Rollei 6008 SRC 1000, in 2022?

Turns out I have a bunch of 120 film in my freezer. It's been there 18 years and I haven't had a MF camera in that timeframe. But lately I've been wanting to shoot medium format film again. So like any upstanding photographer, of course I'm going to need to buy a new camera in order to use up this old film.

I used to shoot with the 6008 Professional back in the early-90s, shortly after it was introduced (I also had a 6003 and a 6001 Professional during the same general timeframe - I shot them as a full-time pro in the ad industry). I've not shot with any of these cameras for nearly 20 years. But having recently decided to get back into MF film, I'm drawn to the Rollei 6000 series because of the positive experience I had with them ~20-30 years ago.

However, I'm curious: for those of you still (or now) using these cameras, are they holding up in general? Other than the battery, which I know can be (and usually needs to be) rebuilt, are there long-term reliability issues or problems with the Rolleis to watch out for?

Most specifically, I've found a reasonable buy (not great, but reasonable) on a 6008 Professional SRC 1000 that I'm considering. Any specific issues with this camera these days? I see lots of posts here about the 6008i, which I may just hold out for, but I haven't seen many discussions of the 6008 SRC 1000 in my searches.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

I have a 6008 Professional, 6008i and a Hy6. So I am probably a die-hard Rollei SLR fan and user. I would hold out for a 6008i if I were you, it will be newer and tend to have some improvements. My 6008i is pretty much bullet-proof, battery rebuilds seem readily available through Rollei USA, Key Camera and at least one other eBay source. Stay away from the Lithium rebuild on eBay, they aren't really up to snuff. The downside to the 6008 and Hy6 is service. Key camera is the only player in the US, there are a couple (including the factory) in Germany.

The only problem I have run into is the lens diaphragm sticking, a relatively manageable service, no parts needed. And no, I did not do it myself. I wouldn't dare to.

A comparative chart is here: https://rolleiflex6000.eu/system6000chart2.php

The only bad 6008i I had I got off ebay. It lasted from 2013 until a while back. It had multiple issues I had to fix (like some of the switches not working, and the back not counting), but eventually stopped actuating the electronic aperture.
My others (Hy6, 6008AF, 6008i) are all working well. I have been using the system continuously since 1986 when I got my SLX. When I sold that SLX in 2015 it was still in perfect functional condition. Someone got a good deal.

You might consider getting one from Eric Hiss who operates Rollei USA to ensure you obtain a good one.

Pieter12 said:

I have a 6008 Professional, 6008i and a Hy6. So I am probably a die-hard Rollei SLR fan and user. I would hold out for a 6008i if I were you, it will be newer and tend to have some improvements. My 6008i is pretty much bullet-proof, battery rebuilds seem readily available through Rollei USA, Key Camera and at least one other eBay source. Stay away from the Lithium rebuild on eBay, they aren't really up to snuff. The downside to the 6008 and Hy6 is service. Key camera is the only player in the US, there are a couple (including the factory) in Germany.

The only problem I have run into is the lens diaphragm sticking, a relatively manageable service, no parts needed. And no, I did not do it myself. I wouldn't dare to.

A comparative chart is here: https://rolleiflex6000.eu/system6000chart2.php

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Thanks much! I've considered holding out for the 6008i, and your provide a good set of reasons why to do so. I'd primarily been interested in this 6008 Pro as it is priced about half of the good 6008i's I've seen while looking. Probably for good reason, though.

I greatly appreciate the link to the chart, as well. With ~20 years passing since I've used these cameras, it's a really helpful refresher!

ic-racer said:

The only bad 6008i I had I got off ebay. It lasted from 2013 until a while back. It had multiple issues I had to fix (like some of the switches not working, and the back not counting), but eventually stopped actuating the electronic aperture.
My others (Hy6, 6008AF, 6008i) are all working well. I have been using the system continuously since 1986 when I got my SLX. When I sold that SLX in 2015 it was still in perfect functional condition. Someone got a good deal.

You might consider getting one from Eric Hiss who operates Rollei USA to ensure you obtain a good one.

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Thanks for sharing your experience, very helpful. Coincidentally I just found Eric's site the other day. I'll keep an eye on it and may reach out, sounds like possibly the safest source for a good one. Much appreciated feedback!

mpeterson said:

Thanks for sharing your experience, very helpful. Coincidentally I just found Eric's site the other day. I'll keep an eye on it and may reach out, sounds like possibly the safest source for a good one. Much appreciated feedback!

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It is a good idea to email Eric, he doesn't always post everything he has available right away. Or sometimes he knows of equipment that might be available from his customers.

Pieter12 said:

It is a good idea to email Eric, he doesn't always post everything he has available right away. Or sometimes he knows of equipment that might be available from his customers.

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Ah, awesome - good to know, thanks!

mpeterson said:

Ah, awesome - good to know, thanks!

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I have a 6008 SRC 1000 and 6008 Integral, both have been relatively trouble-free. As noted above, you'll likely need a rebuilt battery.

JamesEsq said:

I have a 6008 SRC 1000 and 6008 Integral, both have been relatively trouble-free. As noted above, you'll likely need a rebuilt battery.

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Thanks James!

If you don't need the meter the 6001 can be a bargain. I bought one as a back up body sans battery (you'll need a rebuilt anyway) that looks basically new from KEH for $350.

CJG said:

If you don't need the meter the 6001 can be a bargain. I bought one as a back up body sans battery (you'll need a rebuilt anyway) that looks basically new from KEH for $350.

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Oh my goodness, that's a great price for the 6001. I had one in the '90s and loved it - I got it as a result of a promo Rollei ran where they gave away a free 6001 Pro body if you bought some other kit (I don't recall what combo, most likely a 6008i w/lens I would guess). I didn't buy the other kit as I already had a 6008 Pro and was happy, but a friend of mine did and I ended up with his 6001. Great camera - I used it as a backup to my 6008 Pro and also as a main camera in the studio with its flash meter.

I'll take a look at KEH, thanks for the heads up!

You'll have to look around. I lucked out at KEH, they don't always have the. Sometimes Eric does. Good luck

mpeterson said:

Oh my goodness, that's a great price for the 6001. I had one in the '90s and loved it - I got it as a result of a promo Rollei ran where they gave away a free 6001 Pro body if you bought some other kit (I don't recall what combo, most likely a 6008i w/lens I would guess). I didn't buy the other kit as I already had a 6008 Pro and was happy, but a friend of mine did and I ended up with his 6001. Great camera - I used it as a backup to my 6008 Pro and also as a main camera in the studio with its flash meter.

I'll take a look at KEH, thanks for the heads up!

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The 6001 pro is really interesting, it was the last body made before the 6008AF and 6008i int 2, making it one of the most recent 6000 series.
It also uses the same PCB as a 6008i, at least mine did - the back of the main board has 6008i printed on it/

These are all great points and suggestions. Thanks to all who've responded.