Shutter troubles with Kodak Signet 35

[Tim Murphy]

Dear Board,

I've bought several of these for a few dollars each and while each one works to one degree or another none of the three work properly.

With two of them the shutter springs are weak. More specifically the springs that apply the pressure to force the arm that engages the shutter button into position don't seem to move the arm upward enough. I can easily trip the shutter by pushing down on the arm with a small rod but the shutter button itself seems to have too much wear in it to properly engage the arm and trip the shutter.

Does anyone have an online reference for cleaning the shutter on a Kodak Signet 35? I found some guides to accessing the shutter and I removed the lens and faceplate but couldn't find any obvious obstructions or dirt that was causing the problem. I'm reluctant to just start removing bits and pieces without a guide so if anyone can help I'd appreciate it.

Thank you,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA 🙂

 

[AZPhotog]

The Signet 35 is a nice and well-made little camera.
I had mine serviced by Chris Sherlock in New Zealand.
He is the Kodak guru.
He can also replace weak or broken parts including springs.
If you look at the lens assembly, you will see about 5 areas where dust, water and other foreign material can enter.
Also - ancient dried lubricants really jam up the works.
After a few decades, you have to expect that the shutter mechanicals will be very much in need of service.
Also -- if your frame counter has stopped working after you have removed and replaced the cover -- he has an
on-line instruction on how to remedy that (it is a very simple task.)
Look under the heading "Kodak Retina RF" for more information on Kodak cameras, and you can find Chris's site by going to retinarescue.com

 

[Mr_Flibble]

The spring isn't so much too weak, but grime between the shutter blades causes too much friction for the main spring to overcome.
I've seen this as the main cause for shutter failure in 3 Signet cameras I've handled and cleaned.

 

[720treker]

The Signet 35 is equipped with double exposure prevention. If you look at the camera from the front, you will see a small silver lever at the bottom of the camera. Look at the bottom of the camera and it will say "release". The proper procedure for this camera without film in it is to cock the shutter, slide the release lever over and then the shutter button will be able to move far enough to trip the shutter. With film in the camera, the release is automatically disengaged with film advancement.

 

[Tim Murphy]

Thank you very much!

Thank you very much!

The Signet 35 is equipped with double exposure prevention. If you look at the camera from the front, you will see a small silver lever at the bottom of the camera. Look at the bottom of the camera and it will say "release". The proper procedure for this camera without film in it is to cock the shutter, slide the release lever over and then the shutter button will be able to move far enough to trip the shutter. With film in the camera, the release is automatically disengaged with film advancement.

Dear 720treker,

I really, really appreciate this tip. It's miraculously made all of my 3 Signets fully functional.

Next time I buy something old I'll download a manual before I post that it's broken.

Thanks again.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA 🙂

 

[Hatchetman]

you can use that "button" to make double exposures as well.