Agfa Silette query:

[paulfish4570]

I just bought one for $7.50 at a consignment market. I'd grade it 80-90 on cosmetics, but it has a mechanical issue. Aperture and shutter speed rings rotate as they should. Shutter and aperture work after I fired it a few dozen times. But the zone focus ring does not move. Oh yeah, self timer works, too, if a bit sluggishly. any ideas?

 

[paulfish4570]

Well, I have learned it is a common problem - dried grease - with an easy slution - lighter fluid or similar, and some fresh, suitable lube.

 

[paulfish4570]

OK, I have the focus ring turning now. The aperture ring is doing what it is supposed to do. But the shutter is sticking closed again. Reckon it was all of that Ronson's lighter fluid I dripped into the helicoid, and then got into the shutter leaves? Aieee, back to google to look for a how-to ...l

 

[btgc]

Reckon it was all of that Ronson's lighter fluid I dripped into the helicoid, and then got into the shutter leaves?

Congrats, seems you have learned flushing lighter fluid into camera isn't easy fix, effectively you just multiply issues that way. I have no Agfa cameras but they are notorious for hardened helicoid grease.

Some recommend using hair dryer to gently warm up lens barrel to loosen up helicoid. Just to note, it's easy to overdo it, like with lighter fluid.

Probably now you have choice - take Agfa shutter apart or move on and take pictures with wonderful Lynx you have got.
Paul, you have made exactly same error I did - bought next camera with same (similar) focal lenght lens. I spent a lot of time tinkering with cameras instead of taking breathtaking pictures. You have been warned 🙂

 

[paulfish4570]

Ha! I bought this one only because I got it for $7.50. It was a gamble. I may still get it going. Believe me, I spend more time shooting and developing than tinkering ... 🙂

 

[btgc]

Sure, I talk only about my experience, not accusing you in over-tinkering. Sometimes cheap camera crosses path and time investment is much bigger than financial.

Though I must admit it's not purely wasted time. Reviving some old camera back to life gives strange feeling of satisfaction and sturdiness in times of disposable everything.

 

[paulfish4570]

Aye, bt, aye. I knew what you were conveying ... 🙂

 

[Steve M.]

I have had good results w/ shutters by using a TINY bit of bike chain oil. Use the "dry" type that evaporates w/o a residue. People always say you shouldn't put oil in the shutter, but a little dab will often keep you from having to completely overhaul it. I used this trick lots of times when I was shooting LF, as the Graflex cameras have shutters that are notorious for needing gloves to set the speeds on. A tiny bit of the bike oil allowed to soak in nearly always did the trick, and it stays in the shutter w/o migrating to the aperture blades or worse.

 

[paulfish4570]

Thanks, Steve.