About getting a Rollei 35, what to test before actually buying?

[tomperson]

Ok, so I couldn't resist the Rollei 35 charm. I'm just about buying a rollei 35 tomorrow. What do you recommend for me to test/check for before actually paying for it? Any "known" issues?

- Check all shutter Speeds
- Check focus? How?
- Check all apertures
- Check battery slot
- Check the meter (I doubt it'll have working batteries)
- What would be show stoppers? (dented lens, fungus, corroded battery slot?)

It is a Made in Singapore Rollei 35, Tessar f/3.5, I'm paying 80 dollars for it, is that a good deal if its working properly?

The current owner says it hass been in a closet for...8 YEARS!

 

[payasam]

Focus can only be checked at known or measured distances. To check all the things you list, you'll need to expose a roll of film.

 

[ZeissFan]

Things to check:

-- Dented lens.

-- Slow speeds don't work.

-- Most seem to have a dented corner.

-- Check the film advance. Long explanation, but check it. Also, ensure that the frame counter works. Wind all the way through several times and note if there is any "gaps" in the advance.

-- Check that the lens extends, locks and collapses correctly. It should only be able to collapse by pressing the button on the top deck. The lens should be suitably rigid when extended. You shouldn't be able to rotate the lens barrel (I don't mean the focusing ring) when it's locked into position.

-- Check the battery chamber for corrosion.

-- When the meter works, it should sweep smoothly when you move from bright light to shade.