Oh no! I dropped my Rolleiflex - Can I fix it?

[matti]

I dropped my Rolleiflex T and now there is a small ding at the front just where the text "Rollei-Werke". What is worse is that the time/aperture lever has become very stiff, so it is too hard to change.

Has anyone fixed something like this? I have been toying around inside Russian cameras and lenses but don't know if I should try to fix this or leave it for repair. Problem is I can't really afford a repair right now and this is almost the only camera I use...

Fortunately it is stuck at 8 at 1/60 which works for most lightnings doesn't it?
/matti

 

[Peter Williams]

I thought about it once, then I saw a photo of an "undressed" Rollei. That mechanically savvy I am not. Unless you have a lot of skill, I wouldn't recommend it..

 

[matti]

This is the answer I didn't hope for. This camera was perfect, and I just got used to the backwards looking ground glass after hunting kids and other animals around with it. The camera deserves to get repaired. I suppose this is the time when I should try not to buy another Rollei just to find out it isn't as good as this one and after that having the first one totally renovated.
This camera is really good at this kind of pictures:

 

[Vaughn]

Bummer...

There is a chance that the plane of the lens and the plane of the film are no longer parallel -- does the movable lens part (the part that has the lenses on it and moves forward and back as you focus) evenly rest against the body...or is there an uneven gap?

I think you will need to find a good Rollei mechanic over in Germany and keep your fingers crosses.

Sorry about that.

Vaughn

 

[Roger Hicks]

Another sorrowful vote the same way. On the bright side, because of the design, a major repair like this may not be as bad as with some other cameras.

 

[Peter Williams]

The only camera that I regret no longer having is a Rolleiflex. They really are fantastic. Good luck with the repair.

 

[SoulSurround]

I think you will need to find a good Rollei mechanic over in Germany and keep your fingers crosses.

If you go for repair, I would go to Paepke in Germany: http://www.paepke-fototechnik.de/

For now I'd advise a vodka... or five...

 

[bdial]

There are screws under the leatherette that hold the front cover on, and I think it is also held by collars around the release button. If the damage is only the cover, and you are mechanically inclined, you may be able to repair it, if it's just a matter of some straightening. However, take note of the picture posted by Peter. If you aren't comfortable taking apart complicated gadgets, I'd advise taking it to expert.
Otherwise, f8 at 1/60 isn't so bad, you might find it to be a creative opportunity!

 

[elekm]

How did you drop the camera? Did it fall and strike lens down or on the hood? How far did it fall - 1 meter? Did it strike pavement or carpeted floor or wood floor?

 

[matti]

I dropped it from about 1 meter striking the pavement. I don't know how it fell since it was in a thin bag. But probably stroked with the lens first since the mark is right under the lens.
/matti