Eyelux has a stiff focus

[Doug T.]

Hi All!

I see that there are other lube issues here, so I thought it a good opportunity to ask about mine.
I recently acquired an Eyelux with a Citizen MVE shutter.
Everything works fine, but the focus is very stiff. I tried warming it, and lighter fluid.
That seems to work for a bit, then it gets all stiff on me again.
Any ideas? I want to avoid taking it apart if I can.

Doug

[Peltigera]

I recently bought a Halina 35X which had a very stiff focussing action. I doused it with lighter fuel a few times and when it dried out it was nearly as bad. I added quite a lot of clock oil down the gap between the housing and focussing ring and it is now nice and smooth. (you might note that I am not quite as sophisticated as Stephen when it comes to repairs, but I haven't actually wrecked a camera for a while. I don't dismantle unless very necessary).

[Stephen]

If the Eyelux is like a lot of Japanese designs then the focusing screw edge may be visible from the inside of the camera through the back, some times covered with a removable mask, sometimes open, or more visible if the whole lens moves forward on focusing. Generally brass on brass screws in the 1950's/60's.
Halina and sophistication are rarely in the same sentence.....mind you the 35x can take quite good stuff, especially on transparencies.
Stephen.