Super Ikonta III (531/16) focus helicoid

[P C Headland]

It's been a while since I've posted, but I have been popping by to read from time to time!

After copping another bout of COVID, I decided I needed to clean up the camera cupboard, and maybe even run a roll or two of film through a folder or two. While playing around with the Super Ikonta, I noticed that the focus is not smooth, so went looking for tutorials on cleaning and lubing/greasing the focus helicoid. However, I've not managed to find teardown instructions. The non-smooth focus is the only issue with this otherwise immaculate camera. Does anyone have any advice / guides?




Thanks

[alexvaras]

Well… I have that model waiting for servicing, also stiff.
I’m not sure where can come the problem from, if the dry grease from front focus element or from the rangefinder mechanism.
I plan to finish one camera today, I will take a look of this as soon I finish.

[titrisol]

Hans Kerensky has posted notes and picutres,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@ ... 1646771740

[alexvaras]

Ok, so in my camera after removing the front ring (three holes for a flat 0.8mm screwdriver) by unscrewing two full turns the 3 screws that holds the ring.
I see the rangefinder has infinity stop (that’s super good) and the thread of front lens going to the middle lens is the problem, dry grease. Take into account that removing the front lens (unless you make a mark at infinity) will make you collimate the lens once the threads are clean and lubricated back.

[P C Headland]

The link titrisol provided was for an earlier 645 camera (BTW, the Zeiss numbers are confusing - my pre-war Super Ikonta is a 532/16, the one above is much later but a 531/16... I'm sure there's logic in that somewhere!) But, it was a good starting point, as I've found Hans' album on my camera: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@ ... 3202905483

So, thanks for that!