What's this on the lens of my new-to-me Rolleiflex?

localtalent

Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2011
Messages
3
Format
35mm RF
This Rolleiflex arrived in the mail, a little rough: some peeling/ripped leatherette, and has definitely been dropped at some point in its life. I don't mind, since I'm just looking to take it out and enjoy it. However, I noticed some...stuff on the lens? Can't tell if it's fungus, dirt, glue? I haven't touched it yet.

I believe it's an early Automat, S/N 668001 with a Tessar 3,5/75

Is this a paperweight?
 

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holmburgers

Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
4,439
Location
Vienna, Austria
Format
Multi Format
It looks dirty, dusty and hazy. Clean the lenses as you would any lens that you cared about, and see how it goes. Clean from the inside as well if you can get to it, but don't go disassembling the lens elements.

Never a paperweight..
 

pgomena

Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2003
Messages
1,391
Location
Portland, Or
A good lens bath, front and back as the others have said. You probably will want to clean the focusing screen, and I'll bet the front-surface mirror is hazy, too. It's simple to disassemble the top to access the back of the viewing lens and the mirror. Be very, very, very careful cleaning the mirror. Front-surface mirrors scratch easily and permanently.

Peter Gomena
 
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