Topic: Jammed Rollei B35

[AJShepherd]

I've got a Rollei B35, and I was going to give it another outing this week when I discovered I can't wind it on, and the shutter doesn't fire. I'm guessing that it won't wind on until the shutter has fired, but as it won't fire, then nothing happens.
The lens is fully extended and locked, but nothing else happens.

Any ideas what might be the problem, or where I could perhaps get it fixed in the UK? Or even if it's worth getting it fixed?

[Jack Johnson]

Did you try flipping the rewind release and then advancing the film? I haven't had that problem with my Rollei, but with some other cameras when I get to the last frame and the shutter half-cocks things get iffy until the shutter can be fully cocked or fully released.

[AJShepherd]

I have tried that, but it's still stuck.

[Francois]

Is it the type of camera that absolutely needs a film to drive the sprocket wheel in order to cock the shutter?

Here's the instruction book
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/rollei/rollei_b35_c35/rollei_b35_c35.htm

[AJShepherd]

I'm pretty certain I have wound and fired the camera with no film in, to test the shutter at least.

[AJShepherd]

Crap. Having found a few possible leads I took the top off to have a look at the mechanism, and for a moment I thought I might have sorted it out, but then something went 'sproing' and I perhaps didn't put it back right, so no it's even more jammed and the lens won't go back.
I may have another go at it if I can find clear enough pictures of how it's supposed to go together, but for now it's a dead camera.

It does have a sticker inside saying it was last serviced at Clock Tower Cameras in Brighton, so I may see if they can still repair it, but I suspect I could pick up another one cheaper than that.

[02Pilot]

Never having owned a B35, I'm not sure how much internal similarity there is with the original Rollei 35. In the event that they are similar, here's a couple of links to info I found useful when I was trying to track down why my 35 was ripping the film in half every time I tried to rewind it.

The original Rollei parts book, with exploded views: Rollei 35 Service Manual

And a thread (with photo) that discusses the innards in some detail: http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/forum/messages/13061/8326.html?1169524661

If you can post some photos of the inner workings and discuss exactly what's happening, we might be able to at least get you pointed in the right direction.

[AJShepherd]

I had got hold of the service manual, but the innards of the film advance mechanism seem completely different on the B35
I can see that even more clearly from the pictures in that second link.

Thanks anyway!

[02Pilot]

Take a look at these:

http://photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00HSdA

http://photographic.co.nz/cameraworks/cameras/rollei35/

[Late Developer]

If all else fails and you need someone to put the thing back in working order, let me know. I know a chap who worked exclusively on all manner of Rolleis for 30+ years before he retired. He's based in the UK, has a shed-load of spare parts for all Rollei cameras and lives 20 or so miles from where I live.

PM me if of interest / help.

[gsgary]

Was the lens fully extended and locked ? love my little 35B