Rolleiflex T1 - Just purchased, need help!

Hello,

 

I just purchased a Rolleiflex T1. No Manual, lense caps and front of

case. I did get

some lenses and a Sekonic Studio Deluxe Model L28c light meter.

 

I have a few questions since I'm new at this MF thing.

 

1. Film loading - Does the film go under the two silver rollers or

over them?

 

2. Film advance - The film advance lever only goes around about 3/4 of

a turn for each

exposure. Is this normal?

 

As to the lenses I acquired.

 

One in labeled Heidosmat-Rolleinor 1 on the top piece, it is in two

pieces which lock

into each other

and the bottom piece says 'Rolleinor 1 on the side. What is this and

how is it used?

 

I have another one labeled Heidosmat-Rolleinor 2 it is in two pieces

which lock into each other

and the bottom piece says 'Rolleinor 2 on the side. What is this and

how is it used?

 

The last one is labeled Rolleiparkeil 2 2 8,5 and what looks like a 0

with

a / through it

on the top piece and on the bottom piece Rolleinor 2 2 8,5 and

what looks

like a 0 with a / through it. What is this and

how is it used?

 

I also got a few filters, one yellow one green and one orange, I

assume these are for black and white

film and go on the taking lense.

 

I paid $250 for all this and hope I didn't get taken. The camera seems

to be in good shape the lenses are clear

and there is some minor wear on the chrome. On the bottom the leather

is detached but I don't

think this will deminish the optics and mechanical stuff.

 

The focusing screen is quite dark, I have read about the intenscreen

but that seems a bit much ($150). Is there a cheaper alternative?

 

The low sutter speeds seem a bit slow.

Can this be repaired and how much can I expect to pay to have this

done? Where can it be serviced?

 

I appreciate any help that is offered, I just thought I'd try out MF

being a long time

35mm person.

 

Thank you in advance for all your assistance.

 

By the way this is a great site, I spent quite a while doing research

here before I decided to buy!

Hektor

 

You really need a lot of Rollei help. Get a book or two. Go to the Rollei web sites.

 

Jerry

You can get a Rollei TLR manual (better than Rollei's own manuals) from A Photographers' Place in New York City. It covers all models through the "F", they are the only source for it.

> 1. Film loading

 

The film goes _between_ the two rollers at the bottom corner.

 

> 2. Film advance - The film advance lever only goes around about 3/4 of a turn for each exposure. Is this normal?

 

That's normal; wind forward until the lever stops to wind the film, then backwards to cock the shutter. I can't remember if the T has shutter cocking by pushing the shutter lever the opposite direction to triggering the shutter...but on a standard Rolleiflex the shutter is cocked by moving the winding lever backward.

 

> One in labeled Heidosmat-Rolleinor

 

You have a couple of Rolleinar sets; they're used for closer focusing.

 

The thinner Rolleiner goes on the bottom taking lens, while the thicker one goes on the top viewing lens with, if memory serves, the red dot oriented toward the top.

 

> The focusing screen is quite dark, I have read about the intenscreen but that seems a bit much ($150).

 

Let that be for now. Replacement screens are a minimum of $100. One thing you might try is to dig up a Hasselblad 500C replacement screen kit. This includes a square fresnel lens that can just be dropped on top of the Rollei screen and may help brightness out towards the corners. The kit can be found at some used-camera shops really cheap.

 

There was a fresnel from Rollei to be installed that way, but they may be impossible to find these days.

 

As for the slow shutter speeds, give them a bit of exercise and see if the start running ok. If you do need to have it serviced, it'll be anywhere from $75 to $150 at a competent Rollei shop depending on what needs to be done.

Hector,

 

As far as learning how to use the great Rolleiflex T, look for an

instruction booklet on the net or at a used camera show. I also see them every so often on ebay. John Craig will surely have one, but he'll charge too much for it. There used to be a Rollei Manual

posted on the net. Maybe if you do a search, you can find it.

If you live in a large city, you'll be suprised to find used camera dealers with one or two small boxes of Rolleiflex accessories hidden away in a some drawer down in the basement! Do research on prices of items you want before you buy! Make them a lower offer if they ask an outrageous price. Used camera shows are another good source. Learn who

the honest dealers are before you buy.

 

BTW the film in your Rolleiflex T goes over the rollers, not under.

 

Take the camera to a local camera shop and tell them you just inherited it and were wondering if they could show you how to use it

so you could run some film through it. Usually there is someone familiar with Rolleiflex TLRs. They'll do a brief inspection to show you their knowledge and let you know if its operating correctly. Then buy some film. Don't get it serviced there though. You need to

take it or send it to a highly qualified Rollei Tech that constantly works on TLRs and has satified customers. Check them out! They can

repair the cosmetic defects of your camera also.

 

The close up lenses you got with the camera are the best ones to have.

Try taking some test shot with them. As far as the screen, a good cleaning may be all that's necessary, especially if you use the camera

primarily outdoors. If you are all thumbs, let a qualified tech do it.

It's really quite easy to clean a "T" though. Be cautious if there is

dirt or dust on the mirror. You will scratch it if you don't know

what you're doing!

 

You should expect to pay about $120.00+ to have the camera cleaned, lubed and adjusted. This means that all the speeds are checked for

accuracy and lenses are calibrated for sharp focus (within acceptable

tolerances)It should work like new at that point. Good luck!

 

Neil

Just wanted to say thank you for all the help. I've shot four rolls so far but have not got any processed yet. Maybe I should have just shot one roll and waited. Oh well, new toy, lot of fun. Especially the close up lenses. Not too easy to chase butterflies with the Rolleiflex though, think I'll use my 35mm for that.

Congratulations on your entry into MF, Hector!

 

I haven't touched my 35mm Nikons since I purchased my first YashicaMat, and since have acquired 8 more MF cameras my main one being a Hasselblad. Just to answer one question you had...

 

22 8,5 : usually you will see the maximum 'f' defined as 8,5 vs. 8.5...don't know why this is, just an observation... the 22=the diameter of the lens, and the '0' with a '/' through it is the Geometric Dimensioning way of designating 'diameter'.

 

What I'm trying to tell you is this: your lens has a diameter of 22mm, and the maximum 'f'stop is 8.5 .

 

Hope this helps,

 

Regards,

Ben