Does this Rollei 35 have a problem

[albireo]

Someone local to me is selling a Rollei 35 SE that seems to be in great condition. However, I noticed a detail that might be worrying -or not-. I was hoping someone with an in depth knowledge of the camera might help me here.

Here's the camera

The aperture dial is set to f/2.8 - wide open - however the aperture itself looks to be set to f/16 or thereabouts.

Is this a fault as I suspect?

 

[Ian Grant]

You are looking at the shutter blades.

Ian

 

[albireo]

Thanks Ian. If that's the case, isn't that also concerning?

However - I was watching this video



The guy is fiddling with a similar hexagonal opening and in the case of the Tessar he's examining, those appear to be the aperture blades?

 

[Don_ih]

Compared with pictures from ebay listings, that looks to be normal.

 

[Saganich]

Try it out with the lens fully extended, the aperture should then move as expected. Also shutter needs to be cocked in order to retract the lens. If the lens has been forced closed damage is guaranteed.

 

[Bill Burk]

It’s normal

When the lens is in, it’s disengaged from the aperture mechanism, so it closes up.

 

[albireo]

Great - thank you @Bill Burk and everyone.

 

[Sanug]

You are looking at the shutter blades.

No, you see the aperture blades. They are nearly closed when the lens is in the parking position. No need to worry with the image, it is normal. They will open as soon as the lens is moved to the shooting position.

 

[outwest]

Also, that Sonnar is one of the most highly regarded versions (and usually one of the most expensive ones). I have 3 Rollei 35s and always have film in one or another of them ready to shoot.

 

[skahde]

Used one for many years and this lens is among the best in such a compact. No compromises, extraordinarily resistant to flare and much better contrast than my Minolta Himatic E or Minox 35MB. BTW the camera has to be cocked to extend or collapse the lens this confused me at the beginning.