david_mcilreavy1 Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 I have just bought an old Rolleifelex. I am not an expert on Rollei cameras but with its serial number of 1072403, its Carl Zeiss Jena lens and the words Franke & Heidecke under the taking lens the Rolleiclub website shows that it is a Rolleiflex Automat 6x6 Model 3 K4B TLR Camera. It is visibly in good condition for a camera thats over 60 years old but there is a problem with the shutter release button. It does not operate the shutter. I pulls out and pushes in with absolutely no resistance. Seems that it is detached. Has anyone seen this before? Can this be fixed and is it costly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_marvin Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 <p>Rolleis are great cameras, but they do need to be CLAed every decade or two. I use Krikor Maralian, in New Jersey, who is very highly regarded.<br> Ferdi Stutterheim maintains an excellent list of Rolleiflex repair people:<br> www.stutterheim.org/rolleigraphy/rolleiflex_service.htm</p> <p>My last CLA, several years ago, cost about $200; I don't know what current prices are. It won't be cheap, but think of it as an investment in a camera that might last for the rest of your life. FWIW I do most of my landscape photography with a Rolleiflex 2.8E I bought used in 1962.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Seaman Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 <p>It may be worth trying a remote release cable in the remote socket.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew_stott Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 <p>Hi David,</p> <p>I have some photos from K4A- it should be just about the same setup as your Rollei, though.</p> <p>The shutter button just floats in the top cover housing. When you press down on the button, the backside of the button presses against the screw "A" in the photo. This screw is adjustable to allow for a faster/slower release. This screw "A" is connected to a lever, which goes over to point "B"- which pushes the next lever (just below "B") that trips the shutter. If the point where the levers at "B" meet slip (meaning they no longer line up) then you will see exactly what you are seeing. <br> To fix this requires that you remove the front cover of the camera- it can be a bit tricky to get it back together again- but I would be willing to bet that the levers simply do not line up. You can probably just slip them back into position and get it working again.</p> <p>The fix is easy- getting the cover off then on again is the tricky part. There are a LOT of tiny spacers and shims on the blind side of that cover.</p> <p>Good luck,</p> <p>Matt</p> <p><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/mstott/rolleiflex%20automat%20K4A/IMG_2385-2.jpg" alt="" /></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_mcilreavy1 Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Thanks to you both for your very helpful input. Robert, I live in N Ireland but I'm sure there'll be someone here or England to do the job. John, that's a good idea. I think I read somewhere that a standard cable release will do. Will let you know how it goes. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_mcilreavy1 Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Matt, That's extremely helpful. I will try that in the morning. That gives me about 14 hours to get the cover on; that is if I get it off in the first place. Will post my result, good or bad as soon as I know it. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_marvin Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 <p>David,</p> <p>Stutterheim lists one Rollei repair person in the UK:</p> <ul> <strong>"Mr. Brian Mickleboro</strong>,<br /> 6 Fairway <br /> Bishop's Stortford <br /> Herts, CM23 5LT <br /><em>e-mail: </em><a href="mailto:bjmick@aol.com">bjmick@aol.com</a><br /> Phone 01279 755862 <p >Formerly of The Studio Workshop, London. Mr. Mickleboro is factory trained and has 30-40 years of experience in servicing Rollei cameras"</p> <p > </p> <p >I'd advise against a DIY repair UNLESS you have considerable experience with camera repair, or a related field like watchmaking. I don't think a Rollei is a good candate to learn on. Also many repair people charge much more to repair a camera that comes to them in pieces.</p> <p >Good luck, whatever you decide to do.</p> </ul> <p ><a name="usa"></a></p> <h3></h3> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_mcilreavy1 Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Thanks very much Robert. Maybe I should wait and give him a call on Monday. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_mcilreavy1 Posted February 27, 2011 Author Share Posted February 27, 2011 Thank you all for your helpful advice. After Robert's words of caution I gingerly tried to remove the front cover. It was not giving in easily so I quickly gave up. I've decided, as this is my first Rollei, that I should go for a slightly newer, or at least cleaner, model. I'll sell this one before I do any damage. As you said Robert, many repair people charge more to repair a camera that comes to them in pieces. I must say however that my first contact with this forum has been very enlightening. Best regards, David. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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