Rollei filter assembly

[bernard_L]

I recently acquired, at a photo fair, a Rolleicord Vb at a price I could not pass. A lenshade was included. I think I need a medium yellow filter; they seem to be scarce, more so than light yellow.
I'm thinking of buying a light yellow filter, and substituting the glass part with a medium yellow from a surplus filter, cut to size by an optician (after all they cut prescription lenses to the complex shape of the mount chosen by the customer).
My question is whether a Rollei filter can be easily dis-assembled (e.g. threaded retainer ring) versus permanent construction (e.g. press-fit).
In case someone feels inclined to answer a question I did not ask, I do not wish to buy a Bay1 to threaded adapter, because I would like to retain the nice design of the F&H engineers, with independent fixation of filter and lens shade.
Thank you for reading.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Yes, the filter unscrews. Put the bayonet side on a rubber stopper, then use a rubber stopper on top, press down, and rotate standard, counterclockwise.

This is one of those threads that will not move not move and then you relax and press again and relax and BOING! off it comes. You might try some double sided top on a block for the top so that you can turn with less downward pressure.

There is a spring washer inside. On the back side, I think. The gap for the glass is wide and the washer keeps the glass pressed to the front surface. Or maybe it sits on the front and pressies the glass to the back I forget. Well, be aware of the thickness of the glass when making a replacement.

Or your can get a Gelb Mittel from Tim at FilterFind.

Bay1-6_filters

 

[McDiesel]

@bernard_L I did something similar. Purchased this UV filter which you can swap the glass piece for another. It's well made and might be cheaper than buying a genuine one.

 

[bernard_L]

Thank you both for your replies. Now I need to wait patiently for a decently priced Bay1 mount offered for sale.

 

[Dan Daniel]

... I do not wish to buy a Bay1 to threaded adapter, because I would like to retain the nice design of the F&H engineers, with independent fixation of filter and lens shade.

Just noticed this comment. FYI, a Series V (5) to Bay I adapter is almost the same size as a Bay I filter. Fits inside an outside bayonet hood like the Rollei hood.

Again, Filter Find is a good source for clean filters. Along with Series V filters that drop in, he has Vivitar filters that screw into the front of the Series V adapter. I use these filters on my Vb- no vignetting or such at all. Personally I use a light green filter, not yellow, as my standard, but I live in more of a country setting and have lots of green that goes dark without it.

home

Enjoy the Vb. Great camera.

 

[BrianShaw]

Rollei Gelb Mittel in Bayonet 1 really aren’t scarce. They are just scarce at inexpensive prices. Other brands in Bay1 are more affordable.

 

[bernard_L]

@Kodachromeguy. Good point re: plastic lenses. The extra yellow filters I already have.
@Dan Daniel. Interesting point re: series V adapter. However, I live in EU. Shipping costs from US are often at deterrent levels. Especially when the carrier adds "customs processing charges" that are pure inflation. Same for UK after brexit. Maybe if I ask politely FindFilter will send a filter via USPS in a padded envelope rather than FedEx or UPS in a big box.
@BrianShaw. You are correct. But I have been spoiled: last year at the Bièvres photo fair, a seller was dumping his inventory of NOS B+W filtes, and I stocked up 32, 35.5, 40.5, etc... at 1€ apiece. Of course I'm nor going to hold my breath for a Rollei gelb fllter at1€ but I have a bias.

Enjoy the Vb. Great camera.

Yes! (just one test roll so far). Small details show that the designers had the user in mind. Of course, it's the last in a long series of improvements.
I have one question, hijacking my own thread. When looking at the GG at normal distance, without the loupe (final composing after focusing) there are white-out areas in the corners, from some kind of flare light. Through the loupe, with my head blocking light from above, the image is OK into the corners. Is that normal? I pulled out the GG and washed it gently with dish-washing liquid; no improvement.

 

[Dan Daniel]

The Vb has a plastic screen. I am not certain of its construction (mine came with an aftermarket screen) but it's common for the plastic screens to catch reflections like that. Cleaning won't help as it's because of the material and fabrication, not dirt.

Write Filter Find. Tim Rice, the owner, will let you know what he can do. It's a one-person operation, a guy trying to support his painting. Been at it a long time, knows a lot, works with people. He will most likely have experience with what happens mailing to Europe. USPS is certainly the way to go. I made the mistake of shipping a TLR to someone in Canada via UPS (I could have driven it to him for the cost), and they charged a 'customs brokerage fee; more than the cost of the cameras repair. Lesson learned.

 

[BrianShaw]

Always use a lens hood. I used a Vb for decades and really enjoyed it. Made many great images with it too. Consider a Rollei quick release and monopod if you haven’t already.

Not sure what you consider “normal distance “ and assume that to mean waist level. I’ve found all waist level finders to be much better used closer to the eye. The reflection you are seeing is likely just stray light which is minimized when your head blocks it more, as you already observed.

 

[JPD]

Bernard, can your optician cut glass, or just plastic? As far as I know, almost all eyeglasses now have plastic lenses. For med yellow, you will need to buy a sacrificial filter from which to extract the glass.

Opticians have cut filter glass for me many times, to fit Rollei mounts and different slip-on mounts.

There are a few who still prefer glass eyeglass lenses, like a friend of mine who wanted the best optical quality. Now he wears glasses with the cheapest plastic lenses, CR-39 with AR coating. It surprises many that these "cheap plastic" lenses have better optical quality than the expensive high-index lenses.

 

[bernard_L]

Thanks to all that provided information.
Finally I found the filters (yellow + orange) that I "needed" at a price that I deem reasonable: 25€ apiece, 8€ combined shipping.

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Now wait patiently for a Rolleinar 1 that does not cost an arm.