Sputnik problems

[Tom Deering <tdeering@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>I found that this was caused by ineffective threading. There are
>various viewpoints on what is right, but when I threaded the
>thing the way that seems most sensible, I could hardly wind
>it. Then I tried it another way and it was VERY easy to wind.
>
>Go here for the threading scheme:
>
>     http://www.skep.com/3d/SputnikTakeup.gif


Yes, this is the way I thread mine.  Otherwise, the metal spring jabs into
the paper.  I just bent the takeup spring back with my thumb until it had a
nice reverse angle.  Loading is less of a problem that way, as well.

As to removing the front elements, it's a real bugger.  Incredibly hard to
get those rings out, and even harder to put them back.  Having done it
once, I would not recommend taking them out unless you want a fight.  I've
never had a problem with unblackened lenses, although I always shoot
stopped down.

The internal reflections are a bigger problem, and I've come up with a
novel approach.  I built an internal pyramid-shapped baffle, similar to the
one inside a Lubitel.  Although the two cameras are very similar, the
Lubitel has a more sensible internal design.

To make the baffle, I used a special kind of plastic used by model builders
to make roofs.  It has a nice stair-step effect which does a perfect job.
I'll try to put a picture on my web page.

Tom