Need Help with Servicing Options for Rolleiflex and old stuff

[plasmacow]

Hi All!

New guy here. Recently caught the photography bug. When I bought it up with my grandfather he showed me his collection and I was blown away. He showed me photos of my mom as a kid with a Leitz pradovit projector, and a film as well on his Bolex M8 projector.

He still has the film camera and Rolleiflex camera, as well as this movie film reel editor, all in working condition, but a bit shabby.

I would like to know if anyone knows where I can service a rolleiflex camera. Its a Rolleiflex Automat 6x6 - Model 2 = K4B if im not wrong, after trawling the web.

I'll also be very grateful if anyone could give me advise on where I can get all this equipment CLA. Not sure if Camera hospital is ok. I've attached some photos, please let me know if there is anything I can do to keep them operational.

Thanks!

Old Stuff - a set on Flickr

Neil

 

[knight84]

Hi All!

New guy here. Recently caught the photography bug. When I bought it up with my grandfather he showed me his collection and I was blown away. He showed me photos of my mom as a kid with a Leitz pradovit projector, and a film as well on his Bolex M8 projector.

He still has the film camera and Rolleiflex camera, as well as this movie film reel editor, all in working condition, but a bit shabby.

I would like to know if anyone knows where I can service a rolleiflex camera. Its a Rolleiflex Automat 6x6 - Model 2 = K4B if im not wrong, after trawling the web.

I'll also be very grateful if anyone could give me advise on where I can get all this equipment CLA. Not sure if Camera hospital is ok. I've attached some photos, please let me know if there is anything I can do to keep them operational.

Thanks!

Old Stuff - a set on Flickr

Neil

The best person to go to would be De Camera Consultant- mr philip tay all the best.

 

[plasmacow]

Thanks Knight. I've been examining the lenses and im quite disappointed that there is a slight haze and a few strands of fungus. So my hopes of it being restored are now quite low. None the less will go and find Mr Philip Tay. Do you know where I can find him or what store he works at?

Thanks!

 

[kgston]

here you go: De Camera Consultant : The Trusted Name for All Your Photography Needs
try googling next time

 

[plasmacow]

Thanks bro. Paiseh. Dunno he got website. thought De Camera Consultant like nickname .....

 

[Nikkornos]

Thanks bro. Paiseh. Dunno he got website. thought De Camera Consultant like nickname .....

Hi, the Rolleiflex Automat 6x6 - Model 2 should be working fine despite the age. The service turnaround time depends on whether the lens has fungus.

You have two options: camera hospital (Steven) or de camera consultant (Philip Tay)

Steven does a good job and a much faster turn around time. He does what you want, so be clear in your expectations.
Philip can be a perfectionist and he may take a longer time. His charges will not be low, so know what you want for the rolleiflex.

Bear in mind you can get a fairly good condition Rolleiflex for less than USD600 now.
Of course, it is the sentiments that counts.

The focusing screen and mirror of the Automat may be corroded/very dim by now, mainly due to Singapore's terrible humidity.
You can have them replaced DIY using parts from Ebay.
You did not mention accessories. The hood, filters, etc are expensive and hard to find.

 

[plasmacow]

Hi Nikkornos

Thanks for the wealth of feedback! I think I'm prepared to pay for the restoration more so because of sentimental value like you said just curious, do you know much they would charge approximately?

I tried out the camera and could still get a image although as noted it is quite dim. My ah gong said he has the filters and hood. somewhere, looking for it now.

thanks!

 

[Nikkornos]

Hi Nikkornos
Thanks for the wealth of feedback! I think I'm prepared to pay for the restoration more so because of sentimental value like you said just curious, do you know much they would charge approximately?
I tried out the camera and could still get a image although as noted it is quite dim. My ah gong said he has the filters and hood. somewhere, looking for it now.
thanks!

Sharing as a user. These are the two Rolleiflex I maintained for years and will serve well for the next few decades.

The Automat uses the Xenar 3.5 lens same as Rolleicord. If the lens is gone, still possible to get replacements (from other dead cam!)
Avoid going this route, because Rolleiflex has very tight QC control on lens performance. Top bottom lens were matched in factory.

The leather can be replaced using cameraleather.com and customize.

The focusing screen and mirror can buy from RedLeica in ebay.
The focusing screen 2 stops brighter (US$50) actually is the same as Seagull (excellent, don't look down)
The mirror can be replaced (US$15). Some die hard hard core collectors only want original parts, but get ready to be butched.

If you want to fully restore it, be prepared to cater about $200-400 for labour (depends on who does it) and another $200 for parts.

Items to check:

Lens cleaning top and bottom
Lens alignment at infinity
Top and bottom lens are 100% in sync (infinity, 30m, 1m Leica way of checking)
Film transport shuttle are accurate

I know some camera repair use acetone to clean everything (including remove the coating). Those are not CLA more like killing the camera futher.
Send to a trusted one for repair. Fortunately, in Singapore things are done properly in the known reputable places.
Note that if the condition of the camera is poor, Philip Tay or Stephen may refuse to accept the repair job.

 

[plasmacow]

OK, wow. Those are really nice Rolleis right there! Im finding all this advice super helpful, thanks so much bro. Do you mind if I later may ask you where to get these items online, after I do a Google search ofc

Will be going over to Mr pool Phillip Taylor tomorrow for him to pronounce judgement on my camera, hahaha.

 

[Nikkornos]

Last dose poison for your to drink tonight.

Rolleiflex Xenar 3.5 Kodak E100VS

Goto Ebay USA and search for Rolleiflex Screen

 

[plasmacow]

Whoa strong poison!

Unfortunately I paid him a visit today and he said the lenses are too far gone that cleaning wouldn't do much for image quality other than that it's OK mechanically, which is a shame. I know that's pretty much it, but any suggestions?

Forgot to bring the Rollei 35 and Rollei 110 for him to check though! Must make another trip... Sian

 

[Nikkornos]

Adios!!