Problems with a Beauty LM.

[vedearduff]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a Beauty LM that has a few problems.

First, the lens is stuck at infinity, I cannot focus the lens. Can any of you offer any suggestions on how I might correct this? If not, does anyone know of a technician who works on this line?

Next, the shutter sticks open at any speed slower than 1/60th of a second. Same questions as above.

Last, the selenium meter is non functional. This, I expected and can live with. After all, that is what "sunny, 16" and light meters are for. However, I'm all ears (or should that be eyes) if any of you have anything to suggest with regards towards re activating the selenium meter.

Thanks for any assistance.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Try pushing the little button on the side of the lens barrel towards the body of the camera. It looks like a Leica infinity lock to me and probably works the same way.

Good luck. David

 

[vedearduff]

David,

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it, but there does not seem to be an infinity lock on this camera.

I've attached a couple quick shots of the camera.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[nhchen]

Hi,
I think the grease in the lens helicod has been gummed up completely, resulting in your stuck focus. This is a common problem with Beauty lightomatic cameras. I have two different ones. I had to remove the lens from the body to clean up and regrease the threads to fix the problem. This shouldn't be too hard to do, if I remember correctly the lens barrel is fixed to the body through four screws under the front leatherette. Just dont fully unscrew the helicoid because then you'll spend hours figuring out which thread is the correct one🙄.

regards,
nathan

 

[jajong]

Hi,

In order to find out whether it is old grease that's the problem, you could warm the lensbarrel up with a hot hair dryer and see if the thing will move. If it's still stuck, you will have to dismantle.

cheers,
Jan

 

[vedearduff]

Hi,
I think the grease in the lens helicod has been gummed up completely, resulting in your stuck focus. This is a common problem with Beauty lightomatic cameras. I have two different ones. I had to remove the lens from the body to clean up and regrease the threads to fix the problem. This shouldn't be too hard to do, if I remember correctly the lens barrel is fixed to the body through four screws under the front leatherette. Just dont fully unscrew the helicoid because then you'll spend hours figuring out which thread is the correct one🙄.

regards,
nathan

Nathan,

Thanks for the information. I suspected that the lube had solidified. Any tips for removing the leatherette?

Hi,

In order to find out whether it is old grease that's the problem, you could warm the lensbarrel up with a hot hair dryer and see if the thing will move. If it's still stuck, you will have to dismantle.

cheers,
Jan

Jan,

Thanks for the tip on the hair dryer, I'll give that a try.

Thanks again, both of you.

I'll try the hair dryer first, to see if the lens loosens up any. If it does, I may have to remove the leatherette and go from there.

Any thoughts on the sticking shutter?

 

[nhchen]

Hi,
I didn't have much trouble peeling the leatherette back, just need to go slowly and use a small screwdriver to loosen it, so that you are not just pulling off. There's less chance of ripping it that way. I think you will also need to remove the front cover protecting the rangefinder windows, probably just a few screws holding it on. I'll go home and look at my one later to check.
regards,
nathan

 

[jajong]

Hi,

Regarding the stuck shutter, you might find some inspiration here: http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=lynx5000

Of course, you can always try to clean the shutter blades by removing the front lens only; it may be enough to get the shutter going again.

Cheers,
Jan

 

[vedearduff]

Hi,
I didn't have much trouble peeling the leatherette back, just need to go slowly and use a small screwdriver to loosen it, so that you are not just pulling off. There's less chance of ripping it that way. I think you will also need to remove the front cover protecting the rangefinder windows, probably just a few screws holding it on. I'll go home and look at my one later to check.
regards,
nathan

Thanks, that helps.

Hi,

Regarding the stuck shutter, you might find some inspiration here: http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=lynx5000

Of course, you can always try to clean the shutter blades by removing the front lens only; it may be enough to get the shutter going again.

Cheers,
Jan

Thanks for the link, I just had a quick look and I'll go back later for a more complete read. The shutter seems to work as long as I stay at, or above, 1/60th on the shutter speed setting. It only sticks when set below 1/60th second.

I expect to get a chance to work with this camera this weekend. I'll be sure to post an update.