Best Place/Person for Rolleicord CLA?

rubyfalls · Mar 31, 2014

I couldn't find a recent thread addressing this. I'm thinking about sending out my rolleicord for a spa day/CLA. I'd love it if the finder screen were a little brighter, but I'm not sure what (if anything) can be done about that.

I live in SW US, but expect to mail it out, so may as well look for the best place to send it. Any thoughts/insight would be greatly appreciated.

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Fotoguy20d · Mar 31, 2014

There's a guy local to me who's well known and has a good reputation (from what I found on here). I ran into him one day around 6 months ago at UPS and got to talking. He's in Elmwood park NJ. I can't remember his name but it's Krimar Photo Shop.

Dan

BrianShaw · Mar 31, 2014

Steve's Camera Repair in Culver City CA

Pro Camera Service in Thousand Oaks, CA

Oceanside Camera Repairs in Manhattan Beach, CA

All are findable with google.

jeffbennett · Mar 31, 2014

Krikor Maralian is the guy at Krimar, and I would highly recommend him. He is not cheap, but he has done a great job on a number of Rolleis for me. He is also very fast, and I have heard that he has one of the better stocks of Rollei parts around.

He can install a Maxwell screen, which will dramatically improve the viewing experience. If you don't want to spend $240 or thereabouts on a Maxwell screen, Rick Oleson sells screens for a good bit less along with installation instructions. I have used a couple of Rick's screens; they are not as nice as a Maxwell, but they are a lot brighter than most of the original Rollei screens.

Xmas · Mar 31, 2014

If it is just the image

you could try removing hood and screen and wiping screen and mirror with cotton wool waste sopping in Zippo fluid.

The mirror is not like a compact mirror it is front surface and only a (one) flash across is allowed.

or PM Rick Olsen

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

he may do one for your camera

Nick Merritt · Mar 31, 2014

I can vouch for Krikor's work; he'd be my choice. But Mark Hansen is also worth considering: http://www.zeissikonrolleirepair.com/index.html

rubyfalls · Mar 31, 2014

Thanks, all! I don't mind spending a little money on this fine camera. I paid VERY little for it. But honestly, I don't know how to tell if it *needs* a CLA. But I do know that it has never had one. And I am of the kind who believes in taking great care with my things, so I feel like I should have it serviced. But don't know?

I've been using it for over a year. I'm only the second person to own and use it. I have never shot with another rollei, so I don't know how it compares as far as operations go. Judging by the serial number, it appears to be one of the last IVs made. It has been heavily used. FWIW, here is a scan of a shot:

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Xmas · Mar 31, 2014

use it until it stops taking photos then worry

Sirius Glass · Mar 31, 2014

Steve's Camera Repair in Culver City CA
Samya on Fairfax in Los Angeles CA
KEH www.keh.com

BrianShaw · Mar 31, 2014

Xmas said:
use it until it stops taking photos then worry

Close to my philosphy, but I stopp a little earlier. If the slow speeds are too slow, the shutter needs an overhaul. Depending on which model you have, if theere is a self-timer and it does not work... shutter needs an overhaul. (If you try the self-timer and it gets stuck, do not force it... get it overhauled immediately.) If the film does not wind and count reliabily, the body needs an overhaul. I don't wait until it totally stops since forcing things can break things.

flash26c · Mar 31, 2014

I vote for Harry Fleenor at Oceanside - he did a great job on my Rollei. Ron

Xmas · Mar 31, 2014

Yea Brian agreed but I only use the self timer on cameras like Nikon F2 or Exackta 11a for long slow speeds.

My IIIc was a 'good user' in 74 but the shutter is still ok not seen any maintenance for 40 years.

jwd722 · Mar 31, 2014

Mark Hansen at www.zeissikonrolleirepair.com

Dan Daniel · Mar 31, 2014

I'll recommend Paul Ebel, and of course Fleenor at Oceanside Camera.

Krimar Camera butchered my 2.8C, and did work/installed parts without authorization to the tune of over $150 (along with more money for the butchered focus system work, plus postage when sent back for a second round of repair even). His initial response when I called to talk about the botched repair- well, it's an old camera, hard to get parts. "Then why did you put new parts in a camera that is worn out in one of its basic functions?" "Ok, send it back...." I know he has done well for many many people, but I wouldn't trust him with anything as old as a Rolleicord IV, being the same vintage as my 2.8C.

Harry Fleenor cleaned up Krimar's mistakes and made everything nice. If you want it done right by someone who will stand behind his work and has an international reputation, Fleenor's it.

Best Place/Person for Rolleicord CLA?

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