Rolleiflex 3.5F model 4 Planar

[campy51]

I looked at one today but couldn't pull the trigger because it needed shutter cleaning and the meter is not accurate. The rear door leather is also discolored in spots but otherwise very nice condition. What would the most you would pay for one? If I didn't have a 2.8E I probably could have convinced myself to buy it. Do you think a CLA would be more than $200?

 

[jeffbennett]

If what the camera needs is a basic shutter CLA, you should be able to get it done for $200 or less. I have used ProCamera in Charlottesburg, VA for a number of ROllei CLAs, and they have been in the $150-175 range, plus return shipping. On the other hand, if the camera needs a complete tear down with all old lubricants removed, worn parts replaced, lenses collimated and everything relubed and adjusted, you are likely looking at $500 plus or minus. I have had that done to two Rolleis by two different techs.

As to what I would pay for a 3.5F type 4 (or type 3, which has the same 6 element Planar), I would say somewhere in the $1100 or so range, assuming that it was in excellent condition with everything working. I will say that I am picky about condition, and I have bought all of my Rolleis (well over a dozen over the last 15 years) online without being able to check them in person. As a point of reference, in the last month I picked up a type 3 in really excellent condition, with Maxwell screen and a very recent extensive Fleenor overhaul, for $1390. But for me the Fleenor service and Maxwell screen add easily $300 in value.

This is all pretty subjective. I would take a little value off for the meter, but in reality, the acceptance angle of the Rollei meter is so wide that you are far better off with a decent hand held meter.

 

[NB23]

To me, saving a rollei is priceless.

 

[campy51]

I bought the camera and have a roll in it now. What I didn't notice initially was the white depth of field indicator is not working and now with a roll in it the film advance is pretty stiff. I also didn't see that the exposure compensation was set at 2 and now the meter seems to be just about dead on with my L-508.