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The Robot Royal 36 is the last evolution, with a coupled rangefinder, of the original Heinz Kilfitt's Robot. Its characteristics are quite impressive.
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Berning Robot Royal 36 |
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Last evolution of the original Robot designed by Heinz Kilfitt in 1934, the Robot Royal 36 was produced from 1955 to 1976. Its characteristics are quite impressive. Its construction is particularly strong and its finish is perfect. It makes for a heavy camera (730g) which the lenses, made of stainless steel, make even worse. The model shown on the picture, fitted out with a 50mm f/2 Sonnar and collapsing lens hood, weights more than 1 kg.
The Robot Royal keeps the spring-motor automatic film advance of previous models. The retractable winding key is located under the body. On top of the body, a coupled rangefinder takes the place of the big winding knob of its predecessors. With a 6 cm basis, the rangefinder is extremely accurate. It is displayed in the viewfinder which is quite clear when compared to other cameras of this era. The built-in viewfinder is designed for the standard 50 mm focal length. For other lenses a multifocal zooming viewfinder is available and fits in the flash shoe.
 The Robot Royal keeps the distinctive rotative shutter of previous models in a larger version. Speeds range from 1/500 s to 1/2 s plus B pose with X and M flash sync. The shutter release is silk-smooth. The lens mount is very easy to use and allows rangefinder coupling with all lenses. The lenses of the non-rangefinder models don't fit on the royal series and vice-versa.
Several versions of the Robot Royal have been produced : the Robot Royal 24 keep the original 24 x 24mm format while the Royal 36 is a classic 24 x 36mm. Some models had a selector allowing burst release. Some lenses will fit the Royal 24 only, like the 30 mm Schneider - Kreuznach Xenagon.
With its rangefinder displayed in the viewfinder, motorized film advance, speeds available on a single selector, high-end lenses and flash sync at all speeds, the Robot Royal was a serious competitor to the contemporary Leica M3.
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Use |
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Using the Robot Royal 36 is a unique experience. The quality of its making and its heavy weight make it a weird crossing between a camera, high quality watch-making and heavy artillery. Once the motor is wound up, the incredibly soft release button allows to take 24 picturesat rates of up to four shots per second. The film advances with a hardly audible whisper. The wide base of the rangfinder makes it accurate even with moderately long focal lengths. One must hold this camera once in his life to understand what a top precision camera can be.
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Characteristics |
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Format |
24 x 36 mm |
Lens |
interchangeable, all coupled to the rangefinder |
Shutter |
behind the lens, from 1/500 s to 1/2 s plus B pose, X and M flash synchronisation at all speeds |
Weight |
1030 g with the 50 mm f/2 Sonnar |
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Sound |
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 .wav file
85 ko
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The sound goes "crrr-crrk crrr-crrk crrr-crrk bzzz bzzz bzzz". The crrr-crrk is the sound of the two-way winding knob of the spring motor. The three bzzz are three shots taken in a row at 1/500 s, the motorized film advance getting into action as soon as the sutter has shut. |
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Accessories |
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Schneider-Kreuznach Tele-Xenar 75 mm f/3.8 lens |
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Schneider-Kreuznach Xenogon 35 mm f/2.8 lens |
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Yellow and skylight filters, collapsible lens hood |
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