Advice needed: Rolleiflex condition photos vs reality

Hi All,

 

I am contemplating buying a Rolleiflex 2.8 (leaning towards an E but F would be ideal) and need some advice.

 

I have been looking at reputable seller listings on the bay and am trying to determine what cosmetic imperfections I should and shouldn't worry about when I'm ready to buy.

 

I have attached a couple of photos from listings for your consideration as examples.

 

In the first example, the camera is listed as "Mint -" and 94%, the optics are clean, and the camera loosely matches Dan Colluci‘s advice about examining the original paint on the crank side of the camera as a visual test of its general wear. That said, look at small dent in the highlighted area.

 

 

Are little dents and dings like these potential signs of trouble with the optics or overall performance of the camera?

 

Are they considered normal wear and tear for an item marked as excellent or mint?

 

When looking at the ding like this, is it assumed that the camera has at some point been dropped or smashed against a hard object and had an overhaul?

 

The next example has a serious dent in the bottom right.

 

 

For those of you who own a Rolleiflex, which one of the above is a deal breaker when purchasing these cameras?

 

Would you have any problem buying a camera like the above two examples if the glass, shutter, viewfinder, and the operation were otherwise mechanically in excellent shape?

 

And, realistically, what are the odds of finding a 2.8E or F with almost no cosmetic issues?

"Assuming" something had an overhaul is a NO NO on the internet. Even if claimed to have had a "recent CLA", the seller must provide documentation or it didn't happen.

Re. your examples, I would personally avoid any camera with visible strong impact to the structure, it is too big a risk unless you have good return and refund privileges. I would rather accept reasonable wear and factor in a competent CLA.

Or you can buy a completely rebuild and often LN from: Link --> Magicflexcamera Camera shop

He usually do not have many to choose from on the site, but if you follow his Instagram account, you'll get an idea of what is in the pipeline and notification when new things goes up.

Edited July 29, 2021 by NHSN

"Assuming" something had an overhaul is a NO NO on the internet. Even if claimed to have had a "recent CLA", the seller must provide documentation or it didn't happen.

Re. your examples, I would personally avoid any camera with visible strong impact to the structure, it is too big a risk unless you have good return and refund privileges. I would rather accept reasonable wear and factor in a competent CLA.

Or you can buy a completely rebuild and often LN from: Link --> Magicflexcamera Camera shop

He usually do not have many to choose from on the site, but if you follow his Instagram account, you'll get an idea of what is in the pipeline and notification when new things goes up.

I actually looked at that link a few days ago. The cameras look incredibly nice but the prices are out of my range unfortunately.

Given what those cameras go for, I'd never accept either defect. The "shallow" dent still required an impact to make it, and the second one is worse, plus the damage around the winding crank. I'm very picky when it comes to cosmetics, but TLRs that have been in cases don't have problems like that. I once dropped a Yashica and it actually cracked the main casting. You couldn't see much visually unless you knew what to look for, but it was junk and had to be replaced. I have a Mamiya TLR with a small dent near the finder, but I didn't pay much and those things are more of a tank.

I actually looked at that link a few days ago. The cameras look incredibly nice but the prices are out of my range unfortunately.

 

You can't rush into it. It takes time. Cameras come up all the time. Put it on your want list and get updates each day.

Are you getting this to use or to collect? I have several old Rolleiflexes that look worn in terms of paint since I have never used cases with any of my cameras, but they function well even if they don't look pretty. I would concur with previous comments that dents could indicate big problems with alignment, etc. that may not be easily corrected. And even if you do find a pristine sample, don't be surprised if you need a CLA anyway. These cameras are old and most of them won't have seen much use for quite a while so expect to find lubricants hardening or disappearing. That said, I have always found a Rolleiflex to be one of my favorite cameras to use--the first time I picked one up it just seemed to fit my hands and "make sense" in a way that almost no other camera does for me. Good luck on your search.

I actually looked at that link a few days ago. The cameras look incredibly nice but the prices are out of my range unfortunately.

I know, outside my pay-rate as well, but that guy is a perfectionist.

The 2.8F currently available for €4,500 is probably better than new. And think about it; €4,500 wouldn't even buy you a new film Leica (without lens) and besides having to be on a waiting list for an unknown amount of time, they often come with issues and headaches out of the box!

Nobody would be able to make a Rolleiflex 2.8F today for even close to €4,500.

 

Anyway, patience will pay off. I have a 1937 and a 1972 rolleiflex, both in good working condition and worth an overhaul if they start to act up.

Didn't pay more than a few hundreds for either of them, but not Planars of course.

 

Did you use TLRs before? If not, that would be the first concern. Hold on in your hands, don't get enthusiastic from internet hype. Me, e.g. can not befriend with TLRs. They are to high and woble in my palm. Whereas a brick SLR does not.

Did you use TLRs before? If not, that would be the first concern. Hold on in your hands, don't get enthusiastic from internet hype. Me, e.g. can not befriend with TLRs. They are to high and woble in my palm. Whereas a brick SLR does not.

Not a dam thing wrong with TLR's Been used with complete sucess for MANY YEARS

I would not buy any camera with dents like those. And if you did you would have a difficult time reselling it. I always try to get gear that is as close to true MINT as I can find.

Whether a camera dented like this is something to buy depends, of course, on if, and if so how, these dents affect function. And on price. I wouldn't hesitate if the camera shows that it functions properly, including alignment, and the price is right.

 

TLRs with fixed lens are limited compared to SLRs with interchangeable everything. But if TLRs suit what you do, that does not matter.

I like my Rolleiflex. But can fall back on other cameras when the TLR is not the best thing to use.

Edited April 20, 2022 by q.g._de_bakker

Whether a camera dented like this is something to buy depends, of course, on if, and if so how, these dents affect function. And on price. I wouldn't hesitate if the camera shows that it functions properly, including alignment, and the price is right.

 

TLRs with fixed lens are limited compared to SLRs with interchangeable everything. But if TLRs suit what you do, that does not matter.

I like my Rolleiflex. But can fall back on other cameras when the TLR is not the best thing to use.

Fixed lens TLR ? No thank you. Not going back to that. I have 3 lenses for my Mamiyas

I have been using my Rollei F2.8 since about 1970. No dents. These cameras have mass and if they bump into something a dent is likely. When you find your pristine Rollei be sure to buy a Rollei case for your model. Rollei cases are designed not to interfere with camera operations.

Estate sales are good places to look for F Rolleis. What you want is the estate of someone who had so many cameras that he couldn't wear out any of them. I got my 3.5F in that manner, and it is so pristine that sometimes I just sit and look at it.

Not a dam thing wrong with TLR's Been used with complete sucess for MANY YEARS

That may be. But for sure a lot wrong with your reading capabilites. I guess in the processing part.

That may be. But for sure a lot wrong with your reading capabilites. I guess in the processing part.

Just stick to your bleedin SLR's Also I did read your post. My answer is apropriate..You try rereading what YOU POSTED !

I have a Rolleiflex 3.5F. I watched eBay listings for YEARS until the right 3 conditions aligned... good condition camera, not overpriced, and I had the cash to spare. The problem of course is that bodies are generally either damaged or expensive. If you want it quick, then you have to pay a premium I think. But with a little patience (and it needn't be years), then you can find better than what you show here. I don't mind normal signs of use, but I would not buy a body with any dings at all. Mine was in very good shape - a late model 3.5F, but not a "white face" model, so likely manufactured in the late 60s, with some small paint scratches and signs of normal use, but no dings/dents, and it has been a pleasure to use.

As far as purchasing a used Rollei, I would turn to reputable dealers rather than limit myself to eBay. Perhaps slightly more expensive, but less trouble in the long run. Have used mine since about 1970. As far as comparison with MF SLR, since I also have Hassy, I can say that nothing beats a Rollei TLR for discreet photography. Another nice thing about Rollei, with limited accessories, one is protected from GAS.

As far as purchasing a used Rollei, I would turn to reputable dealers rather than limit myself to eBay. Perhaps slightly more expensive, but less trouble in the long run. Have used mine since about 1970. As far as comparison with MF SLR, since I also have Hassy, I can say that nothing beats a Rollei TLR for discreet photography. Another nice thing about Rollei, with limited accessories, one is protected from GAS.

But then, with a limited set of available accessories, it is such an easy goal to just get them all. Why not? Even though you don't really need...

When you want any camera for actual use, rather than display, slight dents, scratches, and other minor damages are a good way to save money - the trick is making sure that the functionality is not impaired- the only way to do that is to make sure returns are allowed and under what terms, buy it, try it, and return it if there are problems.