Some questions about a Rolleicord III Just Purchased

[Chubberino]

Hello!

After years of browsing charity shops, I finally stumbled upon a decent deal on a vintage camera!

It's a Rolleicord III. Upon first inspection the camera looked worse for wear. It smelled moldy but at the price it was offered, I opted to get it. When I brought it home, I took it out of the case and saw that white mildew had formed on the leather covering. The leather case smelled moldy as well, so that's being treated in a baking soda bath and I'm hoping for the best.

The taking lens and the viewfinder lens both appeared to have bad cases of mold, but upon cleaning the taking lens, it is actually fairly pristine. Lucky me. The mold was worse looking in the view lens but wiping it off from the front only, the mold disappeared and caused no etching so it looks like, so far, the mold wasn't intrusive.

I decided that due to the price I paid, I'm going to have a go at fixing this old Rolleicord up myself. Should be a good learning experience and at the very least something fun to test around with.

I've already removed the funky leather in anticipation of replacing it so that wasn't hard.

The design on this one obviously allows for easy access to the mirror and ground glass for a good cleaning as well.

I guess for right now, the biggest question I have is, there is somewhat of an issue with the shutter release button.

I've attached pics and I'll try to explain to the best of my ability what seems to be the issue.

Attached to the shutter release area was this little extender piece:

I didn't think anything of it as I have no experience with this version of Rollei, and only noticed it was unnatural when I tried to adjust the aperture. It got in the way of the aperture lever when trying to adjust it to wide open.

This seemed like a design flaw, so upon closer inspection, I saw that it wasn't even properly screwed in:

And of course, when I tried to screw it in, it wouldn't thread properly.

So, I think it's not designed for this version of Rollei.

But, if it isn't screwed in, then there's no way to actual fire the shutter as no button is present:

So, long story short, what part do I need for this version of a Rollei, to have a normal shutter button that doesn't interfere with the aperture lever? Or does it look like maybe the original shutter button sheared off and this was the owner's quick fix?

Thanks for your help and I'll probably update as I go with this little project camera.

 

[johannielscom]

Very strange. From images online, you'd at least expect the hole to be in the center of the circle.

Maybe the black inner part is also screwed in itself? As an unofficial repair to a shutter release sheared off?

Below is a front view of the Rolleicord III with the same button, but centered so that the aperture setting can fit past...

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

This should address your query regarding the shutter release.
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleicord_iii/rolleicord_iii.htm

 

[Chubberino]

Very strange. From images online, you'd at least expect the hole to be in the center of the circle.

Maybe the black inner part is also screwed in itself? As an unofficial repair to a shutter release sheared off?

Below is a front view of the Rolleicord III with the same button, but centered so that the aperture setting can fit past...

Yeah, that looked unusual as well. Hmm, hopefully someone can help inform what may be missing and if it's replaceable on this, or if I need to machine a new part from scratch.

 

[Chubberino]

This should address your query regarding the shutter release.
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleicord_iii/rolleicord_iii.htm

nope, not really.

 

[x-ray]

I'm assuming you don't know how to cock and fire the shutter on a rolleicord. I'm assuming the III is the same procedure as the V. Facing the front of the camera move the cocking lever at the cotton of the taking lent to the left until you feel the shutter cock then allow it to return to center on its own. To fire it push the cocking lever to the right.

Go on eBay and see what other III models look like and if there is anything missing.

 

[Chubberino]

I'm assuming you don't know how to cock and fire the shutter on a rolleicord. I'm assuming the III is the same procedure as the V. Facing the front of the camera move the cocking lever at the cotton of the taking lent to the left until you feel the shutter cock then allow it to return to center on its own. To fire it push the cocking lever to the right.

Go on eBay and see what other III models look like and if there is anything missing.

not sure why'd you assume that, but yes I do know how to. thanks for the attempt at helping though.

edit:
NVM, I was completely wrong. I apologize. Now I understand. Okay, so the shutter fires fine. Funny enough, the shutter cocking lever does not return back to center but instead acts all floppy so there's an issue there but it still fires fine. Thanks for the guidance, much appreciated.

SO I guess I have to figure out why there is no tension springing it back to center when cocking it.

Though I guess the cable release socket is an issue but not too much of one as I don't generally use that mechanism on a camera.

On to the next phase of operating it and repairs!

 

[jim_jm]

I have a Rolleicord III with a Xenar lens in Compur-Rapid shutter, and my shutter lever feels similar to yours. Not much spring tension in the lever to return it to center. Mine was in near mint condition when I got it a few years ago, so I assume this is the way they were designed. It's never been a problem in actual use, though.

 

[Chubberino]

I have a Rolleicord III with a Xenar lens in Compur-Rapid shutter, and my shutter lever feels similar to yours. Not much spring tension in the lever to return it to center. Mine was in near mint condition when I got it a few years ago, so I assume this is the way they were designed. It's never been a problem in actual use, though.

Thanks for the info. Good to know. Yeah, on mine, like I said, the shutter fires fine so that's relief.

A quick follow-up question for you:

Is the viewfinder supposed to pop up like other Rollei models? Mine has to b pulled up as it seems like there is no spring mechanism. Thanks!

As a side note, after some more research, that little pin goes to the IV, V, Va, and Vb as an attachment to the soft release port so you can fire it similar to a Rolleiflex. Funny enough too, that piece is somewhat rare so selling it should cover the cost of what I paid for whole camera, so score, I guess, lol.

 

[mpaniagua]

I've handled 2 rolleicords and yeah, on those shutter level feels floppy. Probably its the way they where designed or a mechanism that generally worn out quickly so most of the examples work that way no?

Regards

Marcelo

 

[Prest_400]

I got a Cord V and does not seem to have floppiness of the release. BTW I don't have that little release and may be interesting to see. To cock the shutter I feel it takes a bit more force than thought, when cocked the lever is free to move around.
The shutter release I find awkward and movement inducing under 1/125
The VF on mine has to be pulled up, the action is nice though and I didn't think about a spring action opening.
Mine needs a CLA and upon finding I am not using it that much I may resell it though.


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[Chubberino]

I got a Cord V and does not seem to have floppiness of the release. BTW I don't have that little release and may be interesting to see. To cock the shutter I feel it takes a bit more force than thought, when cocked the lever is free to move around.
The shutter release I find awkward and movement inducing under 1/125
The VF on mine has to be pulled up, the action is nice though and I didn't think about a spring action opening.
Mine needs a CLA and upon finding I am not using it that much I may resell it though.


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Yeah, the action on the VF is nice too and just needs to be pulled up as well.

 

[jim_jm]

Thanks for the info. Good to know. Yeah, on mine, like I said, the shutter fires fine so that's relief.

A quick follow-up question for you:

Is the viewfinder supposed to pop up like other Rollei models? Mine has to b pulled up as it seems like there is no spring mechanism. Thanks!

Yeah, the VF hood on both my 'Cord III and V don't really snap open on their own. I think the internal springs are only designed to ensure the hood stays open. The hood on my Rolleiflex Automat X is much snappier and pops up on it's own without much prodding. All three cameras are around the same era, 1949-54, but I think the 'Cords were targeted to a lower price point and Rollei had to forego some features to do this.

The cable release socket on mine is perfectly centered, so it looks like yours has been modified for some reason...

Oh, and the shutter lever on the V does have return spring tension after cocking the shutter, unlike the III.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

This should address your query regarding the shutter release.
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleicord_iii/rolleicord_iii.htm

nope, not really.

Hmm, I would have thought the manual would inform you about the way the cocking lever doubles as the shutter release?

Hang on, it does.

The diagram was only on page two...

 

[Chubberino]

Yeah, the VF hood on both my 'Cord III and V don't really snap open on their own. I think the internal springs are only designed to ensure the hood stays open. The hood on my Rolleiflex Automat X is much snappier and pops up on it's own without much prodding. All three cameras are around the same era, 1949-54, but I think the 'Cords were targeted to a lower price point and Rollei had to forego some features to do this.

The cable release socket on mine is perfectly centered, so it looks like yours has been modified for some reason...

Oh, and the shutter lever on the V does have return spring tension after cocking the shutter, unlike the III.

Yeah, it makes sense that the features would be a bit different between the models, especially as the 'Cords were sold as a budget version. The cable release socket actually looks like it is just missing the port that was either sheared off or maybe it was unscrewed if that's possible as there appears to be slight threading when I looked closer and took off the leather. Thanks for the help and the input.

 

[Chubberino]

nope, still no help and don't see what you're talking about. can you point it out again? maybe I missed it.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Please refer your text in post number one of this thread, which I have highlighted (in bold):

Hello!

After years of browsing charity shops, I finally stumbled upon a decent deal on a vintage camera!

It's a Rolleicord III. Upon first inspection the camera looked worse for wear. It smelled moldy but at the price it was offered, I opted to get it. When I brought it home, I took it out of the case and saw that white mildew had formed on the leather covering. The leather case smelled moldy as well, so that's being treated in a baking soda bath and I'm hoping for the best.

The taking lens and the viewfinder lens both appeared to have bad cases of mold, but upon cleaning the taking lens, it is actually fairly pristine. Lucky me. The mold was worse looking in the view lens but wiping it off from the front only, the mold disappeared and caused no etching so it looks like, so far, the mold wasn't intrusive.

I decided that due to the price I paid, I'm going to have a go at fixing this old Rolleicord up myself. Should be a good learning experience and at the very least something fun to test around with.

I've already removed the funky leather in anticipation of replacing it so that wasn't hard.

The design on this one obviously allows for easy access to the mirror and ground glass for a good cleaning as well.

I guess for right now, the biggest question I have is, there is somewhat of an issue with the shutter release button.

I've attached pics and I'll try to explain to the best of my ability what seems to be the issue.

Attached to the shutter release area was this little extender piece:

I didn't think anything of it as I have no experience with this version of Rollei, and only noticed it was unnatural when I tried to adjust the aperture. It got in the way of the aperture lever when trying to adjust it to wide open.

This seemed like a design flaw, so upon closer inspection, I saw that it wasn't even properly screwed in:

And of course, when I tried to screw it in, it wouldn't thread properly.

So, I think it's not designed for this version of Rollei.

But, if it isn't screwed in, then there's no way to actual fire the shutter as no button is present:

So, long story short, what part do I need for this version of a Rollei, to have a normal shutter button that doesn't interfere with the aperture lever? Or does it look like maybe the original shutter button sheared off and this was the owner's quick fix?

Thanks for your help and I'll probably update as I go with this little project camera.

This should address your query regarding the shutter release.
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleicord_iii/rolleicord_iii.htm

nope, not really.

Hmm, I would have thought the manual would inform you about the way the cocking lever doubles as the shutter release?

Hang on, it does.

The diagram was only on page two...

nope, still no help and don't see what you're talking about. can you point it out again? maybe I missed it.

You couldn't work out how to release the shutter without the accessory release button.

(From a cursory look, this appears to be the type popular with owners of later model Rolleicords. In the past, I have always found it difficult to understand why this accessory was such a popular item, since I've never had difficulty with the standard set up, but, it's now becoming a lot clearer to me.)

I posted a link to the manual, and then, when that didn't help, displayed images from the manual showing: (a) the relevant part, the cocking and release lever and; (b) the key to the numbered parts in the diagram, informing the reader that item number 10 is in fact the lever for tensioning and releasing the shutter. Note, please, the words "and releasing". They are germane! 🙂

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Duplicate post

 

[Chubberino]

nope still don't see it.

moving along...

So after taking the leather off, I need some IPA/rubbing alcohol to get the glue/leather residue off. It's hard to find that stuff easily here in NI, so I wanted to use some acrylic thinner but I'm unsure how that will affect the metal, any ideas on that? I could ask our SFX crew for some IPA so I may go to that but otherwise, I need some sort of cleaner to get that stuff off.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

nope still don't see it.

moving along...

So after taking the leather off, I need some IPA/rubbing alcohol to get the glue/leather residue off. It's hard to find that stuff easily here in NI, so I wanted to use some acrylic thinner but I'm unsure how that will affect the metal, any ideas on that? I could ask our SFX crew for some IPA so I may go to that but otherwise, I need some sort of cleaner to get that stuff off.

You said:

"But, if it isn't screwed in, then there's no way to actual fire the shutter as no button is present:"

You fire the shutter by sliding across the cocking lever after cocking the shutter. As the manual tells you. And as the diagrams show you. It's not that hard to work out. Really.