Rolleiflex Automat waist level finder replacement

[Mike Hiscock]

Hi i have a Rolleiflex automat model 3 (k4b2). the waist level finder was broken beyond repair . where can i get a replacement
for it.

 

[JPD]

The early Automat uses the same finder as the Rolleicord II, so you could buy a spare parts Rolleicord II. Or buy this one:

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[shutterfinger]

the waist level finder was broken beyond repair .

Are you sure no one can fix it?
Post some pictures for a second opinion.

 

[jscott]

Right. As long as metal is not missing, it's simple sheet metal work. Mostly straightening things out, I've found. Some missing areas can be reconstructed using metal epoxy, then painting.

 

[avid1]

The early Automat uses the same finder as the Rolleicord II, so you could buy a spare parts Rolleicord II. Or buy this one:

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Hi, I am in need of one as well. Mine is a Rolleiflex Automat K4B2 model. Does the Rolleicord II's Waist Level Finder fit this model also? You said early Automats, not sure if the K4B2 falls in the early model category. Does anyone here have one that'll fit?
Thanks

 

[JPD]

Hi, I am in need of one as well. Mine is a Rolleiflex Automat K4B2 model. Does the Rolleicord II's Waist Level Finder fit this model also? You said early Automats, not sure if the K4B2 falls in the early model category. Does anyone here have one that'll fit?
Thanks

Yes, if it looks like this: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/76/9a/ff/769aff622aa2cd9dd28e14d004f526c4.jpg then it uses the same finder as the Rolleicord II (except the first Rolleicord II model, that has the F&H logo. It would fit, but look wrong).

 

[avid1]

No, it doesn't look like that. It actually looks like the ones on a Rolleiflex 2.8E. It has three shiny studs on the front face of the WLF, I believe to accommodate the 35mm viewing aid.

 

[JPD]

No, it doesn't look like that. It actually looks like the ones on a Rolleiflex 2.8E. It has three shiny studs on the front face of the WLF, I believe to accommodate the 35mm viewing aid.

Then no, no Rolleicord had that type of finder. Can you post a picture of your camera so I can see exactly what model it is. A few early Automats can be found with the later style of viewing hood, and then they have been "upgraded" or got a spare part one.

 

[avid1]

Then no, no Rolleicord had that type of finder. Can you post a picture of your camera so I can see exactly what model it is. A few early Automats can be found with the later style of viewing hood, and then they have been "upgraded" or got a spare part one.

Yes, this is what my camera looks like. I believe it is the Automat K4B2 variant

 

[JPD]

That's a "K4" (internal factory name) made between October 1949 and May 1951, the first true post-war model. The viewing hood is the correct one for this model, sturdier than the old one, and has a sportsfinder and a better magnifier. If you need a new one, try to find one of the same type. A Rolleicord II or III finder would fit, but that would be a downgrade and make the camera a "Frankenrollei". This example looks so good that making it a Frankenrollei would just be wrong. What's the problem with the finder?

This camera is often called "Rolleiflex 3.5 X" because of the X-sync.

 

[avid1]

That's a "K4" (internal factory name) made between October 1949 and May 1951, the first true post-war model. The viewing hood is the correct one for this model, sturdier than the old one, and has a sportsfinder and a better magnifier. If you need a new one, try to find one of the same type. A Rolleicord II or III finder would fit, but that would be a downgrade and make the camera a "Frankenrollei". This example looks so good that making it a Frankenrollei would just be wrong. What's the problem with the finder?

This camera is often called "Rolleiflex 3.5 X" because of the X-sync.

JPD
Thanks for responding and thanks for identifying the exact model of this camera. I was thinking it is an Automat K4B2 from seeing a photo that looked similar. Rolleiflex model names and variants are confusing as heck. I don't know what they were thinking. In any case, I do not want to make a Frankenrollei out of my camera. I would rather fix it, or try to find a similar 'for parts' model with an intact WLF.

The problem with the WLF is thus............ In a rush to close the WLF, I hurriedly collapsed the hood without making sure the magnifier was locked in place. It immediately got entangled inside, with the rear wall of the hood vying for space with the magnifier. When I tried to open the hood, it wouldn't, so I tried to pull it and something bent. It was finally freed and it works now, but not as perfectly as before. Some of the sheet metal got bent, and so on the way up, the magnifier sticks because of friction with the left wall. It is very obvious when pushing the magnifier back to close the hood. The magnifier platform is outside of the frame of the hood and has to be gently pushed to the right to get it on track. Also, when the hood is in the open state, the front sports finder window creates a gap and the mirror behind it rattles. The 4 images will explain the situation better.

It works and keeps on taking great photos, but I would rather it be as good as it was before I damaged it. So I am looking for a proper replacement WLF. I don't want to go straightening sheet metal 'cause I might damage it further.

 

[JPD]

Yes, there are many models of Rollei TLRs, and some collector's books and sites can add to the confusion when they have their own naming schemes. It's worse, though, with the Rolleicords. The best books are the Rollei Report 1 and 2, for the TLRs. They are in German, though.

Good pictures. I wouldn't have dared to try to bend and straightening the sheet metal parts either. I have looked on eBay, but couldn't find a matching WLF, but they do show up there from time to time. Most of the good ones sit on cameras that are also in good shape. Another alternative is to send the camera for repair. Then it's under warranty in case something goes wrong. A plus is that the finder looks good, so having it fixed so that it works as it should would probably be better than buying an ugly spare.

 

[ic-racer]

Looks like an easy fix.

 

[avid1]

JPD and ic-racer, I hope you both are right that this can be (easily) fixed to its original state. I would rather do that than to append a part from another camera. If anyone has an idea who could do sheet metal work like this, please advise me. Thanks.

 

[Dan Daniel]

JPD and ic-racer, I hope you both are right that this can be (easily) fixed to its original state. I would rather do that than to append a part from another camera. If anyone has an idea who could do sheet metal work like this, please advise me. Thanks.

Contact Glass Key phoot in San Francisco- https://www.glasskeyphoto.com/

They deal with a lot of older cameras and know a few people who might take on this work. It's really just a question of getting a proper hold, making certain and bending happens in the proper place, and being 'firm but gentle.'

If they can't help, drop me a DM.

 

[outwest]

Any ideas for a replacement pop up magnifier for a 2.8C?

 

[Dan Daniel]

Any ideas for a replacement pop up magnifier for a 2.8C?

Magnifier from either another Rollei (including 'Cord, same size) or from a Minolta Autocord. Build a couple of ear tabs on the sides and make a small hole for the tabs on the rack.

 

[avid1]

Contact Glass Key phoot in San Francisco- https://www.glasskeyphoto.com/

They deal with a lot of older cameras and know a few people who might take on this work. It's really just a question of getting a proper hold, making certain and bending happens in the proper place, and being 'firm but gentle.'

If they can't help, drop me a DM.

Much thanks for the reference, Dan. Let me call them Tuesday. If they can't help, I will DM you.