Agfa Isolette II Repair

[ayalara72]

Hi,

My name is Alberto Ayala and I am new to this forum. I bought an Agfa Isolette II on eBay and everything seems to work fine except the focus ring is frozen. Searching online this is a common problem with the Isolette. Does anybody in this forum know how to fix the frozen focus ring?

The bellows I think is light tight. I searched for any holes with a flashlight and I did not see any holes. Is this the correct method to check the bellows for holes?

Thanks
Alberto Ayala

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Heat will soften the Agfa "Green Goo" grease.
That will allow you to remove the front focusing group and clean out the old grease.

 

[JWL]

I suffered the Agfa old-grease issue too. Four weeks in acetone didn't do any good. In the end, the magic was to place a small glass jar, with lens still in acetone, in a sonicator. After a cup of coffee, acetone turned green, it was done. (Acetone is flammable, so some may frown on this practice.)

Also, have been a member for a long time. Never posted but have learnt a great deal. Thanks to all those I have admired and benefited.
JW

 

[JWL]

also, the sonicator should have some water in so the glass jar is half immersed. Don't want to get anyone in trouble.
JW

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I've had similar problems with solvents not going between the tight threads of the focus helical on other cameras. Never tried it in combination with an ultra-sonic cleaning bath though, Thanks JWL.

 

[sebastel]

i used patience, lighter fuel, patience, gentle force and patience.

the isolette is a well thought out construction and rather easy to repair. worth while putting back into action.

wish you success!

regards,
sebastian

 

[mh2000]

Yeah, patience, lighter fluid and some heat. You will like the camera if you fix that! 🙂

 

[mconnealy]

A hair dryer is a good source of heat.
I've used a lot of Ronsonol over the years, but lately I prefer electric contact cleaner you can get at auto supply stores.

 

[titrisol]

I had several of this "frozen" lenses due to the AGFA green epoxy problem.
I tried many methods and heat worked in most of them (a few cycles were needed)

However, I had 3 that heat couldn't move, even after burning my fingers.
The only thing that worked for me was PB Blaster penetrant oil.
Take the frozen lens off the shutter, put in a 35mm film canister, and spray enough PB Blaster to cover the lens. Walk away for 3 or 4 days and then try to move it. The stuff smells like a mix of aromatic and alyphatic hydrocarbons so I always leave the canister closed.
If it doesn't move leave it in PB Blaster for a few more days and try again.