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Post by Peltigera on Jun 9, 2013 12:09:09 GMT -5
I have just purchased an Ihagee Exakta Varex IIb from off of Ebay. This is my third Exakta/Exa camera - I think I could get addicted to them. This one is in excellent cosmetic condition - it could almost be new - but is not so good mechanically. The second shutter curtain is hesitant and wrinkled (I assume the hesitating is connected to the wrinkling). Dry firing the shutter while the tennis was on the TV this afternoon has improved the shutter; it is nearly ok on 1/1000 but seriously not on other shutter speeds.  |
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jun 9, 2013 17:06:09 GMT -5
Although not exactly for the mechanically faint hearted, a full service is quite easy on the Exakta, there is a full service book and a free online reference PDF, to opening and servicing the shutter, even to completely replacing the black cloth blinds, which are comparatively easy on the Exakta.
Oiling is quite an easy job, opening allows the whole shutter crate to be removed in one go, and it remains operable outside the camera body.
This allows a bit of study of the moving parts. The major oiling points are pretty obvious, the main shafts and the gear trains, which may be a bit gummed up, as East German grease tended to dry out!! wash with petrol and add a spot of new grease.
A wrinkled cloth blind may not be important, but may indicate the tapes are deteriorating as well, but these easily replaced on this design compare to Leica.
The worst thing to hear on an Exakta, is the dreaded squeal as the shutter fires, this indicates an oiling service is vital. If it operates smoothly without squeaks or sqeals, it may respond to working it a bit to ease things into life. try warming the camera up in an airing cupboard, or in front of a fire, to help soften any grease and oil. Then work it and things should improve.
One thing that rarely goes wrong are the low speeds, it is a very sound design like a clock. But the operation is idiosyncratic, you have both the delay and speeds on the same gear train!
Flash sync not working is usually just the contact between the socket and the shutter crate, clean and polish the stud and it bursts back into life.
Everything inside an Exakta is very heavily built, it is all completely serviceable, spares are rarely needed, and are available.
Once up and running it is a very good camera and takes a vast range of lenses and equipment of every type, there is nothing photographic that the Ihagee Exakta could not tackle.
Stephen.
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Post by genazzano on Jun 10, 2013 4:42:03 GMT -5
These are wonderful cameras and undervalued these days IMO. I have an early Exa with a mediocre Wescon lens. Shot a couple rolls that now languish in the refrigerator, I'm afraid. The nice thing is that there is a great selection of Exakta mount lenses that are tempting. David
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Post by Peltigera on Jun 10, 2013 5:43:17 GMT -5
Stephen, I have had a look at on-line instructions for removing the shutter crate and while it does seem fairly straightforward (no spring-loaded ball bearings) it involves far too much disassembly for my skills. At 60, I have finally admitted to my mechanical limitations; life is cheaper that way.
I am going to try London Camera Exchange this afternoon. I don't know if they do repairs but the manager in Lincoln and one of the other staff collect old cameras and I find them very helpful with strange requests.
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Post by Peltigera on Jun 25, 2013 11:30:18 GMT -5
I think I need treatment. I just bought another Exa camera - an Exa 500 this time.
That makes three Exas and one Exakta. And they are still selling them on Ebay!
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jun 25, 2013 12:34:03 GMT -5
Ekaktaliousphelotitious, non-curable, with minor Exasphelotitious complications, not fatal, but expensive on treatment from Ebay, and no treatments on the NHS.
Stephen.
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Post by Peltigera on Jun 25, 2013 13:40:16 GMT -5
I have tried buying a 1930s Zeiss Ikon Ikonta to see if that helps. Avoidance therapy.
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Stephen
Lifetime Member
Still collecting.......
Posts: 2,718
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Post by Stephen on Jun 26, 2013 5:47:12 GMT -5
I have tried buying a 1930s Zeiss Ikon Ikonta to see if that helps. Avoidance therapy. There's an extremely long German word, there always is!, for the problems of collectors of Zeiss, but I have forgotten what it is...... |
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Post by Peltigera on Jul 16, 2013 4:56:42 GMT -5
Yes, I should, Marco! I need to find one cheap enough that Bestbeloved won't go into melt-down.
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Post by pentaxgraflex on Jul 16, 2013 20:54:12 GMT -5
The camera's may be underrated and inexpensive, but not the lenses! I can't believe what some people want for Exacta mount lenses. Once again, I'm glad I bought all mine 20+ years ago when nobody wanted them. I would not pay todays going prices for lenses, but I am very cheap.
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Post by Peltigera on Jul 29, 2013 17:24:45 GMT -5
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