Have I paid too much for Rolleicord V...needs shutter CLA.

BrianShaw · Nov 28, 2012

Well, good for you! Be very careful though with the self-timer. If it jams you will be totally out-of-luck. The shutter on that camera is a very fine shutter but loves to be clean and properly lubricated. When not in tip-top condition the self-timer often jams long before the rest of the shutter stops. And if it jams or breaks... so does the rest of the shutter.

Kevin Kehler · Nov 28, 2012

There is a Rolliecord V for sale on our local Craigslist - she initially wanted offers. I asked about the camera, turned out to be recently passed friend who hadn't used it in years, no cleaning, working of the shutter or CLA. I offered $125 since I know the CLA will be $150 - she said she wanted closer to $800 since that's what they were going for on eBay. I think she is down to $600 now, but still no offers. I wonder how long she will wait.

BrianShaw · Nov 28, 2012

Eventually she'll get frustrated at how cheap you guys are, and then she'll give it to Goodwill since you're not willing to pay her price. I'll bet she'd be happier doing that then seeing you get "a good deal". Ha ha ha.

Ian Grant · Nov 28, 2012

I think when you weigh up the costs of a CLA/service you need to think long term. Most older TLR's will need one sooner or later, once slow shutter speed become inconsistent, sluggish and sticky it's an inication that the rest of the camera needs looking at.

Prices of cameras like this and its competitors are all over the place, yes you can get good bargains but often cameras you buy will need some attention.

My guess in this case is a simple CLA of the shutter would give you a good camera well worth the cost, the quote is for a complete CLA of the camera which is much more. UK servicing is much more expensive than the US and I could get that camera fixed for about $80 here, US price should be more like $50.

Ian

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 28, 2012

Well, no one is denying that the camera at the high speeds should perform on a frame by frame basis well, it should, especially for negative film and it's latitude (if you really want to see if those high speeds are accurate shoot a roll of slide). But the slow speeds and the self-timer issues indicate problems a need of service, sooner rather than later. You asked if you paid too much. IMO, you did.

Have you seen this Rolleicord price guide?

Dead Link Removed

As it says: The price ranges shown are the approximate amount one should expect to have to pay for a Rolleicord in excellent, but used, condition. Camera should be fully functional as a classic camera with a mostly clean appearance, showing light signs of use or age.

In my experience getting one at the lower end of those ranges without the issues you mention is entirely possible.

wcrankshaw · Nov 28, 2012

I have seen that, and the camera I got is right in the middle of the range which is why I was wondering. I don't want to start an argument, but the quote also goes on to say, "Cameras may need a CLA for regular use. Pricing was gathered from sales on photo.net, ebay auctions, Ritzcam.com, Rollei Users Group, KEH.com, and other camera dealers. Prices are biased towards ebay auctions. Expect to pay +10 to +20% more buying from a dealer. Page updated November 2011." Not a very scientific measure, and it suggests a CLA may be in order regardless.

Dali · Nov 28, 2012

Was the camera described as fully functional?

Apart from that, the fact you paid more than some might suggest is not a valid argument to send back the camera. After all, if I am willing to pay $1000 for a piece of junk, it is OK as long as what I buy is described as a piece of junk (not that your Cord is a piece of junk, it is just an example).

Last, I hope you will value your camera more than what you paid, CLAed or not. This is the most important.

Take care.

BrianShaw · Nov 28, 2012

wcrankshaw said:
I have seen that, ...

Me too, and it corresponds quite well with my recollection of ebay (mostly) sales. The number of data points is not revealed on that page (or in my memory either) but I suspect there is considerable amounts of data behind it.

BrianShaw · Nov 28, 2012

Ian Grant said:
I... I could get that camera fixed for about $80 here, US price should be more like $50.

Ian

The two people here in the US that once overhauled shutters for around $50 now charge around $85. This has been true for several years. Many are now around $125 to $135.

wcrankshaw · Nov 29, 2012

Looks like karma is being maintained for everyone involved. The seller is going to have his repair staff make sure it's fixed free of charge. If so, I guess I didn't overpay after all.

derwent · Nov 29, 2012

Looks like you got a reasonable deal.
My Cord V cost me $300 but was recently CLA and had a guarantee which I took up as there was a minor adjustment needed.
Now it's perfect never misses a beat.
You won't regret it, lovely camera.

Sticky shutter is common in these when they have been sitting.
ALWAYS budget on a CLA unless it has recently been done or the camera is in regular use. Sit them on a shelf for years and it's gonna go sticky.
That old grandpa camera with low use can be a bargain but it WILL need a CLA...

removed account4 · Nov 29, 2012

if a camera or lens is purchased used
it is best to factor in a CLA into the price.
i find it funny that people think anything different.

i have no idea where you live but there are many people
who are good who offer a CLA at an honest price.
i am in rhode island and am lucky to have 2 great repair shops
within a stone's throw of where i live.

there is midstate camera repair and zack's camera repair.
i have used both and know both do wonderouswork.

good luck !

Richard S. (rich815) · Nov 29, 2012

wcrankshaw said:
Looks like karma is being maintained for everyone involved. The seller is going to have his repair staff make sure it's fixed free of charge. If so, I guess I didn't overpay after all.

That is awesome news! Enjoy. The Rollei TLRs are my favorite cameras by far.

summicron1 · Nov 30, 2012

essex in new jersey charges $110 for a 'cord service, which is all this one needs http://essexcamera.com/camera_list.php?brand=ROLLEI

'cord and 'flex prices seem to have gone up a lot of late -- $400 for a newly serviced one strikes me as a titch high, but you know what you've got and don't have to hassle mailing cameras back and buying another either. Essex does great work, just did a Rolleiflex for a friend and he is completely satisfied.

jloen · Nov 30, 2012

derwent said:
Sticky shutter is common in these when they have been sitting.
ALWAYS budget on a CLA unless it has recently been done or the camera is in regular use. Sit them on a shelf for years and it's gonna go sticky.
That old grandpa camera with low use can be a bargain but it WILL need a CLA...

This is true. I've bought over 100 'cords and 'flexes in the past 5 years or so.
I always measure shutter speeds.
How many have had reasonably accurate shutter speeds? Maybe two out of 100.
You should always expect to need a CLA with these, unless they have been regularly used up to the present day (which is rare).

Have I paid too much for Rolleicord V...needs shutter CLA.

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