Really educational video on the disassembly. I think I could have managed the lens work but the shutter is something I would leave to an expert like yourself! Your knowledge in the working of these old shutters is amazing!
I dealt with a frozen lens on a lovely little folding Agfa127. Took the focus ring off while it the lens and shutter was still on the camera and wrapped a loop of copper wire round the groove that the little screws set in. Wrapped the other ends an inch or so away around the bit of a cold soldering iron. turned it on and the heat went up the wires and quickly released the lens for cleaning and lubricating. The heat had stayed local and no damage was done. Made myself a 127 size ground glass and set up the focus. All good! Really enjoy your videos and learn a lot from them.Thanks Dave
Thank you for this great tutorial on Agfa maintenance! I recently bought an Agfa Isolette (marked 'Jsolette') which I think is probably an early post war Isolette 4.5, comparing to the wiki. Anyway, the lens focus/shutter components are still somewhat comparable (the latter less so, I suppose). While the Compur-Rapid shutter still functions perfectly, the focus ring is completely stuck. I took of the ring itself, uncovering the inner front lens element just like in your video. Now, unlike in this tutorial, not only is the front lens element practically glued to the second lens element by the green grease, the second lens element itself seems to be stuck inside the shutter ring as well. I tried carefull applying some solvent to the tiny gaps where the thread is slightly visible, as well as gradually applying some heat to these front elements. Sadly, these efforts haven't managed to dissolve or at least soften most of the hardened grease (some green stuff on the uncovered thread did come off though). It might just be the case that the solvent just somehow doesn't reach far enough between the screw threads of the front lens elements or something like that. I am still unsure how to proceed, since I want to be careful not to overload the elements with solvent/ a solvent-gooey green mix or use excessive force in an attempt to rotate them away from eachother, potentially damaging this wonderful camera. Do you have any suggestions on what to do in the case of even the second lens element being stuck? Should I stick to the solvent approach, try more heat (is there damage/cracking potential here), or more force while turning after all? Any advise would be appreciated!
I owned an Agfa Record II for a while, and it had the same problem with the green grease. I managed to unscrew the front element after putting the front lens mounts in the freezer and then warming the second element's mount for it to expand. The bellows had holes so I got a replacement bellows. The shutter worked fine, thankfully. For 6x9 cameras I have found that setting the focus on a groundglass on the film plane isn't enough because the film bulges a little. So I make a scale marked 1 - 8 that I print out and put on the shutter and scratch a mark on the front lens mount. Then I take a test roll of eight pics with the lens set on each of the 1-8 numbers. I develop, and if, let's say, negative #3 is the sharpest I then set the scratched mark at #3 and put the focus ring on. The difference between the infinity focus on a flat groundglass and the actual film plane in the center can be as much as a few millimeters turn of the front element on 6x9 cameras.
I have the same problem, I've tried all the above, can't unscrew them :( suck a pitty as the camera is otherwise pristine... I was afraid though to heat the element too much, not sure if that is going to affect the lens, I'm using a hairdryer ...
After soaking in lighter fluid & meths for a couple of days to no avail, I put the stuck front & middle lenses in a film canister with the same fluids. I then taped the canister up securely and wrapped it in tin foil, popped it into an electric vegetable steamer & left it steaming for 20 mins. The canister did puncture, however this did the trick and the lenses separated. Probably not recommended, but it worked for me.
I have one of these magnificent cameras, thank you for showing us all the technology that these little magic boxes contain. a thousand and a thousand thanks.
Claudio Elicer commented: "Fantastic!, I have one with the same problem with the focusing ring, what type of solvent do you use to release the ring at last? Thank you!" Sorry for the delay in replying, RUclips's comments aren't working correctly. Sometimes I get the notification, but the comments do not show on the video concerned. I use various solvents. Usually I would start with Naphtha (cigarette lighter fluid), if that doesn't shift the dried-out grease, I will use CRC Lectra Clean, and if that doesn't help, then generally applying some heat with a hairdryer will sometimes soften the old grease to the point that you can unscrew things. Once apart go back at the threads with solvent and toothpicks to clear the 'concrete' away.
This is great, thank you so much for the clear walk through and all the info. i recently got my hands on a Agfa isolette II, stuck focus and the shutter lever dont flip back. The focus seems like resonable work but the lever i might just have to live with (i think ill open it and look for obvious errors but defenitly not further than that) So thank you very much once again! Helps alot
Looking forward, I bought a karat on ebay a couple of years ago in bits, the seller had stripped it but couldn't rebuild it, for a couple of pounds I thought why not, give it a go.. sadly my ambition was greater than my ability and it has remained in bits.. there may be hope for it yet...
I have done 2 of these. Great cameras. I always replace the bellows. I got mine from SandehaLynch.com Thanks for the video. With the Agfa "Jsolette" , the earlier version of the isolette have you found a way to rivet the the film plate vs the older version which has screws. I thought about just using tiny bolts and nuts. Just wondered what other people do.
Huge thanks for this video! I have a problem however with unscrewing the focus lens :( it's stuck ... tried many solvents and heat and nothing helps. Do you have any other tips I can use? I love this camera and I would like to restore it to full functionality. You're my last hope! Cheers!
If you have the front group and the centre group unscrewed from the shutter, but cannot separate them, you might try putting them into a warm oven, maybe sixty degrees centigrade , just under 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave them long enough for the heat to soak in, say ten minutes, and try again, with or without solvent.
I have a Agfa Super isolette that the bellow and lens is not extending properly all the way when pressing the button. It jams half way. If I hold it upside down with the lens facing forward the mechanism works like it should. Any thoughts on what could cause this? Something bent? Doesn’t seem to be a lubrication issue even though this could help.
Most of the folders rely on the lens standard swinging in a smooth arc relative to the front door. I have other folders that tend to stick if you open them the wrong way up too. The cause may be complex, stiffness in the bellows probably, wear in the struts etc. If lubrication doesn't fix it, just learn to open the camera upside down, every time.
@@ChrisSherlock thank you for that! I actually tried the lubrication now and it did sole the entire thing. I was sure it couldn’t be the case. Hopefully it last long without getting worse soon again. Thanks a lot.
Clearly not your first shutter, I know that even with the help of photos I would never ever be able to reassemble it.. Today I cleaned the blades of my ilex shutter on a 4x5 stand still camera... Some oil is still seeping after a few months of inactivity and stick the shutter I pray for not having a more serious problem!
I have a record II inherited from grand aunt, in France. The focus ring doesn't turn. I found repair store in Paris, but they couldn't fix it, worse thing is that since then, the shutter doesn't sound shut and open. I watched this video and realize that this repair is not for me. I wonder if Chris or someone else can repair mine.
Mr. Sherlock, we miss you in your retirement, but are very thankful for the many clear repair videos you have posted.
Really educational video on the disassembly. I think I could have managed the lens work but the shutter is something I would leave to an expert like yourself! Your knowledge in the working of these old shutters is amazing!
I dealt with a frozen lens on a lovely little folding Agfa127. Took the focus ring off while it the lens and shutter was still on the camera and wrapped a loop of copper wire round the groove that the little screws set in.
Wrapped the other ends an inch or so away around the bit of a cold soldering iron. turned it on and
the heat went up the wires and quickly released the lens for cleaning and lubricating. The heat had stayed local and no damage was done.
Made myself a 127 size ground glass and set up the focus. All good!
Really enjoy your videos and learn a lot from them.Thanks
Dave
Thank you for this great tutorial on Agfa maintenance!
I recently bought an Agfa Isolette (marked 'Jsolette') which I think is probably an early post war Isolette 4.5, comparing to the wiki. Anyway, the lens focus/shutter components are still somewhat comparable (the latter less so, I suppose). While the Compur-Rapid shutter still functions perfectly, the focus ring is completely stuck.
I took of the ring itself, uncovering the inner front lens element just like in your video. Now, unlike in this tutorial, not only is the front lens element practically glued to the second lens element by the green grease, the second lens element itself seems to be stuck inside the shutter ring as well. I tried carefull applying some solvent to the tiny gaps where the thread is slightly visible, as well as gradually applying some heat to these front elements. Sadly, these efforts haven't managed to dissolve or at least soften most of the hardened grease (some green stuff on the uncovered thread did come off though).
It might just be the case that the solvent just somehow doesn't reach far enough between the screw threads of the front lens elements or something like that. I am still unsure how to proceed, since I want to be careful not to overload the elements with solvent/ a solvent-gooey green mix or use excessive force in an attempt to rotate them away from eachother, potentially damaging this wonderful camera.
Do you have any suggestions on what to do in the case of even the second lens element being stuck? Should I stick to the solvent approach, try more heat (is there damage/cracking potential here), or more force while turning after all?
Any advise would be appreciated!
Grazie.
Thank you, I'll spend it on beer.
I owned an Agfa Record II for a while, and it had the same problem with the green grease. I managed to unscrew the front element after putting the front lens mounts in the freezer and then warming the second element's mount for it to expand. The bellows had holes so I got a replacement bellows. The shutter worked fine, thankfully. For 6x9 cameras I have found that setting the focus on a groundglass on the film plane isn't enough because the film bulges a little. So I make a scale marked 1 - 8 that I print out and put on the shutter and scratch a mark on the front lens mount. Then I take a test roll of eight pics with the lens set on each of the 1-8 numbers. I develop, and if, let's say, negative #3 is the sharpest I then set the scratched mark at #3 and put the focus ring on. The difference between the infinity focus on a flat groundglass and the actual film plane in the center can be as much as a few millimeters turn of the front element on 6x9 cameras.
I'm finding it's difficult on my Record II. That Agnar lens. Tough to set focus correctly.
I have the same problem, I've tried all the above, can't unscrew them :( suck a pitty as the camera is otherwise pristine... I was afraid though to heat the element too much, not sure if that is going to affect the lens, I'm using a hairdryer ...
After soaking in lighter fluid & meths for a couple of days to no avail, I put the stuck front & middle lenses in a film canister with the same fluids. I then taped the canister up securely and wrapped it in tin foil, popped it into an electric vegetable steamer & left it steaming for 20 mins. The canister did puncture, however this did the trick and the lenses separated. Probably not recommended, but it worked for me.
I have one of these magnificent cameras, thank you for showing us all the technology that these little magic boxes contain. a thousand and a thousand thanks.
Claudio Elicer commented: "Fantastic!, I have one with the same problem with the focusing ring, what type of solvent do you use to release the ring at last? Thank you!"
Sorry for the delay in replying, RUclips's comments aren't working correctly. Sometimes I get the notification, but the comments do not show on the video concerned.
I use various solvents. Usually I would start with Naphtha (cigarette lighter fluid), if that doesn't shift the dried-out grease, I will use CRC Lectra Clean, and if that doesn't help, then generally applying some heat with a hairdryer will sometimes soften the old grease to the point that you can unscrew things. Once apart go back at the threads with solvent and toothpicks to clear the 'concrete' away.
This is great, thank you so much for the clear walk through and all the info. i recently got my hands on a Agfa isolette II, stuck focus and the shutter lever dont flip back. The focus seems like resonable work but the lever i might just have to live with (i think ill open it and look for obvious errors but defenitly not further than that) So thank you very much once again! Helps alot
Very good job! I have a vintage agfa standard 254, very beautiful and functionality.
Amazing video. Thank you.
Hope your kids have their arms and legs (as opposed to fins of course) ;)
Brilliant! Thank you
I'd been hoping for a showdown, Sherlock Vs the dreaded agfa green glue! You made short work of it mate!
I also dealt with a pair of Karat cameras recently. One of those needed dreaded green grease dealt with too. Videos of that will come later.
Looking forward, I bought a karat on ebay a couple of years ago in bits, the seller had stripped it but couldn't rebuild it, for a couple of pounds I thought why not, give it a go.. sadly my ambition was greater than my ability and it has remained in bits.. there may be hope for it yet...
I have done 2 of these. Great cameras. I always replace the bellows. I got mine from SandehaLynch.com Thanks for the video.
With the Agfa "Jsolette" , the earlier version of the isolette have you found a way to rivet the the film plate vs the older version which has screws. I thought about just using tiny bolts and nuts. Just wondered what other people do.
Huge thanks for this video! I have a problem however with unscrewing the focus lens :( it's stuck ... tried many solvents and heat and nothing helps. Do you have any other tips I can use? I love this camera and I would like to restore it to full functionality. You're my last hope! Cheers!
If you have the front group and the centre group unscrewed from the shutter, but cannot separate them, you might try putting them into a warm oven, maybe sixty degrees centigrade , just under 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave them long enough for the heat to soak in, say ten minutes, and try again, with or without solvent.
Thanks @@ChrisSherlock I'll try that!
I have a Agfa Super isolette that the bellow and lens is not extending properly all the way when pressing the button. It jams half way. If I hold it upside down with the lens facing forward the mechanism works like it should. Any thoughts on what could cause this? Something bent? Doesn’t seem to be a lubrication issue even though this could help.
Most of the folders rely on the lens standard swinging in a smooth arc relative to the front door. I have other folders that tend to stick if you open them the wrong way up too. The cause may be complex, stiffness in the bellows probably, wear in the struts etc. If lubrication doesn't fix it, just learn to open the camera upside down, every time.
@@ChrisSherlock thank you for that! I actually tried the lubrication now and it did sole the entire thing. I was sure it couldn’t be the case. Hopefully it last long without getting worse soon again. Thanks a lot.
What brand screwdrivers and lens wrench do you use? I can only find the usual rubbish made from Chinese cheese metal. Cheers.
I discuss screwdrivers here....
ruclips.net/video/LlWdVRjE3hk/видео.html
Clearly not your first shutter, I know that even with the help of photos I would never ever be able to reassemble it.. Today I cleaned the blades of my ilex shutter on a 4x5 stand still camera... Some oil is still seeping after a few months of inactivity and stick the shutter I pray for not having a more serious problem!
I have a record II inherited from grand aunt, in France. The focus ring doesn't turn. I found repair store in Paris, but they couldn't fix it, worse thing is that since then, the shutter doesn't sound shut and open. I watched this video and realize that this repair is not for me. I wonder if Chris or someone else can repair mine.