Want to Buy WTB Rolleiflex or Rolleicord

[removedacct1]

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]

haunt KEH. Their inventory always changes.

 

[removedacct1]

haunt KEH. Their inventory always changes.

Noted.

 

[Dan Daniel]

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)]

What's your budget?

 

[gone]

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]

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]

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)]

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]

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]

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]

Still looking

 

[Fixcinater]

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]

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)]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Getting some photos now.

 

[Andrew Johns]

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]

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]

I'm still looking....

 

[removedacct1]

I'm no longer searching for this camera.