Disaster_Area
Gadget Monger
I have a Rolleicord Vb that is in desperate need of a CLA and possibly some repairs as well. I'll list the things I can see as wrong with it and maybe the guru's here can tell me whether it's worth fixing or whether it's a lost cause:
Major Issue(s):
- aperture is stuck wide open, it looks like the front leather has been peeled back and replaced, either by someone trying to fix this problem... or someone fiddling that caused this problem
- frame spacing is sometimes off, I have to be careful not to go past a frame when winding as it doesn't always stop at the next frame, if I crank it slowly it 90% of the time will stop at the next frame, but will sometimes slip past and leave too much of a gap
Minor Issue(s):
- missing a spring on the sports finder so after flipping down the magnifier the door on the lid doesn't automatically spring back
- remote release is a bit fiddly, doesn't always trip the shutter.
- small dent under one of the feet on the bottom (not a huge deal)
Over all the camera seems to be in decent condition though... I actually used it for a month or so before noticing the aperture wouldn't stop down, I just thought my metering was off. It focuses smoothly and accurately, and the lenses are in good shape. The leatherette is in good shape except for one lifting corner on the hood... no biggy, I might get a cameraleather re-skin down the road. I was just going to shelve it and buy one in better shape, but Rollei prices seem to be going up so maybe it's worth sending it for repair.. what do you think? I asked this same question a year or two ago.. but Rollei prices where much lower, especially on the 'cords... so it was almost unanimous that it wasn't worth it.
Major Issue(s):
- aperture is stuck wide open, it looks like the front leather has been peeled back and replaced, either by someone trying to fix this problem... or someone fiddling that caused this problem
- frame spacing is sometimes off, I have to be careful not to go past a frame when winding as it doesn't always stop at the next frame, if I crank it slowly it 90% of the time will stop at the next frame, but will sometimes slip past and leave too much of a gap
Minor Issue(s):
- missing a spring on the sports finder so after flipping down the magnifier the door on the lid doesn't automatically spring back
- remote release is a bit fiddly, doesn't always trip the shutter.
- small dent under one of the feet on the bottom (not a huge deal)
Over all the camera seems to be in decent condition though... I actually used it for a month or so before noticing the aperture wouldn't stop down, I just thought my metering was off. It focuses smoothly and accurately, and the lenses are in good shape. The leatherette is in good shape except for one lifting corner on the hood... no biggy, I might get a cameraleather re-skin down the road. I was just going to shelve it and buy one in better shape, but Rollei prices seem to be going up so maybe it's worth sending it for repair.. what do you think? I asked this same question a year or two ago.. but Rollei prices where much lower, especially on the 'cords... so it was almost unanimous that it wasn't worth it.
Gumby
Veteran
My opinion hasn't changed since last year. 
The Vb is a really nice camera when working well. I'd put that one on a shelf or use it as a parts donor. It sounds like it was either mistreated or fiddled with. There are plenty of Vbs out there and if you shop well you should be able to get a better one to start with. Then have the better one overhauled by a pro and you'll be fixed up for thenext couple of decades.
The Vb is a really nice camera when working well. I'd put that one on a shelf or use it as a parts donor. It sounds like it was either mistreated or fiddled with. There are plenty of Vbs out there and if you shop well you should be able to get a better one to start with. Then have the better one overhauled by a pro and you'll be fixed up for thenext couple of decades.
Disaster_Area
Gadget Monger
yeah.. I really like the Vb... it's lighter than the 'flexes but still feels nice and solid, and I love the lens... If it's not worth repairing, I might just use it as my dedicated low light TLR since it's working ok, just stuck wide open I can deal with the film spacing issue... I just have to be careful
I can deal with the film spacing issue... I just have to be carefuldavid.elliott
Well-known
Why not email your issue list to some competent repairmen and see what they give you as an estimate? Or just give them a call.
Gumby
Veteran
I used Pro Camera Service in Thousand Oaks CA. They ahve a web stie but I can't google it for you right now... I'm sure that you are crafty enough to do that yourself. consider giving them a call. They were quick and affordable when they overhauled mine.
Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero
I fixed my frame-spacing problem by letting a drop of lighter fluid soak into the winding knob/release button of my Ia.
The frame lock would not work at all when I first got it. But after a drop of fluid and a minute or 2 of exercising the mechanism it worked fine.
The slow shutter was fixed in the same way.
The frame lock would not work at all when I first got it. But after a drop of fluid and a minute or 2 of exercising the mechanism it worked fine.
The slow shutter was fixed in the same way.