CLA techs for Rollei

_amyrose_ · Mar 24, 2022

Hello! I have a Rollei 2.8c Planar arriving today. It has had a CLA - the interior and optics are beautiful. There are some cosmetic things I would like to give a little TLC to. New leatherette, knobs, touch up paint, etc. I don’t mind having another CLA done to it, but where do you suggest I send it off to?

I have heard of Harry Fleenor, but in case he is backed-up, please share others.

Thanks so much!

Amy

Marcelo Paniagua · Mar 24, 2022

I have heard good things about

http://www.zeissikonrolleirepair.com/

Some years ago they made a minor repair on my Rolleiflex 2.8C (focus knob). I suppose they are still on business but better check.

Pieter12 · Mar 24, 2022

You will probably find that most qualified techs are backed-up, there is a shortage and long waits. Just go out an shoot, enjoy your camera.

Marcelo Paniagua · Mar 24, 2022

Agree. If your camera has only cosmetically relevant issues, just use it. Waiting time for Rolleiflex repairs is antying from 3 months to 1 year.

Nitroplait · Mar 24, 2022

_amyrose_ said:
Hello! I have a Rollei 2.8c Planar arriving today. It has had a CLA - the interior and optics are beautiful. There are some cosmetic things I would like to give a little TLC to. New leatherette, knobs, touch up paint, etc. I don’t mind having another CLA done to it, but where do you suggest I send it off to?

I have heard of Harry Fleenor, but in case he is backed-up, please share others.

Thanks so much!

Amy

Don't CLA a camera "just because". If you have documentation for a CLA having been done by a reputable repair tech, you don't need to think about it for a decade or more.
Cosmetic replacement of the covering can be done by the user, but the leather used on the C is actual high quality leather, not leatherette, and you can treat it with leather treatment products carefully applied with a cotton bud.
Detached leather is easily reattached with contact glue.
Grime left from many years of use in groves on knobs etc. can be remove with a wooden toothpick and patience.
It is also fairly easy to refresh the paint on the distance scale if the numbers are difficult to see, but generally, paint touch-up-jobs looks terrible regardless of who does it.
Why not just leave it and acknowledge that the camera has a history and has seen things?
Anyway; Here's a list of reputable repair techs:
https://twinlensreflex.eu/tlr66repairs.php
If you decide to send it in, consider if you prefer a focusing screen update (assuming it still has the original).

Marcelo Paniagua · Mar 24, 2022

Nitroplait said:
Don't CLA a camera "just because". If you have documentation for a CLA having been done by a reputable repair tech, you don't need to think about it for a decade or more.
Cosmetic replacement of the covering can be done by the user, but the leather used on the C is actual high quality leather, not leatherette, and you can treat it with leather treatment products carefully applied with a cotton bud.
Detached leather is easily reattached with contact glue.
Grime left from many years of use in groves on knobs etc. can be remove with a wooden toothpick and patience.
It is also fairly easy to refresh the paint on the distance scale if the numbers are difficult to see, but generally, paint touch-up-jobs looks terrible regardless of who does it.
Why not just leave it and acknowledge that the camera has a history and has seen things?
Anyway; Here's a list of reputable repair techs:
https://twinlensreflex.eu/tlr66repairs.php
If you decide to send it in, consider if you prefer a focusing screen update (assuming it still has the original).

Sensible advise.

4season · Mar 24, 2022

_amyrose_ said:
Hello! I have a Rollei 2.8c Planar arriving today. It has had a CLA - the interior and optics are beautiful. There are some cosmetic things I would like to give a little TLC to. New leatherette, knobs, touch up paint, etc. I don’t mind having another CLA done to it, but where do you suggest I send it off to?

Exterior finish restoration is kind of it's own specialty, but cleaning, polishing and replacing the leather is something you can probably do yourself. Some of my most-used tools and supplies include:

Old toothbrushes (great for general camera cleaning)
Naptha aka cigarette lighter fluid, for removing accumulated grime. A few drops on aforementioned toothbrush can do wonders
Disposable wooden chopsticks sharpened to a point, for reaching crud in engraved knobs
Never-Dull or similar polish/cotton wadding, for making spun aluminum surfaces shine

Here's some examples of what I've accomplished to date for my own personal enjoyment. In these instances, simply touching up the original paint wasn't an option, as it was either heavily worn, or was flaking off the metal surface.

Most paint specialists seem to cater to the Leica crowd (gee, I wonder why?) but perhaps they could handle a Rollei TLR. I haven't tried the following, but they may be worth a closer look:
https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/re-paint-process
http://www.kantocamera.com/english/repair/custom.html

Dan Daniel · Mar 24, 2022

The guy you want is here-
http://magicflexcamera.com/
And you will pay for it. And you will wait for it.

Another possibility is to talk to Harry Fleenor and see if he has original parts in stock. Because that is what you are looking for. Any part in super clean condition on a used camera will most likely be attached to a camera that matches. At which point just buy the mint camera and sell off the user.

You might also contact the Rollei USA rep (one guy) and see if he knows of any secret parts stashes out there.

As others have said in various ways, old cameras are not like, say, old cars or furniture. The processes to paint and finish were specialized and often can't be done any more(e.g. many chrome finishes). Many finishing techniques required specialized jig setups, which makes sense when you are running 10,000 focus knobs but not one focus knob.

A few ways to spiff it up: Alcohol can help clean white lettering as it dissolves skin oils, a common cause of the brown. 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper across the name plate hitting only the aluminum can do wonders. New skin can be gotten at Hugo Studios or CameraLeather. In the meantime, acrylic paint, black, rubbed into the faded skin area is better than shoe polish which can rub off onto clothes, etc.

Honestly, get a black pebble skin and the camera will look great. Not hard to apply yourself.

And congratulations on the camera. Great model. Last one with 10-bladed aperture. The adjustable magnifier is very handy. Welcome to Photrio. Let people know how you get on with the camera.

Marcelo Paniagua · Mar 24, 2022

Yep that adjustable magnifier is a blessing for my glass wearing eyes.

BrianShaw · Mar 24, 2022

“Old toothbrushes (great for general camera cleaning)”

Buy a new one.

nicelynice · Mar 25, 2022

Rolleiflex in particular cannot be repainted to any degree of finish like at the factory - factory painted parts were CNC'd AFTER the paint process, which is simply not possible today. It's not like repainting a Leica. I took a working, but rather beat-up Rolleiflex, to Kanto Camera (who can repaint almost everything) and they told me it wasn't gonna work Enjoy the camera and if you need super clean parts, it may make more sense to buy them as a set, rather than fixing up your existing camera

_amyrose_ · Mar 25, 2022

Thanks so much! I just received it yesterday and for some reason, Customs opened the package, got a “little aggressive” with their “security search” and damaged the viewfinder. I tried to gently open it and it was really jammed. After several gentle attempts, I saw what the problem was, the square mirror in the viewfinder had come out of its place and was jammed between both magnifying loupes.

The seller and I had sent several texts back and forth and he sent numerous videos and photos - all in great working order. Then he shipped it and I received it damaged & it had repacking tape and a “security checked by…” sticker. So I contacted DHL and they said it would have been Customs as DHL never opens packages from customers.

They opened a claim for me and I will be hearing back from them today.

Darn it. I am not mad, just bummed.
Amy

Marcelo Paniagua · Mar 25, 2022

Sorry to heard that.

Dan Daniel · Mar 25, 2022

_amyrose_ said:
Thanks so much! I just received it yesterday and for some reason, Customs opened the package, got a “little aggressive” with their “security search” and damaged the viewfinder. I tried to gently open it and it was really jammed. After several gentle attempts, I saw what the problem was, the square mirror in the viewfinder had come out of its place and was jammed between both magnifying loupes.

Hopefully the damage is minor. Most of the hood is thin aluminum, which doesn't take kindly to being bent and reshaped. So be very gentle. The best thing to do first is to remove the hood from the camera and remove the focus screen from the hood. Then you can access all the small mechanisms from underneath. Yanking and pulling is not the way to go.

By the way, that drop-down mirror mechanism is very slick and well-done, and pretty well useless in real world usage. So if it is the only lasting damage, I wouldn't be too worried.

I believe that the focus hood for the Rolleiflex D is the same? Which opens up wider options for replacement. You'll need to check specific dimensions as Rollei made minor changes in the front section of hoods over the years, even though the rear edge and screw holes remained the same (I think).

_amyrose_ · Mar 25, 2022

So you think I could just get an entirely new focus hood? Will it have a focus screen as part of it as well or do I need to purchase separately? Would you recommend a brighter focus screen replacement at that point as well? Any brands in particular?

When I was looking for the Rollei, I had a max amount I was willing to spend and I bought this for less than half. So I do have some funds left for repairs or replacement of parts.

thanks for everyone’s suggestions!
Amy

_amyrose_ · Mar 25, 2022

nicelynice said:
Rolleiflex in particular cannot be repainted to any degree of finish like at the factory - factory painted parts were CNC'd AFTER the paint process, which is simply not possible today. It's not like repainting a Leica. I took a working, but rather beat-up Rolleiflex, to Kanto Camera (who can repaint almost everything) and they told me it wasn't gonna work Enjoy the camera and if you need super clean parts, it may make more sense to buy them as a set, rather than fixing up your existing camera

Thanks so much! As I look it over, there isn’t as much missing paint as I had originally thought - so I will enjoy the loved-look and focus on making photographs

_amyrose_ · Mar 25, 2022

Thank you so much for sharing! I will try some of the cleaning myself. I appreciate all of the wonderful suggestions. This is a super group!!

Amy

4season said:
Exterior finish restoration is kind of it's own specialty, but cleaning, polishing and replacing the leather is something you can probably do yourself. Some of my most-used tools and supplies include:

Old toothbrushes (great for general camera cleaning)

Naptha aka cigarette lighter fluid, for removing accumulated grime. A few drops on aforementioned toothbrush can do wonders

Disposable wooden chopsticks sharpened to a point, for reaching crud in engraved knobs

Never-Dull or similar polish/cotton wadding, for making spun aluminum surfaces shine

Here's some examples of what I've accomplished to date for my own personal enjoyment. In these instances, simply touching up the original paint wasn't an option, as it was either heavily worn, or was flaking off the metal surface.
View attachment 301413 View attachment 301414
Most paint specialists seem to cater to the Leica crowd (gee, I wonder why?) but perhaps they could handle a Rollei TLR. I haven't tried the following, but they may be worth a closer look:
https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/re-paint-process
http://www.kantocamera.com/english/repair/custom.html

_amyrose_ · Mar 25, 2022

Hello! Thanks for the helpful advice. I appreciate everyone who shares their experiences. I know a little less than nothing about Rollei’s , so the advice is great.

Amy

Nitroplait said:
Don't CLA a camera "just because". If you have documentation for a CLA having been done by a reputable repair tech, you don't need to think about it for a decade or more.
Cosmetic replacement of the covering can be done by the user, but the leather used on the C is actual high quality leather, not leatherette, and you can treat it with leather treatment products carefully applied with a cotton bud.
Detached leather is easily reattached with contact glue.
Grime left from many years of use in groves on knobs etc. can be remove with a wooden toothpick and patience.
It is also fairly easy to refresh the paint on the distance scale if the numbers are difficult to see, but generally, paint touch-up-jobs looks terrible regardless of who does it.
Why not just leave it and acknowledge that the camera has a history and has seen things?
Anyway; Here's a list of reputable repair techs:
https://twinlensreflex.eu/tlr66repairs.php
If you decide to send it in, consider if you prefer a focusing screen update (assuming it still has the original).

Dan Daniel · Mar 26, 2022

_amyrose_ said:
So you think I could just get an entirely new focus hood? Will it have a focus screen as part of it as well or do I need to purchase separately? Would you recommend a brighter focus screen replacement at that point as well? Any brands in particular?

When I was looking for the Rollei, I had a max amount I was willing to spend and I bought this for less than half. So I do have some funds left for repairs or replacement of parts.

Finding a full focus hood unit is going to be a search. I have no idea if you are comfortable removing the hood and undoing the spring clips that hold the screen in place, or if you need to send it out for this work. Contact Harry Fleenor to see if he has a focus hood for this model.

Is the camera usable at this point? Does the hood open and can you focus? If you think that using the camera as it is now is not going to damage the hood more, I suggest running a roll or two through it. Find out if the camera is working, rather than send it out, get a new hood and screen installed, and when it comes back discover that it needs other work, also.

Best bet in screens these days is Rick Oleson https://rickoleson-brightscreen.com/

Pieter12 · Mar 26, 2022

Dan Daniel said:
Find out if the camera is working, rather than send it out, get a new hood and screen installed, and when it comes back discover that it needs other work, also.

Most reputable technicians won't just replace a part for you, they will at least give it a cursory check.

Dan Daniel · Mar 26, 2022

Pieter12 said:
Most reputable technicians won't just replace a part for you, they will at least give it a cursory check.

'Cursory' being the operative word here. Check Automat film sensor kicking in? If it hangs up at frame 9 with a roll going through? If it cocks the shutter at 1/500 both nearest and farthest lens board position? Leak(s) in the lens seal bellows? Mis-aligned lens board? Things that running a test roll can find. Sure, they'll be found in an overhaul but a peripheral parts swap? Hmmm....

benveniste · Mar 26, 2022

Marcelo Paniagua said:
I have heard good things about
http://www.zeissikonrolleirepair.com/
Some years ago they made a minor repair on my Rolleiflex 2.8C (focus knob). I suppose they are still on business but better check.

They worked on my grandfather's Rollei IIc earlier this year, but there's apparently a substantial backlog.

_amyrose_ · Mar 26, 2022

Thank you!

Amy

benveniste said:
They worked on my grandfather's Rollei IIc earlier this year, but there's apparently a substantial backlog.

_amyrose_ · Mar 26, 2022

I would feel comfortable removing the hood and replacing it myself. I could keep the same screen but thought since it needs a new hood, might as well brighten up the view .

I will connect with Harry F and see what he has available for purchase. Any other places to find replacement parts w/o needing to purchase an entire camera?

thanks,
Amy

Dan Daniel said:
Finding a full focus hood unit is going to be a search. I have no idea if you are comfortable removing the hood and undoing the spring clips that hold the screen in place, or if you need to send it out for this work. Contact Harry Fleenor to see if he has a focus hood for this model.

Is the camera usable at this point? Does the hood open and can you focus? If you think that using the camera as it is now is not going to damage the hood more, I suggest running a roll or two through it. Find out if the camera is working, rather than send it out, get a new hood and screen installed, and when it comes back discover that it needs other work, also.

Best bet in screens these days is Rick Oleson https://rickoleson-brightscreen.com/

Nitroplait · Mar 27, 2022

_amyrose_ said:
I would feel comfortable removing the hood and replacing it myself. I could keep the same screen but thought since it needs a new hood, might as well brighten up the view .

I will connect with Harry F and see what he has available for purchase. Any other places to find replacement parts w/o needing to purchase an entire camera?

thanks,
Amy

Trying to make a worn Rolleiflex look pretty is money pit and will not lead to satisfaction. If a pretty camera is what you desire, and if you feel you got a good price on your 2.8C, you could sell it, perhaps with at profit, and get one in the cosmetic state you desire - it will be the cheaper and more satisfying solution long term IMO.

At this point, I would advice you to just use the camera to form an opinion and make a decision later.

Rick Oleson is the most economical way to a brighter screen if you can do it yourself. All you need to know is on his website and in the accompanying mounting instructions.

CLA techs for Rollei

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