Looking at a used Rolleiflex - advice?

The Compur shutters, in general, are more complex and have tighter tolerances than their Japanese counterparts. Same thing with a Hasselblad or a Compur-shuttered view camera lens. But once you do the maintenance and keep it reasonably clean (sand sucks!) it will perform more reliably and feel satisfyingly smooth and tight compared to say, a Mamiya or YashicaMat.

You can use it as-is it sounds like, save for the CLA, then the newer screen, then the hood. It's not that flarely a lens but the shade protects it from the weather and bumps as well. But in the meantime, use your hand or block the sun with your butt (my technique).
 
First of all, don't insult the camera by putting one of those rubber thingys on it. You can get near-original new hoods and lens covers from Fotodiox. They are very reasonable in price and very quick with delivery. Go on the 'Bay and look for item # 350245666363 for example. I have bought hoods and lens covers, straps and filter adaptors from them for both my Rollei's. And you'll need a lens hood - they do flare when pointed into the sun.

Second, The E2 model has a removable viewing hood and the screen is easily changed. The earlier E model (yours I believe) is a little trickier but not too hard. You have to remove the screws attaching the hood (the E2 has clips) to access the screen. I bought a Maxwell screen to replace the original one. Not cheap but much better, and instructions came with it. If you search around using Google you'll probably find a thread somewhere that tells you how to do it. Although I preferred Maxwell over Rick Oleson's screens, Rick has a page on his website headed "Focusing Screen Installation Guide" which will guide you, although it's a general instruction guide - not specifically for Rolleiflex.

Third, there are a few websites devoted to the Rollei.
One useful one is http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/info/A-F_tlr.shtml

Fourth, if ever you're tempted to try messing with it yourself rather than getting it looked at by someone who knows what they're doing, you might find this useful - or off-putting! Go to http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rolleiflex.htm and select the model you want.

Fifth, there is a downloadable copy of the Rolleiflex Service Manual - search for Rolleiflex_TLR.pdf. It's 63MB, so don't ask to have it emailed. Even more off-putting when you see the exploded view of all the parts!

There's a lot of information out there on the web and it's often more comprehensive than you'll get on RFF. You'd do yourself a favour to research both avenues - from RFF you get user experience and from the web you will locate useful documentation and sources.
 
Most posts I read about someone attempting their own repairs on a Rolleiflex usually start with "HELP!". Sure, you can probably change the screen yourself, but will it be in focus? There are so many adjustments and shimmings in a Rollei TLR, that even I don't want to tackle the decrepid Automat I got recently, and will devote the funds for a complete overhaul (for starters, the film transport is jammed). It's best to leave these babies to the professionals, who will have the parts available to fix whatever they come across. It might be working decently, but you never know when a worn gear or shaft is going to cut loose, and there you are with an expensive paperweight until you can get it in the shop again. The pro's will be able to tell if something should be replaced while they are in there doing a CLA.

It's a good looking camera, and for having sat 14 years, in surprisingly nice shape.

PF
 
For the 2.8F:

There are two very small screws on the cover (very small, smallest of the mini screw driver set I own barely fit), I seem to remember they were pretty long with a very fine thread. I undid them and the whole meter slid out (I think) and there were some additional screws at the edge of the back of the assembly that held the cover on. Undid them, took off the cover, swapped it out for the new on and put it all back together in reverse order....I think it was pretty straightforward.
 
Thanks for all your advice. I have looked at the service manual and the more I look at mine, the more I am seeing a bodged repair from the past. Looks like someone may have worked on the meter cover assembly and then replaced the crinkled covering over the screws. There are also a couple of other bumps in the skin on that side, but that may be shrinkage over time.

I am all too aware of trying to do something myself with a camera and ending up with bits left over.

I have contacted a specialist for a CLA, to have a look at the meter assembly and the self-timer. I will shoot with a handheld meter anyway but it would be nice to sort it out or blank it off.

My main fear is that it was dropped on that side and wacked the focus assembly. A roll through it today should enlighten me.

I was looking at the Fotodiox hoods mentioned - I don't like rubber things either. First thing is to assess the operation in practise.

If I get any photos out of it, I will post them back here.
 
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As the camera is working great with the right shutter speeds, focus and crisp lens I have now placed an order for a Fotodiox lens hood and that new meter cover from eBay.

I have a quote for a basic CLA (which is half the cost of the camera) so I will wait a while and save up for a new focus screen to go with the meter cover for fitting at the same time.

Thanks for all your help, I am really pleased or chuffed as we say in the UK.
 
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That was a great looking set of test images. Isn't it nice to get a camera that works as well as that one is? Can't wait to see what my Automat will do after an overhaul. Has to be scales better than my Super Ricohflex.

PF
 
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