Conatx IIIa focusing Wheel jammed

[johnyjf]

Being very new to this camera which I have just recieved I tried playing gently with the controls. Have now found that I have succeeded in jamming the focus wheel. Whether I fit my 50 mm f2 Sonnar or the 85 mm f4 Triotar it won't rotate. The pin next to the red dot on the from upper right of the camera is in the outer position, not the in as it is in most of the images I find on the web! Is this just a question of operating it correctly, or do I need to look for a UK repairer? Not finding the Focal guide that came with it terribly useful. Any help would be appreciated.

johnyjf

 

[Vickko]

The little tab behind the wheel needs to be pushed in, to allow the wheel to turn.
It is essentially the infinity position lock.

If that doesn't clear the jam, you can do a first investigation by removing the front cover, and seeing if the lever and spring are working properly. The screws for the front cover are easily accessible.

 

[KoNickon]

He mentions that the pin by the red dot is in the outer position. That's not a good sign, since that pin, when in the outer position (as happens when external bayonet lenses like the 85 are mounted), should decouple the infinity lock.

 

[johnyjf]

I cleared it a couple of minutes ago by doing something similar to your suggestion. The wheeel now works fine and I understand the use of the focus lock mechanism. I am going to study the manual and play with this little jewel over the next few days. Everything appears to work including the meter. I do need to get familiar with the controls before putting a roll or two of film thorugh it though. Thanks for your help!

The little tab behind the wheel needs to be pushed in, to allow the wheel to turn.
It is essentially the infinity position lock.

If that doesn't clear the jam, you can do a first investigation by removing the front cover, and seeing if the lever and spring are working properly. The screws for the front cover are easily accessible.

 

[Vickko]

Glad to help, and very happy to hear that one of these old gems is being used.

 

[Mark Wood]

Another important point though (and apologies if you knew this already) is that you can't really focus any of the lenses that fit on the outer bayonet (like the 85 mm Triotar) with the focussing wheel - you can feel the strain on the whole system if you try! Any lenses on the outer bayonet should really be focussed using their own focussing rings and the wheel reserved just for the inner bayonet 50 lenses. (An exception here is the more recent short focal length Cosina-Voigtlander lenses which seem to be "loose" enough to use the wheel.)

If you do need a UK repairer at any point, Ed Trzoska is excellent.

 

[Pioneer]

Have fun. These are really wonderful cameras to work with.