How smooth is a Rolleicord V shutter release supposed to be?

sterioma · Jan 23, 2021

Hello,

I just received a Rolleicord Vb in cosmetically very nice condition from a reputable seller in UK, and I am starting to get acquainted with it, following the manual that I managed to find online. I have other medium format cameras, but this is my first TLR so it's a bit of new territory for me.

I am surprised of how much force is required to release the shutter after it's being cocked (either by moving the lever to the left, or by triggering the "cable release" attachment). It does not seem smooth at all, and I would anticipate that I would not be able to keep the camera steady with the amount of force that is required. It seems that I have to move the lever to the end and then apply some extra pressure for the shutter to release. It does not seem anything like my 35mm cameras or my Hasselblad shutter in term of "smoothness".

I am doing this test without a film and with the double exposure mode, but I don't think that matters.

Is this expected, or is there something wrong with this camera?

sterioma · Jan 23, 2021

To give you an idea, if I lay the camera flat with the lenses pointing up, I can't release the shutter with my right thumb just by using my right pinkie to keep the camera steady: I would have to use my right index finger to keep the camera from tipping.

Sirius Glass · Jan 23, 2021

It sound like a CLA would be a good move for you. I have found most used cameras I buy need one right from the start.

MattKing · Jan 23, 2021

Is there a shutter release lock built into that camera, and is it possible that it is partially engaged?

sterioma · Jan 23, 2021

Sirius Glass said:
It sound like a CLA would be a good move for you. I have found most used cameras I buy need one right from the start.

That's a good general advice; however I did pay extra for a camera that was described as "not needing a CLA otherwise they would have given one". If this had to go straight to a CLA I could have just taken one off Ebay for half the price
I do have 6 months warranty, but I am just trying to understand if what I am experiencing is "normal" (and thus the store did not consider important it to mention it to me) or not.

sterioma · Jan 23, 2021

MattKing said:
Is there a shutter release lock built into that camera, and is it possible that it is partially engaged?

I don't see anything obvious (other than having to go into double exposure mode). The manual does not mention any lock.

Sirius Glass · Jan 23, 2021

It is good to get information first and then if necessary have them get the CLA done.

R.Gould · Jan 23, 2021

Yes shutter lock in that without film wound the shutter won't cock or fire unless in double exposure, as regards stiffness to release, that seems normal in the V, I have a VAii, which I have had CLA'd and the release is very stiff, asked where it was CLA'd, and they took it back and checked it again, and said release was normal, seems it is a problem with the V's, the earlier IV's are much smother, I asked because I hads a IV and the shutter control and release layout is different and it is very smooth

sterioma · Jan 23, 2021

Ok, after a bit of testing with slower speed I have found that occasionally the 1s exposure will not close, so something is really wrong with this shutter

R.Gould · Jan 23, 2021

Needs a CLA, for sure, if you have a warrenty, contact the seller

btaylor · Jan 23, 2021

I have a Va. The shutter release is very smooth- I agree, your ‘cord needs a CLA.
Unless there is a receipt from a reputable service shop in the description of an old camera I assume I will need to have it serviced even when the seller makes the statement that no service is needed. That assumption has rarely been wrong! But it’s okay, because I want to be using a trouble free piece of gear and a service mostly assures me of that.

ic-racer · Jan 23, 2021

The release is very smooth on mine. What is stiff is cocking the shutter at 1/500, but this is normal due to the stronger spring tension for 1/500.

Kino · Jan 23, 2021

Shipping through temperature extremes can cause lubrication to migrate around the camera. I have had the experience of a friend sending a known working TLR to me via USPS and then it turned out the shutter was sticky upon receipt.

I have also had cameras with sticking shutters sent to me, only to find they work fine for a few days and then start sticking again.

With that guarantee, I would either ask for a refund or for them to pay for a CLA.

sterioma · Jan 24, 2021

Thank you for your comments, I am getting in touch with the shop as soon as they open to understand what are my options.

I have not had good luck with my purchases from 3 different shops in the UK, each camera arrived with problems: a Nikon FMN2 could not load the film due to the film rewind button being broken (I would expect a shop to have a dummy film roll to test a camera for problems like this). A Rollei 35 that I have recently bought has a problem with the lens that at times does not come out completely (this one may not have been easy to spot without spending a lot of time with it, and maybe shooting some film) and it's now back to the shop for a check.

And now this Rolleicord shutter, which I can't honestly understand how it could have been missed, unless it got broken in transit. Too bad, because it looked like a lovely camera.

R.Gould · Jan 24, 2021

some UK dealers that I have dealt with with over the years are Ffordes photographic and Harrison Cameras, the second give a 12 month warrenty, also Collectable Cameras in Yorkshire, is another very good dealer, I have bought many classic cameras from Simon, and if anything does go wrong and the camera is damaged in transit, ( It does Happen) then he always sorts the problem out, also Second Hand Darkroom supplies has a good selection of used film cameras, as does Mifsuds, just google them, there are others that have a good name but the above I can personally recommend from using them

BrianShaw · Jan 24, 2021

It’s under warranty... use it.

When you get that sorted out you’ll love the Vb.

sterioma · Jan 24, 2021

R.Gould said:
some UK dealers that I have dealt with with over the years are Ffordes....

Yeah my FM2 is from them and they did fix it for me. I had hoped to take it we me on an upcoming trip but alas it did not happen.

I ended up buying some other items from them later on.

btaylor · Jan 24, 2021

These cameras are 50-60-70 years old. I imagine the intended lifespan when they were new was maybe 10-15 years. Stuff happens to old machines! The good news is there are still a few people around that can keep them running. Good luck

sterioma · Jan 24, 2021

I am aware that these are old cameras and as an engineer I am familiar with the concept of "mean time before failure". I have other vintage cameras.

What I don't expect, tough, is that a camera goes out of a shop with obvious issues. That is not the same as something happening 6 months or a year after your purchase.

Sirius Glass · Jan 24, 2021

BrianShaw said:
It’s under warranty... use it.

When you get that sorted out you’ll love the Vb.

I agree. The sooner the better. Then you will enjoy your camera.

sterioma · Jan 26, 2021

The camera has been sent back to the shop for a shutter CLA. I liked the camera in my hands and want to give it another opportunity.

Sirius Glass · Jan 26, 2021

Kino · Jan 26, 2021

I think you will be quite happy with the camera when it is returned to operating condition.

sterioma · Feb 19, 2021

So the camera has finally returned back from the shutter overhaul. It's a world apart in term of smoothness, it triggers with the expected amount of force (I have no doubts about shooting it hand-held now) and it's does not stick anymore at longer speeds.

I am still astonished that the camera was sold in that condition from a reputable shop, I'll write it down to a honest mistake, but at least it's finally back. Hopefully no more surprises when shooting my first roll!

Sirius Glass · Feb 19, 2021

sterioma said:
So the camera has finally returned back from the shutter overhaul. It's a world apart in term of smoothness, it triggers with the expected amount of force (I have no doubts about shooting it hand-held now) and it's does not stick anymore at longer speeds.

I am still astonished that the camera was sold in that condition from a reputable shop, I'll write it down to a honest mistake, but at least it's finally back. Hopefully no more surprises when shooting my first roll!

Great now get out there and shoot some film! Enjoy!

How smooth is a Rolleicord V shutter release supposed to be?

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