Battery type RFX6000: Compatible cameras

RFX6000 is the short name for the proprietary battery pack used by the Rolleiflex 6000 medium-format series. Originally, it was a NiCd battery with a nominal voltage of 9.6 V in a distinctive six-pin cage; however, only three pins are actually soldered internally (positive, negative, and a thermistor for charge monitoring). The original NiCd cells are now practically unusable due to age, and there is no longer a commercial manufacturer offering a 1:1 replacement.

The RFX6000 cage is mechanically and electrically compatible with all cameras in the Rolleiflex 6000 series family: Rolleiflex SLX (original model, from 1976), Rolleiflex 6002, Rolleiflex 6006 (including model 2), Rolleiflex 6003 (SRC 1000 and Professional), Rolleiflex 6001, and the 6008 series (6008 Professional, 6008i, 6008 E). Special cases, not tested personally: 6008 AF, 6008 Integral 2 (6008i2), and 6001 RCC. Details and a generous return policy are provided in the listing. Which fuse rating (0.8 A, 1.0 A, or 1.25 A) must be installed in the cage depends on the specific model; according to rolleigraphy.eu: 0.8 A for SLX, 6002, and 6006 (original versions); 1.0 A for 6006 model 2, 6003 SRC 1000, and 6008 Professional; 1.25 A for 6001 Professional, 6003 Professional, 6008i, 6008 E, 6008i2, and 6008 AF. You can find the complete compatibility list with search function at the top of this page.

After 30 to 40 years of service, the original NiCd battery packs are almost invariably defective. NiCd cells suffer from the memory effect, self-discharge, and chemical aging of the electrodes, so reactivating them is usually not worthwhile. Original NiCd packs are no longer manufactured; the EU Batteries Directive 2006/66/EC also heavily restricted portable NiCd batteries for the consumer market. Anyone operating a Rolleiflex 6000 today essentially has three options: have an old cage converted to NiMH cells (for example, by specialized Rollei service workshops such as Paepke Fototechnik; the old cage is essential for this, so this is not an option for cameras purchased without a battery), have a professional Li-Ion conversion performed by a specialist service such as Wiese Fototechnik (a cage is also required) or use a modern complete adapter such as our RFX6000 replacement battery based on 14500 Li-Ion cells.

We have developed a complete v2 battery adapter for the Rolleiflex 6000 series that combines the advantages of modern Li-Ion technology with the safety of professional conversions, at the price of a hobbyist solution. Three key features distinguish it from the notorious DIY adapters that have destroyed mainboards in the community:

• Three Nitecore NL1411R 14500 cells, each charged individually via USB-C (1100 mAh, 3 A continuous discharge according to the datasheet), each with its own protection circuit; no dangerous series charging, no balancing required, and each cell monitors its own temperature and voltage. The peak voltage of 12.6 V is within the tolerance specified by Rollei itself (the official Rollei Power Interface 30 017 accepts 12–18 V DC).
• Model-specific fuse, all three correct fuses (0.8 A / 1.0 A / 1.25 A) are included as standard in a storage box, and the one suitable for your model is already installed. This rules out the most common type of damage caused by eBay adapters, which indiscriminately install an excessively slow 1.25 A fuse in every model.
• Complete set and cage-only option, within Germany we deliver the complete set including batteries and a Y charging cable; internationally (USA, EU, worldwide), there is a cage-only option without lithium batteries, with the Nitecore cells sourced locally. This separation avoids the high UN3481 lithium shipping surcharges.

Important note: The most common cause of defects in the 6000 series is not the battery, but a combination of aging capacitors on the camera circuit board and hardened grease in the motors and shutter. If the fuse repeatedly blows, professional servicing (CLA) is recommended. Details and workshop recommendations can be found in our background article on the Rolleiflex 6000 battery problem.