Rolleiflex 3.5A

ymc226 · Aug 26, 2023

Wanting to try a Tessar lens, I bought a 3.5A in excellent cosmetic condition. The leather case was also very clean as well as the inside film chamber so I suspect the camera sat unused for decades and decades. The shutter release is sticky so it does not spring back. Shining a light through the taking lens, it seems quite clean. What I can see of the viewing lens is good as well although the brightness is quite dark when I use the waist level finder. So much so that I can see mostly the center with the periphery quite dark. I definitely need to use the magnifier to focus. Coming from a 2.8F and 3.5F with Ultrabright screens from Magicflex which are very bright, is this "darker" viewfinder normal? Attached is a picture of the viewfinder demonstrating the brightness aspect. Also, on the winding crank side, top right, there seems to be a raised area of leatherette being pushed out by something underneath. I don't have this on my later model Rolleiflexes. Is this also normal?

I do plan on sending the camera in for a cleaning and adjustment but would like this forum's opinions.

btaylor · Aug 26, 2023

Great looking Rolleiflex!
Yes, the older viewing screens are somewhat dim (especially to my old eyes), but they can also be dirty after all these years. Additionally, the front surface mirror below it often degrades- replacements are inexpensive. You can also upgrade the screen to something brighter of course.
The bumps under the leather are often called “Zeiss bumps”, it’s corrosion between the screw heads and the leather. It’s easily taken care of by your repair person. Looks like a nice find, a little tune up and it will take fine photos again.

ymc226 · Aug 27, 2023

I have another basic question that I tried to find but couldn’t. With the F series I use straps with the alligator type ends that grasp the nailhead like attachment. The 3.5A has a slot instead. What specific attachment does this Rolleiflex use?

JPD · Aug 27, 2023

ymc226 said:
I have another basic question that I tried to find but couldn’t. With the F series I use straps with the alligator type ends that grasp the nailhead like attachment. The 3.5A has a slot instead. What specific attachment does this Rolleiflex use?

Use nylon one of this type:

These old ones of leather are not secure anymore:

https://live.staticflickr.com/1038/1453692029_ce99516abb_n.jpg

JPD · Aug 27, 2023

And yes, even if the mirror is clean and in very good condition, these older Rolleiflexes use a ground glass that naturally is darker than the the F screen with fresnel. During mid-production of the 3,5A they made changes to the viewing hood so it could accept the Rolleigrid fresnel lens accessory. It has a clear spot in the centre. It looks like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/403915815746 (I think the seller wants too much for it)

I don't know if your camera can fit it, and be beware that I've seen sellers claiming the F screen to be a "Rolleigrid", so it's important to know what they look like.

If you replace the screen with an aftermarket one, it's a good to save the old gg screen if you sell the camera, because many collectors want the original screen.

Rolleiflexible · Aug 27, 2023

ymc226 said:
Also, on the winding crank side, top right, there seems to be a raised area of leatherette being pushed out by something underneath. I don't have this on my later model Rolleiflexes. Is this also normal?

No. It could be the adhesive but it may also be corrosion. Have it attended to when you send it in for cleaning.

And do not trust leather straps. They will wear at the slot and fail one day. I speak from experience.

JPD · Aug 27, 2023

Rolleiflexible said:
No. It could be the adhesive but it may also be corrosion. Have it attended to when you send it in for cleaning.

I have seen that some of these cameras have a thin rectangular piece of brass/bronze there to cover the cutout for the thingy there that keeps the frame number disk in place. Probably to protect it from bumps and adhesive. Corrosion on that plate would make it stand out more.

Screenshot, borrowed from a video by Chris Sherlock. The camera (of the same model) he serviced had one.

ymc226 · Aug 27, 2023

Thank you for all the replies. The raised area is actually rectangular, approximately 1 1/8" x 5/8" so JPD, you may be right! Hopefully the corrosion will be easily taken care of and the leather can be reused as overall the camera is quite well preserved. A Rick Oleson Brightscreen MP has been ordered as I would like a center micro prism to help with focus over the plain and very bright Ultrabright screens from MagicFlex which do not have any focusing aids. I will get a strap with the nylon ends as recommended. Attached are more photos. Let me know if any more issues are seen.

JPD · Aug 27, 2023

It looks good to me. Is the serial number all there? I can only see 125.

Rolleiflexible · Aug 27, 2023

One last thing: shoot a roll before sending it off to the tech, to make sure the lens focuses properly. The Automat Opton Tessar lens elements were assembled using a glue that can fail, resulting in misalignment that visibly blurs the image. Chances are yours is okay. But if it needs attention, better to have it done all at once if possible.

ymc226 · Aug 27, 2023

JPD said:
It looks good to me. Is the serial number all there? I can only see 125.

The serial number is intact but I just obscured the last few numbers; just being my usual paranoid internet self

ymc226 · Aug 27, 2023

Rolleiflexible said:
One last thing: shoot a roll before sending it off to the tech, to make sure the lens focuses properly. The Automat Opton Tessar lens elements were assembled using a glue that can fail, resulting in misalignment that visibly blurs the image. Chances are yours is okay. But if it needs attention, better to have it done all at once if possible.

Thanks Sanders for the recommendation; will go outside as it is sunny and finish a roll off to assess focus.

Rolleiflexible · Aug 27, 2023

ymc226 said:
Thanks Sanders for the recommendation; will go outside as it is sunny and finish a roll off to assess focus.

That will also show you whether you have any film transport or spacing issues.

Rolleiflex 3.5A

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