Vintage film cameras

[yokohama]

I tried a new cleaning technique tonight. Sticky aperture blades on a rangefinder so took the front of the lens out and gave the diaphragm a quick blast of motorbike clutch and brake cleaner. (held the camera upside down so it didn't drip on the lens) Fired the shutter lots of times, swabbed it dry and it's worked a treat.

[johnnyrod]

I would be a bit careful of that TBH, maybe it's the way you describe it, but there are plenty of potions for pushing stuff into places you don't want it. For that reason I didn't used to soak a shutter as the dirt/grease could just end up somewhere else, but having seen a few older ones, I've started doing it, although after taking a load of bits off first.

The Durst turned up, fair nick, knackered light seals, meter weak but working a bit, shutter not firing at all, case in two parts with no strap. So, maybe what you expect for a tenner instead of what the rest of them go for. Will be an interesting one to work on!

[Kenzie]

Top plate isn't too bad to get off, a little bit snug so will need a little wiggle go get off. A few washers here and there. Not much under the top plate tbh, its all covered up. Aperture on the Pentacon is acting up, keeps getting stuck open. Have set it to manual and f16 to see if that helps.

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[johnnyrod]

Kenzie did you ever develop the 120 film I sent you? Just remembered about it today

[Kenzie]

No not yet. Tbh I might just send it off with a batch I have here. Might have time next week.

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[johnnyrod]

Put a bid on an XA2 last night, not really sure why, but S**T! It was 99 pence.

[Kenzie]

Did you win? I have the XA3 and they are great little cameras. Easy to slip into a pocket and the clam shell design keeps the lens safe.

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[johnnyrod]

It finishes in a day or two. I'd spotted it and put it on my watch list, thought about it, then in a fit of pique put a couple of quid on it. Not sure if it works but looks good, either it'll go for more or I'll get it for no more than the cost of a broken one.

[yokohama]

The clutch cleaner has worked OK. I wanted to give it a good soak as the slow speed mechanism was sticking. It's all working now. It's great stuff; I tried it on a greasy cooker extractor hood and grease just slides off much better than any commercial cleaner.
Agree with Kenzie in that the XA3 is great, apart from the hair trigger shutter but the film advance is vey slow. Mine's had a film in for a year and it won't finish.

[Kenzie]

Funny you say that, mine has a film in as well and seems to be lasting a while! Hey Admin, have you had a chance to shoot your new Canons yet? If you are struggling with film I could always post you a couple of rolls of now rare Agfa Vista.