Rolleiflex3.5F--focusing guide issue?

[shinji_kimura]

Hi,

 

I got a Rolleiflex 3.5F(Type4) last friday.

I noticed that this 3.5F has potential focusing problem.

(Result unknown as I have not developed any rolles yet)

 

When I turn the focusing nob from the infinite position

to shorter distance and observe the movement of

viewing/taking lens unit, it does not move forward equally.

Only left side move first when I see from the top of the unit.

This movement last for 1/5 inch.

 

As I turn more, the right side of the unit moves forward

together with the left side.

 

This means to me that the the lens unit is heading

usually at 12:05 positioninstead of 12:00 except

when I set infinite position.

 

Has anyone experinced the same symptom?

Is this a well-known issue as "back plane flatness" discussion?

 

Shinji Kimura

Edgewater, NJ

[sergio_ortega6]

Shinji,

 

From your description, it sounds like the camera's front lens panel (the front section of the camera where the two lenses are mounted, that telescopes in and out as you focus) is damaged in some way. Are you detecting any sort of binding, or sticking, in the lens panel's in and out movement as you turn the focussing knob?

 

If one side or a corner of the lens panel is sticking while the other side is moving freely it very well could be that the lens panel has been damaged from a fall or a bump to the front of the camera. This condition is very common to used Rolleis, and one of the first things that should be checked out when buying. This can likely be repaired or it could just need lubrication and adjustment. In extreme cases, where the binding or sticking panel does not free up, it can cause poor focus alignment between the viewing lens and the taking lens, or poor focus across the negative area.

 

"Back plane flatness" is another issue, having more to do with the flatness of the film itself as it comes into contact with the pressure plate as it is advanced. Poor film flatness can be caused by the film taking a set after being left in the camera too long. Or it can be caused by some mechanical problems in the back/film pressure plate.

 

It sounds like you should have it inspected by a Rollei TLR repairperson.

[shinji_kimura]

Sergio,

 

Like you pointed-out, I can see an obvious dent on the one side of

the front lens panel.

 

I do not finding any sort of binding/sticking while I rotate the

focusing knob.

 

I am going to return this one to the dealer although I like the

dirty-free/spot-free lenses.

 

Next time I deal with dealer, I will ask more questions to confirm

the mechanical conditions including the parrarellness of the front lens panel movement, not just the helthiness of the taking lens.

[fwstutterheim]

It looks like you have a serious problem. Bring it back to the dealer for a refund. There are lots of good Rolleis out there. Stay away from this one. Ferdi.

[shinji_kimura]

Ferdi,

 

Thank you for your advice.

$1,300 for 3.5F with mechanical problem may not

be a good way of spending money if the item

is over-priced out of collector's perspective.

 

Now, I need your opinion. How can I find a dealer

who provides you with Mechanically healthy Rollei?

 

Can you tell me your experience or name the dealer you trust?

 

Shinji

[geoff_mcauliffe]

Ken Hansen in New York City.

[shinji_kimura]

Geoff,

 

Thank you for your recommendation.

I would appreciate it if you can

tell me the exact address of Ken Hensen.

I think it is best to visit him and

touch & feel the item he has in stock.

 

Shinji

[bruce_appel]

For what it is worth,my favorite camera is an old E model that I have used for a number of years. It is not a pretty camera by any means, but the images are unbeatable. My lens board also racks out a tad unevenly, something I will have repaired someday. The images this 2.8 planar makes are stunningly sharp- I really have never seen anything any better.

So I think it would have to be pretty bad to affect images in any significant way. That said I would not pay big bucks for one that had this flaw- their are plenty out there that are tight.