Rolleiflex SL35: Near Mint Condition....But....

[ic-racer]

I picked up this nice Rolleiflex Sl35 with a non-functioning wind lever.

I thought it was interesting because, rather than indicating "Made in Germany" or "Made in Singapore," this one has a sticker on it that reads:

Assembled in Singapore of parts made in Germany and Singapore

 

[ic-racer]

I sometimes wonder what is the smallest part without which the camera cannot function?

In this case, there is a 0.2mm spring that holds the ratchet pawl against the teeth so the wind lever can advance the film and cock the shutter.

Without the spring the pawl does not engage and the advance lever moves freely. As in the case of this camera as you can see the spring is missing in the photograph below.

 

[ic-racer]

Thankful for a 'parts camera' that can donate the spring.

 

[ic-racer]

After replacing that spring, I can cock the shutter and start testing the camera.

Turns out the slow speeds were way off. So, out came the escapement and...what? Another missing spring.

So the parts camera had to donated another spring.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Well done!

Working with springs takes courage and determination

 

[bernard_L]

Working with springs takes courage and determination

Plus, good eyes and a flashlight to find them on the floor.

 

[ic-racer]

For fun I re-created the pawl spring with a guitar 0.009" E string and put it in the parts camera. It actually works!