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Keith
Tinkerer
Username: Keith
Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2010
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2011 - 09:04 pm: | 
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I have recently procured a Braun Gloria. It is a 120rollfilm camera with a viewfinder and uncoupled rangefinder. The camera is in excellent condition - BUT - the rangefinder isn't working. Before I start dismantling it, has anyone any experience of this and can advise me of any likely problems? |
Scott
Tinkerer
Username: Scott
Post Number: 136
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 08, 2011 - 09:46 am: |
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First step is to take off the top cover and see how the mechanism works.
Rangefinders have very weak return-springs. Usually a drop or two of naptha is all it takes to free up the sticky pivots or other friction points. Use the lightest oil you have, if you want to lube the joints.
Fortunately, the simpler early 1950s cameras like the Gloria are not difficult to take apart and re-assemble. |
Keith
Tinkerer
Username: Keith
Post Number: 6
Registered: 01-2010
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 24, 2011 - 10:14 pm: |
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I have since found that the rangefinder is working, it is very dim and hard to see, it seems to be a common problem. At first I thought my rangefinder wasn't working but if you look at something bright, say a lit lightbulb, you will see the second image rather darker and with an orange cast. I don't know what to do about it, I could get a seperate rangefinder and fit it to the accessory shoe. The built in rangefinder is not coupled to the lens. Apart from the rangefinder problem it's a terrific camera, much different from the modern digital cameras, you have to work everything out for yourself which is good practice. Remember the Sunny f16 Rule? |
Waynemel
Tinkerer
Username: Waynemel
Post Number: 73
Registered: 08-2009
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 25, 2011 - 06:57 am: |
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You could try putting a small piece of black tape on the front rangefinder window. Place the tape (the same size as the double image) over the center of the window. This will improve the contrast and will make the double image easier to see. |
