I done did it again

[Anthony Martinez]

New-to-me Agfa Isolette II. Medium format folder. My new walkaround. I've destroyed three Canon G-series cameras with vibrations from my motorcycle(s) so I've decided to go old school and stick to something purely manual. It's a 6x6 folder, so I'll get 12 frames a roll. More than enough! I've yet to shoot it yet, but the shutter/aperture/focus all work. It even came with the original leather case, two filters, and a lens hood. I've got a roll of Ilford Delta 400 thawing out right now to serve as a test roll.

[popawalker]

Congratulations. Getting close to time to make a ride out on 390 to Burton.

[wclavey]

Congrats on a good choice... Check the bellows for leaks - - the most common problems with these cameras. I bought one that looked good but the bellows were riddled with leaks. $125 later, it had been CLA'ed and had new bellows put on and worked like a charm. (Melissa M here on the forum is now the owner, BTW.) And it was this camera that convinced me that I wanted a Fuji GS645, which I subsequently purchased and still use.

[venchka]

Way cool.
Two words: Tri X. The closest thing to period correct on the market today.

[Anthony Martinez]

Thanks guys. Period correct doesn't much matter to me, but I will certainly run some Tri-X through it at some point. My test roll was Ilford Delta 400, and it's drying as I type this. Things look good. I don't see any light leaks, but the shutter seems to lag in the slower speeds. It may find itself being CLA'd at some point, but really I'll probably only use 1/100, 1/250, 1/500, and bulb. Those all seem to work pretty well.

[Anthony Martinez]

The whole composing/focusing without looking through a lens that shows focus will take some getting used to but this thing is going on full-time duty immediately.

[contributor_M]

The last set is very nice.

[Anthony Martinez]

Thanks

[venchka]

You are doing fine. Keep it going.

[Anthony Martinez]

Will do, and thanks. There's a roll of Ektar 100 in there right now. I wound past the first frame. Didn't realize where it says "Kodak" on the paper backing is their warning that a frame number is coming up. Was expecting dots like the Ilford and Fuji rolls I've used. I actually think this is the first time I've shot any Kodak medium format film, and the Agfa is the only camera I have that doesn't advance a frame every time you wind it so I've never really had a reason to pay attention to the frame numbers on the backing paper.

[Anthony Martinez]

Oops. I may have just destroyed my first film camera. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it's mostly OK but half a century old, leave it alone!

I'll either buy another one and and keep this as a prop/reminder of why I shouldn't take things apart while doing differential equations (which probably mess with the mind more than alcohol) or send this one to be repaired. I'm not sure the latter is even possible unless someone just happens to have a spare lens/shutter assembly.

[wclavey]

OK, tell me what you did...

[J Eddington]

Yes inquiring minds want to know!

[Anthony Martinez]

Well, what had happened was.... (this is how all good stories start)

After the shutter dried the first time everything was good and locked up. Cleaning it again released more solids and opened the shutter back up at all speeds. Same story the second time it dried.

I took it apart probably further than I should have on the third cleaning. So many little gears, springs, and levers. Quite cool looking, really. Nothing launched across the working area, but it took a good deal of time for me to get it back together. On attempt one I couldn't arm the shutter at all. Oops. I finally got it to function as it did before. Arming, and firing at all speeds. Hurray!

Again, as it dried things got stiff and it would only fire with any reliability at 1/250s and 1/500s. Doh! Then came the brilliance. I'm pretty sure I stripped the threads for the focusing element and that turning the focusing ring is actually moving the entire, now fused, set of front lenses. It's pretty easy to strip such fine threads without noticing it until it's far too late, and I'd bet a shiny nickel that I did just that.

[wclavey]

I have some very fine light oil you can try on it (applied with the sharp end of s straight pin) - - but it is usually only necessary after cleaning it with the solvent, not with lighter fluid... since lighter fluid really has a lubricating quality to it - - but you are welcome to use it. Also, unless it is different than mine was, the entire front element rotates and moves in & out as you focus. If you want me to take a look at it, bring it by and I will... I find it hard to believe that you really did much damage to it, from what you have said.