9x12 (possible Zeiss Ikon Maximar) with bellows stuck

So I recently acquired this 9x12 camera, so I was cleaning it before putting it away on a shelf. As I was getting ready to close it, I noticed it wasn't closing completely. Knowing how delicate these cameras can be, I tried to extend the bellows again by pressing the clips to connect it to the extension rail. Unfortunately, now it seems to be stuck; it won't move forward or backward. I've tried pressing the clip with some force, but it's as if it's jammed somewhere along its axis. Since I have a Zeiss ikon Maximar 207/7 to compare the retraction and extension system, I've noticed that, unlike the unnamed 9x12 camera, it has knobs, which makes it unsuitable for comparison. I don't want to put too much strain on the clip system, so I was wondering if anyone here could offer a suggestion on how to unstick it.

Thanks in advance,

Algo

Seems to me that the slider on the right (left side of camera, blue) is slightly more forward than the one on the left (green). A condition called jamming, I think.

• Check if what I see ca be confirmed
• Try tapping gently on the slider that is moved forward (blue) to straighten the alignment
• Apply a small quantity of WD-40, despite all the bad things you may read about that product.

before putting it away on a shelf

Click to expand...

That camera is made to take pictures

What I usually do to free them up is to rock the lens standard every which way while trying to pull it forward. Once it's out, I lightly grease the rails.

Sounds like you might not have had the focus rail fully retracted before you attempted to close the camera and something bent.

If the semi-retracted front lens standard straddles the folding hinge and you push upward, it would try to force the lens standard off the rails, so it may be partially pushed upwards and jammed.

Have you tried placing the camera on a solid, stable surface and applying gentle, but firm downward pressure on the top of the lens standard?

It might pop into place, but be careful.

Thank you guys...

I think at some point during the camera's retraction, before I tried to close it and realized it wasn't fully closing, something happened—I'm not sure. I tried to be careful, but I wasn't really. Finally, what I tried was removing the ground glass and gently pushing it in the same direction as the front part. I was able to confirm that one of the clamps (the one on the right) was rubbing during some part of its movement. I greased the entire area and tried to smooth its movement, which caused friction on the internal support at the front of the camera.



Then I realized how silly I'd been, because when retracting the camera to close it, I had set the waist level the same way as on my Maximar, and this camera is a bit smaller, so the waist level in the closed position should remain turned to the left. This happened because I was careless and didn't register it when I first opened it.




Also, unlike the Maximar, the bellows body of this camera disconnects from the rail when it's in the retracted position, like my Busch & Pressman. In short, minor design details.





... the truth is that this camera came with 7 plate holders at a good price that I couldn't pass up, and that's what I was really looking for. Now with 14 plate holders, I think I might be able to work a little more comfortably. I also love the idea of being able to take 18 x 24 x-rays without wasting absolutely any of the sheet

Glad you figured it out!

They are fun cameras to shoot once you get them sorted out.

Have fun!