Rollei 35 SE completely stuck

A long time ago I acquired a Rollei 35 SE just because I liked the design. I took a few rolls and lent it to a friend. A few years ago I got it back but now the lens is stuck in the extended position and cannot be moved in any direction. I don’t intend to use it but it would be nice to have it in working order if possible (and not too expensive). Since this forum houses so much knowledge I hope that someone can tell me if there is a simple fix, it needs to be sent off for repairs or if it is ready to be scrapped. The symptoms are as follows:

The lens is stuck in extended position. Aperture works as well as the shutter speeds. When viewed from inside it is obvious that it cannot be retracted because it is not aligned with the groove for retracting the lens and it cannot be turned in any direction. Completely stuck.

The film advance works but whenever the shutter is cocked it goes off. The release button seems to be working (the external button seems to be OK) but the symptoms suggests that it may be permanently pressed for some reason. The light meter works when I put a battery in it.

So, simple fix, off for repairs or scrap? Of course I’m hoping for the first but expecting one of the others.

Thanks for any ideas

Have you cocked the shutter and pressed the button next to the shutter release while turning the lens?

well, it's up to you -- possibly whoever you loaned it to tried to retract the lens without cocking the camera first, or something -- in any event, Harry Fleenor is the go-to guy for these, it will set you back about $150 including shipping both ways for a complete go-through and repair of whatever got messed up.

in good working order these sell for about $350, so it's worth the repair.

Thanks for your thoughts. I have pressed the button next to the shutter release (or to be precise, next to the lens since this is a 35 SE). No effect.
Could the other problem have anything to do with this (the shutter releasing whenever it is cocked)?

The lens won't retract with the shutter fired. By what you describe it sounds like the shutter release needs to be repaired so it won't fire as soon as it's wound.

I suppose the wind is far enough to transport film and cock the shutter but not far enough to hold the release. So the shutter is released right after winding and as a consequence the lens cannot be retracted. The wind mechanism needs to be adjusted. In Sweden you could contact http://www.analogakameror.se . They service Rolleiflexes but I do not know if they service a Rollei 35 SE. If not you can contact http://www.paepke-fototechnik.de/eng/service.html in Germany.

Thanks for the advice. Analoga kameror is at holiday right now but I will contact him in a few weeks to see what he can do.

M. Axel Wikstrom said:

The lens won't retract with the shutter fired. By what you describe it sounds like the shutter release needs to be repaired so it won't fire as soon as it's wound.

Click to expand...

That’s the likely problem, the part that’s jamming the shutter making it fire is also probably the interlock that lets you close lens when the shutter is cocked.

Just registered for this site for the purpose of saying THANK YOU! My lens has been stuck all week and because of this discussion I took a shot and was able to pop it back in. Much appreciated!!!!