Rolleicord (new user) Trouble Focusing

[amandrafino]

I've held only one TLR in my hands (my Rolleicord III). Recently repaired, the camera should be in top form. When using the flip-down eyepiece, I can't attain a very sharp image. For instance, if I'm focusing on an object two meters away, I can't acquire hard edges: edges look soft, at least compared to my SLRs. ....My question: is this typical? Should the Rollei be able to firm up edges (focus) as sharply as do my SLRs.

[JanBoettcher]

Yes and no

You should see a sharp image in the Cord's viewfinder. Do you see the focusing screen's grain (or dirt on the glass) "sharp"?

On the other hand: Your regular 35mm SLR finder has split image and microprism collar in the center and quite some magnification (and good blocking af stray light. The old Cord literally has "ground glass" to form the image and something like 2x magnification. But maybe your Cord is not up to spec ... (hard to tell from a distance)

[amandrafino]

Thank you! I think I'll go to local camera store (only 4 left in this metro-area, Boston) to compare other Rollei(s) to mine.

[eieikuean]