Franka Solida II stuck knob has me stumped!

[zhuologist]

Attempting to remove the wind on knob to remove the top cover and clean the dirty viewfinder. I have removed the retaining screw as shown, expecting that the knob will now lift straight off the shaft, but without success. I have used as much force as I dare to prise it off, I have tried WD-40, overnight oil soaking, lemon juice, the judicious use of heat followed by the injudicious use of heat. Nothing will shift it. Now I have noticed a screw visible under the knob when said knob is raised to its full extent (see pic). I am unable to access this screw without something akin to a screwdriver with a right-angled blade, if a miniature version exists. My question is, would removing this screw allow for top cover removal with the stuck knob still in situ, or must I persevere with its removal. Any suggestions warmly welcomed.

 

[hanskerensky]

Removing this knob is not that easy. I had some trouble with it on a Franka IIE but managed to remove it in the end.
See also the comments underneath this image for more tips.


Franka Solida IIE Hood Removal (02) by Hans Kerensky, on Flickr

 

[zhuologist]

Removing this knob is not that easy. I had some trouble with it on a Franka IIE but managed to remove it in the end.
See also the comments underneath this image for more tips.


Franka Solida IIE Hood Removal (02) by Hans Kerensky, on Flickr

Hi Hans,
Many thanks for your helpful advice. I am going to persevere with the WD-40, using the precision approach you advocate. Solida II is my first Franka, and so far I have been very impressed with the build quality, such that working on it has been a pleasure so far.
I've just found your full photo set illustrating the hood removal and rangefinder overhaul, which is a veritable masterclass of clarity and lucidity, which I hope to reference when I finally get that top off! Will update when I get that far.
Regards, Nick.

 

[zhuologist]

UPDATE: After a two day WD-40 soaking I was still struggling to remove the knob. As a last resort, I took a hammer and pin punch to the top of the film transport axle, hammered away until it finally came free. Luckily this use of brute force did not result in damage to the axle's threads, and I was able to get ahead with the rangefinder overhaul. Thanks for all your helpful tips.

 

[doremifa]

Hi,





I have a Rolleiflex with serial number 1786170, which places it clearly in the 3.5E Type 1 range (produced between 1956–1959, within the 1,740,000–1,869,999 serial number block).





On my camera, the depth of field indicator ring (the white scale) doesn’t function — it doesn’t move at all when adjusting the aperture. I’ve also noticed that under the aperture control wheel, on the rear side of the front panel, a small gear that would normally move the depth of field indicator is completely missing.





For comparison, I also own a later Type 2, which has this mechanism intact. The factory repair manual I have access to (like the ones referenced in service document 04500 41 3) seems to show the parts layout for Type 2 only, so it’s not much help identifying the specific parts used in the Type 1.





The only visual reference I’ve found so far for the 3.5C/3.5E Type 1 internal DoF mechanism is this photo by Hans Kerensky on Flickr:


🔗


His image clearly shows a different configuration, and I’ve also noticed that an L-shaped lever or arm that extends forward from the camera’s right side is missing on mine as well.





So, I have two questions:

1. Do you own a 3.5E Type 1 (or early 3.5C Type 1) and could share photos of the internal front panel layout, specifically the depth of field mechanism and parts underneath the aperture dial?