Rolliflex 3.5f Tessar Question

CremedeCreme · Aug 3, 2019

I am vacating in Hong Kong and found a rolliflex in a local market. The camera is in pretty bad damage, and there seems to have mole inside the camera. I saw dots inside the film compartment. The waist finder is really bright and clear though. However, the gentlemen is selling the camera for about 150 USD. I am wonder if it is even worth it given the position since I think I would have to repair it. Unfortunately I am unable to get the pictures in the interior. Any help will be appreciated

mike c · Aug 3, 2019

I would pass on it.There could be mold threw out the camera.

KN4SMF · Aug 3, 2019

I would be afraid of etching of the front lens surface, which can appear as a crystal-clear lens, yet have a severe case of incurable cataracts. Mold in a camera otherwise is not so bad. That can be cleaned. I'd pass. Unless you know what to look for very well.

CremedeCreme · Aug 3, 2019

KN4SMF said:
I would be afraid of etching of the front lens surface, which can appear as a crystal-clear lens, yet have a severe case of incurable cataracts. Mold in a camera otherwise is not so bad. That can be cleaned. I'd pass. Unless you know what to look for very well.

Ahh, how can you tell for etching for front lens like in general? I was thinking about getting it and repairing it in hong kong since the CLA and repair are relatively cheap compare to the states.

JPD · Aug 3, 2019

Really bad water damage. The whole camera needs to be taken apart, cleaned and polished, and many parts would probably need to be replaced from a parts camera. It would be better to make this a parts camera.

JensH · Aug 3, 2019

Hej,

this is not a 3,5F!
It's a 3,5T.

Jens

Ian Grant · Aug 3, 2019

Expensive for its condition.

Ian

guangong · Aug 3, 2019

Most likely insides as bad as outsides. If camera spent life in unairconditioned Hong Kong environment, I would pass. In view of expense to overhaul a Rolleiflex, I would save my pennies and buy from a reputable dealer. There are several good dealers in Hong Kong, but keep in mind that their Chinese customers prefer “mint” and won’t be bargains. But you would be cheated.

removedacct1 · Aug 3, 2019

The 3.5T isn’t worth $150 usd. In fact, I would hesitate to pay more than $50 for a Rolleiflex T in that condition. The shutter speed/aperture link mechanism is notorious for failing.

StepheKoontz · Aug 3, 2019

I agree to pass. It's a 3.5T which don't go for much money and I'd honestly rather have a 'cord if I was buying a tessar lens rollei.

Sirius Glass · Aug 3, 2019

You can do much better for that kind of money. Pass on it.

Rolliflex 3.5f Tessar Question

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