Rolleiflex regret?

[Pompiere]

Monday, I stopped at a large antique mall when I was out of town for the day. I only had a half-hour before closing, so I had to look fast to see the whole place. In one of the cases was a Rolleiflex in an eveready case, and some assorted filters and accessories. I don't know anything about Rolleiflex except the name, and I may have miss read the tag through the glass, but I think they had a price of $65 on it. Maybe there was another zero. I primarily shoot 35mm and I still wanted to check out the rest of the place, so I didn't jump on it right away. Normally, I don't spend more than $15-20 on a camera. The place is over an hour away and they close at 6 pm, or I would seriously think about going back. I guess I should have just bought it, even if I turned around and resold it.:bang:

 

[Gumby]

If the "zero" was before the $65 or after the decimal point you should have bought it; if the "zero" was after the $65 you should do some homework to know what you might be buying before going back with money in your pocket!

 

[Todd.Hanz]

ANY Rolleiflex is worth 65.00, if only for a paper weight.

See what info you can find on it, lens size, meter or not, etc... someone here will buy it if you don't want it.

 

[Gumby]

In general, though, have no regrets... it is just an old camera!

 

[Leighgion]

In general, though, have no regrets... it is just an old camera!

Keep telling yourself that until you're a believer. 😉

 

[Gumby]

I'd rather talk to myself about more interesting things. But thanks for the suggestion.

 

[FrankS]

As stated, it depends on where that zero is. A $65 Rolleiflex is a good deal even if it needs a cla. Can you give them a phone call to save time? It'll still be there tomorrow. Probably.

 

[uhligfd]

Ask the serial number on the top front part of the camera and maybe the name of the bottom (= taking) lens and specifications on it as to focal length and max aperture.

Then look this up and you will know how many zeros you want to pay for ...

 

[historicist]

$65 dollars is a bargain for pretty much any Rolleiflex in any condition. $650, on the other hand, is probably fair market value for a late one in excellent condition. Phone them up! It could be the bargain of the century, Rolleis are amazing:

 

[Al Kaplan]

If the lens is a Schneider Xenotar, or Zeiss Planar or Biometer, whether 2.8 or 3.5, GRAB IT, but first act hesitant, offer $40. You might not get it for $40 but most likely you won't pay $65 either. If it has a Zeiss Tessar it's still a good price. Don't be afraid of an uncoated lens either.

 

[Sonny Boy Havidson]

And inspect lenses, shutter. If the camera was dropped, the back and/or viewfinder cover are marked.