Bellows on Rollei SL66 only opening part way

[inglis]

The bellows on a new to me SL66 with an 80mm 2.8 lens only extends focus wise from infinity to about a meter. And this is when the tilt is set at 0. At least it looks like 0.

When I turn the knob to open the bellows as wide as they go, it only turns a little more than a half turn. The knob makes a metallic noise at this point and stops turning, as if I have met an end point. There is a second issue, because at this point, the focus is about a meter and the number on the knob (when set for the 80mm lens) reads 0,85. So the numbers are off, even though the knob is set for the 80mm lens.

If I close the bellows to the infinity point, the knob reads 2.5 meters.

Does anyone know how I might open the bellows further or why the number is not accurate for infinity?

John

 

[john_s]

It looks like a job for a technician. There is a plastic rack in the focus mechanism that can be damaged. Spares appear on ebay from time to time. There are two models, one for the original SL66 and a different one for the later ones, presumably the ones with built-in meters.

Maybe (guess!) the rack and the spiral gear that drives it have got out of sync?

If the camera is new to you why not go back to the vendor?

 

[Jim Noel]

This camera is in bad need of repair. I don't know about Australia, but he best in the US is Harry Fleenor.
http://www.rolleirepairs.com/

 

[inglis]

Thank you so much Jim and John. I am in the US.
Otherwise the exterior is in wonderful condition.
Have been thinking I need repair or to send back. From what you both
say I am now leaning towards sending back.
John

 

[john_s]

Thank you so much Jim and John. I am in the US.
Otherwise the exterior is in wonderful condition.
Have been thinking I need repair or to send back. From what you both
say I am now leaning towards sending back.
John

I wouldn't hesitate to send it back pronto. They are very nice cameras and one that's in good order is likely give you long reliable service. I bought a couple of spare bodies just in case, but haven't needed them. I do give them a run from time to time.

 

[Slixtiesix]

Sound like a serious issue to me. The camera has either been damaged or wrongly assembled after somebody had worked on it. I would send it back too. Maybe you can come to terms with the dealer so he gets the camera repaired, if it is in really nice shape otherwise. It is difficult to say what is wrong and how much it would cost to fix it without having a look on the inner parts of the camera, so it would be better to leave this responsibility on him.