Retina Ia question(s)

[taskoni]

Hey folks.
I just got a Kodak Retina Ia and have some questions.
I have got the manual and all seems to be clear, but...
The shutter speed ring can not make it to 500, ok, it went couple of times with a bit of jedi force but I guess something is not right or do I have to close the aperture in order to go there?
I feel the flash synch socket is sort of lose, is that normal?
Your answers are greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance 🙂

Regards,
b.

 

[JPD]

Your camera has either a Compur-Rapid or the early Synchro-Compur. 1/500 can only be set before cocking the shutter (that is before advancing the film, because the wind lever also cocks the shutter). And you will then need little more force to set 1/500 due to the shutter engaging a booster spring, that is a little stiff.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5601050363_6bdb75c206.jpg

 

[nikon_sam]

I've been looking and reading about these cameras lately and one thing I have come across is that they say don't change the shutter speed after it's been cocked...Or what JPD just said...

 

[taskoni]

Thank you guys for the very helpful info.
Regards,
b.

 

[RichL]

Synch terminal should not be loose. Going to 1/500 does take a bit more pressure but should be smooth. If there is any roughness whatsoever changing to any speed there is a problem. The problem may be lack of lube, dust or whatever but it is a problem and should be looked into.

 

[taskoni]

Thank you RichL. Looks like my Retina have to go to see the camera repairman since the synch terminal is veeeery wobbly. I guess it's not easy to fix it by myself or is it? :bang:

Regards,
b.

 

[RichL]

Those shutters are fairly easy to fix but I don't recall if the terminal is "riveted" or has a fastener on the inside. Best bet is to go to Chris Sherlock's home page and browse around a bit. Chris is a Kodak trained repair tech and is more than happy to (a) answer your questions on repairing a Retina or (b) repair it for you. His prices are reasonable but shipping and VAT may put it out of reasonable range. You can find his email address about 10 or 15 lines down on his home page. http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~Srawhiti/index.html .

 

[taskoni]

Thanks!!!
Regards,
b.