Dumb question re Rolleiflex 3.5

[Fox Paw]

I have my father's old Rollei. I've never used it but it seems operable, so I thought I'd give it a try. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to get the back open. Extensive Googling provided no answer.

There is a lever at the bottom that I suspect gets pushed towards the camera's top or, more likely, downwards if you're holding the camera upright. But I don't know which, if either, and I don't want to break it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Fangman]

I have just dug mine out from the draw beside me and wiggled it out of its case! On the bottom in mine (a 2.8 planar version) there is a ring round the tripod bush with an arrow to rotate it anticlockwise. This releases the catch at the front allowing you to open the base and back which moves as one to expose the 120 film reels.

Now I have it out I must give the shutter a good run through - thanks for reminding me!

 

[compur]

 

[Fox Paw]

Thanks very much for the help!