Agfa Karat stiff focusing and RF issue

[Kirks518]

So I picked up an Agfa Karat with the Solagon 50/2. It is in like new condition, but the focusing is very stiff, so stiff that I couldn't move it at first, but it seems to be freeing up a bit after working it back and forth. From what I understand they used a green grease that is the culprit. Will this require a full CLA, or can I get some light oil or something into it to get it to free up?

The rangefinder doesn't seem to be working also. I've successfully repaired other RF's, and was wondering if anyone knows if this is a simpler RF system to access/repair/adjust, or something more like a Prominent which is a nightmare?

 

[gone]

It's grease that has turned green and mucky. You will have to take the lens apart enough to clean the focusing helical completely clean, then go w/ a dab of your preferred lube. Just a dab. This Agfa issue seems to be an issue w/ most all of their medium format folders.

 

[flavio81]

Search for the "AGFA GREEN GREASE" or "AGFA BAYER GREASE" terms. It is a well known issue common to all agfas of that era.

My take on it: The Solagon is an exceptional lens (i owned an Agfa Karat IV); i would take it to a technician who should be able to apply heat carefully so the grease softens up and thus the helicoid can be removed for cleaning.