Differences in quality of repair of Rolleiflex by different repairmen

[okinawa photographer]

I recently acquired a nice, clean Rolleiflex 3.5E3 Planar for about

$275. I purchased this knowing that the camera needs some work. The

shutter speeds on the lower end are off, so the shutter probably

needs to be overhauled. Also, though this problem wasn't mentioned

to me, it is possible that the film advance mechanism may have to be

overhauled as well. I am merely saying this because I have heard

that this is a frequent problem. Also, the aperture blades don't

move when the aperture dial is turned.

 

So here is my dillema.

 

Because I live in Japan and I want to send the camera back to America

to get it serviced to save money (Overhauls are very pricey here),

the location of the repairman is no matter to me. I am stating this

now so that people who answer won't simply tell me to choose the

repairman that is closet to me.

 

I recently had Ross Yerkes CLA a Minolta Autocord that had shutter

and film advance problems for for $110. He did a great job.

 

However, the concensus of this forum seems to be that Harry Fleenor

is the man to go to for Rollei repairs. I know that if I go this

route, using Harry, my bill is going to run around $300.

 

However, if I let Mr. Yerkes CLA my camera, my bill probably won't

exceed $150.

 

As you can see, I am thinking about the price.

 

Have any members used Ross Yerkes for Rollei repair? Why did you go

to him rather than other repairmen, ie. Mr. Fleenor?

 

How about Harry Fleenor? Have you used his services? Why did you

choose him?

 

If you were in a similar dillema, who would you go to? And why?

 

Are Mr. Fleenor's services really worth double the price?

 

In my mind, I am thinking that Mr. Yerkes could do a wonderful job,

though I have to question why no one reccommends him for Rollei

repair.

 

Finally, I want to add that I want this camera to be in fabulous

working order when it gets back from repair, so I really don't mind

spending the extra bucks if there really is a difference between the

skill of the repairmen mentioned above.

 

Please help me choose.

 

Thanks

[david_f._stein]

I have not had repairs/service done by either gentleman, although I am

sure either is up to the task by their excellent reputations. These

questions always make me think of the analogy to auto repair.

Overall, I think it is more important to establish a working

relationship with a select group of vendors. I take my car to the

same tire place each time, until they "unearn" my trust. Not every

car reapir gets done right the first time and even the best shops miss

stuff. What happens when something goes wrong or you ask something to

be looked at a second time-"it's still not right"; what about when you

break down on the road and need emergency help or is it "sorry, we

already have so many cars in the shop." Should I buy this lens? Will

that camera work? Sometimes, we must just learn by experience.

 

Vis a vis Rolleis, there are many who I imagine can service these

cameras beautifully, including larger outfits like Marflex or

Peachtree Camera and Video. Again, do we want to eat at the Waldorf

or maybe the neighborhood dinner-each can serve up a good meal.

[terry_dent1]

I had Fleenor overhaul my Rollei P-11 2 1/4 projector and he did an outstanding job. Works like new. Marflex wanted much more than I paid Harry. He's the man for Rollei stuff!

[andrew_schank]

Ross will do as good of a job as anyone will, and he happens to be reasonable in his pricing. Let him install a Maxwell screen in the camera for the money you save on the repair.

[nolan woodbury]

Jason, its been my finding that qualified camera repairmen are those with the tools, experience and a working knowledge of camera basic's. What I'm trying to say, is most TLR's are basically the same inside with regards to the quality of components installed, and detailed lay-out differences. I've used Harry Fleenor to overhaul a sick SL35M Rollei, and purchased another camera (a "X" model Automat) that he had recently rebuilt. Both camera's work perfectly (in the SL/M's case, as good as possible. What a piece of crap) but his prices are "Rollei inspired" which is to say, higher than any other repair firm I've used. Paul Ebel in Wisconsin isn't "known" as a Rollei specialist, but I'm convinced that he is as good -if not better- than any MF or LF camera (and lens) repairman currently offering these services. He's repaired/serviced Rollei's, Minolta Autocord's, Yashica's and even a battered Kalloflex for me. He has a parts inventory for all of these brands as well. His prices are fair, he's friendly and easy to talk with and truly loves vintage equipment. He's my man. Harry is friendly and knowledgeable too, with vast experience and training with Rolleiflex cameras. Who to choose? I'd go with Paul Ebel...but I'd send my Rollei to Harry in a heartbeat if I needed to. It's a win-win situation.

 

Once again, I've never used Ross Yerkes, but several "MF Digest" members that I truly respect have, and rave about the guy. Based on that I'd trust him with any TLR repair service. I have a couple of TLR's here that could use a good looking over...I may just send him one to open the lines of communication. He sounds super.

 

I haven't even mentioned Mark Hama in Georgia...

[john_elder1]

In the last 6 months I have sent two Rollieflex cameras to Harry Fleenor. His work is simply outstanding. You only want to have these repairs done once for a long time AND you want to be very confident that they are done by the best man. I believe this to be Fleenor. The extra bucks are worth it! Have it repaired by the best and shoot with confidence. ALSO get the Maxwell Screen installed. Fleenor's price for this is as low as anyone AND again you know its done right!

[roger_michel]

Fleenor is the man!

[okinawa photographer]

Hello All,

 

Thanks for your answers. I decided to send the camera to Ross Yerkes Camera Repair in Los Angeles. He is doing a complete CLA on the camera for $140. I am also having him install a Maxwell screen for another $120. So my total came to $275 to include shipping. It will probably be about another three weeks before I have the camera returned to me.

 

I had considered Harry Fleenor, but when I contacted him, he mentioned that his turn-around-time was about 3 months. Also, he estimated that the CLA would run close to $300 plus parts. If I would have had him install a Maxwell screen, my bill would have been near $450.........OUCH!

 

 

As someone descriptely stated.........Harry Fleenor's prices are "Rollei inspired."

 

Once again thank you.