Rolleiflex 3.5e

[mando]

Hi hope some of my questions can be answered.
I just received a Rolleiflex 3.5e w/xenotar lens bgn condition from KEH.
It's actually in better condition than I thought. After a quick inspection (which I am not very qualified at) I noticed following:
-when I look through the viewing lens I see some spots. I think they might come from the mirror or focus screen I am not sure.
-noticed at times that the focusing unit seems to have a little play as I press the shutter, is this normal?
-where in Canada can I send it for CLA?

 

[marcust101]

mando,

I had my 3.5F CLA'ed by Harry Fleenor, he's in Florida but very good. Mine had to travel all the way from Ireland but it was worth it

Here's the link

http://www.rolleirepairs.com/

I'm sure others will pipe in with options elsewhere

best of luck

Marcus

 

[RicardoD]

Mando,

Do a search in the TLR forum. CLA recommendations have occured in a couple of threads.

I did the exact same thing you did, bought a Rolleiflex TLR via KEH in BGN condition, then had a CLA done, and couldn't be happier now.

 

[Sanders McNew]

For Rollei repairs, I prefer Paul Ebel,
in Wisconsin: paulebel44@yahoo.com .
Harry is great but Paul is better at
getting cameras back in a more
timely manner, and his prices are
fair, and his work is great.

Regarding your problems: The spots
could be a number of things. How
big are they? Do they impair your
ability to focus the camera?

As for play in the front standard,
the black cover over the aluminum
frame is cosmetic. Sometimes, the
cover becomes warped from getting
banged around, and will move or
flex a bit when pushed. So long as
the underlying frame (which is quite
sturdy) is straight and moves in and
out without binding, you are probably
okay.

Before going to the cost of sending it
out for repair, try shooting with it and
see whether you are happy with the
focus.

My first Rolleiflex was a 3.5E, and I still
turn to it when traveling -- it is one of
the best of the breed.

Sanders

 

[mando]

Thanks to all who have replied so far

Marcus, thanks for the info, that must of been a hell of a wait time for you, glad to hear it was worth it though

Larry thanks for the link, it's good to know that someone is available in Canada.

Sanders, the spots do not affect focus, and aren't big at all they just bother me. When I get home later tonight I will have to take a closer look at the front standard and I will take your advise and shoot a roll before anything. Thanks for the info on Paul Ebel. I must admit I am a big fan of your work Sanders, ever since I first saw your pics on APUG. There was a picture you once posted taken with a folder (balda??) of a young woman holding a broom I think. That picture was amazing. It brings back memories of growing up.

Antonio

 

[Wayno]

The spots are probably a little bit of deterioration in the mirror (are they near the edge?) and this is quite common. It probably doesn't make any difference to usage of the camera, but new mirrors are cheap and simple to fit if it really bothers you. Sanders is on the money about the front fascia panel - it won't affect focus so long as the underlying lens standard is secure. There could perhaps be a loose or missing screw under the front leather.

 

[mando]

Hi finally got around to taking a few shots with Rollei, cold and cloudy day, all shots were taken using f11 sunny rule less 3-4 stops. The camera operations are easy to get used to and fun to look at that large screen compared to rangefinder/slr.

 

[harry01562]

Hi,
The camera seems to be OK. That body lens combo produces nice results. I've got an early E, as well as a late 2.8, and the E is a pleasure to use. It's smaller and lighter than the 2.8, and, of course, was the one used to produce all those fantastic pictures from the 40's through the 60's. I much prefer the Xenotar over the Tessar, but they are both capable lenses.

You can take your time, now, over the CLA, and enjoy the new camera. As mentioned, the mirror is an easy replacement, and pretty cheap. The primary thing about the front is the smoothness of the focusing. Any binding would be a sign that perhaps the framework has been bent or twisted.

Harry

 

[luketrash]

I had a guy in at my 'camera collecting' class I presented this week that had a Rolleiflex with a f3.5 taking lens. His had spots through the viewfinder and it was just dust that had gotten onto the surface of the mirror. We opened up the camera in bulb mode and I assured him the taking lens was just fine.

I've never owned a Rolleiflex, so I don't know how to take them apart, but the first thing I've done with my yashica TLR cameras is to pull off the ground glass, clean the mirror, the lenses (surfaces) and reassemble. The well aged layer of grime has cost me about 1/2 stop of brightness in some cases.

Again, I dont' know how fragile Rollei cameras are, so don't just bust into it if you're not confident in your skils 😉

 

[Sanders McNew]

The camera operations are easy to get used to
and fun to look at that large screen

Amen to that, my brother, and allow me
to welcome you to the Church of Rolleiflex. 🙂

Melanie after Church (Rolleiflex 3.5E)

Sanders

 

[raid]

I am getting back next week my 3.5F from repair. I can't wait to"unleash" it.

 

[ChrisN]

Great to see old Rollei's in good hands! With a batch of other items I've received what appears to be a Rollei focusing screen - 55mm x 55mm. It's in a red plastic pouch marked Rollei 560 060. I can see that's too small for my Automat - at that size is it likely to fit any of the other models?

 

[J J Kapsberger]

Where in Canada: Gerry Smith at Kindermann cut his teeth on Rolleiflex cameras. He'll service your camera expertly.

Well done, BTW. I have the exact same camera.

 

[mando]

Sanders, excellent picture as usual.

J J thanks for the info on Gerry Smith at Kindermann, btw those pics are really nice, what film is the color one?

I need to take more pics and see what film I like best, so far tried tri-x 400, neoapn 400 and fp4, all developed in rodinal, but still undecided.

Antonio

 

[J J Kapsberger]

Thanks, Mando. The color one was taken with Astia. The photo of the shoe is actually Provia 100F converted in PS. The statue photo is FP4 in FG7.