Agfa Ambi Silette - unusual shutter/wind problem

[rajmohan-fotograf]

Hello folks,
I took my Ambi Silette out for its first shoot with the 50, 90 and 35mm lenses in my bag.
Prior to heading out, I dry fired the camera multiple times to check the function and the shutter speeds, and everything looked, sounded and worked as it should.
With Tri X in place, I started firing away, only to find that the shutter button could be depressed all the way with no shutter release. After each depression, the button could not be depressed unless the film was advanced. Once the film was advanced, same issue again! So having run through half the film this way, I rewound and removed the film, and worked the camera with the back open. I then realized that what was happening was that when I depressed the shutter button, nothing happened; but when I wound the film on (to allow me to depress the shutter button again), the shutter fired as the wind lever returned to its resting position! I've never seen this issue with any of my old cameras, and I would be very grateful for any advice or assistance in remedying this problem. I don't want to spend a fortune on this, but given that I've invested in the full set of lenses, I'd really like to have this camera working.
Many thanks in advance for your assistance!
Raj

 

[farlymac]

When you depress the shutter button, Raj, as it travels downward it moves a lever connected to the B lever of the shutter. Then when the shutter completes it's cycle, the motion of the B lever raises the release button back to it's ready position. The shutter is sticking because of one of a few things that could cause that, most likely oil on the blades. When you wind on to the next frame, you are forcing the shutter to complete the cycle, which then raises the release button.

The shutter will need to be removed for a thorough cleaning. No short cut of a couple drops of naptha (lighter fluid) will do. And while the shutter is out of the camera, a good cleaning and re-lube of the focusing helical should be done, as that is the source of any lube on the shutter blades (unless some idiot has "lubed" the shutter). Shutter blades are designed to be dry when they operate. The least bit of lubricant causes drag, and if there is enough of it, will completely stick the blades together.

This is not an uncommon problem with old leaf shutter cameras that have not been stored in optimal condition, or not used for a long time. Any good repair shop should be able to service your camera for a decent price.

PF

 

[rajmohan-fotograf]

Thank you very much for the information! Much appreciated 🙂