Rolleiflex 3.5A Viewfinder

DannyC71 · Sep 11, 2024

Dan here, brand new to the forum.

I just picked up what I’m sure is a 3.5A (s/n 1207002), and not in the greatest condition. The body itself seems okay, but the viewfinder itself has some damage and can’t open correctly, all the glass was busted up as well. Glass replacement seems easy, but I would like to know is how specific do I need to be in searching for a viewfinder. There was also a loose roller that I think fits into the front spring looking thing that would be behind the nameplate.

I’m not at all new to photography or even owning a TLR, but this is uncharted for me. Thanks in advance.

Dan Daniel · Sep 11, 2024

Can you give photos that show overviews, not close-ups? It's hard to get oriented as to where the problem is, etc.

Yes, finders have subtle changes over time. Most likely a finder from an MX or MX-EVS will work. You'd need to do measurements for C and D finders. E finders have definite changes as the meter block is accomodated.

DannyC71 · Sep 11, 2024

Dan Daniel said:
Can you give photos that show overviews, not close-ups? It's hard to get oriented as to where the problem is, etc.

Yes, finders have subtle changes over time. Most likely a finder from an MX or MX-EVS will work. You'd need to do measurements for C and D finders. E finders have definite changes as the meter block is accomodated.

Thanks for the info on other finders.

Here are some that show the camera with the viewfinder attached. In one where I'm holding it that's as far as it opens and then it starts pushing on the nameplate. there's a bend in the frame and the hinge is bent as well and won't go onto, I guess I'll call it an axel of some sort. You can see it on the second pic in my original post. There's also a on there that kid of looks like a small leaf spring, for lack of a better despcription, and my guess is that the loose roller fits into that. I only paid $110 for this camera so I definitely wasn't expecting it to not have a couple issues.

Dan Daniel · Sep 11, 2024

That focus hood looks like it might be from a metered camera, hard to say.

That smash on the front left corner is a bit of a killer. Can you see if there is a cracked or broken tab of cast metal inside that corner?

Talk about what you want from this camera. You can search for a replacement hood. this will run maybe $50-100? I don't really know, but you aren't the only one looking for one! BUT- you can rip off the flappy parts of the hood and keep the frame intact that screws into the body and holds the focusing screen in place. Then drop in something like a Hasselblad chimney finder. A bit clunky but actually very nice to use.

Well, it really depends on how you see using this camera.

DannyC71 · Sep 11, 2024

Not a bad suggestion, thanks. Most of what I'm seeing online is pretty pricey and I'm not even sure if they fit, but I'll look into the Hasselblad chimney finder.

Dan Daniel · Sep 11, 2024

Like this- https://www.ebay.com/itm/126643282309

Those early 1950s Xenars are nice lenses.

JPD · Sep 12, 2024

That's an ~~ugly camera~~ interesting project. The newer, removable, finders won't work. A finder from an older Rolleicord (Ia, II, III and IV) will probably fit, but it would make the camera look like an obvious Franken-Rollei.

That leather needs a good cleaning and polish.

DannyC71 · Sep 12, 2024

JPD said:
That's an ~~ugly camera~~ interesting project. The newer, removable, finders won't work. A finder from an older Rolleicord (Ia, II, III and IV) will probably fit, but it would make the camera look like an obvious Franken-Rollei.

That leather needs a good cleaning and polish.

Yeah it definitely needs a good cleaning inside and out. As far as looking like a Franken-Rollei, function over form.

DannyC71 · Sep 20, 2024

Found a junk "Automat 6x6 - Model RF 111A" for like $68, and the viewfinder fits!

JPD · Sep 22, 2024

DannyC71 said:
Found a junk "Automat 6x6 - Model RF 111A" for like $68, and the viewfinder fits!

Good! Please show us the camera when it's been cleaned and the new finder mounted.

btaylor · Sep 22, 2024

Dan Daniel said:
Those early 1950s Xenars are nice lenses.

Yes! I have two, one in my Rolleicord Va and one in my Automat. They have made some of my favorite images. Can’t really put my finger on it, but there is a smoothness to their rendering that I find most attractive.

DannyC71 · Sep 22, 2024

JPD said:
Good! Please show us the camera when it's been cleaned and the new finder mounted.

I ordered new leather for it, and in dark green just to be different. The interior has a lot of dust that needs to be cleared out.

JPD · Sep 22, 2024

DannyC71 said:
I ordered new leather for it, and in dark green just to be different. The interior has a lot of dust that needs to be cleared out.

A sharp lens on a sharp dressed camera. Did you take the new finder into account when you ordered the new leather?

DannyC71 · Oct 15, 2024

Well the new leather was black, and it looks good, just don't look too close, but not a bad job for a first try. Definitely could have taken my time more.

DannyC71 · Oct 15, 2024

JPD said:
A sharp lens on a sharp dressed camera. Did you take the new finder into account when you ordered the new leather?

Actually found a proper one for only $80, all the way from India no less.

JPD · Oct 16, 2024

That looks good.
You can make new leather(ette) look a little less obvious on a camera with a lot of wear by polishing it a little with shoe polish.

DannyC71 · Nov 12, 2024

I have a roll of Kentmere 400 loaded, hopefully some images sometime soon.

DannyC71 · Nov 12, 2024

JPD said:
That looks good.
You can make new leather(ette) look a little less obvious on a camera with a lot of wear by polishing it a little with shoe polish.

Thanks.

Rolleiflex 3.5A Viewfinder

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