Rollei 6000 lens question

[MMfoto]

I understand that Rollei 6000 cameras are considered unrepairable and possibly unrealiable due to their electronic PCB boards. But what about the PQ and PQ-S lenses? Are the lens shutters and aperture mechanisms reliable? I can't recall ever reading about someone trying to get one repaired, while there are countless threads about the bodies failing. The lenses seem to be purely electric, as apposed to electronic. Are the lenses generally safe to buy used if you have a working body?

 

[Pieter12]

I have had a couple of lenses serviced, mostly CLA (sticky aperture blades if I recall). I have also had a couple of AF lenses need mechanical repairs--the toothed ring that turns the focus broke on both. I am sure about the "countless threads" about the 6000 series bodies failing, though. Mine have been pretty much bulletproof. The Hy6 is another story.

 

[MMfoto]

"countless threads"

"...The Hy6 is another story."

No offense intended. I'm just thinking over the course of 20 years casually reading about them. Lots of people seeking repairs and not being able to find anyone to service them. Of course, you don't hear much from people with working bodies.

I have a working 6008 AF. Any advice to help keep it that way? I only intend to use it occasionally, and only with manual focus lenses.

Does the Hy6 system have a lot of problems?

 

[abruzzi]

I have bought one "Rolleigon" lens (a 50mm) that had mechanical issues and I had to return it. My camera came with an 80mm that was in very good shape and has worked without issues, and I also bought a 150mm that was cosmetically rough but has worked fine. That's not enough to make any kind of real determination, but thats my experience. Also, my lenses are older lense that work correctly with the SLX and 6006 camera, not the later lenses that work with the 6008 line, but I expect quality is similar on both.

 

[koraks]

purely electric, as apposed to electronic

What's the difference in your view? Only passive components vs both active and passive circuitry? This is just to clarify and out of general interest.

 

[ic-racer]

My SLX lenses (120S and 40mm Distagon) that I got in 1986 still work like new. Can't say I ever had a lens issue, other than inadvertently buying a broken lens from ebay.

 

[Pieter12]

No offense intended. I'm just thinking over the course of 20 years casually reading about them. Lots of people seeking repairs and not being able to find anyone to service them. Of course, you don't hear much from people with working bodies.

I have a working 6008 AF. Any advice to help keep it that way? I only intend to use it occasionally, and only with manual focus lenses.

Does the Hy6 system have a lot of problems?

There never were many techs working on the 6000 cameras. Laflex in southern California stopped maybe 5 years ago because of the lack of parts, Paepke in Germany still works on them as does Dave Feely at Key Camera in Boulder. Once again, I am not aware of any more issues with the 6000 cameras than others, the three I have work fine since I got the first one in 2017. Your 6008AF should be good since it is the last model and would have any improvements incorporated. The main weakness for the 6000 cameras is the battery, but the original NiCad can be rebuilt using NiMH cells that work great.

The Hy6 is another story. A wonderful camera to use, more compact and lighter than the 6000. But since the factory has been fairly unresponsive for years--I believe they are belly-up now--the bodies can be impossible to repair if parts are needed. There weren't many made compared to the 6000 cameras so few donors are available. And in the U.S., only Key Camera will touch them and he gets a lot of cameras to repair (not just Hy6). My problems with the Hy6 have been with the film back and insert--light leaks, uneven frame spacing to the point of 1/4 frame overlaps, and finally a drive belt breaking. The film backs are rarer than hen's teeth, too.

 

[MMfoto]

What's the difference in your view? Only passive components vs both active and passive circuitry? This is just to clarify and out of general interest.

That's my thinking, yes. Also, possibly no microelectronics operating the shutter. I haven't looked into the construction of these lenses yet. But I'm wondering if there is a parrallel in the Pentax 67, which has a purely electric shutter that is incredibly reliable and repairable, whereas the electronics that control the shutter in something like a Contax 645 likely need to be replaced when they fail.

 

[Pieter12]

That's my thinking, yes. Also, possibly no microelectronics operating the shutter. I haven't looked into the construction of these lenses yet. But I'm wondering if there is a parrallel in the Pentax 67, which has a purely electric shutter that is incredibly reliable and repairable, whereas the electronics that control the shutter in something like a Contax 645 likely need to be replaced when they fail.

If it is any help, here is a quote from a Rolleiflex 6008 system brochure:
"The diaphragm and shutter blades in the lens are driven by two linear motors and very precisely controlled and monitored in 1/3 increments by the camera’s microcomputer."

 

[MMfoto]

If it is any help, here is a quote from a Rolleiflex 6008 system brochure:
"The diaphragm and shutter blades in the lens are driven by two linear motors and very precisely controlled and monitored in 1/3 increments by the camera’s microcomputer."

That does help. Thanks for posting this.