Want to Buy WTB Rolleiflex or Rolleicord

removedacct1 · Jan 31, 2015

I'm in no rush to acquire one of these, but I am on the lookout for a good Rolleiflex or Rolleicord, preferably one with a Schneider-Kreuznach lens - the Xenotar being my top choice - either the f2.8 of f3.5 is fine. Cosmetically it doesn't have to be perfect, but I'm not interested in a camera that has sluggish shutter issues or conspicuous damage/defects to the lens. I realize there are always a few on eBay, but I'd rather not go through eBay if possible. (I'd rather deal with a reputable member of this community, if you know what I mean)

Thanks.
Paul

summicron1 · Jan 31, 2015

haunt KEH. Their inventory always changes.

removedacct1 · Jan 31, 2015

summicron1 said:
haunt KEH. Their inventory always changes.

Noted.

Dan Daniel · Jan 31, 2015

The Rolleicords came with Xenar lenses, no Planars or Xenotars.

I've been thinking of selling one of my 2.8C Xenotars. Pretty clean. Drop me a PM if interested.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jan 31, 2015

What's your budget?

gone · Jan 31, 2015

Igor camera is also a good place. I like his prices. Igor is a card, but I've bought a lot of Rolleiflex cameras from him and they all were good shooters right out of the box.

removedacct1 · Jan 31, 2015

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
What's your budget?

If the camera is in excellent condition and it's had a CLA in recent years, I'm willing to pay what it's worth. I can budget for any camera I feel is good value for the asking price. (Rather not state a figure)

gdmcclintock · Jan 31, 2015

I have a Rolleicord that I purchased it from KEH a couple of years ago. It's in pretty good condition but I do not use it very often. Send me a msg at gdmcclintock@gmail.com if you are interested.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jan 31, 2015

paulbarden said:
If the camera is in excellent condition and it's had a CLA in recent years, I'm willing to pay what it's worth. I can budget for any camera I feel is good value for the asking price. (Rather not state a figure)

I have about 8-9 Rolleiflexes and a couple of Rolliecords. I've paid as little as $120 for a really beat up working 3.5E3 Xenotar and $3000 for an amazing condition Rolleiwide with many original accessories, hood, filters and case. Gotten a few ugly 'cords for $50 but they aren't really users.

My advice is buy anything that does not have a mildew smell or scratched lenses and send to Harry Fleenor for full overhaul and CLA (he's not cheap or fast but is easily the best "value"). I've used almost all the other recommended Rollei repairs guys and in most cases needed more work within a year or so. I only use Harry.

Only pay more for one with a CLA if the seller has papers to prove it and it's work done within a year or the camera has a Harry Fleenor sticker inside. I would not worry about minor dings and such as few cameras older than F versions have not been through a lot. F versions way overpriced. E are your best bet. One of my best buys was about $450 for a 2.8E2 Planar in really rough condition that was a former wedding camera. Even the flash sync lever was epoxied down. But it's easily one of my smoothest functioning and sharpest. On the other hand a truly beaten up 2.8E Planar I found in a Beijing street alley shop for $175 has micro scratches on the taking lenses and seemingly no coating left. It's rendition is gorgeous and something very special and I'll never sell it. The 2.E2 has never needed a CLA. The 2.8E I eventually sent to Harry and spent another $400 on. No regrets.

If you're not in a hurry patience will pay off. But budget in sending it to Harry if I were you. After that you'll be set for 10-20 years.

removedacct1 · Jan 31, 2015

Dan Daniel said:
The Rolleicords came with Xenar lenses, no Planars or Xenotars.

I've been thinking of selling one of my 2.8C Xenotars. Pretty clean. Drop me a PM if interested.

Hi Dan,
I sent you a PM. Let me know what you have to offer. Thanks.

Paul

bjmoose · Feb 3, 2015

Take a look here: http://johnsrolleionlypage.homestead.com/ForSalet.html

I have dealt with John and he's a very nice fellow and a straight-shooter. Didn't buy a camera, but did get a Rollei-Flash Kit in absolutely pristine condition for a very reasonable negotiated price.

removedacct1 · Feb 6, 2015

Still looking

Fixcinater · Feb 7, 2015

I've got a Rolleicord III (K3B) that I haven't run any film through. I've also got a IV that I wouldn't sell so this is pretty much a duplicate.

I'll shoot a roll today and soup it tomorrow to confirm it's fully working and post again, or you can PM me your email address and I'll send you photos.

elekm · Feb 7, 2015

If the physical and mechanical conditions are the same, a Rolleicord with a Xenar will give you the exact same photo as a Rolleiflex with a Xenar (or Tessar).

The Rolleiflex has the added convenience of a crank to advance the film.

A Rolleicord might be less expensive than a Rolleiflex. Either will be a good choice.

Richard S. (rich815) · Feb 7, 2015

elekm said:
If the physical and mechanical conditions are the same, a Rolleicord with a Xenar will give you the exact same photo as a Rolleiflex with a Xenar (or Tessar).

The Rolleiflex has the added convenience of a crank to advance the film.

A Rolleicord might be less expensive than a Rolleiflex. Either will be a good choice.

I'm fairly certain there were no Rolleiflexes with Xenar lenses. That said the Xenar is a Tessar clone but made by Schneider instead of Zeiss.

removedacct1 · Feb 8, 2015

elekm said:
If the physical and mechanical conditions are the same, a Rolleicord with a Xenar will give you the exact same photo as a Rolleiflex with a Xenar (or Tessar).

The Rolleiflex has the added convenience of a crank to advance the film.

A Rolleicord might be less expensive than a Rolleiflex. Either will be a good choice.

Thank you. I will keep that in mind as I continue my search.

removedacct1 · Feb 8, 2015

Fixcinater said:
I've got a Rolleicord III (K3B) that I haven't run any film through. I've also got a IV that I wouldn't sell so this is pretty much a duplicate.

I'll shoot a roll today and soup it tomorrow to confirm it's fully working and post again, or you can PM me your email address and I'll send you photos.

I sent you a pm yesterday, waiting for a reply

gshybrid · Feb 8, 2015

Are you still looking?
I have a recently CLA'd 3.5 F with a Planar lens that I'd consider selling. I bought it last year from Igor's and it is in remarkable condition.
I have a full set of Rolleinars and a few other extras for it. PM me if you are interested.

Fixcinater · Feb 8, 2015

Getting some photos now.

Andrew Johns · Feb 9, 2015

If you end up with a Rollei that needs a Bay-1 lens hood, let me know. I have one that needs to find a home.

Brett Rogers · Feb 11, 2015

There were some Automat Rolleiflexes fitted with Xenars. And a few of the very last Rolleiflex T models had Xenars instead of Tessars, too. On the other hand, the Rolleicord models were never fitted with Tessars, they had either a Zeiss Triotar (early models) or Schneider Xenar (later ones).
Cheers
Brett

removedacct1 · Feb 20, 2015

I'm still looking....

removedacct1 · Feb 23, 2015

I'm no longer searching for this camera.

Want to Buy WTB Rolleiflex or Rolleicord

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