New Rolleiflex

[DCB]

I just got a Rolleiflex 2.8E and have a few questions.

The slower speed (below 30) are slow. Changing speeds from 30 - 15 has some resistance. Higher speeds seem fine.

Is it ok to use as is, or should I send it in for a CLA?

Thanks

 

[brennanphotoguy]

CLA is your best bet. Mine started doing this a little over 3 years ago and gradually got worse and worse.

 

[Dan Daniel]

The slow speed escapement is gummed up. Between 1/15 and 1/30, the speed control cam changes as it cuts in/out the slow speed part. In this photo, there is a dip in the speed controller in between the two arrows- this is the change from 1/15 to 1/30, and means the gearing of the escapement is moving; gummed up and it will cause tension...

It isn't really hurting anything, just stay in the 1/30 and above range and it will be ok. But it should be cleaned out. Fast speeds will also be affected. And almost certainly if this area is dirty and gummed many other areas are also in need of cleaning, on the shutter and on other areas of the camera.

I would use the camera some more and see what else pops up. Then get it cleaned.

 

[flavio81]

I just got a Rolleiflex 2.8E and have a few questions.

The slower speed (below 30) are slow. Changing speeds from 30 - 15 has some resistance. Higher speeds seem fine.

Is it ok to use as is, or should I send it in for a CLA?

Thanks

Congrats on perhaps the best built medium format camera of all times.

I assume you are not changing speeds with the shutter cocked, which is OK but doing it with the shutter uncocked is even gentler on the shutter.

Feeling resistance is no problem at all, it is just hardened grease as noted above.

As for the slower speeds, they are slow because the shutter needs cleaning and lubrication. My advice is: If you can't find a GOOD (reliable, trustable) technician, don't do anything to your camera and just live with the slow speeds until you find a reliable technician. The Rolleiflex is a precision instrument and a mediocre technician is not someone to entrust your camera to.

 

[mpaniagua]

I wouldnt mess with the Rolleiflex. Send for a proper CLA. Im packing my Rolleiflex SL66 to ship it to Harry Fleenor on Oceanside Camera Repair myself.

 

[DCB]

Thanks for the advice. I may just shoot it for a while and see.

Peace