Awesome deal on a Rolleiflex 2.8E

ohnewton35 · May 30, 2015

So I've a possible offer for a Rolleiflex 2.8E but my concerns are that the meter is broken and the skin is peeling on the side. I'm considering it replacing my EVS-MX and selling that one but is it worth paying $200 and attempting to get it serviced and fixed up? And if so who could I go to to have that done?

removedacct1 · May 30, 2015

First, I wouldn't bother with the meter at all. I have a functional meter in my Autocord but I always prefer my handheld Sekonic. It's far more likely to be accurate in 99% of the use cases.

There is a list of at least four very skilled Rolleiflex service technicians who do cleaning, calibration and repair. Harry Fleenor did mine recently and he did an excellent job. Other people will recommend their serviceman of choice and its likely that any of them will do a fine job. Be prepared to spend close to $400 for a full servicing. It's highly likely that the shutter mechanism will need a lube and recalibration for accuracy. Mine certainly did.

ic-racer · May 30, 2015

I'd not worry about the meter if you are already familiar with the EVS system on your current camera. The covering can be re-attached with adhesive. More important things are how clear are the optics, are the lenses collumated, how flat it holds the film, correct shutter speeds and correct frame spacing.

Paul in Arizona · May 30, 2015

A 2.8E at $200 plus whatever it costs to make it perfect is a great deal. [I have a 3.5E]
I'd run some film through it to see what you get. Use various shutter speeds to check exposure.
Who knows? you could have one that works just fine. You can always send it off at a later date for a CLA.
Forget about the meter and use a hand held.

ohnewton35 · May 30, 2015

So let's say I get it for 200 and it takes 400 to service. Aren't I basically paying for a new one? Comes out to 600 for a used one with basically replaced parts. Wouldn't it end it being better to just purchase one in better condition online? Can I expect to pay less than that to service anywhere?

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Richard S. (rich815) · May 30, 2015

ohnewton35 said:
So let's say I get it for 200 and it takes 400 to service. Aren't I basically paying for a new one? Comes out to 600 for a used one with basically replaced parts. Wouldn't it end it being better to just purchase one in better condition online? Can I expect to pay less than that to service anywhere?

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What new one? They don't exist. And even a better condition one you have no guarantee of what work has been done and when. A $200 2.8E with $400 of work from Harry Fleenor (and the Harry Fleenor dated sticker inside) is worth much more than a $600 one in good condition. If the lens is good and there's not too much musty smell is grab it.

BTW, Planar or Xenotar?

TheFlyingCamera · May 30, 2015

Good luck finding one that doesn't need a complete overhaul for $600 or less. Most recently overhauled 2.8E's are going in the $1k range.

Oh, and another vote for not worrying about the meter in the camera. It's a selenium cell, and will eventually die on you, if it isn't already dead - these cameras are getting on 60 years old now and even under good circumstances, the meter is basically going to confirm that sunny-16 applies.

Dan Daniel · May 30, 2015

ohnewton35 said:
So let's say I get it for 200 and it takes 400 to service. Aren't I basically paying for a new one? Comes out to 600 for a used one with basically replaced parts. Wouldn't it end it being better to just purchase one in better condition online? Can I expect to pay less than that to service anywhere?

Your original post mentioned that the meter doesn't work and that the side panel leather was peeling. That was it. To be a bit rude, that tells me that you don't know much about Rolleiflexes and evaluating them. The meter and the leather are toss-aways. What matters is the condition of the taking lens; the focus alignment and overall body integrity; the shutter; the wind system; the viewing lens, mirror, and screen/hood system.

Unless you know what is going on with the real guts of the camera, you can't say how much an overhaul will go for. Full workover plus parts from someone like Fleenor can add up to $500 or more. It could also be $200. If you decide to get a 'working' one elsewhere, be certain that you know the seller's reputation and understand what they are saying about the condition of the camera. As others have said, $600 for a 2.8E in solid working condition is a very good price.

ohnewton35 · May 30, 2015

To "return your bit of rudeness" (not really I see where you are coming from and I thank you for your contribution) what matters most to me is working AND aesthetic condition. I am a collector AND a user so I attempt to keep my cameras in amazing condition in the event I decide to resell in order to obtain a new camera and likewise that's just how I prefer my cameras.

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Dan Daniel · May 30, 2015

ohnewton35 said:
To "return your bit of rudeness" (not really I see where you are coming from and I thank you for your contribution) what matters most to me is working AND aesthetic condition. I am a collector AND a user so I attempt to keep my cameras in amazing condition in the event I decide to resell in order to obtain a new camera and likewise that's just how I prefer my cameras.

Makes sense. Then the leather does raise an issue. Is it peeling from an attempted repair? Or is it from poor storage? Usually you will see signs of storage damage in other places. Tarnished and rough aluminum is a common symptom. And paint issues, of course. Considering your criteria, be sure to evaluate the whole camera. For me, tarnish and worn leather is not a deal killer, but it can point to deeper issues like rust inside the wind mechanism or such.

The meter is generally considered of no use by this point in time on most Rolleis. That doesn't mean that there aren't ones out there that work well, or that have been restored to working condition.

An 'excellent' condition E 2.8, which is what it seems you want, is worth more than $600.

Paul in Arizona · May 31, 2015

A 2.8E where someone else has done the work will cost a pretty penny. KEH has one listed in "bargain" condition for $849. Add CLA if it needs it and any cosmetics on top of that.

But, it sounds to me like his priority is a fully finished trophy case queen and he's decided against this one. Good luck.

piu58 · May 31, 2015

A decent ususlly 2,8E costs around 500-800$, depending from where you buy. A CLA may be necessary in every case. That has not to be the case immediately, but you have to take this into account.

$200 is a very good deal. I paid 430€ for my 3,5F, which was in a well used, working order. After one year it needed a CLA.

Prest_400 · May 31, 2015

Out of curiosity I recently searched for Rolleiflexes
and they are fetching, as always, high prices.
The 2.8s don't seem to come down $800

$200 + a needed CLA is almost as low as one could with for on of these cameras.

For that cash you can get other (even a few!) MF cameras which will be great in their own, but they probably won't be a Rollei 2.8 TLR

Richard S. (rich815) · May 31, 2015

Key here is reliable seller and a condition that is not repairable like water damage that while it might look good on the outside might have serious rust issues inside. The aforementioned rust spots on edges and mildewy smell are to watch out for.

One of my 2.8E Planar cameras I picked up in an alley in Beijing back around 1999. Paid under $200. It was rough but overall worked well and was my first Rolleiflex. Spent over $500 with Harry to get it in tip top shape. The taking lens has some micro-scratches and the coating appears worn off but I swear it was the sweetest character of any of my normal-type Rolleiflexes likely due to these exact "flaws". I also have a nice 2.8E2 Planar that used to be a wedding shooter that has a perfect lens, and a couple of 3.5E bodies as well. A Planar and Xenotar. Paid $500 for the 2.8E2, $550 for the 3.5E Planar and only $180 for the 3.5E3 Xenotar. The last one is a wreck and Paul Ebel did what he could for a couple of hundred bucks. And it takes nice photos. Just wish someone had not dragged it behind their pick up on some dirt road.

phil0 · Jun 3, 2015

A serviced Rollei for $600 is a deal. My latest 3.5E cost $1100 serviced.
Forget the meter and use a bit of contact cement for the leather.

Awesome deal on a Rolleiflex 2.8E

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