Rolleiflex Shutter Problems...

[Ara Ghajanian]

Hey gang,
I have a Rolleiflex TLR that has a very inaccurate shutter, so much so that I don't want to use it until I have it fixed. The longer shutter speeds stay open for a long time (I'm talking seconds). Can this be repaired or is this something I have to deal with?

Also, does anyone have a Rollei TLR with a Beattie interscreen? The screen that's presently on it is very dark and difficult to focus.
Thanks,
Ara

 

[noblebeast]

Ara,

It sounds like the Rollei just needs a good CLA. Before that you can always try "exercising" the shutter - repeatedly cocking and firing it to see if it starts loosening up. I have "repaired" a few leaf shutters with that method. The professional cleaning usually runs in the eighty to ninety dollar range, give or take a few bucks. Well worth it for such a nice camera.

Maybe someone else has some experience with the Beattie screen, I can't offer an opinion on that one.

Joe

 

[Claire Senft]

My guess too.

I also would guess that it may well be gummed up from old lube. While execising may make it functional, a CLA may still be worth money for your own pieco of mind and the longevity of the instrument. Rollei TLR's seem to last as long as M leicas.

 

[rbarker]

Nah, it's a goner, Ara. Just send it to me for proper disposal.

 

[ian_greant]

best to send it out for a cleaning.. although if you are a procrastinator like me and just use it anyway, it just might work itself loose.. like my RolleiCord did.

cheers,
Ian

 

[Ara Ghajanian]

Nah, it's a goner, Ara. Just send it to me for proper disposal.

Ralph,
Should I send it UPS or FedEx?

Seriously though, that's what I had figured too: a good CLA. It's good to know that it's a common problem with a simple remedy. Now if I can only find someone in the area who I'd trust with my cameras...
Ara

 

[Barney]

What to do with your Rollei TLR

I would highly recommend Harry Fleenor, "Oceanside Camera Repair", 909 Aviation Blvd., #4, Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266. Phone: (310) 374-6506. He has a nice website. Do a Google search, it is easy to find. I have used his services twice. His work is excellent! His ethics cannot be exceeded! He stands by his warranty! He is very professional, nice, and accommodating. He worked on my Rollei 2.8F TLR for a film Transport and a Shutter overhaul. Almost to the day at the end of the Warranty the 1/15 sec shutter speed was not right. I called, sent the camera to him, and he fixed the Camera under Warranty. The only money I spent was for the shipping both ways. You will not go wrong using his services. I talked to him yesterday, and he told me he was backed up about 4 weeks. Good Luck.

Barney

 

[Jeanne]

Richard Ritter in Vermont did that same job for me. He's quick and does wonderful work -- I send him all my shutters. He's also very close to you!

Here's his website, with contact info:

http://www.lg4mat.net

 

[ooze]

I have replaced the screen of my Rolleiflex TLR with a Beattie screen and there is no comparison. IMO, the camera is almost useless with the original screen. The Beattie screen is bright and focusing is easy.

 

[rbarker]

Ralph,
Should I send it UPS or FedEx?

FedEx, please. The local UPS guy might open the box to play with the camera.

 

[Zathras]

Hey gang,
I have a Rolleiflex TLR that has a very inaccurate shutter, so much so that I don't want to use it until I have it fixed. The longer shutter speeds stay open for a long time (I'm talking seconds). Can this be repaired or is this something I have to deal with?

Also, does anyone have a Rollei TLR with a Beattie interscreen? The screen that's presently on it is very dark and difficult to focus.
Thanks,
Ara

Hi Ara,

I have a Rolleiflex 2.8E that had the same shutter problem as yours. A CLA cured the problem. This camera had the Beattie Intenscreen in it when I bought it, and it is a HUGE improvement over the original screen. The improvement is so dramatic, that I am thinking of putting a Beattie screen into another old Rollei that I have.

Mike Sullivan

 

[Allan Swindles]

Ara,
Try leaving the camera in a warm airing cupboard for a while (12 hours or so). If it's a lube. problem this should highlight it. The slow speeds should improve with repeated use. Not a substitute for a good CLA though!
Regards - Allan.

 

[tommygunatkins]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but...

I've got a shutter problem too, and I'm confused. It's not that the shutter speads are slow; just the shutter doesn't seam to fire at all!

I'm using a 2.8e, and everything seams fine with this exception. I load film and advance the crank and cock the shutter, but when I press it nothing happens. Behind the lens, the shutter leaves don't move, although the diaphram for the aperture stops up and down fine, the shutter spead bezel isn't stuck and the overall condition of the camera is fine. Is there some look I'm overlooking, or if not, will a pro CLA clean sort it?

Let me know what you think!

TGA

 

[JPD]

will a pro CLA clean sort it?

Yes.

It could be many things. Maybe the crank fails to cock the shutter. Maybe the the shutter just fails to open the blades. Maybe the escapement is broken (then maybe you can hear a quiet "tsching" when you press the shutter release), or the main spring.

 

[Rolleiflexible]

I've got a shutter problem too, and I'm confused. It's not that the shutter speads are slow; just the shutter doesn't seam to fire at all!

I'm using a 2.8e, and everything seams fine with this exception. I load film and advance the crank and cock the shutter, but when I press it nothing happens. Behind the lens, the shutter leaves don't move, although the diaphram for the aperture stops up and down fine, the shutter spead bezel isn't stuck and the overall condition of the camera is fine. Is there some look I'm overlooking, or if not, will a pro CLA clean sort it?

Let me know what you think!

TGA

Are you sure the shutter release guard is not engaged?

Have you tried to fire the shutter with a shutter cable?

See this URL for the 2.8E manual -- the schematic will
show you the location of the release guard. (It is the
lever attached to the shutter button assembly.)

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rolleiflex_28e/rolleiflex_28e.htm

 

[elekm]

Even a tiny amount of moisture -- whether it be grease, oil or condensation -- can prevent the shutter blades from opening.

The aperture blades are controlled separately and aren't linked to the shutter blades.

Discounting physical damage to the shutter, routine service should restore the camera to working condition.

 

[ic-racer]

I had an Intenscreen in a Rollei for a while, but it was difficult to focus and I went back to the original screen. If your screen is very dark, perhaps you have only a ground glass and no fresnel (is this an early model?)

 

[Figital Revolution]

I had my 2.8F serviced by Krimar Photo in NJ. Great job, fast, very fair and lots of experience. He installs the Maxwell screens which are quite amazing.

Link: http://www.krimarphoto.com/

 

[mattk]

I second the recommendation for Krikor. I sent him a 2.8E and had an estimate the day he had the camera in his hands. Complete CLA and a focus adjustment as well as overall cleaning of the mirror etc. 7 day turnaround. Very pleased!

 

[Paul Goutiere]

Inside the Rolleiflex cameras is hidden a very nice "Compur" shutter. I don't know about the more recent Rolleis but for certain my two old geezers have this shutter. They respond very well to a
good CLA. The film advance should have a CLA as well.

 

[ic-racer]

Inside the Rolleiflex cameras is hidden a very nice "Compur" shutter. I don't know about the more recent Rolleis but for certain my two old geezers have this shutter. They respond very well to a
good CLA. The film advance should have a CLA as well.

New ones also!

I do have the "Compur" repair manual that would cover these Rollei shutters and would consider PDFing it if there was interest. Its about 25 pages.

 

[Dipo]

ic-racer, I'd love to have the manual since I'm having troubles getting the 1/25 and less setting to work. I have a Rolleiflex 2.8B, which is quite good, but the shutter been giving me trobules.

Cheers

New ones also!

I do have the "Compur" repair manual that would cover these Rollei shutters and would consider PDFing it if there was interest. Its about 25 pages.

 

[ricksplace]

My recommendation is a full-through CLA. That includes shutter (new springs if needed), film transport, lens collimating (sp?) and full internal cleaning. I had my Rolleiflex T done about two years ago. Everything is still butter smooth. It works like a new camera, and probably will for the next 40 years.

Rick

 

[Jeff L]

Dipo,
Can you post a photo of your 2.8B?Is that the one with the Biotar?

 

[NormanV]

I bought a Nikon F cheap as the shutter was not working on slow speeds. After lots of 'practice' shots it is now fine. Lack of use seems to be the worst problem for many shutters.