Vito B - sprocket hole stuck and destroys film

[paniolo]

Hello Photographers,

my loved Vito B stucked by advancing film.
When I turned the advanced lever harder it got back in action but the perforation of the film got destroyed.
I opened the camera and film confetti fall out.
I have counted the pieces and compared them with the missing ones of the film and I have got the feeling that the wheel that cocks the shutter sucked them inside the camera.
When I try to cock the shutter without film insight it gets realy hard to turn the wheel.

Can somebody help me please?
I realy love that camera and I wont give it up.
Unfortunetly I am not good at repairing stuff.

Thank you and best regards
Tobi

 

[RichL]

Tobi

There are two screws to remove the top. One is the screw at the back of the accessory shoe the other is a small, small screw near the spindle on the feed side of the camera. Removing these two screws allows you to remove the top. With the top removed you have access to the entire top mechanics of the camera, including the sprocket. Hopefully you will be able to spot and correct the problem.

 

[paniolo]

Thanks for your answer.
When I open the top I cant see anything stucking the gears.
I can cock the shutter with the wheel but it needs hard force.
Once the shutter is cocked, it turns easily.
I imagine the shutter cocking lever that is finaly advanced by all the wheels is a bit stuck and needs hard force.

Any ideas?

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Forcing camera mechanisms is never the answer. If you're stuck in a hole the first rule is "stop digging", so, applying "hard force" to the spindle isn't going to help but may well make things worse. If you don't have a good track record when it comes to repairs, surely, the course of action most likely to be successful in this case, is going to be seeking the assistance of a professional repairer?
Cheers,
Brett

 

[RichL]

If you are feeling brave you can do the following. Frankly if you're really "not good at repairing stuff" I would go with Brett's advice or look around fo another one.

The following is the way I disassembled and reassembled my Vito B



If you cannot see any obvious problem and the gear turns freely once the shutter is cocked then my guess (and it is only a guess) is that the problem is in the shutter itself. The only cure for it is to start a complete tear down.

If you would care to do so, you can use the following steps to separate the lens assembly from the body.

1. Fire the shutter then remove the cover.

2. Remove the chromed part of the shutter release and the spacers (if any) beneath it and set them aside. There is now nothing to fall out of the camera.

3. Gently lift the covering on both side of the lens assembly.

4. Remove the three screws on each side of the lens assembly.

5. Remove the lens assembly by sliding slightly (2 mm or so) towards the top of the camera and then pull it towards you. You may have to run a blade down each side to break it loose from the cover adhesive.

Once the above is accomplished you can try turning the gear again. If it is still stiff the problem is in the body, if it advances and "cocks" easily then the problem is in the lens. In either case you will then be on your own in figuring out a cure.


Assembly

1. Make sure you have "fired the shutter" on the camera after testing it.

2. Slip the lens assembly back it place and, while holding it firmly in place cock the shutter (I would suggest you have some test film loaded for this porting.) and fire it to make sure everything is moving smoothly. It may be a bit fiddly getting the camera cocking gear and the lens cocking gear meshed correctly but they will do so without you actually having to align them.

3. When it is working smoothly (hopefully) put the screws back in making sure the two counter sunk screws go in the center holes.

4. Put the spacers, if any back on the shutter pin and then the chromed part of the shutter release and reassemble the camera.


The other option is to say you've had a good run with the camera and start hunting for another one locally or online.

Good luck.

 

[paniolo]

Thanks a lot for your help!
I will try to repair that little beauty.
The thing is, I have asked a professional but he wants ~200$ for the overhaul. Then I thought it would be good to get some mechanic experience, so I decided to do it on my own.
I have already ordered to new Vito B's for cheap money.
So I will get hopefully 2 working ones and one for teaching me.

Can you recommend me any tools like micro screwdrivers or spanner wrenches?

Regards!
Tobi

 

[Mackinaw]

Try Micro-tools:

http://www.micro-tools.com/4.html

Jim B.

 

[Muggins]

Wiha are also worth a try, especially if you are not in the US - Micro-tools German subsidiary's delivery charges are ridiculous. My Wiha picodrives are brilliant.

Adrian