Re: Belplasca Lens Panel

[P3D Gary Cullen <cullen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob Aldridge wrote:

> I've always found watchmakers products good for camera "clockwork"!
> e.g. I have a bottle of "J.D.Windle's Clock Oil" that works well on
> spindles etc...

Sounds like it should be fine stuff!

>Have you ever succeeded in stripping out the focussing
> mechanism on a Belplasca? I have one with focussing that has virtually
> siezed, and I'd like to strip it and re-grease.

I have  a Belplasca that I overhauled years ago (and used regularly for
over 10 years), it has a very well built shutter ( I believe the whole
lens/shutter unit was built by Zeiss Jena) which is more than I can say for
the Belca built winding mechanism which is a weak point on the camera. The
casting is also well done but the covers are just "ok". A fine performing
camera all the same. But to your question: It's been some time since I was
in the camera but I recall it is quite simple. I recall there was a trick
to removing the frame counter knob but don't recall off hand what it was!
(I can check mine if you get stuck) Try getting at the focusing from the
front first by removing the adjustment rings and face plate. If the plate
doesn't come off you will have to remove the top cover. Once inside you
should be able to figure out how it works, I recall it was a sensible
design. You can clean the grease out with one of the solvents we were
talking about and use white lithium grease to re-lubricate the helicals.
You will have to use a ground glass to set the infinity focus when you get
it all back together. Let me know how you make out.

Gary Cullen


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