Rolleiflex 3,5f Shutter Release

[RolleiT]

I have a Rolleiflex 3,5f Type 2 which was serviced several years ago in the UK. I didn't notice before but when I fire the shutter, the shutter release button slowly rises back into position, not as quick as the release on my Rolleiflex T. Is this a common thing with this model of Rolleiflex?

 

[radialMelt]

It's been a while since I had my 3.5F but if I recall correctly, no, the shutter button released exactly as you would expect, with no resistance. Sounds like yours is maybe a touch dirty, or needs lubricant? If it isn't causing issues I wouldn't worry about it personally. These things are getting up there in years!

 

[Dan Daniel]

Nothing to worry about, as radialMelt said. It isn't ideal, of course. Unlike the T which has a strong spring specific to the shutter release, the F's shutter release sits at one end of three more levers with a single fairly weak spring acting to return it upwards. Not unusal for dirt of grease to get into this path over the years.

You can do some light naphtha on the button and press it in and out a few times to clean the shutter itself. A little naphtha on a cotton swab isa good way to apply a bit- don't try to wring out the swab on the button! There is nothing directly behind the button to be hurt, but not a good idea to flood the insides. Afterwards a very small drop or two of light oil at the base, work it, then wipe away might help. Other than this, you need to open it up and most likely remove the shutter to access the lever most likely to be dirty; I wouldn't recommend that.

 

[RolleiT]

Interesting and helpful responses, thank you Dan and radialMelt. I have a little Yamaha instrument oil and l will try working a little into the release button, thanks.

 

[rulnacco]

Hopefully, giving it a bit of lubrication will sort out your shutter release.

This won't (fully) solve your problem, although it might help a little: if you don't have one already, I'd recommend putting an Abrahamsson Mini Softie on your Rolleiflex. They aren't exactly cheap at $20 US--you can find Chinese knockoffs on eBay--but they're made to a high standard in a variety of colors. And buying one benefits Tuulikki Abrahamsson, the widow of the legendary Tom A. of RapidWinder fame. I have one that lives on my 2.8F

They make shooting handheld at slow shutter speeds with the Rollei a lot easier, and it's more comfortable in general to crook the first joint of your index finger over the soft release and squeeze gently than to use the unadorned shutter release. If lubricating the shutter release doesn't get the button to pop back out fully or quickly, you could probably use the soft release to ease it the rest of the way out more efficiently when necessary.

Go with the Mini, not the Regular, as on some medium format cameras, the larger release can contact the body, interfering with the travel of the shutter button. I've found the Mini to be pretty much ideal on my Rolleiflex and Hasselblad 500CM.

 

[dave olson]

Not a biggie. I always use a short cable release. Works fine.