New Rolleiflex - CLA needed: suggestions?

removedacct1 · Mar 10, 2015

I have acquired a Rolleiflex 3.5E Xenotar model and it is in excellent condition in all but two ways: the leather shows wear (superficial) and the shutter speeds are slow from 1/15th of a second and slower. (In fact, the 1 second speed is about 2 seconds long) Obviously, the next step is a proper CLA. I've run a roll of film through it and its hanging up to dry right now. The first frame started in the right place and the spacing between frames is very consistent. As far as I can tell, the only mechanical issue is the shutter speed problem, so I doubt it needs a whole lot of things done to it.

Yes - I've done the research and I have a short list of 3 or 4 people I would consider for the job, all of whom have been discussed on APUG. Without any personal experience with any of the repairmen, I'm not sure what to think. Harry Fleenor seems to be the top repairmen and makes mention on his site of the fact that there are several services out there that say they do a full CLA when in fact they only do some of the work and the work they do is sometimes inadequate. I have also found references suggesting Fleenor's work - while excellent - is overpriced and he charges inflated fees based on his reputation. Its hard to know whats true and whats not.

I would like to get the job done properly and at a reasonable price. I'm not looking for discount prices - I just want to get the job done correctly and thoroughly without being charged an exaggerated sum. I have the impression that a proper, full CLA is going to cost anywhere from $250 to $500 (give or take) and I'm fine with anything in that range - as long as its done right. I would also like to have the camera back in my possession in less than 8 weeks, which is how long Fleenor is going to take. So - is there someone you folks recommend based on first hand experience? (Besides Harry)

Many thanks.
Paul

John Koehrer · Mar 10, 2015

I've seen several thread recommending paul ebel in Wisconsin.
Both for good work and reasonable turnaround.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

removedacct1 · Mar 10, 2015

Paul Ebel is one of the candidates on my list - so thanks.

randy6 · Mar 10, 2015

I used Harry fleenor for my rolleiflex 2.8b around $400 a fantastic job now its my favorite camera. Yes its high priced but he did high quality extensive work 1 month turnaround. transport cleaned lens and shutter mirror everything works like new.

randy6 · Mar 10, 2015

other rolleiflex repair addresses
classiccamera@comcast.net
krimarphoto@aol.com

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 10, 2015

I've used Paul for a couple CLAs of my Rolleiflexes but after that used Harry a few times and I will never have anyone touch one of my Rolleiflexes but Harry. Others will recommend a few people who are cheaper and faster. You get what you pay for. Harry is above and beyond the best. Not cheap nor fast. But the best.

removedacct1 · Mar 10, 2015

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
I've used Paul for a couple CLAs of my Rolleiflexes but after that used Harry a few times and I will never have anyone touch one of my Rolleiflexes but Harry. Others will recommend a few people who are cheaper and faster. You get what you pay for. Harry is above and beyond the best. Not cheap nor fast. But the best.

Thats what I expected to hear, honestly. I'm inclined to think Harry is worth the wait, but I wanted some solid, experienced opinions from someone who's dealt with more than one serviceman, like yourself. Thanks Richard.

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 10, 2015

Just be ready for some possible sticker shock from Harry. He'll call you up go over every issue or need with your camera and he'll email you a list of items or issues that he found with it, and the price involved with each item or issue. It probably won't be cheap. But he's the kind of person that will point out where a ding or dent or maybe even a bent foot on the camera might be, how it probably happened, and how it might affect the camera internally or not. Your standard "turnaround in one day or less than a week" people are obviously not going to go over the camera with that much detail, nor could they possibly have time to really open the camera up and do anything of any extent that Harry does.

Is "good enough" good enough? Perhaps and I'm sure there's a lot of people that are happy with the repair people that can turn things around and do "it" cheaper than Harry. Harry will do a full overhaul not just a quick lube and adjust.

That said, for example, I had one of my Rolleiflexes looked at by Harry that had a bent foot that I did not even notice. He said its actually quite a common issue on such old cameras. He mentioned that with a bent foot the cameras are much more likely to tilt or fall over and crash onto the ground doing ugly damage or at a minimum often sending the focus out of alignment. Good point Harry! That's the kind of service you get from Harry. That plus a dated Oceanside Camera Repair sticker from Harry Fleenor inside your camera showing that it had a Harry Fleenor once-over is going to increase the value way above and beyond anybody else who will just do a quick CLA for $120, $150 or $200.

Hatchetman · Mar 10, 2015

8 weeks is nothing in camera repair time. $500 bucks for a CLA seems kind of crazy, but what the hell do I know? $500 for a good job is better money spent than $200 for a bad job. I have had good luck with Paul Ebel. He can do a simple CLA.

Nick Merritt · Mar 10, 2015

Use Krikor (krimarphoto). He's amazingly fast, and does great work. I mean, amazingly fast -- several days' turnaround.

Pioneer · Mar 10, 2015

My Automat had been serviced by Harry Fleenor about a year prior to my purchase and it runs like a clock. Has averaged 15 rolls per month over past couple of years. I have not had any other services done so cannot comment on others.

dpurdy · Mar 10, 2015

What ever you do don't use Advance Camera in Portland. I don't know what short cuts they take but a CLA lasts about a month. I've tried them twice with two different Rolleis. Same thing both times, a complete waste of money.
Dennis

removedacct1 · Mar 10, 2015

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
Just be ready for some possible sticker shock from Harry.

Richard,
Is it possible to let Harry know that I might have a budget limit (say $350-$400) and have him deal with the main problems only, rather than a total overhaul? I wouldn't want to insult the man, but realistically - I need to keep the repair cost under $400 unless I delay for several months, which Id rather not do.

Other candidates Ive considered - most of which have been mentioned alreay - are Mark Hansen, Paul Abel and Krikor Maralian. Friends at Blue Moon Camera have also recommended Advance Camera in PDX. Anyone dealt with Advance Camera?
I have to keep within my budget, so as much as I'd prefer to send my Rolleiflex to Harry Fleenor - I'm nervous about doing so, in case I end up paying way more than my budget allows.

Thanks for the valuable information.

Paul

removedacct1 · Mar 10, 2015

@Dennis, RE: Advance
Ouch. I just had them recommended to me this morning, but sounds like I'd better not try them. Thanks.

Oren Grad · Mar 10, 2015

paulbarden said:
Richard,
Is it possible to let Harry know that I might have a budget limit (say $350-$400) and have him deal with the main problems only, rather than a total overhaul? I wouldn't want to insult the man, but realistically - I need to keep the repair cost under $400 unless I delay for several months, which Id rather not do.

Harry tends to price things a la carte - so much to deal with the shutter, so much to align the focus, so much to replace the focusing screen, etc. You shouldn't end up with a $500 repair bill unless you make a conscious choice to order a mix of services that add up to that much.

My impression also is that he's not as much more expensive than the alternatives as he used to be, if one is careful to compare prices for similar scopes of work.

Argenticien · Mar 10, 2015

paulbarden said:
Other candidates Ive considered - most of which have been mentioned alreay - are Mark Hansen, Paul Abel and Krikor Maralian.

Mark Hansen did a good job for me about six years ago. It was on a pre-war Voigtlander Bessa rangefinder folder, not a Rolleiflex, but the main work was to service the Compur shutter, so that's not shockingly different to what you need done on your 3.5E.

I have a 3.5E as well, which was serviced very nicely and I'd send you to that repair shop, except it was Essex Camera who are sadly no longer with us...

--Dave

Hatchetman · Mar 10, 2015

Mark Hansen did a Leica III for me. Took about 3 months. Running the first roll through it now.

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 10, 2015

paulbarden said:
Richard,
Is it possible to let Harry know that I might have a budget limit (say $350-$400) and have him deal with the main problems only, rather than a total overhaul? I wouldn't want to insult the man, but realistically - I need to keep the repair cost under $400 unless I delay for several months, which Id rather not do.

Other candidates Ive considered - most of which have been mentioned alreay - are Mark Hansen, Paul Abel and Krikor Maralian. Friends at Blue Moon Camera have also recommended Advance Camera in PDX. Anyone dealt with Advance Camera?
I have to keep within my budget, so as much as I'd prefer to send my Rolleiflex to Harry Fleenor - I'm nervous about doing so, in case I end up paying way more than my budget allows.

Thanks for the valuable information.

Paul

What Oren Grad says above. You send Harry the camera and he looks it over and then quotes you. Usually with 3-4 days of getting it. You can prioritize what you need done and what you do not need done. Others say ""Sure, $150, send it in" then when you call or email 3-4 days later to confirm they got it or if they looked at it yet they tell you it's already done and on its way back. I don't want cheap or fast. I want it done right and done well.

Ever see that sign in some work shops?

You can have it cheap, fast or done well. Choose two.

At one time Harry was backed up 3-4 months for years on end. It's not because he's lazy or slow. It's because he gets so many cameras due to his reputation.

Sorry to sound so adamant about this. But I've tried them all. I was young and not patient and did not want to spend the money. Let's just say a few of my Rolleiflexes went to the cheaper/faster options only to be sent to Harry a couple years later. So in the end cost me even more.

removedacct1 · Mar 10, 2015

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
Sorry to sound so adamant about this. But I've tried them all. I was young and not patient and did not want to spend the money. Let's just say a few of my Rolleiflexes went to the cheaper/faster options only to be sent to Harry a couple years later. So in the end cost me even more.

Dont be sorry. I'm sure you're right. I think the thing to do is to get it to Harry and let him know I've got a limited budget and ask him to assess it and let me know what can be done within my budget limitations.

Thank you.

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 10, 2015

I wouldn't mention anything to Harry about your budget constraints. He's probably heard that all the time as if he's supposed to be a charity or something. (Not that you're fishing for that in this case but others do). He likely just rolls his eyes. His assessment of the camera will be the same whether he thinks you have money to burn or are a monk with an alms bowl. Send it in, he'll tell you in detail what the issues are and the prices. You squeeze in what you can based on prioritization of the particular repair or severity of the issue and what you can afford. In the meantime sell something else on eBay to raise funds!

Dan Daniel · Mar 10, 2015

If all you want from Harry Fleenor is a shutter overhaul, I think that runs around $135. Focus overhaul runs about $180. Wind- 140?? As mentioned, he has a base price for services and you choose what you want him to do. No need to hide your budget. Send it in to get the shutter done, maybe the focus, and let the rest wait?

Paul Ebel is a large format shutter guy who also works on Rolleiflexes. So your camera sound right up his alley. I have a 2.8C xenotar that he did the shutter on just before I bought it and it works great going on 5 years now. I sent it to Fleenor for focus issues a couple of years ago and he said the shutter didn't need work.

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 10, 2015

How can you know what he should fix if you don't know all the issues or what needs to be fixed?

A standard shutter overhaul on a Rolleiflex can be done by anyone who knows shutters and frankly I think that's where many repair people stop. Perhaps with a cleaning with a dust blower and minor lube of the interior. With these cameras the film advance system particularly the feeler-sensor bars, need a good and complete overhaul to ensure a long trouble-free use and that's where care and experience come in and count the most. My main issues have been getting cameras back where the advance locks up in short order, the frame spacing goes off, or the feeler bar stops sensing the film start and the whole roll spins right to the end, especially with Fuji films.

TheTrailTog · Mar 11, 2015

Nick Merritt said:
Use Krikor (krimarphoto). He's amazingly fast, and does great work. I mean, amazingly fast -- several days' turnaround.

+1 for Krikor

I had Mark Hansen CLA an MX-EVS for me years ago. Price was great, but turn around was slow and the camera had issues still when I got it back. Contacted him and he had me send it back to him. He had it backed to me ASAP the second time around (no charge) and it worked flawlessly after that.

mikebarger · Mar 11, 2015

Harry Fleenor is top notch, has done two for me.

Mike Barger

randy6 · Mar 11, 2015

invoice from Harry for mine I have sold and had many cameras repaired from different people this was the cost breakdown
Service required: overhaul shutter $154.00, transport overhaul (stiff)
> $134.00, replace focus rack pins (frozen) $69.00, UPS shipping with
> $1,700.00 insurance $36.00, total is $393.00 invoice #40927.

New Rolleiflex - CLA needed: suggestions?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency