Broken my Iskra - help!

[RichC]

Well, that didn't last long - I've broken my Iskra MF folder after 2 days! 🙁 :bang:

I accidentally moved the flash sync lever to self-timer mode - and the shutter wasn't cocked as per the manual. I didn't apply excessive force to the lever, but the shutter is now well and truly jammed! 🙁

I'm pretty sure it's a straightforward jam, and don't think anything's bent or damaged...

So, have I wasted £60, or do people still fix these things? And, if so, any recommendations (I'm in the UK, in Brighton)? Or is it possible to fix it myself*?

[* I'm pretty handy, and have repaired a few lenses before successfully.]

<rant>
Only having owned modern cameras (post-1990), this was my first ever classic camera, and I'm not impressed: the whole camera's an ergonomic nightmare - give that thing to a product designer and they'll projectile vomit on sight! I've got this camera now, but if this is typical of old cameras, I'm sticking with modern ones! 😡

For example, and ignoring the knurled knobs and levers that take the skin off your fingers, and notwithstanding the fact that you shouldn't be able to jam the mechanism simply by moving a lever without moving another first, what about the double exposure lock that the Soviets were so happy with? It has a <sarcasm>tiny</sarcasm> design flaw: yes, OK, you can't fire the shutter twice - you have to cock the shutter and wind on first: great! But if you don't push the shutter button the full length of its travel after firing the shutter (easy to do), it doesn't actually engage the double exposure lock! Remind me never to cadge a lift on a Salyut rocket!!
</rant>

 

[dazedgonebye]

You should definitely give up on old cameras.

 

[FallisPhoto]

Well, that didn't last long - I've broken my Iskra MF folder after 2 days! 🙁 :bang:

I accidentally moved the flash sync lever to self-timer mode - and the shutter wasn't cocked as per the manual. I didn't apply excessive force to the lever, but the shutter is now well and truly jammed! 🙁

I'm pretty sure it's a straightforward jam, and don't think anything's bent or damaged...

So, have I wasted £60, or do people still fix these things? And, if so, any recommendations (I'm in the UK, in Brighton)? Or is it possible to fix it myself*?

[* I'm pretty handy, and have repaired a few lenses before successfully.]

<rant>
Only having owned modern cameras (post-1990), this was my first ever classic camera, and I'm not impressed: the whole camera's an ergonomic nightmare - give that thing to a product designer and they'll projectile vomit on sight! I've got this camera now, but if this is typical of old cameras, I'm sticking with modern ones! 😡

For example, and ignoring the knurled knobs and levers that take the skin off your fingers, and notwithstanding the fact that you shouldn't be able to jam the mechanism simply by moving a lever without moving another first, what about the double exposure lock that the Soviets were so happy with? It has a <sarcasm>tiny</sarcasm> design flaw: yes, OK, you can't fire the shutter twice - you have to cock the shutter and wind on first: great! But if you don't push the shutter button the full length of its travel after firing the shutter (easy to do), it doesn't actually engage the double exposure lock! Remind me never to cadge a lift on a Salyut rocket!!
</rant>

I agree with Dazedgoneby that you are probably not a vintage camera person. Unlike much of the new stuff, they require thought. In the meantime, you might try this repairman: http://www.okvintagecamera.com/repair.html

 

[dazedgonebye]

The point I would have made if I have the time...

If you don't view most of the "problems" in your rant as "charming features indicative of character," then old cameras are probably not for you.

 

[Keith]

The first mistake was buying an Iskra as a first FSU or classic .... they are not an easy tool to use or get your head around. They won't function without a film loaded into them and they have numerous other quirks that you either love or hate. That said they are a fantastic MF camera with a stunningly sharp lens and can produce a 6x6 pic as good as anything else out there.

My advice ... don't mess with it yourself as you may destroy a camera that someone else could appreciate and enjoy. Sell it and move on! 🙂

 

[RichC]

OK, I'm calmer now!

And I would like to get it fixed: can anyone recommend a repairer in the UK?

Other than the jammed shutter, the camera's in excellent condition: the bellows are light-tight, the film advance/counter works properly, and all the controls/levers move smoothly and easily - so it would be shame not to get it sorted.

 

[FallisPhoto]

OK, I'm calmer now!

And I would like to get it fixed: can anyone recommend a repairer in the UK?

Sorry, but the only ones I have even heard of are either in the US or in the Former Soviet Union. Fedka and Kiev USA are the two best companies I know of that specialize in FSU cameras and Oleg is the best individual FSU camera repairman I know of (unfortunately, I just checked his website and he says he will no longer work on Iskras). Essex Camera Services, in New Jersey (U.S.A.) is the best camera repair shop I know of, in general. I wouldn't hesitate to trust any one of these people/places to fix any FSU camera. Unfortunately, not one of these places is anywhere near the U.K.