Werra 4 / Werramat sticky self timer / shutter

[KnipsOmat]

Hi there,

I've got a nice Carl Zeiss Werramat and an older, nice Werra 4 here with full set of lenses 35mm Flektogon, 50 mm Tessar and 100 mm Cardinar. I'd like to use them a bit, just for fun.

However, slow speeds on the Werra 4's Synchro Compur shutter are very sticky (the selftimer works fine).

On the Werramat's Prestor RVS shutter it's the opposite. Slow speeds work fine, but self timer is very sticky.

Other than that, both seem to be in working condition.

Anybody got any instruction how to get to self timer / slow speed gears on these? Is this something which can be done at the kitchen table or would I need special tools to get to the Werra's guts?

Cheers,
Andreas

 

[Muggins]

Self-timers on old cameras are best left unused, frankly - they can jam the whole things solid if they stop running before the shutter opens. I suspect that 999 out of 1000 have been used so rarely that they just seize up years before any other part of the camera.

The Synchro-Compur is not that difficult to repair, lots of info out there eg:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116395 - though starting with something you don't mind breaking is a good plan! I believe - no doubt someone will confirm or refute - that the slow shutter speeds are on a separate escapement to the fast ones, so so long as you don't go below 1/Xth of a second it may not make a lot of difference. Depends on what you want to use it for, I guess.

There are detailed instructions on how to get into a Werra somewhere on the Classic Camera Repair Forum, which is archived at RFF. The only specialist tool other than very small screwdrivers I can think of is a lens spanner, but the Prestor shutter is a complicated beast and I'd be very wary of taking one one as a first repair. That one, in particular, I'd leave well alone if all that's wrong is the self timer. How often will you actually use that bit?

Any help?

Adrian

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

The slow speeds indeed have their own escapement. It's usually the first thing to stick because it contains some of the smallest springs and gears in the shutter and, hence, is most prone to seize from just a little extra resistance if it is in need of a clean. Same goes for the self timer which is a similar, but simpler gear train of about the same size.

There are a number of discussions about the various Werras in the old Classic Camera Repair Forum archives. I suggest you conduct a search of those for relevant information specific to the cameras. Note there are several pages of archived threads over several years. I recommend using the search function of your internet browser to expedite the process of locating relevant information.

I would certainly take on a Werra if one came my way, however as that has not yet occurred I am unfortunately unable to provide any specific advice about them.
Cheers,
Brett

 

[kubilai]

There is a detailed and illustrated guide to servicing the Prestor RVS (.doc in French language) in the Werra yahoogroup, besides many ohters
See "PrestorRvs750illustre.doc " https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/WerraGroup/files

 

[Muggins]

Wish I'd known about that before I started. I went in from scratch the first time, not to be recommended!

Adrian