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Peidave
Tinkerer
Username: Peidave
Post Number: 18
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - 11:38 am: | 
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Hi Everyone:
I have received an Ansco Shur-shot, a Brownie No. 2A, and a Brownie Target Six-16 box cameras.
I have cleaned up the Ansco well thanks to its sealed viewfinder, but need some guidance on getting at the viewfinders on the #2A and the six-16 box cameras. I think I have figured out the six-16 (remove the four face screws and that will allow me at the mirrors to clean them?) but need guidance on accessing the mirrors on the #2.
I don't want to damage either camera. All of their shutters work well - their number one problem is grime on the viewfinder mirrors!
Dave |
Peidave
Tinkerer
Username: Peidave
Post Number: 19
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - 11:51 am: |
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Ok, here I go again, at least partially answering one of my questions. I was a bit scared to do it lest I damage the camera, but with the No. 2 Brownie, it was a matter of prying off the front cover with a jewellers screwdriver - it was press fitted onto the case.
Now, what I discovered in that case, is that I will have to replace the mirrors - their backing is failing... Anyone have any ideas on the replacement of these mirrors - especially cutting such a small piece of mirror?
Dave |
Aford
Tinkerer
Username: Aford
Post Number: 18
Registered: 03-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - 12:35 pm: |
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Dave
I have read that a suitable mirror can be found inside a ladies makeup compact case. I haven't tried it myself, but you will have to cut it to size with a glass cutter. Fix it in place with Anita's PVA Tacky Glue, you can get this from an art shop.
Alf |
Peidave
Tinkerer
Username: Peidave
Post Number: 20
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - 12:44 pm: |
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Hi Alf:
Thanks for the suggestion - I will look into it. Another camera I received today was an old Kodak Tourist in pretty good shape - operational, but again, a cloudy viewfinder (not nearly as bad as the viewfinders). If anyone has any tips about getting into them, sure would appreciate hearing from them!
Dave |
Dgillette4
Tinkerer
Username: Dgillette4
Post Number: 82
Registered: 04-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - 04:35 pm: |
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Hi Dave: I found another source of mirrors and thats from an old non working polaroid, the sx70 type. Found in resale stores,,,Don |
Peidave
Tinkerer
Username: Peidave
Post Number: 21
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 - 05:02 pm: |
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Hi Don:
Thanks. I will check into that!
I got brave with the Brownie Target Six-16, and tackled it this evening once I found my good jeweller's screwdrivers. Removing the four screws on the faceplate gave me access to not only the 3 lenses, but also to the mirrors on it. I found its mirrors in pretty good shape, but one had come unglued, so I cleaned the lenses, mirrors, viewfinder windows (2 on the six-16), and re-glued the mirror with Elmer's School Glue, a water based but tacky material I don't believe will damage the mirror backing. We shall see. I believe it would be very similar to the tacky glue in Alf's post.
It seems to have done a great job.
One job left, getting at the viewfinder in the Kodak Tourist.
Dave |
Adrian
Tinkerer
Username: Adrian
Post Number: 81
Registered: 08-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 01:07 am: |
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As a collector of box cameras (amongst other sorts...) who likes to use them, I'd be interested to hear how you get on cutting new mirrors. As a bit of a hamfist, I can see myself ending up with a hand full of mirror shards if I don't wear a decent glove, but I can't see how I'd handle something that narrow without one. Unless there is a special glasscutter's tool for narrow strips? I can imagine that two plates and a wide clamp like a welding clamp might do the trick?
I'd be interested to hear the practicalities from someone who has done this, and still has the use of their hand!
Thanks,
Adrian |
Peidave
Tinkerer
Username: Peidave
Post Number: 22
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 05:55 am: |
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Hi Adrian and all:
Yes, it will be a trick cutting the mirrors. I have caught lots of glass in the past, but small mirrors like that will be a challenge!
I have finished cleaniing the viewfinder system of the Kodak Tourist, basically following the instructions on:
http://www.prairienet.org/b-wallen/BN_Photo/KodakTourist_Tech2.htm
The only additional information to that given on that page, is that when you lift out the viewfinder plate, I had to remove a small screw holding its bottom plate, so that I could swing it out of the way for cleaning. Additionally, there was a plastic cap over the two viewfinder lenses which needed to be removed to get at the mirrors. Re-assembly was simple, just a matter of reversing the steps.
The viewfinder is now as clean as new, and the camera still works (whew!)
Dave |
Olly_ympus
Tinkerer
Username: Olly_ympus
Post Number: 45
Registered: 08-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 09:29 am: |
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As to mirrors,...I think that there is such a thing as a plastic mirror that would be easy to cut. Maybe Edmund Scientific would have something? Just a thought,.... |
Peidave
Tinkerer
Username: Peidave
Post Number: 23
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 03:09 pm: |
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Wonder about these?
http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3052324
Dave |
