Rolleiflex 3.5F Winding Crank

Alan9940 · Sep 22, 2016

Just got my new to me Rolleiflex 3.5F in the mail today, loaded up some film, and ran out to expose a few shots before the clouds rolled in. I have no experience with any Rolleiflex so I'm curious to hear from you 'Flex users regarding tension on the winding crank as you wind on the film. Mine seems like it might be a little stiff, but I have no idea what it's supposed to feel like. As a comparison, I'd say the 'Flex is slightly harder to wind on than my Hassy 500C/M or Pentax 67. Is what I've described normal? Or, is it just too hard to know without having the camera in your own hands?

Thanks for any insight provided.

Dan Daniel · Sep 22, 2016

Is this the same with or without film in the camera? Which film?

Did you run the film under the first roller? I assume so because your post isn't, 'Film never stopped in new Rolleiflex!!' but just to be certain....

Alan9940 · Sep 22, 2016

Dan Daniel said:
Is this the same with or without film in the camera? Which film?

Did you run the film under the first roller? I assume so because your post isn't, 'Film never stopped in new Rolleiflex!!' but just to be certain....

The crank turns easily without film in the camera and I didn't notice any particular stiffness when I wound on the film to frame 1. It's Acros 100 and, yes, I did run the film under the first roller and it stopped automatically at frame 1, as expected. I'm guessing that the "stiffness" I'm feeling is simply the feel when pulling the fim/paper backing through the film transport mechanism and that there is nothing wrong with my camera. I really hesitated writing this post because how can one describe a feel? It's not like I have to stand on it or anything. It turns smoothly a half turn and easily a half turn back. That's another thing that threw me for a sec...based on a couple of YouTube videos I watched I wasn't prepared for the short throw of 1/2 turn to wind on and 1/2 back to cock the shutter.

Dan Daniel · Sep 22, 2016

Oh, is the pressure plate set to 120? Inside the back. I'm not certain off-hand if it being set to 135 would increase the pressure.

I don't get a significant increase in pressure with or without film on my Rollei. Well, for some reason TMax 400 drags. Any way, it should not seem 'hard' to wind.

Oh, check for paper inside. I've had the sealing tab get snagged inside both the back and inside the upper film chamber.

Alan9940 · Sep 22, 2016

Dan Daniel said:
Oh, is the pressure plate set to 120? Inside the back. I'm not certain off-hand if it being set to 135 would increase the pressure.

I don't get a significant increase in pressure with or without film on my Rollei. Well, for some reason TMax 400 drags. Any way, it should not seem 'hard' to wind.

Oh, check for paper inside. I've had the sealing tab get snagged inside both the back and inside the upper film chamber.

Yes, the pressure plate is set correctly. I wouldn't say it's hard to wind; not like I have to grab it with multiple fingers and torque on the crank. I think I'll just run a couple of rolls of film through it and if I think it needs to be looked at I'll send it along to Mr. Fleenor.

Thanks for your help.

Huss · Sep 22, 2016

Alan, it doesn't sound like there is anything wrong but it is hard to tell unless you compare it to others of the same. If you are in Los Angeles you can compare against mine that have been serviced by Fleenor.

Alan9940 · Sep 22, 2016

Huss said:
Alan, it doesn't sound like there is anything wrong but it is hard to tell unless you compare it to others of the same. If you are in Los Angeles you can compare against mine that have been serviced by Fleenor.

Thanks, Huss, I'll certainly keep you in mind if I'm heading over your direction.

dpurdy · Sep 22, 2016

The film advance should be nearly effortless. It doesn't sound right to me. Sorry that won't help much.
dennis

jchabalk · Sep 23, 2016

you could see if spinning the film spool with your fingers (without using the crank) while the back is open is difficult. If the mount that holds the spool is bound up or has too much tension on it it could make it difficult to run film through it.

Alan9940 · Sep 23, 2016

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to finish running through this first roll of film, then it's off to Harry.

Rolleiflex 3.5F Winding Crank

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