Current Rolleiflex CLA Cost?

[ChipMcD]

Anyone know what the range is for a Rolleiflex CLA these days? I just bought a 3.5F that is cosmetically fantastic, but the self-timer and slow shutter speeds are off. Sounds like the lube had dried and gotten crusty, so I think I'm looking at a shutter mechanism overhaul and probably transport too. I'm probably sending it to Oceanside (Harry Fleenor) for the job. Anyone here had experience with Oceanside and have an idea on what this is going to set me back?

Thanks in advance.

Chip

[shyoon]

I sent my Rolleiflex to Krimar Photo not long ago for a CLA and a shutter overhaul. Cost me $350.

[david.elliott]

I sent my 2.8D to Paul Ebel a year or two ago. Cost was very reasonable and the work was very good.

[t.s.k.]

Krikor Maralian has one of my Rolleiflexes now.
Apparently it needs some fixing in addition to the standard CLA.
He said it'll be $350.
Figure in another $200 for a Maxwell screen if you feel you need it.

Last Summer the turnaround was 6 weeks for Paul Ebel
Harry Fleenor was 12 weeks.
It's probably best to call to get an update on their workload as things may have changed.
Krikor will have my camera for 4 days.

[Joe Vitessa]

Wow. Can't believe people pay so much for a Rolleiflex CLA. Try Mark Hansen, Paul Ebel or Essex Camera. About $125 with shipping. Camera returned in two weeks working like new.

[jmcd]

I would choose someone who specializes in the Rollei specifically, and who fully breaks down the shutter and aperture blades for proper cleaning. A specialist will have the proper optical machine to adjust the taking lens, not only for proper depth but axial alignment, too, so you will get the most out of your lens.

A Rollei specialist will have the spare parts on hand, and replace dubious springs, etc., so that your camera will work properly for a long time.

[David Murphy]

I'd not pay more than $120 - these are simple and common cameras - nothing mysterious or special about them.

[PMCC]

Originally Posted by David Murphy

I'd not pay more than $120 - these are simple and common cameras - nothing mysterious or special about them.

Can you recommend specific camera techs who will do this? Thanks on behalf of Rollei users here.

[JeffGreene]

I used Krikor for my first MX-EVS and it cost $350 for a CLA, although in all fairness the camera required a shutter and transport repair as well. I understand Harry Fleenor is even more expensive, but both he and Krikor are authorized Rollei techs. I sent my newest MX-EVS Xenar to a local guy here. He claims to have Rollei experience and is only charging $95 for the CLA. He is a young guy, but has an excellent local reputation. I'll let people know how it goes.

Here's his info:

Matt Fuehrer
Authorized Camera Repair
339 York Road (Rt 263)
Willow Grove, PA 19090
215-659-2905

[David Murphy]

Yes I can if you email me. Some of the other users above have mentioned a few. A CLA of most camera bodies should never cost more than about $180 anywhere, and that includes shutter curtains for cameras with cloth focal plane shutters. One key is to find a local repairmen you can work with directly rather than through an intermediary like a camera shop (who often takes a cut). This also saves money on shipping charges and allows one to negotiate the cost and appropriate extent of the work.

Originally Posted by PMCC

Can you recommend specific camera techs who will do this? Thanks on behalf of Rollei users here.

[whitecat]

I too have used Essex and Krikor. Both recommended, although for I rollei I would go with Krikor. H. Fleenor is great but takes forever since he is so popular.

[Pirate]

I just had my Baby Rollei 4x4 completely rebuilt by a former Rollei factory repairman, now living in Washington State, for $170. See the Baby Rollei 4x4 thread on the third page for pictures. Let me know if you want to contact him and i'll pass on his info.

Here's a quote from an email I received from him today during a conversation with him about my 4x4:
"I am glad you like your camera. Very few people know what is
involved to repair these complex cameras. The other Rollei
twin-lens cameras are even more complex. If they would
manufacture cameras like that today, the price would be
astronomical. I only service older Rollei twin-lens cameras!
This is what I learned at the factory, this is what I know best!"

[fbf]

I paid $500 to Harry

[david.elliott]

I paid around $150 to Paul Ebel in 2009.

[Careyon]

Paul Ebel did a very fine job on my Rolleiflex E2. Very reasonable and a nice guy.

[filmfan]

Wow. People are paying a lot of money for this. I have been tempted to do it myself. I had a friend who did so and was quite successful.

[jmcd]

KARL EHLERS

Karl has worked on a couple of Rolleis for me also, and his work is superb. He is one of the Rollei "specialists," and his prices are very competitive.

[PMCC]

This is becoming a very useful thread -- not just a list of recommendations, but with details and prices as well. Please keep 'em coming. The more we can patronize the less well known camera techs, the longer they will stay in business, and that's good for everybody.

[whitecat]

I had a Baby Rolleiflex 100% new. Still had the red Rollei ribbon which had to be cut from the inside to use it. I sent it to Krikor for a CLA. I might have paid 125. Worked flawlessly needless to say.

[ChipMcD]

Thanks to all for the good suggestions. When I spoke with Oceanside, they said that turnaround would be 12 weeks. When I spoke to Krikor this a.m. after I sent it to him, he said it would be a couple of days, and I had a voicemail when I got back from lunch that he was done and that I would receive the camera tomorrow. It was considerably more expensive than other folks had experienced, but I basically told him to give the camera the works since it was cosmetically pristine and I wanted to have a period of no worries use, so that's on me. If the work is as good as the posters here have said, this will have been a home run. I would not have known about Krimar Photo without the posters here. If I don't post anything else in the thread, assume that Krikor did a great job.

I had one amusing facet in this process. When I shipped the camera to Krimar, the young guy at the counter, who looked to be in high school still, asked me what that strange object was. When I told him it was a camera, he said, "I kinda thought that was what it was." Tempus fugit!

[MISH]

Krikor serviced my MX-EVS which had sat unused for 30 years and really brought it back to life

[andredossantos]

I was planning on shipping my 2.8D to Fleanor for a CLA but may instead drive it over to Krimar in NJ if his turnaround time is quick. I don't think I could be without my Rollei for 12 weeks!

Thanks to all who posted for the info in this thread

[Calzone]

When I sent my Rollei 3.5F to Harry Fleenor last year, the costs were $134.00 for a shutter rebuild and $134.00 for a transport rebuild. At the same time I got a Maxwell screen upgrade and a discount for having it aligned/installed. The whole boat cost $470.00 which included insurance and shipping as the final cost.

I think there needs to be some clarity between a CLA and an overhaul. To me a CLA for $120-$150 is kinda different than a rebuild or overhaul. In a CLA are parts replaced that are worn? I doubt it. Do you expect your shutter to was totally disassembled when you sent it in for a CLA? To me a CLA is like a tune up.

BTW when other people have tried my Rollei that has been "Fleenored" the often ask, "Is there film in this camera?" because it is so smooth. And then there is the silent shutter, where I have to see if I can advance the frame to verify that the shutter was tripped.

To me there is a reason why Harry remains so busy and he was right on schedule as promised. He is simply the best, and there is no DAG factor.

Cal

[Gabriel M.A.]

Originally Posted by Joe Vitessa

Wow. Can't believe people pay so much for a Rolleiflex CLA. Try Mark Hansen, Paul Ebel or Essex Camera. About $125 with shipping. Camera returned in two weeks working like new.

That is certainly good to know. I was going to say: $350 for a CLA?! Yikes. It's more than what I paid for my Rolleiflex (OK, six years ago).

[ChipMcD]

Got my 3.5F from Krimar today. Shutter, self-timer, transport and focus--all like buttah.