rolleicord V focus knob....

[Dan Daniel]

Anyone know how to remove the focus knob on a Rolleicord V? Not a I or II version, the plain V with the focus knob on the right/wind side.

Every Rollei knob I have seen has some sort of spanner wrench points, either slots or circles. But I can't see anything on the V that I just bought.

Here's a photo of another V. Maybe someone can see the secret hidden entrance point? Thanks!

http://p2.la-img.com/1250/29506/11438658_3_x.jpg

 

[hanskerensky]

Dan, i don't have a V but have an original Rollei Service exploded view drawing of it. On that one it seems that the chrome top ring is threaded so probably you can just screw that off using a friction tool.

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[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Yes, Hans is correct. The machining is very nice and at first glance it looks like the knob is made all of one piece. But take a close look and you will see that the polished edge of the knob is actually a separate piece. The way the grips are machined gives it away. I simply used a piece of rubber inner tube to unfasten the last time I needed to adjust one. It has a conventional right hand thread of course.
Best,
Brett

 

[Dan Daniel]

Thanks to both of you for the answer .

Turns out that the camera I just bought has some serious oxidation on the focus knob. I wouldn't have been able to see any joint through all the bloomed-out aluminum even if I knew where to look.

And to make things more fun, I tried unscrewing it. ANd proceeded to break either the stop on the side plate or the stop on the knob itself. Looks like I have a new parts camera! (I may be able to undo the cams on the far side and finesse the wind side plate out with the focus knob, cams, and shaft attached; then find a way to separate the knob parts...)

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Perhaps it will be possible to repair the side plate lug, or replace the knob, to save the camera? I've heard really good things about JB Weld. I wonder if you could rebuild the lug with that if it is the body that broke?
The V is a great Rollei, it's always a shame to write one off, although sometimes it is unavoidable of course. I have a Va here that has really bad play in the focus. It literally rattles the lens board. Not sure if that will live again.
Regards
Brett

 

[Dan Daniel]

Brett, I first need to get the camera apart! I now have a free-wheeling focus knob holding the side plate down. I am hoping that I can remove the focus cams from the other side and finagle the wind-side cams around the lens plate and wind mechanism underneath the side and get it off. I'll see what happens.

I remember in working on bicycles that corroded aluminum would sometimes respond to an ammonia bath. I might try that to unlock the knob parts.

I have other focus knobs, but all have scales going the other direction. I'll do what I can to avoid a full 'smash in the vice' method to release the parts. Eventually I am certain that most of the camera will find a new life. The lenses are clean, the shutter needs an overhaul but can find a new home if need be, etc.

A rattling lens board sounds as if the cam follower bearing (?that red plastic piece) has fallen out? Well, I've said it before when people talk about how the Rolleicords are built as well as the 'Flexes- look at the strap lugs and the focus rail systems to see that the 'Cords are good but not the best Rollei could do.