Focal plane shutter repair

[Nas]

This just arrived and I'm hoping I can take it apart and replace the shutter curtain and ribbons. It doesn't have a makers mark on it that I can find. I've removed the screws from one of the metal side panels which runs from top to bottom but I'm unable to remove the winding knob at the top. Anyone got any suggestions for removing it? it's not a regular screw head in the middle. Thanks.

 

[Ian Grant]

On Wednesday I took a Whole plate TP add on Focal Plane shutter apart, I used White Spirits to remove most of the black-out coating on the shutter curtain, and then applied a new coating both sides. That saved the effort of making a new curtain, the narrow slit was linked by fine chain, all that needs doing to have it working is to replace this with tape.

I would say removing the old blackout medium is a sticky, messy, job.

The wind knob at first looks similar to a Soho Reflex, but check out this page as the Speed table is identical to yours - under Focal Plane (roller blind). A little bit down the page shows the chains used on my TP Focal Plane shutter. I will replace them with tape later today.

You need to make/adapt an old screwdriver to unscrew that nut. They are used in a few wood & brass, and other cameras. Somewhere, I may still have a tool for those nuts.

Ian

 

[Petrochemist]

Security bit sets often have suitable bits for such fittings, if you don't want to grind/file out the center of a flat screwdriver

 

[Nas]

Security bit sets often have suitable bits for such fittings, if you don't want to grind/file out the center of a flat screwdriver

Do you have a link or a picture to show me what I'm looking for? I don't want to do any grinding especially as I don't have the correct tools. Thanks.

 

[Ian Grant]

N14 Security Screwdriver for Notched Security Screws | SSP Direct

These popular Security tools (product no 14452) are in stock, available for immediate dispatch. For more information, call our Manchester office on 0161 4137939

www.securitysafetyproducts.co.uk

A bit expensive for little use.

Ian

 

[Petrochemist]

A bit cheaper at £8.50 to bit 1/4" hex drive handles

Draper Security Bit Set

25mm 1/4" bits manufactured from chrome vanadium steel, hardened and tempered with a shot blast finish. Bit holder manufactured from zinc alloy steel with a chrome plated finish. Set contents: 1 x magnetic bit holder, 3 x Torq bits, 4 x spanner bits, 4 x tri-wing bits, 6 x metric hex bits, 6 x...

www.toolstation.com

I've seen a similar set in a local discount store, but not for several years.
I can't guarantee it has he right size though...

 

[Nas]

A bit cheaper at £8.50 to bit 1/4" hex drive handles

Draper Security Bit Set

25mm 1/4" bits manufactured from chrome vanadium steel, hardened and tempered with a shot blast finish. Bit holder manufactured from zinc alloy steel with a chrome plated finish. Set contents: 1 x magnetic bit holder, 3 x Torq bits, 4 x spanner bits, 4 x tri-wing bits, 6 x metric hex bits, 6 x...

www.toolstation.com

I've seen a similar set in a local discount store, but not for several years.
I can't guarantee it has he right size though...

The diameter of the end of the post in the middle of the nut is 2.4mm, the external diameter of the slotted nut is 6.35mm. I think it’s too big for a screwdriver bit.
I’ve got a lens wrench but I can’t get the ends close enough.

 

[Petrochemist]

The diameter of the end of the post in the middle of the nut is 2.4mm, the external diameter of the slotted nut is 6.35mm. I think it’s too big for a screwdriver bit.
I’ve got a lens wrench but I can’t get the ends close enough.

I had one once that could just have been big enough, but that's no use to you!

Filing a F shaped key would be another option, if a bit tedious without a dremel.

 

[Nas]

I had one once that could just have been big enough, but that's no use to you!

Filing a F shaped key would be another option, if a bit tedious without a dremel.

That's a good idea.

 

[AnalogueWendy]

Our local hardware shop cuts keys. I’m fairly sure they could cut a screwdriver to fit - assuming they can hold it into their machine. (Metro Extra on St Ebbes)

 

[Nas]

Our local hardware shop cuts keys. I’m fairly sure they could cut a screwdriver to fit - assuming they can hold it into their machine. (Metro Extra on St Ebbes)

Great suggestion. I've sent the shutter to a friend who has already made such a tool, it will be with him tomorrow. Hopefully he can get the shutter working smoothly once he gets into it.