Iskra stiff focus

[jwcat]

I just received my Iskra from Alex-Photo and it looks great. The focus is so stiff that sometimes I have to jam my fingernail in and move with both hands. Moreso when racking out. I have sent Alex an e-mail about this and am waiting for an answer. A few questions:
1 Is the focus usually this hard?
2 What is the best and quickest way to return to FSU?
3 If all else fails, where can I get it CLAed? OK Photocameras say they only repair 35MM cameras

Thanks...John

 

[kiev4a]

The best way to ship back from the U.S. at least is Air Post -- no insurance (it's pricey). I've sent a number of cameras to Oleg for adjustment and never had any problem. Can't say about the stiffness because I've never owned an Iskra.

 

[pshinkaw]

It should not be that stiff. Most likely it's gummed up lubricant combined with dust or dirt.

Have tried out the photographic capabilites yet? If it's a good user, you may not want to part with it. Places like Essex or Eurotech will probably do the CLA. Alex may adjust the price to account for the work.

In my experience, if you get a Soviet camera that makes good pictures, you should hang on to it. The next one you get may not be as good.

-Paul

 

[Gerry M]

I got my Iskra about 30 days ago. It had stiff focusing also, but not as bad as you describe. I removed the back, and with the bellows folded I very lightly dripped a small amount of Ronsonol lighter fluid (with a wooden toothpick) around the focusing helicals. I repeated this about every two hours for a total of 4 times. Then I laid the camera face down for a day. I did this three times over about a week. Focusing is free and smooth now. This probably isn't the correct way to repair, but at least I can use the camera. Good luck if you try this.
Gerry

 

[kiev4a]

It should not be that stiff. Most likely it's gummed up lubricant combined with dust or dirt.

Have tried out the photographic capabilites yet? If it's a good user, you may not want to part with it. Places like Essex or Eurotech will probably do the CLA. Alex may adjust the price to account for the work.

In my experience, if you get a Soviet camera that makes good pictures, you should hang on to it. The next one you get may not be as good.

-Paul

Amen, Brother Paul

 

[Iskra 2]

I got my Iskra about 30 days ago. It had stiff focusing also, but not as bad as you describe. I removed the back, and with the bellows folded I very lightly dripped a small amount of Ronsonol lighter fluid (with a wooden toothpick) around the focusing helicals. I repeated this about every two hours for a total of 4 times. Then I laid the camera face down for a day. I did this three times over about a week. Focusing is free and smooth now. This probably isn't the correct way to repair, but at least I can use the camera. Good luck if you try this.
Gerry

For continued focusing smoothness, add a few drops of synthetic gun oil to the threads as you focus, then wipe off any excess with Q-tips. Do this a few times for several days. 🙂

Good Luck!

 

[jwcat]

OK guys, you convinced me to keep it. I received an e-mail from Alex, offering to return my money, so no real complaints there, though he did say it was in good working order. It looks so nice that I will try the Ronsonal thing and wait until it needs repair, before paying for it.

Fedka has one that has been converted to Ruby Window and 6x4.5. Any thoughts?

 

[Iskra 2]

It's broken or modified in some unusual fashion which I would question.

 

[jwcat]

I know that the winding mechanism was broken and a work around installed. Two questions:

1. Does 120 film have markings for 15 frames(6x4.5) on the backing ?

2. Does having to turn the camera to get landscape shots cause any problems with this camera? Of course with 35MM we do it all the time.

Thanks...John

 

[erik]

Yup, 120 has markings for 645 on the paper, I think it is actually for 16 frames, but it's been awhile since I looked at the paper.
No reason turning the camera should cause any problems, just a bit awkward. the fuji folders are set up like that, too.

 

[jwcat]

Thanks for the answer, that is what I wanted to know. I might buy it as a second camera/beater...John