Rolleicord IV - Worth overhauling and using?

marcmarc · Dec 23, 2015

Hi Everyone,
Last week or so I mentioned a Rolleicord IV that I received for free from a photographer who was getting rid of his darkroom and some of his film cameras. I dropped off the camera to a shop I've used before and trust for an estimate on a CLA and was quoted $285. Basically, this includes adjusting the shutter, focusing, film transport, and replacing the factory screen with a brighter one I purchased from Rick Oleson. So it's a complete overhaul. While I enjoyed shooting the three test rolls with it, $285 is a bit steep for me especially considering this is a 60 year old camera. Even though I'm still ahead since the camera was free, I'm just concerned about the camera giving me a steady stream of problems requiring me to put out more and more money for repairs due to its age. I mean are parts even made for these old TLRs anymore? I ran into this with a Nikon F2 I purchased when I decided to start shooting 35mm again. I sent the body to Sover Wong in the UK twice and the camera still was malfunctioning so I gave up on it and started using F3's instead. I know Rollei is highly esteemed for quality but it's still a 60 year old camera with God only knows how much prior use. Furthermore, users seem to be all over the map when comparing the lower priced Rolleicords to their higher priced sibling the Rolleiflex. Some say the 'Cords are on par with the 'Flexes and even may be more reliable due to a less complicated film advance then the crank style found on the 'Flexes. Others say to avoid the 'Cords altogether. So, I'm just kind of stuck on which way to go. I shoot a lot, and will most likely put 250-300 rolls through the 'Cord per year. Any advice?

onre · Dec 23, 2015

These are good and reliable pieces of equipment. There isn't that much to go wrong inside it after all, so I'd just pay that amount for the CLA procedure. If you find it unsuitable for your purposes, you can sell it for the price of CLA anyway.

IloveTLRs · Dec 23, 2015

marcmarc said:
... I shoot a lot, and will most likely put 250-300 rolls through the 'Cord per year. Any advice?

That right there, would make it worth the $285 to me, personally.

Roger Cole · Dec 23, 2015

Parts aren't made most likely but they don't need to be. These are simple and robust and mostly just need the literal "CLA" - clean, lube, and adjust. Many parts can be fabricated by some people. If you don't want it put it for sale cheap. I love my Yashicamat 124 and have always wanted a Rollie. I'd like a 'flex but I can afford a 'cord.

Steve Smith · Dec 23, 2015

As the owner of a similar Rolleicord V, I would say yes.

Of my 70+ cameras, it's the one I would keep if I could only have one... and there is a Rolleiflex in my collection.

Steve.

baachitraka · Dec 23, 2015

Yes. Is it with synchro-compur?

jimjm · Dec 23, 2015

Rolleicords are just as high-quality and well-designed as Rolleiflexes, just aimed at a lower price point with simpler features. Unless abused or damaged, there should be no reason they will not be usable for decades. A CLA by a competent repairman will guarantee it should function for years to come.

I have a '53 Rolleicord III in mint cosmetic condition and it's one of my favorites to use. Never had it serviced, and I don't worry about it - it just keeps working fine.

A newly-serviced 'Cord IV for less than $300 is a good deal in my opinion.

R.Gould · Dec 23, 2015

I have 2 Rolleicords, and a Rolleiflex, the both of the cords are Va, and both work perfectly, I have never had them Cla'd, but the 3 rolleis are cameras that U use time and again, I have just had to put all my old cameras away for Christmas, (Don't ask why. orders from er indoors) but I have kept my Rolleis out as they are just so good, so get the cla done, seems a good bargain to me to get a camera that will go on for many years to come, They are simple, strong,well made cameras that were made in a time when the makers and workers took a great pride in the cameras they made, and they have great lenses, with very little to go wrong with them, very rare for a part to go wrong, just the Cla when the shutter becomes sticky

fotch · Dec 23, 2015

It depends on the quality of the overhaul. There is only one person I would use, cannot think of his name right now. Think he is in California.

HiHoSilver · Dec 23, 2015

You seem to be hearing a constistent theme here, Marc. Only thing I can add is that you need strong confidence in the person doing the CLA. If you don't know them as being excellent on the Rolleis, I'm sure guys here could recommend good service. FWIW, as Steve & others have mentioned, the Cord is supposed to be the optic equal to the flex w/ less desired features. In seeing a couple comparos of the Rollei vs Mami7 vs blad 500 vs Fuji. The crops from the Fuji were fairly consistently on par w/ the blad. The Mami and the Rollei were consistently a bit more sharp. In practical terms, I think its moot, but shooting a Rollei for under $300 w/ a fresh service seems pretty fantastic. It would have been much cheaper for me to go that way, but I wanted interchangeable lens with the build quality of the Rollei - and went w/ the blad. Even if you acquire other cameras over time, I think you'll thank yourself for giving that camera some service.

Ashfaque · Dec 23, 2015

Marc,

If you are still not convinced, please do let me know. I'll happily take it from you.

Bests,

Ashfaque

gone · Dec 23, 2015

These are DIY CLA cameras. Assuming the shutter is firing correctly on all but the slowest speeds (very seldom will you be using anything slower than 1/30), there are instructions on the internet on how to replace your focus screen. Even if you have to cut it down, a razor knife, ruler, and a counter top are all you need. Then wipe the lenses off w/ lens cleaner or alcohol, take a paintbrush to the film chamber to make sure it's clean, wipe off the rollers, and that's about it. There's also plenty of info on the web on how to easily clean the shutter if it's hanging up. If the lenses are dirty inside, simply screw them out and wipe them off. Maybe take a Q-tip w/ alcohol or lighter fluid on it and clean the shutter blades while you're in there.

That's it, really, on any knob wind TLR. These are nothing but box cameras w/ adjustable focus and a mirror (mirrors are available on eBay for under $10 and you can easily replace them yourself while changing out the focus screen). Nearly $300 for a CLA is absurd. It will probably take them an hour to do it, if that.

marcmarc · Dec 23, 2015

baachitraka said:
Yes. Is it with synchro-compur?

I'm not sure. I took some test rolls and a few of the speeds looked about a stop under.

marcmarc · Dec 23, 2015

Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning towards picking the camera up and deciding where to go from there.

Ko.Fe. · Dec 23, 2015

I purchased serviced and working IV earlier this year from APUG member for lower price comparing to quoted service.
But if you want camera which will works for years yours scenario is next to ideal. Get camera for free and get it serviced. In few years from now it might become problematic to find the service.
I have CLA'ed by myself earlier, simpler Rolleicord this year as well. As person with practical knowledge I don't recommend to CLA the IV if you are not experienced in cameras repairs.
And if you want really bright screen get Yashica Mat 124G.
Cheers, Ko.

marcmarc · Dec 23, 2015

Ko.Fe. said:
I purchased serviced and working IV earlier this year from APUG member for lower price comparing to quoted service.
But if you want camera which will works for years yours scenario is next to ideal. Get camera for free and get it serviced. In few years from now it might become problematic to find the service.
I have CLA'ed by myself earlier, simpler Rolleicord this year as well. As person with practical knowledge I don't recommend to CLA the IV if you are not experienced in cameras repairs.
And if you want really bright screen get Yashica Mat 124G.
Cheers, Ko.

Oh yes, I wouldn't attempt to try any kind of repair or maintenance myself, I just don't have the head for such things. It's just that compared to previous costs for CLA I've gotten on my 35mm cameras, this just seems so high.

CropDusterMan · Dec 23, 2015

Send the camera to Harry Fleenor at Oceanside Camera Repair in California...I just recently had my Rolleiflex 2.8C
CLA'd by him, and he is the Yoda of Rollei servicing. Within a couple days, he'll have an estimate for you, and once
you pay him (he has several payment options), your camera will be back in about a month...mine was only about
a week after I paid. He is the best there is.

http://www.rolleirepairs.com/cla.htm

A full LCA will likely be around 300-400$, for me, totally worth it. Mine is literally, like new.

Best,
Jason

frank · Dec 23, 2015

Cost of cla quoted sounds a bit high. But yes, it is worth fixing.

ToddB · Dec 23, 2015

I would agree with everyone else, Unless it's totally destroyed , then yes. These beauties are worth putting back in service. I spend $400 for Fleenor to get my 3.5f re-done it was worth every cent.

Todd

baachitraka · Dec 23, 2015

I had paid €250 for complete CLA of my Rolleicord Va. No regrets...

Sirius Glass · Dec 23, 2015

Almost all used cameras will require a CLA when one first gets it. Take the plunge.

Hatchetman · Dec 23, 2015

Such a simple camera, why so costly unless he's rebuilding it completely?

Arklatexian · Dec 24, 2015

Rolleuicord IV -

CropDusterMan said:
Send the camera to Harry Fleenor at Oceanside Camera Repair in California...I just recently had my Rolleiflex 2.8C
CLA'd by him, and he is the Yoda of Rollei servicing. Within a couple days, he'll have an estimate for you, and once
you pay him (he has several payment options), your camera will be back in about a month...mine was only about
a week after I paid. He is the best there is.

http://www.rolleirepairs.com/cla.htm

A full LCA will likely be around 300-400$, for me, totally worth it. Mine is literally, like new.

Best,
Jason

+1, I don't know this for certain but he only does full overhauls not CLAs as such. Also you can ask him if his charges make sense compared to the price of a good used Rolleicord and he will tell you THE TRUTH.........Regards!

marcmarc · Dec 24, 2015

Hatchetman said:
Such a simple camera, why so costly unless he's rebuilding it completely?

That's what I was thinking but I do know the shutter needs work as does the film transport (Some speeds look like they are underexposing and one of my test rolls had two frames overlap and one roll even looked like the take up reel had somehow gotten lopsided.) They are also going to adjust the focusing which I suppose is necessary when replacing the focusing screen; I know it's critical to make sure the screen, both lenses and the film plane are in alignment. So yeah, I knew the camera was going to need work, I figured it would be more like what I paid in the past for service for my 35mm slr's but these are completely different cameras. Like I said, cost notwithstanding I'm more concerned about after I get the camera back it developing issues soon after but based on what people here are saying, the camera should give me years of reliable service.

jimjm · Dec 24, 2015

Rolleis have always been built to pretty high standards, unlike some brands of 35mm cameras. Heres's a useful link at Rolleigraphy.org. Pretty good list of worldwide repair shops too.
Www.rolleigraphy.org/repair.php

Rolleicord IV - Worth overhauling and using?

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