Tele-Rolleiflex: lens seperation

[puketronic]

I'm interested in a Tele-Rolleiflex but I hear that lens separation is common, unfortunately. Are there any serial numbers/versions to avoid? Or are they all suceptible to this?

 

[pgomena]

Good used Tele-Rolleis command a premium price. If you're going to buy one, a reputable seller should allow you to fully inspect the camera before you buy it, and you should get a 30-day optical/mechanical return guarantee.

Peter Gomena

 

[ic-racer]

I'm interested in a Tele-Rolleiflex but I hear that lens separation is common, unfortunately. Are there any serial numbers/versions to avoid? Or are they all suceptible to this?

I'd ignore the serial number and concentrate on looking at the lens elements for separation.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

If you want to guarantee you don't have separation issues, get one of the brand new Rollei FT models. The brand new ones have an additional benefit of minimum focus of 4 feet (1.3m), whereas the originals have a minimum focus of 8 feet (2.6m). The downside to the new ones is that they're around $5K USD. Originals can be found with patience for around $1500 USD-$2000 USD. Simple inspection will show you lenses on original cameras that do or do not have separation.

 

[Richard S. (rich815)]

Have patience and get from a reputable seller. I waited and got mine for $950 but it did need a full CLA and the front standard was slightly bent and needed straightening. But even before getting that all fixed it shot awesome photos. Simply amazing glass.

Especially for cow portraits:


Tilden Farm Ben Tele-Rolleiflex KodakTMY400 D-761-1 11min30sec 20C 1minAg2x 12-2011 VSmac 9000 Scan-111225-0001 by rich8155 (Richard Sintchak), on Flickr

More here from my Tele-rollei:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Tele-Rolleiflex&w=38698047@N00&s=int