The Rolleicord Vb is the final camera in the long Rolleicord line, with 75,000 produced by Franke & Heidecke from 1962-1977. It is essentially a Rolleicord Va updated with same the removable viewing hood and interchangeable focusing screen as used in the Rolleiflex cameras of this period. The Rolleicord Vb represents the best iteration of Rollei's simplified take on the Rolleiflex formula.

Rolleicord Vb's (often said "Vee-Bee," even by Rollei fans, although "Five-Bee" is more accurate) are easily distinguished from other Rollei TLR models -- they are the only Rolleicords that feature the Rolleiflex-style removable focusing hood. This represents a substantial improvement for the modern user due to the wide availability of user-interchangeable bright focusing screens. It also allows for the fitment of Rollei prism finders. In general, these late-model Rolleicords are found in better operating shape than earlier, older models. 

All Rolleicord Vb cameras are equipped with Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 75mm f3.5 taking lenses, 4-element tessar-type optics renowned for their brilliant optical clarity. A Rolleiflex MX-EVS shares the same Xenar lens but is noticeably heavier in hand than a Rolleicord Vb. Combining bright reflex viewing, excellent image quality, and light weight into one ergonomic body, the Rolleicord Vb is an ideal medium format travel camera. 

Loading the Rolleicord Vb is accomplished via a film start mark and advance knob on the right-hand side of the camera. The frame counter, which can be exchanged for 16- or 24-exposure counters for conversion to other film formats, locks after advancing to each frame. Like other Rolleicord models dating back to the Rolleicord I of 1933, the Vb requires the shutter be cocked manually after advancing to each frame. The shutter is fired by pressing the shutter cocking lever in the opposite direction. There is double exposure prevention, which is easily disabled by flipping a switch. Many Rolleicord Vb's were equipped with a shutter release that screwed into the cable release socket, providing a more traditional shutter button.

Purchasing a Rolleicord Vb today could be viewed as an ironic proposition as its value has increased substantially, to the point where it is often found for the same price as Rolleiflex cameras equipped with the same lenses. While the ergonomic improvements of the Rolleiflex over the Rolleicord are certainly notable, so is the substantially lighter weight of the Rolleicord Vb. The Rolleicord Vb provides the core elements Rolleiflex experience -- the shimmering waist-level finder, the brilliant negatives and transparencies -- with less weight and mechanical complexity. For this reason the Rolleicord Vb is one of our favorite Rolleis, and a constant travel companion.