Dolce Vita — Grip for Rolleiflex

The grip Marcello carries in La Dolce Vita, rebuilt. It mounts on either side, so the camera works the way your hands do.

In Fellini's La Dolce Vita the Rolleiflex comes with a side grip. This is our version of it, and the name comes from the film.

Which side to mount it

On a Rolleiflex, the focusing knob is on the right and the shutter release sits at the lower left of the front plate. Mount the grip on the left as you face the camera: you focus with the left hand and release with the right, and wind with the left on the crank.

On a Rolleicord, the focusing and winding knobs are both on the left. Mount the grip on the right: the left hand releases the shutter while the right focuses and winds, which is the smoother way round.

A spanner is supplied for moving the grip from one side to the other.

Two things to know before ordering

• Older Rolleis with the red window in the back cannot take this grip. Please check your camera.
• If you want a different feel in the hand — or warmth in winter, since metal is cold — tennis racket grip tape works well. The tape shown is not supplied with the grip.

Featured in the May 2002 issue of the monthly magazine Shashin Kogyo.