Rolleiflex T disassembly

[literiter]

Some time ago I received a Rolleiflex T in nice cosmetic shape but with a very bad taking lens. Fungus and serious separation.

I think I will take the thing apart. Has anyone else worked on these? I've worked sucessfully on a Rollei MX but the Rollei T seems much different.

Thanks to all for letting me post this query.

Vincent

[Wayno]

Just saw this...

The T is quite different to the Rollei Automats. You need to take the front fascia panel off to get the front cell of the taking lens out, however the panel is a little tricky to remove. From memory you have to take out the screws under the leatherette, take the MXV knob off and unscrew the collar inside flash socket. The last step is the tricky part - you may need to manufacture a special tool (I did) that will fit inside the recess to get that collar unscrewed. Once all of that is done the front panel will come off with some wiggling.

[literiter]

Just saw this...

The T is quite different to the Rollei Automats. You need to take the front fascia panel off to get the front cell of the taking lens out, however the panel is a little tricky to remove. From memory you have to take out the screws under the leatherette, take the MXV knob off and unscrew the collar inside flash socket. The last step is the tricky part - you may need to manufacture a special tool (I did) that will fit inside the recess to get that collar unscrewed. Once all of that is done the front panel will come off with some wiggling.


Wayno,

Thank you for this.

I have in fact made the tool you described. 5.9mm with two little prongs. I removed the offending little collar and have successfully removed the front of the camera. I have redone the shutter, cleaned, as well as I've been able, the fungus from the lens with a fresh mixture of Hydrogen peroxide and amonia. Alas, the lens has separation as well as scars from the fungus.

Now my challenge is to put the wretched thing back together as it is. This is quite difficult as many prongs have to match up with little pins etc. Have you managed this?

[Wayno]

Yes, although my memory is somewhat vague. In general, when putting TLR front panels back on I find it easiest to have the shutter and aperture set to one extreme of the range (eg B and f3.5 - it doesn't really matter what end of the range you use), and have the front panel set to match. I then put the panel back on and check that everything has mated up properly before I screw it all back together. With the T model I seem to remember that the spring that fits into the slots on the flash socket is a bit fiddly to get back into place. If you have any specific questions fire away and I'll see if I can remember the relevant details.

[literiter]

If you have any specific questions fire away and I'll see if I can remember the relevant details.

I will, and thank you. Tomorrow evening I'll take another run at the thing and see what I can do.

Vincent