR Film Camera

Rolleicord VA Medium Format TLR Film Camera

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Rollei VA is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Rollei VA sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Rollei VA on GearFocus

Camera Overview — Rollei VA

The Rolleicord VA is a medium format twin-lens reflex (TLR) film camera produced by Rollei during the 1950s. As a TLR design, it features two lenses stacked vertically — one for viewing and composing, and one for exposing the film — a configuration that defines the classic waist-level shooting experience that TLR cameras are celebrated for. The camera shoots on 120 film, the standard medium format roll film still widely available today, making the Rolleicord VA a genuinely usable vintage camera rather than a shelf piece.

With a fixed lens configuration, there is no interchangeable lens system to navigate — what you see is what you get, keeping the shooting experience simple and focused. The camera uses a leaf shutter, which is known for its quiet, vibration-minimal operation compared to focal plane shutters. Flash connectivity is covered by both a cold shoe and a PC sync port, giving photographers flexibility when working with flash units.

Weighing in at 920g, it is a solid, substantial body that feels purposeful in the hands. Manual focus is the only focus mode, consistent with the deliberate, considered approach to image-making that medium format film photography encourages. For collectors and working film photographers alike, the Rolleicord VA represents a compelling piece of mid-century photographic engineering.

Key Features — Rollei VA

Medium Format TLR Design: Twin-lens reflex configuration with separate viewing and taking lenses allows for waist-level composition through a large, bright ground glass screen.

120 Film Compatible: Shoots on 120 roll film, a format still in active production and widely available from major film suppliers.

Fixed Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar Lens: Fitted with a 75mm f/3.5 Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar lens, a well-regarded optic known for sharp, contrasty results on medium format film.

Leaf Shutter Mechanism: Built-in leaf shutter operates quietly with minimal vibration, well-suited to handheld and studio shooting on medium format.

Dual Flash Connectivity: Both a cold shoe and PC sync port are included, allowing use with a range of external flash units and sync cables.

Manual Focus Operation: Focus is adjusted via a knob-driven mechanism, encouraging a deliberate, considered approach to image-making.

Camera Specifications — Rollei VA

Rollei VA full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Landscape, Street, Studio
TypeFilm
AF SystemManual Focus Only
Weather SealingNone

Description — Rollei VA

The Rolleicord VA is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) medium format film camera from Rollei, manufactured during the 1950s. It is built around 120 film, the enduring medium format roll film standard, meaning this vintage camera can be put to active use with film that is still in production today. The TLR configuration — the defining characteristic of the vintageType field — gives photographers a classic waist-level composing experience through the viewing lens, while the taking lens captures the exposure below it.

The camera employs a leaf shutter, valued for its quiet and vibration-minimal firing cycle, and relies entirely on manual focus for all shooting situations. Flash options include a cold shoe and a PC sync port, offering practical compatibility with a range of external flash units. With a fixed lens (lensMount: Fixed Lens Only), the Rolleicord VA offers a streamlined, no-swap shooting experience at 920g — a weight that speaks to its solid, all-metal build.

For photographers drawn to deliberate, medium format film work, the Rolleicord VA is a historically significant and still-functional tool.

Pros — Rollei VA

  • ✓Shoots on 120 film (filmCompatibility), which remains widely available for active use today
  • ✓Leaf shutter design (shutterType) offers smooth, low-vibration exposures well-suited to medium format work
  • ✓Dual flash connectivity via cold shoe and PC sync port (flashCompatibility) provides flexibility with external flash

Cons — Rollei VA

  • ✗Fixed lens only (lensMount) means no ability to swap lenses or adapt to different focal lengths
  • ✗Manual focus only (focusType) requires deliberate technique, which can be challenging for fast-moving subjects
  • ✗No hot shoe mount (mount.hotshoe) limits direct compatibility with modern TTL flash systems

Reviews — Rollei VA

Videos — Rollei VA

Rolleicord vs. Yashica Mat 124G | Which TLR should you buy? — Kyle McDougall

Resources & Downloads — Rollei VA

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Rollei VA

What film does the Rolleicord VA use?+
The Rolleicord VA is compatible with 120 format film, as listed under filmCompatibility. 120 roll film is a medium format standard that remains in production from multiple manufacturers, so sourcing film for active use is straightforward.
Can I use flash with the Rolleicord VA?+
Yes. The camera features both a cold shoe and a PC sync port for flash connectivity. Note that the mount data indicates no hot shoe, so TTL flash communication with modern units is not supported — manual flash settings will be required.
Can I change the lens on the Rolleicord VA?+
No. The Rolleicord VA has a fixed lens configuration with no interchangeable lens system. The lensMount and lensCompatibility fields both confirm 'Fixed Lens Only,' so buyers should be comfortable with a single focal length setup.
When was the Rolleicord VA manufactured?+
According to the specifications, the Rolleicord VA was manufactured between 1950 and 1959. As a vintage camera, individual units will vary in condition, and a CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) service from a qualified technician is often recommended before regular use.
How heavy is the Rolleicord VA?+
The Rolleicord VA weighs 920g according to the weight specification. This is a fairly substantial weight for a handheld film camera, reflecting its all-metal construction typical of the era.

Similar to Rollei VA

Loading similar products...