Bbsteinle
Established
I recently picked up a Voigtlander Vito IIa that needs a shutter repair. Tried Advance Camera in Portland, but they declined. Any recommendation from the collective, preferably on the West Coast? Thanks, Basil
Voigtlander Vito IIa Shutter Repair
- Thread starter Bbsteinle
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KoNickon
Nick Merritt
What's wrong with the shutter? This link pulls up some YouTube videos by Chris Sherlock on repair/overhaul of a Prontor S, which is what I think this camera has. prontor shutter repair - Bing
Don't get me wrong -- I'm not saying this is for the inexperienced or faint of heart, but it might give you an idea of what's involved. (And if it's just a matter of the shutter hanging up at some speeds, I've found the Prontor shutters often respond to some lighter fluid judiciously applied. I know that's a Grade C approach, but it has been effective for me on more than one occasion.)
Others will I hope have their own suggestions. But first, what is the issue?
To answer your initial question, there was a place, Flutot's, in California I think, that specialized in shutter repairs -- though 1) I'm not sure they're still in operation and 2) they tended to concentrate on large format shutters.
Bbsteinle
Established
Thanks for the input. I was viewing Chris’ videos earlier today. Yes, not for the faint of heart! While pushing the release, the shutter is just not actuating. Emits a faint click; the cocking arm doesn’t spring back. Maybe I’ll try that lighter fluid.
Bbsteinle
Established
I will check out Zack’s Camera Repair in Providence, RI.
Darthfeeble
But you can call me Steve
Try Steve's Camera in Culver City, CA. I had good luck with my R-D1 screen problem and with an Olympus E-PL shutter release issue. Both were "send it in and we'll see what we can do" replies. Turn around time was a couple weeks or so on each. Google Search
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
I'm also wondering whether it's not the shutter mechanism itself, but that the shutter blades are stuck shut. You'll need to remove the front lens element to get at the shutter blades. (Search for the thread titled "Cleaning a Zeiss Super Ikonta 530/2..." from several days ago and several folks, including me, get into the issues involved with removing the front element of a front-cell focus lens.} But what you described, the faint click, sounds like what I've encountered when the shutter blades have gotten seized up. I have had success sometimes sliding a piece of paper between the shutter leaves to break them free -- and you may be rewarded with the shutter suddenly tripping when you do this, and it's fine from there on out. The "stiction" of the shutter blades is stronger than the shutter's main spring.
Maybe not the best long-term fix, but I have found it does work for a long time, especially if you exercise the shutter regularly.
mconnealy
Well-known
The Vito II was equipped with both the Prontor and Compur-Rapid shutters. It will be a help in removing the front lens of either if you have a couple flex clamps. I posted an article on this subject on my old website which has been preserved as part of Mike Eckman's site. Mine required just a light cleaning with a brush loaded with Ronsonol. It still works well years later.
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Bbsteinle
Established
Thank you for all the responses; much appreciated!
Bbsteinle
Established
I received the Vito IIa back from Zacks. Looks beautiful and works a treat. Thanks Zacks!
Muggins
Proprietor of Orphanage for Lost Cameras
This is a Good Thing! You should find it a charming and capable little beastie that fits any pocket.
