First Rollei -- K4A Shutter Speed Dial

jpfisher

I got my first Rollei on Friday -- a K4A based on the serial number -- unfortunately due to a busy schedule I've only shot one frame, but hope to finish off a roll of 120 this weekend.

One thing I noticed, is that the shutter speed dial selector doesn't want to go to 1/500 -- it moves smoothly to 1/250, but then a lot of tension occurs when I try to move it to 1/500.

Any idea on what is causing this? Is this an issue that can be rectified with a CLA? Is this is known/common issue?

I bought it from a shop with a 30-day warranty policy and plan on calling them about it to see if they will repair the camera. If they won't, and the cost is prohibitive in regards to getting it serviced, I may end up returning it. But I was hoping to have some semblance of knowledge of the issue when I talked to them about it.

Any advice would be grand! Thanks in advance.

DPurdy · Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 5:22 pm Post subject:

I believe the thing with that old shutter is that you have to set it to a 500th before you cock the shutter. So it is something you must make a habit of doing.... not cocking the shutter after every exposure. It is a reflex action with me to advance the film and cock the shutter immediately after an exposure so it would be a hard habit to break.
Dennis

jpfisher · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 2:38 am Post subject:

Dennis,

Thanks -- I'll try that the next time I fire off the frame. It is definitely a reflex, but one I've been trying to break -- I always end up with a few blank frames if I'm not careful with my M3, squeezing it into my bag can trip the shutter if I'm using a soft release!

I'll update with my results and see if I can do some more research on the camera. I've used Mamiya TLRs before, but I wanted something that shot 6x6 and was relatively compact.

Learning new stuff every day,

Jim

olipop · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 1:00 pm Post subject:

I believe your camera has double exposure capability, so try this. If you have already recycled the shutter and advanced the film before deciding you need a 500th sec, shoot off a frame with the taking lens covered with a lens cap (or the inside of your coat). Set the shutter speed and then recock the shutter as a double exposure by activating the DE release and winding the advance lever in reverse.