Built by Rollei from 1966-1982, the SL66 is a modular medium format SLR camera system similar to the Hasselblad 500-series, offering interchangeable lenses, film backs, viewfinders, and focusing screens. It has a focal-plane shutter with a top speed of 1/1000, and employs a novel bellows focusing rail design to allow for close-up work. The focusing rail can also be tilted, enabling selective focus for still life and architectural photography.

The Rollei SL66 draws inevitable comparisons to the Hasselblad 500C/M because it was designed to compete directly against it. In the mid 1950's Rolleiflex TLR (twin-lens reflex) cameras were the tool of choice for professional photographers around the world. Their precise build quality, sharp Zeiss lenses, and automatic film loading set Rolleiflex cameras above the competition, and inspired an entire industry of Rollei copies. But in 1957 Hasselblad released the 500C, which greatly improved on the reliability of its earlier cameras and featured a full line of interchangeable Zeiss optics. Suddenly, the fixed-lens Rollei TLRs were outmatched by the more versatile Hasselblads. A gentlemen's agreement between Reinhold Heidecke, founder of Rollei, and Victor Hasselblad had allegedly prevented Rollei from developing its own SLR, but the advantages were obvious and Rollei began development of its own single-lens design. By the time Rollei introduced the SL66 at Photokina in 1966, it arrived nearly a decade too late to compete with the Hasselblad 500-series cameras which would dominate the medium format industry for the next 50 years.

While the SL66 never challenged the sales figures or cultural capital of the Hasselblad 500C/M, the Rollei easily competes in terms of build quality, ergonomics, and feature set. Like the Rollei TLRs the SL66 is beautifully made, the camera's immediately noticeable heft signaling its all-metal construction. The SL66 is made of over 1000 individual components, each fitted together with Rollei's signature attention to detail. The slightly rounded edges of the film back plant the camera comfortably in your palm, and the shutter release button is angled outward to make it easier to reach. A large shutter speed ring on the right side of the camera surrounds the advance crank, which is wound forwards and then back to cock the shutter and advance the film. The SL66 has an instant-return mirror, a mirror lockup function, and multiple exposure capability. Film backs for the SL66 automatically sense the film start and can accept 120 or 220 film.

The most noticeable aspect of the camera is the oversized focusing knob that drives the bellows focusing rail on the left side of the camera body. It is similarly angled for improved ergonomics and features depth-of-field focusing scales for four lenses under a clear display. The focusing action is finely geared and the travel is long, allowing for very precise focus control. One full revolution of the knob brings the focus from infinity to within 3 feet, and further revolutions extend the rail into the macro range. The focusing rail can be tilted up or down up to 8 degrees (depending on the amount of rail extension) to increase the depth of field in technical applications. The standard "Rolleiclear" focusing screen with microprism spot is bright and easy to focus with.

Rollei released the SL66 with a full line of Zeiss lenses from 30mm fisheye to 1000mm super-telephoto, the same optics (without leaf shutters) as in the Hasselblad series. These are some of the best lenses ever made for medium format, and on the SL66 many can be reverse-mounted for extreme macro capability. Most Rollei SL66 lenses use the Bay VI bayonet filter mount and accept externally-mounted hoods.

In practice, shooting with the SL66 is a pleasure. The extended focus range allows for better close-ups and portraits with the 80mm standard lens than is possible with Hasselblad, which often feels limited by its 1 meter close-focus distance. While it is heavier and does not handle with the deft smoothness of a 500C/M, the SL66 has quiet solidity that inspires confidence. The SL66 represents Rollei's attempt to build the finest mechanical camera in the world without compromise, despite high cost and a difficult market, and we greatly benefit from that today. 

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