Iskra shutter release button problem

[boglebadger]

Hi everyone,

I wondered if anyone could help with a problem I've got with a 1961 Iskra that I've just taken possession of. The problem seems to be with the transport mechanism and the double exposure prevention lock. This seems to be a delicate area and it seems even professional camera repairers won't always touch it, so I'm not hopeful, but here we go.

The camera is in very nice condition and doesn't seem to be much worn. The shutter release works fine at the lens, but the shutter release button on the body won't press down far enough to trip it. I loaded film, and the toothed wheel does dig into the film, and winding stops (though I don't see the frame counter advance) - but the shutter button still won't depress and so I can't wind on again.

I'm tempted to take the top off and take a look (good photo of what I'm up against here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/4086367648/in/photostream/) but I'm not very experienced in camera dismantling and I wondered if anyone knows how hard that is - I did take apart a FED-2 and the Iskra has fewer top plate controls than that so I'm hoping it's easier!

Any advice much appreciated!

Michael.

 

[hanskerensky]

Michael, I have published some photos which show how to remove the topcover.
You find them in this Flickr album :
https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/albums/72157609118979686

Starting with this one :

KMZ Iskra Filmtransport (13) by Hans Kerensky, on Flickr

 

[boglebadger]

Hi Hans,

Thanks so much for that - that's exactly what I was looking for! I'll let you know how I get on. I'm really hoping it's nothing too serious as it's a lovely camera.

Michael.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I just have discussion with Iskra expert on Russian rangefinder forum few days ago. This lock mechanism is weak part of Iskra. This is why some of them have this weak part removed and red window installed at the back of the camera. But according to expert if this part is solved here is almost no troubles left.
Good luck, Michael.

 

[boglebadger]

Hi again,

I've just taken the top off the Iskra (wow, that was painless!) and I was pleased to see that everything is present and correct and there seems no good reason why it shouldn't be possible for it to work. In fact, once the film is detected (by pushing in the bit the film sprocket is attached to, manually while the top is off and I'm winding the film on), it does actually correctly advance frames and release the shutter button.

I have two problems then: one, that the film start is never detected (I tried to decrease sensitivity by sellotaping a piece of card on the camera back to increase apparent film thickness), and two, that it usually works correctly after film detect for 6 to 8 frames and then film advance locks up, and can only be released by opening the camera back.

I'll keep playing, but any ideas welcome!

Michael.

 

[hanskerensky]

The hang-up is probably caused by solified greases or dirt. Should be good after a thorough cleaning.

That said it is not easy to get to all of the parts. If you have no experience in camera repair it is best to send it to a professional.