My near-mint Tele Rolleiflex has one flaw: The upper spool is fitted with a knob from the Rolleikin 35mm accessory. The interior of the camera lacks the rest of the Rolleikin, and I guess the camera will work normally as-is. But I would like to replace it with the original-type knob. I have no idea where to obtain that part or how to install it. Any advice?
My Beautiful Tele Rolleiflex
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Buy a second Tele-Rollei with the knob version that you like. But it, swap the knobs, and sell the second one?
Those knobs are standard across Rolleis. Well, except for the back locking system, a tab that is pressed by the back when closed and tops you from pulling the knob out. There are a few different styles over the years, so study the details. Then send some photos out to people like Harry Fleenor and Jimmy Koh to see what they have to offer.
Oh, installation- three small screws like you see on the bottom spool. Lift and lock the knob for easier access to the screws for installation.
The Rolleikin knob has a leather disk. Remove that and you will see three holes that match the standard knob. Unscrew, lift off, drop the replacement knob in and screw down.
Those knobs are standard across Rolleis. Well, except for the back locking system, a tab that is pressed by the back when closed and tops you from pulling the knob out. There are a few different styles over the years, so study the details. Then send some photos out to people like Harry Fleenor and Jimmy Koh to see what they have to offer.
Oh, installation- three small screws like you see on the bottom spool. Lift and lock the knob for easier access to the screws for installation.
The Rolleikin knob has a leather disk. Remove that and you will see three holes that match the standard knob. Unscrew, lift off, drop the replacement knob in and screw down.
My Rolleiflex came the same and I managed to buy a Rolleikin kit with an original knob rather than the Rolleikin counting knob. The seller didn't know the difference. Changing them isn't difficult, there are three countersunk screws, which may be under the black sticker on the counting knob.
^^^. I was going to say that there are often Rolleikins on eBay with regular knob instead of counter.
Like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLLEI-ROL...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
or just knobs:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-Gen...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLLEI-ROL...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
or just knobs:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rollei-Gen...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
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It would look best with a knob from the period, like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/303494769326 Try to find one in a shape that fits the camera. A worn one wouldn't look good on a near mint camera and vice versa.
An earlier owner left the counter knob on the camera and put the camera's original one in the case, so the parts are not "all there??" as the seller questions. And that knob is of the wrong type for a Tele-Rolleiflex.
As I said, the style of knobs did change over time. Photos of Tele Rolleis show an upper knob with a silver spacer between the actual knob and the base, with two black lines. This might actually be indicative of the knob lock mechanism? Anyway, if the OP wants the 'correct' near mint camera, he should pay attention to this. If all he wants is a small knob, go for the first one but probably plan on filling the lock tab slot as a precaution for light leaks (? I could be very wrong about this slot leaking).
I would suggest taking your time to get the proper match of part and condition. In the meantime, enjoy that lens. One of the best.
The Rolleiflex 2,8 C and D came with the Rolleikin counter knob pre-installed. Maybe some of the Tele-Rolleiflexes were as well. At least many of them have that counter knob if you google for pictures of this model. The one I owned didn't, though. But yours may have come this way from the factory. I can check in the Rollei Report 2 book later to see if Prochnow mentions the counter knob and Tele-Rolleiflex.
The reason some cameras had them pre-installed was probably because this knob can be used with the normal 120-film as well as 135-film. There was a Rolleikin set without the counter knob made for the cameras that already had one pre-installed.
The reason some cameras had them pre-installed was probably because this knob can be used with the normal 120-film as well as 135-film. There was a Rolleikin set without the counter knob made for the cameras that already had one pre-installed.
I looked in the Rollei Report 2 and Prochnow mentions the "Customer changes (Kundenänderung): Lower part, large rewind knob and upper part counter knob for the Rolleikin". So it must have been quite common since he mentions that in his book and when you look at photos of the Tele cameras.
You can of course replace the knob if you want to, but the camera is just as usable with the counter knob mounted and it's not just an accessory that someone forgot to remove. Many users also had the counter knob when they bought their Rolleis new, freshly from the factory, even if they never bought or used the Rolleikin set.
You can of course replace the knob if you want to, but the camera is just as usable with the counter knob mounted and it's not just an accessory that someone forgot to remove. Many users also had the counter knob when they bought their Rolleis new, freshly from the factory, even if they never bought or used the Rolleikin set.
A good decision IMHO. If it were mine I’d buy a Rolleikin kit!
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