Baby Rolleiflex (1931): Advice Regarding Shutter

[jim_thompson6]

Hello all,

 

Not long ago, I posted a question regarding the thickness of the viewing screen

on a first generation Baby Rolleiflex. As a temporary solution, I am using a

scuffed piece of plastic from a CD cover. Anyway, I tried fixing the shutter

myself, but all attempts failed. Thus, I sent the shutter off to have it

repaired by a professional. Unfortunately, he said that the shutter cannot be

fixed (which has nothing to do with my attempt). I have basically two options:

1. buy another compur shutter, or 2. replace the shutter with something better

(and which I already have).

I was thinking that if I need to replace the shutter, why not upgrade to a

Compur-rapid or Syncho-compur. They appear to have similar dimensions, and the

3.5/6cm. lens does thread into the Compur-rapid shutter on my Rolleiflex X.

Has anyone ever tried to exchange a Compur for a Compur-rapid? Would the lens

elements have the proper spacing? I would just try it out, but the Rolleiflex

X works just fine apart from having an Agfa Solinar lens (See earlier threads),

thus I would want to use it for parts. What about a Prontor from an Isolette

II, 3.5/75mm?

If this swap isn't feasible, what other cameras have the same size Compur as

the Baby Rollei?

 

Thanks for any advice or information you can provide.

 

Jim Thompson

[brian_schall]

I would check with this person, http://www.krimarphoto.com/, about repairing your Rollei. Krikor is the undisputed expert for Rollei repair. You might also check with Paul Ebel, paulebel44@yahoo.com. It would be a shame not to keep this Baby Rollei original.

 

Brian

[jim_thompson6]

I am currently in the eastern part of Germany, thus the repair person you mentioned would not be feasible. As for a Rollei specialist in Germany, I am reluctant to spend that much at this time (afterall, I still have to feed the other Rolleis).

Clarification regarding the shutter question: Is a #00 shutter the same size regardless of format. For example, could I find a similar compur (B,T, 1-300) on a 35mm folder, e.g. welta welti? I wouldn't mind keeping the Rollei orignial, but that would mean getting another compur just to part it out. In addition, this 4x4 has been around the block. It requires a new hood (including the mounting screws), viewing screen, and the lensboard appears ever so slightly uneven. However, if anyone has such a shutter (or other parts mentioned above), are willing to part with it, and you live somewhere in Europe, perhaps we can work something out.

[bob_the_builder1]

Brian, I have heard recently that Krikor was putting out shoddy work. There is a thread about

it at a Rollei list. The advice he gave also came in for heavy criticism.

[tito sobrinho]

I would send it to Ken Ruth at Photography on Bald Mountain situated in California. He makes parts and he did for my 80 + years dial set Compur shutter. It came back in pristine condition! Google for the address and phone number. A word of caution, he likes to talk!

[pancolart]

"compur (B,T, 1-300) on a 35mm folder, e.g. welta welti? "

I have such Welti.

BR,

Jure<div></div>