Rolleiflex GX shutter and aperture dials question

Huss · Apr 1, 2016

So I just picked up this GX, in perfect, like new shape. I tried to resist, but couldn't..

As a 2.8E user, and used to its perfection in every way, I was expecting 'differences'. Mainly in the shutter release action - some say it isn't smooth at all.
The shutter release actually is great! And the feel and finish of the camera is really really nice. But.. while the aperture and shutter dials on my 2.8E and 3.5 MX-EVS turn in delightfully light and precise, umm, precision, it does not do so on the GX. The dials are very stiff. The camera actually looks like it was never used, and the dials have loosened up a little with repeated exercise but I stopped before my fingers started bleeding..
So, stiff dials an issue? Or will they loosen up with use? Focus etc is perfect.

Thanks!

(will cross post on another site)

Theo Sulphate · Apr 1, 2016

Dried lubricants? Maybe needs CLA even if lightly used. When was it made?

Huss · Apr 2, 2016

1989. Never used. Yeah, I'm going to take it to Fleenor on Monday..

Huss · Apr 8, 2016

Fleenor does not work on GX and FX cameras. Only the older series. He recommended a gentleman in San Pedro who works on Rollieflexs, so I called him. Same story.
I'll try Steve's Camera Repair in Culver City tomorrow. It they can't do it I'll be asking for a refund. Fingers crossed because I want to use this.

Huss · May 2, 2016

SUCCESS!!!! Steve's Camera fixed it! Apparently something in the mechanism had become misaligned causing the shutter and aperture dials to bind.
It is now perfect.

So, if you have a 'modern' Rolleiflex, Steve's Camera in Culver City is the place.

ic-racer · May 2, 2016

My guys are envious. I always wanted on of those. Put it to good use.

Huss · May 2, 2016

Thank you, will do.

Huss · May 3, 2016

Gratuitous selfie from the test roll that came back the same day I got the camera back!
(yeah, I shoulda smiled).
Delta 400

dpurdy · May 3, 2016

I guess I got lucky with Harry Fleenor. He has worked on my FX twice. Once I had him adjust the infinity focus and once to overhaul the transport and install the maxwell screen. Maybe it is the new meter style that he is uncomfortable with. Just speculating there.
Dennis

Huss · May 3, 2016

dpurdy said:
I guess I got lucky with Harry Fleenor. He has worked on my FX twice. Once I had him adjust the infinity focus and once to overhaul the transport and install the maxwell screen. Maybe it is the new meter style that he is uncomfortable with. Just speculating there.
Dennis

How long ago was that? He said he could not get parts so would not touch it. (Nor would laflexcamera in San Pedro.)
Harry has been fantastic with my 2.8E and 3.5 MX-EVS

Steve's Camera had no problem opening it up to figure out what was wrong, in case it did not need parts. Which thankfully was the case.

dpurdy · May 3, 2016

Huss said:
How long ago was that? He said he could not get parts so would not touch it. (Nor would laflexcamera in San Pedro.)
Harry has been fantastic with my 2.8E and 3.5 MX-EVS

Steve's Camera had no problem opening it up to figure out what was wrong, in case it did not need parts. Which thankfully was the case.

About 5 years ago I guess. Perhaps mine was the first he had worked on and back then parts were available from Germany. He had no hesitation to work on my camera but maybe that is partly because he had worked on 3 other Rolleis for me. Mine has the brown cowhide and somehow it got damaged when he took it off the winder side. He was able to get a brand new matching piece to replace it. I have had the front cover off my FX a couple of times, it is pretty easy to get it off. Peel back the leather in the four corners to take the screws out and take off the shutter button and flash connection and the whole front cover lifts off. I did that because at that point it is easy to unscrew the front element of the taking lens and blow out any dust.
Dennis

Huss · May 3, 2016

You must have been one of the last. I just heard from another source that Harry Fleenor is directing FX/GX users to Steve's Camera.

Huss · May 6, 2016

Update - Leica Store Lisse, where I bought the camera from,refunded my service costs, no questions asked. Very happy w/ their service.
And their price for the camera was much better than anywhere else.

BrianShaw · May 6, 2016

Huss said:
Gratuitous selfie from the test roll that came back the same day I got the camera back!
(yeah, I shoulda smiled).

Nobody smiles in serious gratuitous selfies. But perhaps you should have used the sport finder!

Huss · May 6, 2016

BrianShaw said:
Nobody smiles in serious gratuitous selfies. But perhaps you should have used the sport finder!

I love the idea of the sport finder! Never used it.. I pre-focused then held it up to my noggin. The focus screen is so much easier to use than on my 2.8 E and 3.5

Rolleiflex GX shutter and aperture dials question

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