Rollei SLX up and running!

[Pirate]

A couple weeks ago I was given a complete Rollei SLX in the original box in mint condition. Body, Lens (Rollei 80 f/2.8), 6x6 & 6x4.5 backs, strap, daylight filter, two original batteries with G charger, caps, and a roll of new Fuji film.... that expired in 1989. I don't think this has been used in a while.

I tried charging one of the batteries the other day and it wouldn't hold anything. On-line I found a guy who took the old batteries (500mAh NiCd) and put in new 1600mAh NiMH batteries. The originals are good for about 100 shots between charges. The new NiMH's are good for, well... the author of that article gave up after 1000 shots and the batter was still showing a full charge.

This morning, I took one of the battery packs apart and desoldered the + and - wires. Picked up a 1700mAh NiMH battery for an RC toy, ran a lead from the solder joints through a hole I drilled in the back of the case, added the appropriate plug, and plugged in the new battery as an external.

The camera works like it just came from the factory. No sticky blades or lag anywhere. It's beautiful.

So on my way out today to run a first roll through it, my truck broke down.

.......

 

[Snowbuzz]

OMG, Pirate, why can't I be your neighbour!! That's a fantastic mod!! I bought a battery pack for Rollei 6000 on eBay that has to be soldered into the case. I've never soldered anything in my life so it's just been sitting here. Sheesh.

Congrats and enjoy the camera: the pics will be great!!

 

[Pirate]

If I can help you with that battery, let me know. I'd be happy to get it running for you. The 6000 should be the same as the SLX. Does it look like the one in my picture?? There's a fuse on the other end of it.

 

[Snowbuzz]

Oh wow, very kind! I live very far away tho'. However, someone told me yesterday about an electronic shop near me that can do it. But thank you for the offer!

Yes, the battery looks identical to the one I have.

 

[Pirate]

Any good shop should be able to install new batteries into this battery case. They need to be spot-welded, not soldered if you keep it like original.

Good luck with it!

 

[sepiareverb]

Sounds like you need to do a similar hack to your truck 🙂

 

[Pirate]

Well, it is electrical problems with the truck also..... ;-)

 

[sevo]

Any good shop should be able to install new batteries into this battery case. They need to be spot-welded, not soldered if you keep it like original.

Potential-free spot welding is not really something everybody is set up to do - the most affordable option are (online) battery dealers catering to RC model racing hobbyists which usually can configure individual packs of just about any specification.

If you intend to do it yourself, silver filled epoxy (a.k.a. "conductive cement") is another option to avoid the heat and current shocks associated with soldering respectively inept spot welding.

 

[Pirate]

Potential-free spot welding is not really something everybody is set up to do - the most affordable option are (online) battery dealers catering to RC model racing hobbyists which usually can configure individual packs of just about any specification.

If you intend to do it yourself, silver filled epoxy (a.k.a. "conductive cement") is another option to avoid the heat and current shocks associated with soldering respectively inept spot welding.

Here's the link I first read the conversion in:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...ofivDw&usg=AFQjCNFW2bTRL8TMOoLaXsIfDgbgoNZeWA

 

[Pirate]

Went out and shot 3 rolls today. Works great! It'll be Tuesday before I get to developing the film to see how the body is really doing- making sure there's no light leaks and all.

 

[Snowbuzz]

Congrats again! Post the pics. I forgot to mention: good luck with your truck.

You gave me courage and I soldered in the eBay cell-pack (the cells already come spot-welded together, so I just solder the leads). It worked!!! It's charging now and nothing has 'sploded yet. I do believe that it's the ugliest solder job of all time. Large blobs everywhere. I followed the tutorials on Youtube.

Thanks for the inspiration to try! I have the fire extinguisher around just in case something happens during charging.

 

[Pirate]

That's awesome!! Congrats!!

I'll post later this week when I develop mine, but you gotta do the same ;-)

 

[Snowbuzz]

'kay. Deal!