Rolleicord Vb Help

[Alan9940]

Seeking a bit of help/advice from all you Rollei TLR owners out there...

Just got a new to me Rolleicord Vb from Igor's Camera Exchange; it's in VERY nice condition. However, I noticed a couple of spots on the front surface of the taking lens so I grabbed my lens cleaning cloth and fluid, and lightly cleaned in small circles like I've done with all my lenses for 40 years. The spots came off easily, but as I was rubbing the element in a circular manner I noticed the front lens element spinning around under my finger! Can't tell ya how much that surprised me!! So, when I was done with the cleaning I used the edge of my fingernail to spin the element in a clockwise direction and it seemed to "lock" into position.

All that said, is this normal? Should I be concerned about this? Do you think it's OK now that I "locked" it back in position? I suppose it could have worked itself loose during the shipping...

Obviously, what I'm concerned about is unsharp images. I don't know a lot about optics, but I gotta believe the elements have to stay put! I called Igor and he didn't seem concerned about it. I'm shooting some film to see how it looks, but would very much appreciate getting a "read" from the APUG community.

Thanks for any help provided.

Best regards,
AlanH

 

[summicron1]

If you turned it to the right until it stopped you should be good. The front elements are in a mount that you can unscrew ... Could have been left loose after a service or just vibrated loose over the years.

 

[250swb]

Or the lens cleaning fluid lubricated the threads. Lens cleaning fluid is evil stuff in any case and shouldn't be used unless in extreme circumstances.

Steve

 

[Alan9940]

Or the lens cleaning fluid lubricated the threads. Lens cleaning fluid is evil stuff in any case and shouldn't be used unless in extreme circumstances.

Steve

I never spray lens cleaning fluid directly on any element; rather I spray a very light amount--just enough to slightly moistened--the corner of a cleaning cloth, and then wipe the glass. Never had any problem doing it this way. If I still lived in the northeast area of the USA, I'd simply exhale on the element for a bit of moisture, then clean. But, living out here in the desert southwest? Moisture is something we don't have!

Best regards,
AlanH

 

[Alan9940]

OK, so I've been doing a little research on the 'net regarding my front lens element. Apparently, the front and rear taking elements unscrew from the shutter just like my LF lenses. Whew! I feel much better that there is nothing wrong with my new camera.

Btw, I just love the little "snick" sound that the shutter makes! Certainly less noticeable than my Hassy or Pentax 67.

Best regards,
AlanH

 

[JPD]

It should be absolutely fine now. The shutter sound is like a quiet part of classical music, compared to the Rock n' Roll sound from a SLR with its slapping mirror.