Unusual in its shape.

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Unusual in its lens technology.

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Unusual in its choice of film format, the "Instamatic" 126 cartridge film.

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Simple.

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Small and lightweight.

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Focused on the essentials.

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Robust.

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Endearing. ​

That is how I would describe the Rollei SL26, a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera manufactured between 1968 and 1974. ​ The image shows the camera's bayonet mount with the permanently attached rear lens element, which is directly integrated into the optical formula of the available lens attachments. This built-in lens system houses the entire shutter and aperture control mechanism. Therefore, it utilizes a leaf shutter system, which you might already be familiar with from various medium format cameras. These specialized lens attachments are known as "convertible lenses."

The camera features a remarkably large and bright viewfinder (even by today's standards), making focusing on your subject quick and easy. The built-in CdS light meter uses a traditional match-needle system. However, it requires a PX625 mercury battery, which is no longer available in Europe. Excellent workarounds include zinc-air batteries or a glance toward Russia...

The Rolleiflex SL26 is a beautifully crafted 126 cartridge SLR (Instamatic system), though only about 28,000 units were ever produced. It featured a list price of 628.23 DM. In addition to the standard Pro-Tessar 40mm f/2.8 lens included with the camera, two other convertible lenses were available: the Pro-Tessar 28mm f/3.2 wide-angle for 232.43 DM, and the Pro-Tessar 80mm f/4 telephoto for 282.88 DM.

Technical Specifications (Rollei SL26):

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• Manufacturer: Rollei-Werke Franke & Heidecke, Braunschweig, Germany

• Film Format: 126 cartridge film (Instamatic), 28 × 28 mm negative size

• Standard Lens Element: Carl Zeiss Pro-Tessar 40mm f/2.8 (4 elements in 3 groups)

• Focusing: Manual focus

• Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22 (depending on the front lens element used)

• Lens Mount: SL26 bayonet mount (interchangeable front lens elements / convertible system)

• Filter Mount: SL26 filter bayonet

• Shutter Speeds: 1/2 to 1/500 sec. plus Bulb (B)

• Exposure Metering: TTL match-needle metering

• Viewfinder: SLR viewfinder featuring a split-image indicator and microprism ring (no full ground glass track); displays the match-needle inside the finder

• Flash: Standard hot shoe with center contact (located on the bottom plate)

• Features: Cable release socket, neck strap lugs, no self-timer

• Power Supply: 1 × 1.35V PX625 mercury-oxide cell

• Dimensions: 112 × 91 × 70 mm (with the standard 40mm lens attached)

• Weight: 540 grams (approx. 19 oz)