Rolleicord IV - Worth overhauling and using?

Steve Smith · Dec 24, 2015

Sirius Glass said:
Almost all used cameras will require a CLA when one first gets it.

My experience has been the opposite of this. Perhaps I have just been lucky!

Steve.

CropDusterMan · Dec 24, 2015

When it comes to old cameras, I believe in a full rebuild, as mentioned above with Fleenor.
I used the term CLA, but mine was a complete O/H...I LOVE IT.

And I agree, Harry will give you the straight dope.

R.Gould · Dec 24, 2015

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

In my experiance it is very rare that an old camera needs a CLA, I think that I have only bought 2 or 3, and I have a large collection of classic cameras that I use, have needed attention when bought
Richard

pschwart · Dec 24, 2015

Rolleicord IIIs and IVs are great cameras, but since they are far less desired by collectors, they can be had in excellent condition for not much over $100 USD. In my experience, old Rolleiflexes almost always need a CLA, and Rolleicords frequently do not since mechanically they are far simpler. I seen Rolleicords with lens fungus from poor storage, but not many that are not fully functional. A new screen would be nice, but then you will end up spending for the screen and to have the focus adjusted.

BrianShaw · Dec 24, 2015

The take-up issue indicates that the tension roller needs servicing. After overhaul of my Rolliecords the were good for 15 to 20 years of reliable service.

marcmarc said:
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.

marcmarc · Dec 24, 2015

BrianShaw said:
The take-up issue indicates that the tension roller needs servicing. After overhaul of my Rolliecords the were good for 15 to 20 years of reliable service.

I see you are in LA too Brian. Where did you go for service?

marcmarc · Dec 24, 2015

Oceanside Camera is actually within driving distance for me. I did call Harry to get a ball park figure and his quotes were pretty much in line with my first estimate but I also see lots of folks who spent in the $400-$600 range for their overhauls. Harry would of course have to look at mine for a specific estimate.

BrianShaw · Dec 24, 2015

Precision Camera Repair in Thousand Oaks. It was a long time ago and they had a Rolleicord trained repairman who loved TLRs. They still exist but I haven't used them in a long time.

marcmarc said:
I see you are in LA too Brian. Where did you go for service?

Sirius Glass · Dec 24, 2015

marcmarc said:
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.

It sounds to me that it needs more TLC than it can get from lubrication alone. I would recommend biting the bullet and getting it done.

Sirius Glass · Dec 24, 2015

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

Steve Smith said:
My experience has been the opposite of this. Perhaps I have just been lucky!

Steve.

R.Gould said:
In my experiance it is very rare that an old camera needs a CLA, I think that I have only bought 2 or 3, and I have a large collection of classic cameras that I use, have needed attention when bought
Richard

I should have qualified that. Any camera I got from a store has not needed a CLA. Nor have cameras that had been in regular usage up to when I bought them. Any camera that had been not used for years needed a CLA.

Rolleicord IV - Worth overhauling and using?

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