Fix the 'cord or get something else?

I think, unless it's of sentimental value, $350 on a Rolleicord I think is too much for me. Some will argue that if you buy another one, it'll need a CLA too, but I've bought many s/h cameras including Rolleiflex and older cameras, only one had a problem, and that was a much newer camera. I think that often perfectly functioning cameras are sent off for CLA just because of paranoia and nothing to do with the state of the camera.

thegman said:

I've bought many s/h cameras including Rolleiflex and older cameras, only one had a problem, and that was a much newer camera. I think that often perfectly functioning cameras are sent off for CLA just because of paranoia and nothing to do with the state of the camera.

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Oooh, I don't like the feel of that last bit, as a regular (in the case of Rollei every thirty years) CLA will help the camera survive - Would you drive a car without changing the oil every 5000Km or checking the fluid levels every week? - Regular maintenance is not paranoia but good sense

Treat this camera with respect, or give it to me to treat with respect, yes I would get it serviced

John

I don't know which part of the world you're in, but give Alpine Camera a call.

http://www.alpinecamera.com/

101 North Argonne Road, Suite G
City of Spokane Valley, WA 99212
PH# - 509-892-6645

I just sent my father's 'cord off to Harry and I'm opting for his rebuild services. For what I am spending I could go to Evil-Bay and pick up someone 'Cord in unknown condition. I guess the heritage of my father's camera helped me make the decision because it has both transport and shutter issues. Put away working and sitting for 30 some years does no good to a camera.

I liked the comment about changing the oil on a car a few posts back. It just needs to be done to maintain the car. I have purchased a bunch of used cars in my life and every one neede mysterious repairs. Something always came up, and used cameras are not much different. Even the very clean looking Mamiya 645 S needed seals and transport work, after 12 rolls, but the guy buying it from me has been very happy.

jnanian said:

i like my triotar way better than the tessar ...

even at 10x10

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I've never seen anyone say that before... at least not out loud and in writing. VERY INTERESTING. Triplets can make very nice images with distinctly interesting qualities.

drumminor2nd said:

I'm just not sure spending $200 to overhaul it would be worth it at this point. That's the big question for me. If it were a nice 'flex or a Hasselblad, you bet I'd be sending it out.

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Here's how to make up your mind: if you want the Rolleicord to be a reliable shooter then send it out. If you can deal with the potential that it will fail you, then "fix it up".

I used a Rolleicord Vb as my primary MF camera for more years thatn I care to recall. I bought it used (25 years old, I think, but practically unused) and immediately had it overhauled "just because". I paid $100 for the camera, and $150 for the overhaul. Ten years later I had it overhauled again for $175 or so. All of the overhaul costs were worthwhile because the camera never failed me... ever.

I ended up with a Hassy because I needed flexibility for different lenses. Hassy is a great camera but not as easy or convenient to use as the Rollei.

PaulMD said:

.....You may be able to find a better deal than Harry Fleenor; I personally find the waiting list offputting.

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Let's see, the tech most consider the best and certainly not the least expensive, has the longest waiting list because so many want him to work on their cameras.

That speaks volumes.

And his wait is only about 8 weeks right now.

There are plenty of other repair shops who can do just as good of a job. The folk heros of camera repair have certainly earned their hero status, but its not like they are the only source of service.

The OP says that Fleenor won't work on his model of camera, so arguing over wait lists and such is a bit silly in this case.

And let's be real- it's a Rolleicord III. Not a very complicated machine by any standard.

Love the one you're with.

Dan, I mentioned someone "like" Harry. Harry did refer the OP to someone to work on the 'cord and I'd guess it's someone of similar standards.

Of course any decent camera tech can do a CLA. A standard basic CLA is not that complicated and you can find repair mills that will pump out a CLA in less than a week. My point is this: The difference with someone like Harry is the experience to see beyond a simple CLA when your camera is in his hands, plus having the knowledge AND the parts to fix anything else that might need fixing to prevent future issues. i.e. on one of my 'flexes I sent Harry he noticed that one the the four feet was dented in and bent. Big deal? Could be, the camera does not stand as steady as it should and as such is much more prone to tumble easily. One good fall off a table or desk and you're now likely out of alignment at best, or something more serious broken at worst. Harry fixed that for $16. Most of the places that will do an inexpensive CLA are not even looking for something like that. In the same vein Harry is examining all parts when it's open and will alert you to something worn that will need replacing sooner than later, or if something else is amiss, like a back that needs straightening (which Harry only charges $24 to fix), or replacement of a rusty and loose film feeler roller ($29) both of which could cause soft or out of focus images because of the film not held tightly or flat, or the film not being loaded right. Most of the places mentioned already for a cheaper CLA would most likely not look for those issues nor have the parts to repair them if needed. Harry only charges $134 for a shutter overhaul and that's usually about all you get from a standard CLA costing $100-200 elsewhere. He also thoroughly checks the transport which is another $134 for an overhaul if needed. Then, if as mentioned the back is bent or the front standard not straight (which a LOT of older 'flexes and 'cords have this issue, heck many, many TLRs do....let's face it most are 40+ years old!), if you really want sharp images it's best to have a full repair focusing, re-align, collimate & adjust focus ($110 from Harry). Yes, it all adds up but kidding yourself that a simple CLA of the shutter is going to put your 40-50 year old TLR into top-performing shape is just that.

rich815 said:

You can get it done right or cheap. All I'm saying is that there's a huge difference between getting it done from someone like Fleenor or a place that repairs pretty much any camera. And I do not mean just price. I've done both. Let's just say Harry is the better deal, by far.

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no argument, but there's a few realities involved as well.

I had Harry do my 2.8 E model a couple of years ago -- $500 later I have a work of art that takes pictures, he does a great job, worth every penny and so on and so forth.

If I had a 'Cord III (actually, I think I do, one of several older 'Cords on the shelf with sticky slow speeds) that I wanted to shoot with I might want to send it to Harry, IF i wanted a full service/restore/make it wonderful job. When Harry declines to service one, however, what I suspect he's saying is "you can spend your money more wisely," and he may be right.

If I just wanted to shoot with it for half a dozen years or so, maybe use it as a bridge camera to learn Rollei use so I can go out and buy a Rolleiflex of my dreams when I'm ready to appreciate it, then, no, I'd send it to Essex or some other "mill" (rather a harsh term) and get it working, then use it and learn and still get a heck of a lot of wonderful pictures out of it because once you get the shutter on those things working within reasonable accuracy, the amazingness of the lens takes over and all of photography is only 5 percent equipment and 95 percent you anyway.

Which, by the way, is precisely what I did with my 'Cord Vb. I just wanted it to work, period, and it does.

summicron1 said:

If I had a 'Cord III (actually, I think I do, one of several older 'Cords on the shelf with sticky slow speeds) that I wanted to shoot with I might want to send it to Harry, IF i wanted a full service/restore/make it wonderful job. When Harry declines to service one, however, what I suspect he's saying is "you can spend your money more wisely," and he may be right.

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I'm in the 10 week wait cycle for Harry to work on my father's 'Cord. It's a model IV. Harry told me in an email he will not work on anything earlier now. Can't wait to work with the camera I used to be tutored on with my dad.
~ Lee ~

summicron1 said:

...I'd send it to Essex or some other "mill" (rather a harsh term) ...

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Yes, it is a harsh term, has negative connotations that I assume you intended to convey, and is not entirely fair to use. There are people who are not H. Fleenor who are also factory trained and legitimate providers of quality service for Rollei TLRs. Then there are "some others" who are hacks. What is not fair is to paint them with the same brushstroke. Last time I saw Harry he was not wearing a halo... nor did he ask to be called Saint Harry.

I put a Mamiya RB style screen in my Rolleicord IV and it significantly improved the brightness. It was an easy task, but I had trouble getting the focus correct, so I sent it out for an adjustment. The cord is my favorite camera due to the negative size and relative lightness and compactness of the camera, very easy to carry around over your shoulder.

This alternative may lower your repair/upgrade cost.

Late comer here, but been exactly were you have been with a couple of cameras. I go with the go ahead and get it repaired suggestion. Others have said it and I have also experienced the appreciation of a great old camera returned to like new operating condition. Almost 3 years ago I got a Mamiya Press Super 23 in as superb condition externally as you could ever hope to find. Hardly a scratch or dent on the thing...mechanically, it was in horrible condition.....I knew a CLA would be in order but didn't exactly know how much it was needed until I got the camera. It was really bad.....sent if off to the great guy recommended to me. All issues fixed (including botched previous repair to camera) and I have a camera that I treasure to use and treasure to have.

Oh, the CLA was the same cost as the camera........if your going to keep that camera, I feel it's worth it. You can sure buy alot of film for that repaired camera for what you would spend on a Hassy!!

Bob E.