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Typhillips
Tinkerer
Username: Typhillips
Post Number: 6
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2010 - 02:02 pm: | 
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Hi all -
I just picked up an Agfa Isola II for cheap (it should be - it's basically a glorified toy camera). Everything is functional, however the 1/30 speed of the simple 2 speed Singlo shutter is running a couple of stops slow, more like 1/8. For all I know, this is within spec, but I fear that this will kill the possibility of handheld shots at this speed so I'm hoping it can be sped up without too much hassle.
I currently have the shutter out of the camera, (although the rear element and lens board is still there). I'm debating what to do next. I'm only a moderately adventurous tinkerer, so I fear that a full shutter disassembly is likely to have tragic results. OTOH, the shutter seems quite simple compared to other leaf shutters I've seen.
The good news is that the shutter appears very clean and there doesn't seem to be any grit in there as far as I can see. I'm guessing the issue is just related to the old original lubricants thickening up a bit.
I've googled quite a bit and managed to find all kinds of information about leaf shutters in general, but no instructions for this exact shutter. I'm wondering if anyone has any more specific knowledge and can suggest some simple things to try first (such as cleaning off certain targeted points with Ronsonol?).
I am indebted to anyone who might be able to steer me in the right direction.  |
Typhillips
Tinkerer
Username: Typhillips
Post Number: 7
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 06:37 am: |
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Well, a liberal application of Ronsonol in the shutter and 1/30 is behaving appropriately again. While I was at it I cleaned all of the lens elements and lubricated the shutter leaves with a tiny bit of graphite from a pencil. She's running great now! |
Mareklew
Tinkerer
Username: Mareklew
Post Number: 95
Registered: 03-2010
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 10:36 am: |
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Graphite isn't a good idea: when some of it deposits on the lens, you will find out what light scattering is, the hard way
Glad you managed to clean it.
Marek |
Typhillips
Tinkerer
Username: Typhillips
Post Number: 8
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 02:44 pm: |
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Mareklew, thanks for the tip. I used such a miniscule amount that I hope it won't be a problem. I actually scribbled on a piece of cardboard, rubbed my pinky finger on it, and then rubbed that onto the blades.
Anyway, the worst case scenario is that I have to disassemble it again, which luckily I already know how to do.
Unfortunately I did make what I think is a significant gaffe, however, at least as far as future dissasembly goes. I reglued the outer ring on the front of the lens (which has the focus scale on it) with Pliobond. That was stupid. A few drops of superglue or maybe some spray adhesive would have probably have been a better choice. It's such thin metal that if I need to take it off again it will likely get damaged.
Live and learn..... on a cheapo camera, that is. |
Ron_g
Tinkerer
Username: Ron_g
Post Number: 31
Registered: 07-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 02:59 am: |
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I ruined a nice Hickock Dynamic Conductance tube tester by using superglue to fasten something inside the sealed meter movement and the fumes eroded the inside of it beyond repair.I am very careful these days where I use superglue.Ron G |
Typhillips
Tinkerer
Username: Typhillips
Post Number: 9
Registered: 06-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 08:44 am: |
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Ron, thanks for the input. I can't imagine anything being worse than the fumes from Pliobond, but in my case this is all on the outside of the camera so it won't be a problem.
I actually very rarely use superglue, mostly because I find that it just doesn't work all that well. Nothing beats good old epoxy when you really need a strong adhesive bond. |
