minoltist7
pussy photographer
Walking through local flea market, I saw this gem, hidden between piles of used clothes, plumbing and electric appliances.
I checked camera, viewfinder was reasonably clean, bellows light-tight and shutter speeds all OK. But shutter release button was locked up, and release is possible only by finger. Seller told me that camera is operable, and release doesn't work without film inside. But in spite of this doubt, I bought it. Is there any way to check shutter release and frame counter without film? Film advance can be cranked but won't stop on the next frame.
I checked camera, viewfinder was reasonably clean, bellows light-tight and shutter speeds all OK. But shutter release button was locked up, and release is possible only by finger. Seller told me that camera is operable, and release doesn't work without film inside. But in spite of this doubt, I bought it. Is there any way to check shutter release and frame counter without film? Film advance can be cranked but won't stop on the next frame.
Ernst Dinkla
Well-known
The camera looks fine and if there's no improvised red window at the back the chances are good that it is fully functional. You need a 120 film to check the other features of the nice Iskra design. The film advance/counter and the shutter release block. The 120 paper leader can be transported continuously and the transport knob only stops when the mechanism meets the thicker film + paper + tape sandwich. From then on it will transport frame lengths only till all 12 are done. Always push the release deep enough so not just the shutter triggers but also the transport blocking is released.
Ernst Dinkla
minoltist7
pussy photographer
Today I shot my 1st film with Iskra.
frame counter is OK.
but I got double exposures couple of times. Sometimes, after shutter release, film advance knob is still locked, and I'm able to hit release second time. After that, advance is unlocked but I got double exposure. What is it, fault of locking mechanism? Or maybe I press shutter too gently and it needs second hit to be unlocked ?
So instead of 12 I got 14 exposures and 2 frames was ruined.
frame counter is OK.
but I got double exposures couple of times. Sometimes, after shutter release, film advance knob is still locked, and I'm able to hit release second time. After that, advance is unlocked but I got double exposure. What is it, fault of locking mechanism? Or maybe I press shutter too gently and it needs second hit to be unlocked ?
So instead of 12 I got 14 exposures and 2 frames was ruined.
oftheherd
Veteran
Interesting. I didn't know any other camera did that except for my Rolleiflex. I had never had one in my hands until I got mine, and it took me a while to figure out that particular mechanism. Its actually rather clever.
minoltist7
pussy photographer
>I had never had one in my hands until I got mine, and it took me a while to figure out that particular mechanism. Its actually rather clever
I still can't understand how it works. There is tiny star-like gear near takeup spool, and it is linked to the counter. but how it detects precense of film ? I have no idea. maybe becouse of different thickness, gear is pushed slightly and activates the counter. but I tried to push it with finger and had no any effect
I still can't understand how it works. There is tiny star-like gear near takeup spool, and it is linked to the counter. but how it detects precense of film ? I have no idea. maybe becouse of different thickness, gear is pushed slightly and activates the counter. but I tried to push it with finger and had no any effect
Ernst Dinkla
Well-known
Some secondhand Iskras come with a screw fastened on top of the release so the user presses that button deep enough. It is a known problem.
Ernst Dinkla
Ernst Dinkla
Well-known
Red window on Iskra
Red window on Iskra
That has been a common solution in the SU era. I rather would take mine apart (if it failed) and look for a more sophisticated repair than this crude operation.
There exists a manual written by an emigrated Ukranian if I recall some messages on the internet correctly.
Ernst Dinkla
Red window on Iskra
That has been a common solution in the SU era. I rather would take mine apart (if it failed) and look for a more sophisticated repair than this crude operation.
There exists a manual written by an emigrated Ukranian if I recall some messages on the internet correctly.
Ernst Dinkla
minoltist7
pussy photographer
no holes, no red windows. as I said above, counter is ok, but something related to release button, sometimes fails to unlock after shutter release.
I found repair and adjustment manual (in Russian).
http://speleoastronomy.org/foto/repairbook/137-149.html
if somebody interested , I can translate it to English, but it will take a long time
maybe also Agfa Super Isolette manual is suitable.
I found repair and adjustment manual (in Russian).
http://speleoastronomy.org/foto/repairbook/137-149.html
if somebody interested , I can translate it to English, but it will take a long time
maybe also Agfa Super Isolette manual is suitable.
Last edited:
Ernst Dinkla
Well-known
Babelfish translates it quite well. At the end there's something on the transport mechanism.
Thank you for that link.
Ernst Dinkla