Voigtlander Bessa II issues...

[Corsair]

Hi all,

I just picked up my first Bessa II (Color Skopar with Compur-Rapid - I think that makes it a 1950 model) and I'm having two issues with it:

• The little wheel which turns the X to block the red window is nearly impossible to move. It's definitely making it uncomfortable to use the camera and, thus, must be rectified. Any ideas on how to loosen it? Failing that, I may just leave it open full-time and use an external piece of electrical tape to block the window between windings.
  
• The small, right-side strap has broken through on one end due (presumably) to age. Is there any way to replace it or should I just live with it? 🙂

Thanks for any and all input!

Ken

 

[KoNickon]

Try and exercise that little window covering -- probably it's just crudded up or a little corroded. A tiny drop of penetrating oil may help -- make sure it doesn't migrate elsewhere.

As for the strap, can you stitch it up? Not a big deal; live with it, as you said.

 

[Darthfeeble]

Rather than penetrating oil, try either alcohol or lighter fluid.

 

[Corsair]

Good ideas on freeing up the window covering.

Is there a simple means of removing the pressure plate and accessing the covering's interior mechanism?