KoNickon
Nick Merritt
I've come across a Contaflex I that I got some years ago and which never worked right -- the shutter would fire properly but apparently before the mirror would swing out of the way. Thought I would use the old lighter fluid treatment and it's coming around! The shutter will work in the correct sequence, but after a while it reverts to not reopening and exposing. However, I think it will be OK with ongoing treatment.
I think it would be easier if I could get better access to the shutter for purposes of cleaning, but I can't figure out how the front element comes off. Usually there are grub screws around the circumference of the focus ring that, once loosened, enable you to lift the focus ring off (and then be able to unscrew the front element and get access to the shutter and interior lens surfaces, which definitely need cleaning).
Here, there are two asymmetrically placed grub screws on the focus ring, which apparently only serve to let you switch the distance index between meters and feet (which are on opposite sides of the focus ring). But I can't see where the focus ring is attached to the front element. Anyone know how to do this? I know these are notoriously difficult cameras to work on, but I think what I want to do shouldn't be too difficult -- fingers crossed.
I think it would be easier if I could get better access to the shutter for purposes of cleaning, but I can't figure out how the front element comes off. Usually there are grub screws around the circumference of the focus ring that, once loosened, enable you to lift the focus ring off (and then be able to unscrew the front element and get access to the shutter and interior lens surfaces, which definitely need cleaning).
Here, there are two asymmetrically placed grub screws on the focus ring, which apparently only serve to let you switch the distance index between meters and feet (which are on opposite sides of the focus ring). But I can't see where the focus ring is attached to the front element. Anyone know how to do this? I know these are notoriously difficult cameras to work on, but I think what I want to do shouldn't be too difficult -- fingers crossed.
leolab
Member
its been awhile since i dove into one of these so maybe i am wrong…but if i remember, you remove the screws keeping the distance scale in place, the distance scale should then rotate freely around focus ring…rotate distance ring so that grub screws on focus ring are visible through one of the holes in the distance ring, access the grub screws through the hole in distance ring with small screwdriver, i believe there are 3 grub screws keeping front element on the focus ring.
once grub screws are loosened, the focus ring can be lifted straight out leaving thefront element in place…
once grub screws are loosened, the focus ring can be lifted straight out leaving thefront element in place…
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
Thanks! Just saw this -- I accidentally posted this twice, so there have been several responses to the other posting (which agree with you). I'm just not thrilled about taking out grub screws, since they're such a pain to put back!