Anyone ever cleaned the helical focusing gears on Kodak 35 Signet?

[68degrees]

The camera is working great now except the focusing gears. They are stiff in some parts and easy in other parts. Easy at the close focusing range and then stiffer in the other areas.

Ive looked in the back of the camera and cant figure out how to take it apart? I think the grease has dried out and needs to be cleaned off and regreased. Please advise.

Thanks

 

[L David Tomei]

Take a look at this site (http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=signet35). From what you describe, the stiffness is not linear through the helicoid travel which makes me suspect that the rf coupling is causing the problem. Anyway, the shutter is relatively simple as is cleaning and adjustments compared with other cameras. David

 

[68degrees]

Take a look at this site (http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=signet35). From what you describe, the stiffness is not linear through the helicoid travel which makes me suspect that the rf coupling is causing the problem. Anyway, the shutter is relatively simple as is cleaning and adjustments compared with other cameras. David

I saw that page and used it to adjust my shutter and clean the viewfinder but as far as accuracy mine is right on the money. I dont see anything mentioning a rf coupling or how to access it. It only talks about adjusting the rangefinder for focus accuracy.

 

[L David Tomei]

He only mentions that cleaning of the rf can be done by removing the top cover to access the linkage and beamsplitter. My Signet is stored, unfortunately, and right now I have a Karat 36 apart to replace the really badly hardened helicoid grease. Kodak didn't have that problem generally. You probably know this already but don't clean the beamsplitter (sounds like yours is fine). The rf link train may need simple cleaning and very light lube. David

 

[68degrees]

He only mentions that cleaning of the rf can be done by removing the top cover to access the linkage and beamsplitter. My Signet is stored, unfortunately, and right now I have a Karat 36 apart to replace the really badly hardened helicoid grease. Kodak didn't have that problem generally. You probably know this already but don't clean the beamsplitter (sounds like yours is fine). The rf link train may need simple cleaning and very light lube. David

ok so you think its that rod that connects to the rangefinder mirror?

Going from 2 feet to infinity is pretty effortless,just a little tension to get it started. But then. Going from infinity to 2 feet its stiff until 3.5 feet.

 

[L David Tomei]

By a process of elimination, cleaning and lubricating linkage points will correct the problem unless it is a mechanical failure of some sort (something bent or broken by forcing the stiff focus, for instance). If you can get a drop or two of lighter fluid carefully in the helicoids, the effect would be dramatic if that is where the stiffness is. That likely won't be a permenent solution.

 

[68degrees]

By a process of elimination, cleaning and lubricating linkage points will correct the problem unless it is a mechanical failure of some sort (something bent or broken by forcing the stiff focus, for instance). If you can get a drop or two of lighter fluid carefully in the helicoids, the effect would be dramatic if that is where the stiffness is. That likely won't be a permenent solution.

Ill try it for diagnostic purposes.

 

[68degrees]

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Update. I put a couple drops of lighter fluid around the lens tube that goes in and out during focusing. There was an immediate improvement so that means that the grease was dried out right? So I need to take it apart clean and regrease right? I just used a couple drops hope it doesnt get into the film chamber onto the film or lenses.