My folder doesn't fold out all the way.

[MineSix66]

I have a Mess Ikonta folder the when it opens it doesn't fold out all the way. The lens is tilted, but then I can move the lens and it locks into place. I have the same problem with one of my other folders. I tried to oil the joints on the struts , it seemed to help out a little. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[Petroleum V. Nasby]

I usually pull the bellows out so hard with extreme force that they break off completely.

Then I can throw the camera away without feeling guilty and take REAL pictures with my expensive DSLR and 18-400mm zoom lens.

 

[chippy]

someone with a mess ikonta will be able to help--i havnt got one so i dont know. but it will likely be something simple hanging/catching up a little. a linkage or something slightly bent.

one things for sure all 'expensive DSLR's' quickly turn into cheap DSLR's and then take up space as land fill 😉

 

[Petroleum V. Nasby]

You and I will take up plenty of that space in that landfill pretty soon.

someone with a mess ikonta will be able to help--i havnt got one so i dont know. but it will likely be something simple hanging/catching up a little. a linkage or something slightly bent.

one things for sure all 'expensive DSLR's' quickly turn into cheap DSLR's and then take up space as land fill 😉

 

[chippy]

we are biodegradable!! haha

 

[charjohncarter]

Do you like B&W or Color with a DSLR? I have yet to see one (not DSLR an image from one) I like. I have 2 DSLRs and a dP&S. I use them for snapshots only. Please don't reply, I don't want to start a fight, this is just my personal opinion.

 

[gb hill]

I usually pull the bellows out so hard with extreme force that they break off completely.

Then I can throw the camera away without feeling guilty and take REAL pictures with my expensive DSLR and 18-400mm zoom lens.

Gimme a break! Even if your "expensive dslr" is full frame it won't take a better photo than a folder shooting 120 film with a decent lens.

 

[oftheherd]

Gimme a break! Even if your "expensive dslr" is full frame it won't take a better photo than a folder shooting 120 film with a decent lens.

Petroleum V. Nasby is sort of new so I can't judge perfectly, but his first answer had to be tongue and cheek. Even many 35mm folders could out do a DSLR, much less a good 35mm SLR.

 

[kuzano]

There is a real plus to using these cameras....

There is a real plus to using these cameras....

The more people who actually think that old folders are actually usable, will ultimately break enough of them to raise the values on the remaining inventory.

Go, go, go!

 

[Ernst Dinkla]

content inflation

content inflation

Is there a chance that the threads get some on-topic content again ?

Bellows tend to shrink in time. At least they are not that flexible as they used to be when new, decades ago. That may be the problem in this case too. A wax applied on the bellows could help.

Ernst Dinkla

 

[Solinar]

Without a photo of the problem, yours is good theory as any on why the front standard does not stay perpendicular to the platform when it is unfolded. The OP didn't mention whether or not any of the folds on the bellows are sticking together. Also, we don't know, if this camera is a Mess-Ikont B or C.

 

[MineSix66]

I don't think the bellows is bad, I am leaning more to a lack of use. I have oiled all the joints still having a problem, samething with my Franka Solida IIIL.

The other thing I noticed was very light cleaning scratched and the inner elements coating appears to be rubbed off a little. I hope it does devalue the camera to much, I really like it.


I will be submitting pictures tomorrow.

 

[FallisPhoto]

I have a Mess Ikonta folder the when it opens it doesn't fold out all the way. The lens is tilted, but then I can move the lens and it locks into place. I have the same problem with one of my other folders. I tried to oil the joints on the struts , it seemed to help out a little. Is there anything else I can do?

Shutters are not the only things that get sticky over a few decades. I've had a few with the same problem. Try flush cleaning the joints in the struts, the hinges and so on with naptha. About 75% of the time that will fix it. The rest of the time it will be due to something like peeling or blistered chrome in the joints.

 

[huffy49]

Sometimes the bellows themselves bind in the closed positions in these old folders. Try opening the camera back and gently pushing on the bellows folds with a finger whilst opening the front standard.

John