Is the Rolleicord Va focus knob hard to get used to?

[BrianShaw]

The two most difficult to source pieces of the Rolleikin are the counter knob and screws… and the leatherette patch. I had to buy two sets and a few stray parts to make one complete working set.

Remember that the Rolleikin was made over a good number of years and packaged for cameras that need a counter as well as some Rolleiflex cameras that had built-in 36 exposure counter. So while some Rolleikin kits are missing counters, others never had one.

The counters also seem to fail easily. Not one that I bought worked reliably until overhauled, and that was a thankless task. Not the most robust mechanism.

The screws are nice to have because the long head makes installation a bit easier but substitute screws can work also.

Keep shopping eBay etc for bargains as they exist given enough patience. Good luck.

 

[allmotionisrelative]

The two most difficult to source pieces of the Rolleikin are the counter knob and screws… and the leatherette patch. I had to buy two sets and a few stray parts to make one complete working set.

Remember that the Rolleikin was made over a good number of years and packaged for cameras that need a counter as well as some Rolleiflex cameras that had built-in 36 exposure counter. So while some Rolleikin kits are missing counters, others never had one.

The counters also seem to fail easily. Not one that I bought worked reliably until overhauled, and that was a thankless task. Not the most robust mechanism.

The screws are nice to have because the long head makes installation a bit easier but substitute screws can work also.

Keep shopping eBay etc for bargains as they exist given enough patience. Good luck.

Thanks mate. Yes I’ve been keeping my eye out and will continue to do so. Im happy to pay I just think it’s a bit bonkers to pay $70 for a knob. Thanks for the heads up about them failing a lot; I didn’t know that.

It’s such a pain in the arse. I wish there was a big listserve for the people who needed counter knobs and the people who randomly have them on their Rollei but have no use for them!

 

[Dan Daniel]

Anyone know if the counter knob is generic? Nothing specific to a Rolleicord, a particular model of 'Cord or 'Flex?

AMIS, what do you need the knob for, to complete a Rolleikin kit? I'd trade you a counter knob for a plain knob.

 

[allmotionisrelative]

Anyone know if the counter knob is generic? Nothing specific to a Rolleicord, a particular model of 'Cord or 'Flex?

AMIS, what do you need the knob for, to complete a Rolleikin kit? I'd trade you a counter knob for a plain knob.

Hey Dan,

I can’t answer the first question with 100% certainty but as far as I know from manuals, vintage ads, etc: the counter knob is unchanged from a Cord to a Flex.

To your second point, yes to completely the rolleikin kit and actually use it.

I would gladly take you up on the offer! That would be great so if you’re game, please pm me.

 

[allmotionisrelative]

Anyone know if the counter knob is generic? Nothing specific to a Rolleicord, a particular model of 'Cord or 'Flex?

AMIS, what do you need the knob for, to complete a Rolleikin kit? I'd trade you a counter knob for a plain knob.

Sorry forgot to mention: I have an Escot remote timer with leather case I’m happy to include for free as part of the exchange/a thank you. I won’t use it so I’d be happy to see you use it.