Where can I get a decent TLR?

<p><em> "those magical cure-all CLAs everyone recommends aren't that cheap or easy to find any more.</em><br /> Nothing is cheap any more! However, you can still find camera techs to work on TLRs."</p>

<p>I'll stick to my argument that it's easier said than done since I'm not seeing any specifics about TLR service apart from the belief they <em>must </em>be out there somewhere. They're old, complex cameras and require skills (and often tools) the few techs around have. I shied away from them because of the difficulty in finding a fixed-lens TLR <em>without </em>issues of the sort you describe. Newer, more reliable and flexible system SLRs work better for me.</p>

<p>CW, you may have a point, but more modern system SLRs in the 120 format tend to be quite expensive compared to a Rolleicord, a Mamiya C220 or C330 or a Yashica 124G (for example). More moderrn system SLRs like the Hasselblad or Pentax 67 are at another price level.</p>

<p><em>I'm not seeing any specifics about TLR service</em><br>

You didn't ask! I would consider a Rolleiflex a relatively simple camera. it does after all consist of a box divided into 2 chambers (film and mirror), a front panel with 2 lenses that moves in and out on a rack-and-pinion mechanism, a "plain vanilla" Compur shutter (unlike the fantastically complex version fitted to SLRs like Hasselblad, Retina Reflex, etc) and a winding mechanism, sometimes with the "Automat" feature, a pair of rollers that detect the start of the film, which is extremely reliable and does not wear unless operated with a flailing action (as many pressmen used to do) but may suffer from dried-up grease. <br>

There is a fundamental principle with old cameras that you have a choice between examples which have been used heavily by professionals and are really worn out and useless and those which have been cherished by amateurs (and in most cases have spent quite some time in drawers as their owners grew older, before the camera finally winds up on e-bay as part of the estate sale). As I said before, the only terminal problem is lens mold, but a camera that has lain unused for a long time is CERTAIN to need a CLA. Every time with old cameras, I buy a cosmetically good example (not collector-grade perfect), check the lens thoroughly for mold and send the camera off for a CLA. In virtually every case the cameras have then been fine, in particular cameras with a small Compur shutter (00 size) benefit from being fired on all shutter speeds from time to time.<br>

I have a Rolleiflex T and Rolleicord Va. I live in the UK and send all my cameras (mainly Leicas, Contax RFs and view cameras + lenses) to Newton Ellis & Co. of Liverpool. There is a US camera tech called Gus Lazzari who posts here on PN from time to time, people also speak well of another tech called Carol Flutot. Techs need to know what they are doing, but a basic TLR service is old camera repair #101.</p>

<p>I live in Scotland and frequently use a company called Ffordes in Inverness. They do online no problem and so far I have found them to be reliable. The website address is <cite>www.<strong>ffordes</strong>.com. </cite></p>

<p>I should say I have no connection with them other than as a customer.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

 

All the TLRs mentioned will give good results but a Planar or Xenotar Rollei is best IMHO. I found my Rollei was as good as my Hasselblad - both now sold. I didn't think the Yashicamat that I had had an acceptable lens although the camera was very well built.I am left with my favourite TLR a Zeiss Ikoflex III with Albada finder. The Tessar takes superb pictures up to A3 so I don't really miss the others.

<p>If you can do without a crank advance, the Rolleicords (like Rolliecord III, etc) have good lenses for less that the Rolleiflex. Be aware, that when a TLR is called automatic that means that the crank advances the film, cocks the shutter, and operates a film counter. Automatic in this sense has nothing to do with exposure. <br>

The Yashicamat 124G was considered the bargain when new, but demand has driven the price up so that a good used one sells for more than the last new ones did. Earlier Yashicas with the Yashinon lens are a better value if they are working properly. If the seller recommends a major servicing, look elsewhere. The lower end Yashicas have the 3 element lenses and knob advance. Cheaper but you should stop the lens down a couple of stops for good sharpness.</p>

<p>Mike makes a good point. The Rolleicord III, IV, or V series are good shooters. The Yashica TLR cameras are also good, look for the Yashinon lenses. The Yashikor are 3 element lenses and not as good, so I'd stay away from them.</p>

<p>Steve ~ Last year, I bought a cosmetically excellent, mechanically FROZEN Minolta Autocord on Ebay. Sent it to Karl Bryan (6675 SW Dale Avenue Beaverton, OR 97008-51610) for CLA. He sent it back to me butter-smooth. (Probably better than brand-new!) <br>

Karl may specialize only in Autocords ~ but it's a truly excellent TLR.</p>

<p>Chuck Sanders</p>