[rollei_list] My 2.8E needs a $210 fix job? Do it, or get another?

  • From: "Richard Sintchak" <rich815@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 15:34:23 -0700

Any advice or input appreciated.

About 4 years ago I bought a real beater Rolleiflex 2.8E Planar from a
used camera booth in Beijing (I was living there at the time). It was
ugly as sin, had some slow speed issues, a small scratch on the front
element, but seemed to focus well so I took it--for $150 USD. For
while I shot it at 1/60th above and it gave me excellent results--no
evidence of the front element scratch either. Sharp as a tack and
gorgeous negs.

I did get a CLA about 8 months ago from a shop that I'll never go back
to, won't get into that now, but he did fix the speeds and all seemed
ok. That cost about $160 USD. All was going along fairly well, and
I've put through at least 30 rolls since the CLA, until the other day
when I fired off a shot, spun the film advance and all locked up about
half-way through the spin--- shutter wide open, film advance arm
locked tight and would not move. I just brought it to a guy who did
great work on my SL66 and after looking it over he says he can get it
all back in order......for $210 USD.

Ok, in retrospect I probably should have spent $500 USD four years ago
on a nice condition one but I am where I am. I starting to wonder
though: I've seen what seems to be some pretty good Rolleiflex TLRs
going for about $300- 400 USD on eBay and I'm starting to think maybe
I should save the $210 USD, add about $300 or so and get me a newer
and hopefully better-conditioned Rolleiflex 2.8 Planar/Xenotar be it a
C, D, E, E2 or even an F.

I simply LOVE Rolleiflex TLRs and plan to use it for years and years
to come. I have Bay III hoods, filters, etc. so want to stick to this
size lens and the Rolleiflex brand. I guess if I was assured or
confident that this $210 USD would be about all I'd need to spend and
the camera would be fine going forward (except for the occiasional
CLA) I'd stick with it and save the xtra dough. But I'm wavering. Your
thoughts?

thanks,

Richard S.
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