Rolleiflex

FM2N · Dec 17, 2014

Hello all. Would love it if you could let me know how I did? was able to pick this up today in a NYC thrift. Only things not in the photo is the Rollei pistol grip and the flag bulb attachment. Speeds are on the money and the lenses are clean and clear. Paid $750.
Thanks
Arthur

bdial · Dec 17, 2014

Looks like you did pretty well.
Even though everything seems well, you may want to consider a CLA. Even though the shutter looks ok, there are a lot of other gears and bits that could need attention.

FM2N · Dec 17, 2014

Thanks.Who is the man or woman to send it out to?

snapguy · Dec 17, 2014

Beautiful camera. It's a treasure.

FM2N · Dec 17, 2014

Feel so very lucky.

gone · Dec 17, 2014

Wow. I don't think I've spent that much in thrift stores in all my visits combined over 50 years (my preferences are towards the 10 cent books, socks, and stuff like that). Nice looking setup.

mike c · Dec 17, 2014

FM2N said:
Thanks.Who is the man or woman to send it out to?

I'm here on the west coast but there got to be some very qualified people in New york. Off hand the name David Odesy ? I am sure some one from your local will give a better answer.

r-brian · Dec 17, 2014

Try http://krimarphoto.com/ Specializes in Rollei's, one of the last Rollei factory trained people left around. I sent him a 3.5F about 8 years ago with a bad shutter. He rebuilt it, did a CLA and had it back in my hands in about a week. Not bad for mailing it from New Mexico to New Jersey and back. He's not cheap but he's good.

Nick Merritt · Dec 17, 2014

Yes, he is the guy. And if you care to deliver it to him in person, he's right near the Garden State Parkway in (I believe) Elmwood Park. He'll most likely have it done for you in just a couple of days!

gleaf · Dec 17, 2014

Well done and welcome to the TLR world. (T owner)

Oren Grad · Dec 18, 2014

FM2N said:
Thanks.Who is the man or woman to send it out to?

Krikor Maralian (http://www.krimarphoto.com/) and Harry Fleenor (http://rolleirepairs.com/) are the most prominent Rollei specialists in the US. Harry Fleenor overhauled a 3.5E for me a few years back, did a first-rate job as his reputation had led me to expect.

FM2N · Dec 18, 2014

Thanks will give New Jersey a call.

summicron1 · Dec 18, 2014

but if the shutter sounds good, and it's winding smoothly, go ahead and take some pictures with it first. i mean, what the heck, right?

did you check inside and see if there are any service stickers? If it sounds that good, there might be one because it was probably serviced in the not so distant past. Worth checking on before you drop another $400 or so (which is what Fleenor charges, typically.) If you call the shops and give them the serial number, they might even be able to tell if it was in their shop recently.

Richard S. (rich815) · Dec 18, 2014

As for price check here:

Dead Link Removed

Personally, and after using some of the people mentioned for CLA of my Rolleiflexes (I have about 8-9) I'd never use anyone but Harry Fleenor.

BobMarvin · Dec 18, 2014

I also recommend Krimar Marillian, of Krimar Photo. I've used him for repairs on my 2.8E. Not only does he do excellent work, but his repairs are very fast. I've mailed my camera (by express mail) and had it returned (by either Fedex or UPS) in the same week.

flavio81 · Dec 18, 2014

Welcome to the TLR world. You have one of the finest TLRs ever, the best fixed-lens TLR in fact. Now take it a technician for a CLA and then, enjoy!

sjauch · Dec 18, 2014

I've had 3 Rollei's serviced by Krimar over the last two years and they're working great. I'd recommend having it done now while he's still doing this work. Then your camera will be good for the next 20 years.

It also looks like you got a good deal for such a nice camera with all those extras.

eddie · Dec 18, 2014

summicron1 said:
but if the shutter sounds good, and it's winding smoothly, go ahead and take some pictures with it first. i mean, what the heck, right?

A few years ago a family friend gave me a 3.5F, from 1960. It had been stored in an attic from the mid 70's until it was given to me. I shot a few rolls, using a handheld meter, as well as the camera meter. The negatives turned out perfectly. Exposures, and spacing, were fine. I brought it in for a CLA anyway. A few days later they called to tell me the camera was perfect, that no repairs were required. They did clean the lenses, though...
Shoot first, then decide on whether a CLA is necessary.

jstout · Dec 18, 2014

+1 Krimar

FM2N · Dec 18, 2014

Yesd. He is so close and his turn around so fast I will go with him.

jstout said:
+1 Krimar

Axle · Dec 19, 2014

Fantastic! Excellent find and welcome to the Rollei Club (Planar 2.8F here)

FM2N · Dec 19, 2014

Have sent it to Krimar. Great reviews and after talking to him fast service. The other names mentioned either wanted the camera 7-8 weeks or wanted to charge $500.
Thank you all for the input and recommendations. Hope to be able to post a few pics in the very near future.

FM2N · Dec 27, 2014

This great deal has turned into nothing but trouble. Sent it out for a CLA and it gets worse and worse. needs some sort of shutter spring that controls the lower speeds below 30? Have to order from Germany? Can't his be figured out when shutter has not been opened up? Thanks

BrianShaw · Dec 27, 2014

Bummer. Restoring or repairing old stuff is often both difficult and expensive. Always frustrating. If you persist you'll have great fun with that camera.

pgomena · Dec 27, 2014

Don't give up! My Rolleiflex is my favorite camera!

Rolleiflex

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