Oops...

[scott]

(Just a heads up: I'm going to continue adding the repair work posts to this original thread, seems to make the most sense. If that's an issue, someone let me know.)

Have the shutter seemingly working okay.


This camera, according to a bunch of sites, has a double exposure prevention mechanism that requires film to be loaded. The Super Regent is like that as well, but can be tricked by manually advancing the gear in the camera back. I can't seem to do that with this. However, I think the little lever shown at the end of the video that is restricting the return motion of the shutter blade release is art of that double exposure mechanism. I'm going to close the shutter up and load some sacrificial film to see if I can figure it out.

[PFMcFarland]

I think you're missing a spring on the shutter blade return. Double-exposure prevention is likely lever controlled from inside the camera body, similar to what is used on the Zeiss Ikonta series. You'd have to take the top cover off to access it.

PF

[scott]

Not sure, PF. If the return isn't pushed all the way under that lever in back, springs back instantly.

Hinted at provenance. This camera came from a little yarn shop in Greenwich, NY. As shown in the original post, there's a label on the back saying "Bill Bennett". Yesterday, when first looking at the thing, removed the back. I've done this maybe 20 times. This time, saw a tiny bit of white poking out from behind the pressure plate. Got a tweezers and extracted it:


About 3 seconds of googling got me this:
https://gallatinnorthmissourian.com/201 ... l-of-fame/

A little more got me a picture:
https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/st-joseph-o ... -hall-fame

Always wonder where these old cameras come from.

[scott]

I think you're missing a spring on the shutter blade return. Double-exposure prevention is likely lever controlled from inside the camera body, similar to what is used on the Zeiss Ikonta series. You'd have to take the top cover off to access it.

PF

In fact, I can confirm the spring exists. Went and looked, and it was, in fact, there. In making sure it was engaged, shot the lil' sum B across the room. Spent a good half hour on my knees (not fun right now) sweeping the carpet with a rare earth magnet. Found a few tiny screws and staples; no spring. Hopefully turns up, but in the meantime, I need to find another camera/shutter to cannibalize. Does anyone recognize the type of shutter this thing resembles? I haven't quite seen one like this before.

Knew when I walked up to it I should walk away...

[scott]

Hmm... Can get a B2, same shutter, for around $25 shipped. Might be good to have a donor on this project.

[scott]

Donor cam ordered - got a good offer from a seller. To be continued…

[Brazile]

Progress is good. But what a find inside the camera. Love that kind of thing.

[PFMcFarland]

Some info on your camera, the Bolsey C2:
https://casualphotophile.com/2020/04/01 ... -c-review/

And some info on Wollensak in general:
https://alphaxbetax.com/

Since you are now a fan of the mighty little Bolsey, I have a B22 model you can have for free. I haven't shot it yet, but all the speeds work, aperture and lens are clean, and the focus is smooth. It's missing the name plate on top of the camera. Other than that, the cosmetics are very good.

It has the Bolsey-Gauthier Auto-Synchro Dust-Tight shutter, so not the same design as the Wollensak on your C2.

PF

[scott]

Some info on your camera, the Bolsey C2:
https://casualphotophile.com/2020/04/01 ... -c-review/

And some info on Wollensak in general:
https://alphaxbetax.com/

Since you are now a fan of the mighty little Bolsey, I have a B22 model you can have for free. I haven't shot it yet, but all the speeds work, aperture and lens are clean, and the focus is smooth. It's missing the name plate on top of the camera. Other than that, the cosmetics are very good.

It has the Bolsey-Gauthier Auto-Synchro Dust-Tight shutter, so not the same design as the Wollensak on your C2.

PF

Thanks, PF! Really appreciate the info and the offer. Will get the Super Wester boxed up and in the mail, too.

I'm apparently now a Bolsey collector...

So, as I said, I found a donor Model B to cannibalize. Got it for ten bucks. Arrived over the weekend.

It's in very, very nice condition.






Shutter is just about functional. Almost felt bad about parting it out. There's no split image in the rangefinder window (separate windows, btw). But the helical is working, if just a little stiff. Came with half a case, which I'm happy to learn a little leatherwork to restrap. All good.

Finally able to go up and down stairs fairly easy, so took the new camera down to the work table in the basement. Was looking at the C under the magnifier, and - dagnabbit - the missing spring is sitting on the rangefinder window! I'd chalk it up to clean living, but I know better... So, I now have the project C, a new, nearly working B, and the impending B22 from PF. I probably will have one of the most complete collections of Bolsey cameras on the planet. Strange notoriety.

Also, there's a weird little arm atop the post that I couldn't decipher:


Thought it was somehow actuated, couldn't get it to freely move. Had pushed it to about 10:00 from this image. Apparently (now obviously), it keeps the return spring on the blade release from flying across the room when some wannabe hack futzes with it. Live and learn.

Hugo Designs apparently sells a skin replacement kit. That said, the old leatherette is coming off in complete pieces, so may just cut my own.