Ansco Karomat repair. Maybe.

[Kenj8246]

I have a pretty nice old Ansco Karomat that is in good shape for the shape it's in. Shutterspeeds are a little…well, maybe a lot…off but the biggest problem…okay, the problem I'm trying to get a handle on now…is the film advance.

Unloaded, it purrs along, the counter counts, the shutter cocks and fires. Easy peasey. Stick a roll of film in it(yes, I have the film under the little silver gate) and shortly it sounds like a bucket of bolts. Tears the perfs up and all. Had it for some time now but it's just been sitting. A friend recently got one and although it's been rebuilt by a reputable person, it's doing the same thing. Long story short, I decided to dig mine out and have a go.

Has anyone--Phil--done a rebuild of an Ansco/Agfa and left behind some instructions, maybe? Please, please?

Kenny

 

[Chris Bail]

I'm pretty sure Phil has. Check his Flickr for the set on the Agfa Karat rebuild.

 

[Chris Bail]

I hope it's ok to post the link to Phil's set:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/7699588@N07/sets/72157629429740568/

I also have a Karomat...they are just rebranded Agfa Karats.

 

[Kenj8246]

Thanks, Chris. Phil seems a nice sort, I hope he doesn't mind either.

Kenny

 

[farlymac]

Everything's cool. You most likely have a torque problem with the take-up spool, Ken.

Open the camera, making sure to deploy the lens (so you can crank the winder). There is an access hole at the base of the spool. You spin the spool in reverse until it faces you. Then holding the spool, you wind the crank until the screw head becomes visible. You'll probably have to adjust it three or four times until you get it right, but first try backing it off a little. The only way to test it is with a roll of film, so waste the cheapest you have.

After you are done, then spin the spool back into a position so that the slot faces you when you go to load it.

Good luck!

PF

 

[citizen99]

(Great set of photos, Phil 🙂 ). Here's a picture to help visualise what's going on inside the spool.
John.

 

[Kenj8246]

Thanks Phil. And John. Agree with John: that 'tutorial' is excellent, Phil. I'm still on the fence as to whether to attempt it, especially since, other than the film advance snafu, it works okay. Slow shutter speeds--below 25--stick the blades open but I can live with that until I can determine what else may be wrong.

Thanks again, guys, MUCH appreciated.

Kenny

 

[Kenj8246]

That worked well, Phil and John. Hard as the dickens to see that screwhead thru the hole but I finally found it. Backed it off between a half and a full turn and a roll of film cycles through leaving the sprocket holes intact.

Thanks again.

Kenny

 

[farlymac]

Thank John mostly, Kenny. He's the one who explained it to me, and supplied the photo of the interior of the spool. I just couldn't remember who it was (my brain is getting as rattled as my old computer).

You'll have to at least clean the escapement to get the speeds to come back in line. You might find some other crud in there as you look.

PF

 

[Kenj8246]

Phil, I'm of two minds about further work on this Ansco. Even if I botched things up, losing this one would not be a great loss, as I have enough old cameras to keep me busy. But, just for my own curiousity, I'd like to do some dis-assembly and see about the speeds. I am, however, hesitant, as you might imagine. I removed the top cover last nite after adjusting the clutch on the takeup spool and it's very clean under there. I don't own a spanner of any sort so removing the rear element would be dicey.

Kenny

 

[farlymac]

Well, you could always send it to me. I've got some experience in fixing those things. It would only cost you some postage. An Agfa Solinar is too nice a lens to just be sitting around doing nothing. PM me.

PF

 

[Kenj8246]

Sent you a PM, Phil.