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Ismaelg
Tinkerer
Username: Ismaelg
Post Number: 25
Registered: 11-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 09:43 am: | 
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Hi,
I recently acquired a No. 2 Film Pack Hawk Eye (1922-25) The camera is very similar to the Premo Jr No 1 Model B that I posted earlier, except this one is all metal.
It was falling apart in pieces but still complete. I managed to get it back together and just before final assembly, I was cleaning it. The inside of the back door has information written in printine orange letters. I just wiped the area with a moist rag and the lettering was ALL smeared and gone!!!!
AAARRRGGGGH!!!!
I will post pictures of it before and after the damage but right now I'm so mad I need to vent and cool down......
Thanks for listening,
Ismael |
Finnegan
Tinkerer
Username: Finnegan
Post Number: 17
Registered: 09-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 10:13 am: |
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What was on that rag?  Didn't think those letters were water soluble.
Ok, not the end of the world. First, let it dry. Next, using Q-Tips and toothpicks (plus more of whatever liquid was on the rag) gently remove the smear until the letters again have sharp/distinct edges/borders.
Next, you can restore the brightness or "solidity" of the lettering with paint of the type used by model train hobbyists or by fine tip magic maker. Model train paint comes in a wide variety of tints and flat/matte/etc. so it is more likely to find a color match for anything. Magic marker is 2nd best. In applying the color, use the paint sparingly on an ultra fine brush and dab it on. If using marker, tap the felt tip straight down to lessen visible streaking. |
Ismaelg
Tinkerer
Username: Ismaelg
Post Number: 26
Registered: 11-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 04:20 am: |
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After 48 hours I'm still mad and blowing steam.
The rag had water dilluted Fantastik household cleaner. I'm still puzzled. The damage is "extensive". You can still read the information if held at an angle, but not "repairable" as far as I'm concern.
It is not really the end of the world, just my biggest drawback since I started tinkering with old cameras, as my approach has always been mimimalistic and on the safe side. The rest of the camera came out very nice so I guess I'll display it closed. I will try to get another back cover. Maybe from a parts camera or trade mine plus some cash for a pristine one.
I'll post a link with pictures later.
Thanks,
Ismael |
John_s
Tinkerer
Username: John_s
Post Number: 13
Registered: 07-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 12:54 pm: |
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Most of us have had similar experiences, and I'm certainly no exception - I'd be ashamed to tell you about my worst failures, but I've gradually gained confidence and learnt my limitations as far as restoration is concerned. Just look at it as part of the learning process. |
Brianshaw
Tinkerer
Username: Brianshaw
Post Number: 81
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 01, 2010 - 04:37 pm: |
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No John-s... I'd be even more ashamed than you! My worst mistake occured not long ago, many years after I thought I left the 'novice' category. These things happen sometimes. |
David_nebenzahl
Tinkerer
Username: David_nebenzahl
Post Number: 35
Registered: 12-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 01, 2010 - 05:14 pm: |
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Well, since we're having kind of a reverse pissing contest here, I have to say that I recently ruined a camera I'd gotten at a flea market by trying to forcefully remove a screw that was a left-hand thread, snapping it off. And I certainly shoulda known better. |
Jecicapapa
Tinkerer
Username: Jecicapapa
Post Number: 5
Registered: 01-2010
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 08:31 pm: |
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confidence and learnt my limitations as far as restoration is concerned. Just look at it as part of the learning process. |
Tom_cheshire
Tinkerer
Username: Tom_cheshire
Post Number: 241
Registered: 04-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 06:24 pm: |
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Hey Ismael. What is your latest restoration project? How about that Canon TX? |
Ismaelg
Tinkerer
Username: Ismaelg
Post Number: 34
Registered: 11-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 16, 2010 - 07:01 pm: |
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Hi Tom,
I've been very busy at work. I haven't tinker with old cameras in almost a month 
The TX needs a lot of work. The shutter is stuck and the mirror is broken. But I haven't taken a closer look to see if it can be saved.
I did "restored" a monster camera: Polaroid J66. I'll post it soon.
Thanks!
Ismael |
