Waist Level Finder interchangeability between models?

[hamesh]

I have a late model 2.8F white face with prism finder. I'm trying to find a waist level finder for it but difficult to find. Would anyone know if a waist level finder for a 3.5F or an E or any earlier model would fit a 2.8F? I've looked at many and with few exceptions (very early models, Rolleicord, Automat, Baby, etc.), they all appear to be the same.

I was thinking since I can't find one by itself, perhaps I could pickup a used or a 'for repair' E or something and pull the finder off it. Do you think this would be possible?

[DPurdy]

You can use a finder off any Rollei that has the removable finder. The model E and older do not have the right finder. The E2 and E3 do. It doesn't matter if the camera is a 3.5 or a 2.8. There are actually two types of removable finder that will fit the F. One is designed for the T and the Magic and the GX and the FX. It is the same as the F finder except that it doesn't have a focus lens and window for the Sports finder. They still have the sports finder but you can't focus through the llittle window on the bottom of the back.

I am not sure about Rolleicord finders. I think however that a late model Rolleicord also has the removable finder like the T and Magic.

Also the finder from a Tele will work except that it's sports finder is smaller. And the finder from a Rolleiwide would work again with wrong sports finder.

All the various removable finders will fit your F. I have an old beat up TeleRollei finder that I keep as a spare for my F. I got it for 20USD on ebay.

[hamesh]

That is very helpful indeed. Thank you. As far as resale, would a mismatched WLF lessen the value of the camera? For example, if I obtained a Magic finder without fine focus lens or window?

Speaking of that, what are your thoughts about replacing camera leather? Better to leave old leather that is not so bad? Or OK to replace with new leather from cameraleather.com or similar?

I was just thinking I might upgrade to a newer FX/GX or possibly a Wide, but wouldn't want to do anything to my 2.8F that would diminish it's value.

[DPurdy]

If you are talking about ebay value, you have to think user vs collector. I would think most collectors want pristine or as close to it as they can afford so if your leather is damaged and the finder is wrong a collector won't be interested. So then you are talking about user value. I believe that the most important aspect for a user is the lens quality and the functionality of the camera. I don't think very many people care about using the little focus window for the sports finder. I think that is probably why it was eliminated from the new Rolleis. Probably a very nice condition T finder is better than a damaged F finder. They look the same. I have seen several cases on ebay where TeleRolleis and Rolleiwides have had the wrong finder. I think it probably because the seller wants the camera to look as good as possible and many people don't even notice the sports finder difference.

Cameraleather has some nice looking leather and I think some of it is very close to original Rollei leather. Though your late rollei will have leatherette, which looks a little different from leather. they might have that too. And in case you do want to re cover your camera, you can always keep the original leatherette and include it with the camera if you sell it. I don't think new leather will lower the value below damaged original leather. Assuming you don't put something outlandish on.

Curious, did you get a 295 series whiteface or a 247 series.
Of course if you can afford a new FX, then losing a little money on the 2.8F won't hurt to much.

Dennis

[hamesh]

Was thinking the same thing. Mine is a 295 and is a user, not a mint collector. So if I sold it I would position it as such so as to attract the right type of buyer. I love it and may just replace the leather for my own gratification

Think I've found a WLF but seller doesn't know what model. I don't mind the prism but it does make the camera very top heavy and somewhat more conspicuous shooting - get more 'posed' shots if you know what I mean.

[DPurdy]

Just in case I better clarify that the WLF has to be for a TLR and not for a Rollei SLR.

I use the prism a lot but I do think it makes your compositions a bit stiff compared to looking down at a backwards image through a WLF. Also if you tend to shoot hand held you can use a strap with the WLF and pull down on the camera till the strap is tight around your neck for added stability. I use a tripod.
Dennis

[hamesh]

Yes, finder for a TLR. Just picked one up on ebay so will see if it fits. From all accounts it should.

Good tip for stability. Should buy me a stop or two