Rolleiflex T questions

[bingethink]

I've been lucky enough to have my in-laws gift me their vintage camera collection. One of them is a Rolleiflex T Serial No. 2138949, which I believe makes it a Type 1. It also has a built-in light meter. With it are a large number of accessories including a tripod mount, pano mount, trigger handle, pentaprism, various lens adaptors and film backs.

The first thing I'd like to get done is to get the grey leather replaced. It's peeling in places, the small one beneath the lower lens dried out and just about hanging on, and someone in the past has cut the top off the panel covering the rear of the camera. Any idea who sells replacement leather in the original grey?

I was maybe a bit to keen and loaded a roll of film. Now I'm wondering if it's working correctly as I can't detect a difference in shutter speeds. The lens looks great but the internal mirror needs a clean. I guess it's going to need a service just make sure everything is functioning as it should.

Thanks for any hints and tips in advance.

 

[Dan Daniel]

There area few places to contact about replacement covering. I'll just list names and you can search for hits- cameraleather, hugo studio, aki asahi.

If the shutter is at one speed, wait on doing the leather. To get things worked on involves removing parts of the leather, so wait until you have a functioning camera. Or have the repair shop install the new coverings.

You should be able to tell between 1/8 and 1/125 of course. If there isn't a difference, open the back and look through the lens while firing to see if it is even opening. Might very well be that it simply isn't getting cocked. Keep firing the shutter at different settings for a bit; sometimes a little exercise can get it working again.

Don't worry about the mirror for now. It's an easy replacement and there are more important concerns. As with the leather, best done as part of servicing.

I think that you should see if you can get the camera working enough to run a test roll.

Great lens on the T. The only Rolleiflex you will need if it is working.

 

[Down Under]

The 'grey' Rolleiflex T was the first model in this series, and dates to 1957 or 1958. The later models had black leather trim. Either are (is?) equally good.

The 80/3.5 Tessar is a wonder. Truly beautiful definition. Great mid tones. Much more character than the later Schneiders or Zeiss lenses on the 'pro' models. The T's Tessar is an updated version of the original Tessar on the Rolleiflex Automat series from the late 1930s to the mid-'50s. A much improved lens overall.

I own two Ts from the mid 1960s (I bought mine in the 1990s before they became 'collectibles' and prices went through the ceiling in Australia) and I still use them often. Does your lot of accessories include the 16 exposure kit? If so it will 'up' your number of images per roll by 25% without any significant loss of quality from the smaller format as the 4.5x5 images on the '16' kit are from the center of the lens, so with a little care in shooting all will be rock-sharp with most excellent definition. They will be a joy to print and 8x10s are as sharp as contact prints.

Dan's advice is spot-on as always. The shutter needs a good CLA. Have it done by a reputable tech and your new T baby will most likely outlast you. I reckon my two will go on shooting long after I'm gone.

Fortunately for me, the (black) covering on my two Ts is almost as new and I've not had to worry about replacing the leather(ette). Others have already advised on this so you must know by now what options you have to replace it. Whether or not you replace it, the camera itself is a fine precision instrument and you will never regret using it for your photography.

 

[bingethink]

Thanks for the replies. I've got a roll that I'll get processed to see the first shots it's taken in 30+ years come out. From the links finding correct colour leather might be a challenge as the T is not listed, but I'll ask.

I will certainly get it serviced, there is a distinct different between the faster and slower shutter speeds, but after it's extended stay in storage it deserved it. The light meter appears to work, just need to know how to use it.

 

[Dan Daniel]

I am pretty certain that Cameraleather has the T pattern; I think I got a set 10 year ago. The only thing to watch wherever you get it from is taht the curved piece below the lens is a bit ofa compound curve so the material will need a little stretch or help to sit smoothly.

And in case you wonder, the covering is not a light seal, so you can use the camera without any on if you'd like.

And I wouldn't get too stuck on the gray. Most Ts were done in black. And there are many other colors out there.

 

[bingethink]

Thanks Dan.

 

[JPD]

I am pretty certain that Cameraleather has the T pattern; I think I got a set 10 year ago. The only thing to watch wherever you get it from is taht the curved piece below the lens is a bit ofa compound curve so the material will need a little stretch or help to sit smoothly.

It could have been Cameraleather that used to have pictures to explain how to attach the leather(ette) on that spot. Most links on his page don't work at the moment.

 

[dpurdy]

You sure the leather can;t be cleaned and conditioned and reglued?