DavidFerguson
Newbie
I'm new on this site so apologies if I've got this request in the wrong place.
I’ve got a Voigtlander Bessa R and the shutter has stopped working. I’m not sure if this was due to too rapid winding on, or the little brass sleeve from the range finder vertical adjustment dropping through the shutter mechanism while the shutter was working and dislodging, breaking or jamming part of the mechanism.
The camera is now in the condition where the shutter seems cocked, but the film advance can still be operated repeatedly and the shutter will not fire when the shutter release is pressed. Very occasionally, when I’ve been exploring the mechanism behind the bottom cover, the shutter operates. This is so infrequent and sudden I can’t say what was touched, but it does indicate that the shutter itself is OK.
I’m in the UK so it’s not feasible sending the camera to CameraQuest for repair but I am competent at dismantling and reassembling this type of equipment so if I can get the information that will allow me to take this camera to pieces and re-assemble it I might be able to fix this problem. My gut feeling is that something in the release and interlock mechanism has become disconnected. I’ve got the top and bottom covers off, all the shutter mechanics seem to be accessed from the bottom, but I can’t see how to go beyond this level of dismantling.
Is anybody familiar with this fault or does anybody have any information on dismantling and re-assembly?
Any help I can get would be appreciated, even if it’s just to say dump it.
David Ferguson
I’ve got a Voigtlander Bessa R and the shutter has stopped working. I’m not sure if this was due to too rapid winding on, or the little brass sleeve from the range finder vertical adjustment dropping through the shutter mechanism while the shutter was working and dislodging, breaking or jamming part of the mechanism.
The camera is now in the condition where the shutter seems cocked, but the film advance can still be operated repeatedly and the shutter will not fire when the shutter release is pressed. Very occasionally, when I’ve been exploring the mechanism behind the bottom cover, the shutter operates. This is so infrequent and sudden I can’t say what was touched, but it does indicate that the shutter itself is OK.
I’m in the UK so it’s not feasible sending the camera to CameraQuest for repair but I am competent at dismantling and reassembling this type of equipment so if I can get the information that will allow me to take this camera to pieces and re-assemble it I might be able to fix this problem. My gut feeling is that something in the release and interlock mechanism has become disconnected. I’ve got the top and bottom covers off, all the shutter mechanics seem to be accessed from the bottom, but I can’t see how to go beyond this level of dismantling.
Is anybody familiar with this fault or does anybody have any information on dismantling and re-assembly?
Any help I can get would be appreciated, even if it’s just to say dump it.
David Ferguson
David Murphy
Veteran
There are camera repair techs in every part of the world. Most of them can fix any camera, or try. The Bessa R is a modern camera and it should be an easy fix. I suggest you locate someone local.
MDenton
Established
Spider67
Well-known
Welcome to RFF! I am also interested in finding a Bessa repairperson in Europe
monopix
Cam repairer
If you want to dismantle further then I think you'll find the screws to remove the front plate/lens mount under the leatherette covers if my memory serves me (which it does less and less these days).
The chassis is the same, or similar, to the Cosina CT-1 chassis so information on any other camera based on this chassis will help.
The chassis is the same, or similar, to the Cosina CT-1 chassis so information on any other camera based on this chassis will help.