Cable release receptacle for Synchro-Compur sought

tih · Feb 2, 2019

One of my lenses is missing the threaded receptacle for the cable shutter release from its Synchro-Compur P #0 shutter. (It's the kind that's a block of aluminum with a threaded hole in it, and with a thin lip sticking out at the bottom, which goes under the shutter release lever, and is held by a plug that looks like it's an interference fit, or possibly is expanded by hitting it with something after fitting the receptacle.)

Of course, it can't be properly replaced without taking the shutter apart, which I'd rather not do if I don't have to, so I have two questions for the grown-ups on the forum:

1: I was thinking that a couple of tiny drops of judiciously applied epoxy cement would hold the part well enough -- after all, it's not as if there's much force applied to it. Does that sound reasonable?

2: Any tips as to where I can get hold of the spare part? I'm watching eBay for defective S-C shutters sold for parts, but it might take a while...

AgX · Feb 2, 2019

Spare parts:
-) from a cheap camera as donor
-) tap yourself the resp thread into such a block (if it is only about this block, without further mechanics)

And epoxy-cement it to your shutter.

tih · Feb 2, 2019

AgX said:
-) tap yourself the resp thread into such a block (if it is only about this block, without further mechanics)

I could make the part - but cable release thread is tapered, and I don't have a tap for that. I doubt they exist.

AgX · Feb 2, 2019

It exists, as the thread is standardized, but it is expensive. There would a workaround, but I have not yet tested and cannot advise. It would be cheaper to get some old camera with such block, maybe even some release button could be used.

tih · Feb 2, 2019

A suitable release button could be machined to shape and glued on, yeah. Good idea - thanks!

AgX · Feb 2, 2019

That is why even real junk cameras can be handy. Of course stuff (junk) will be piling up.

tih · Feb 2, 2019

Just found this: https://www.shapeways.com/product/979GZ374G/shutter-cable-release-adapters-tapered-threads
The one with the M3 screw looks like it might just fit perfectly (with the screw cut down a bit); the S-C has a guide hole it would go into.

AgX · Feb 2, 2019

I am very sceptible about the conical thread and a bit about the stud with the nut.
One could glue in the male thread but then one would not need a tapered thread from the start...

But I lack experience with the strenght of the various plastics in printed form, and at that price you may give it a try.

tih · Feb 2, 2019

I share your misgivings, but I think I might just buy a set, and take a closer look.

Meanwhile, I've discovered that there are cable release adapters for compact point-and-shoots on eBay, that one could choose to see as chunks of aluminum with the ASA conical thread in place, ready for machining to the shape one happens to need. At about $10, this looks like a good, reasonably inexpensive, starting point:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KIWIFOTO...BLE-RELEASE-ADAPTER-for-LEICA-X1/263655994248

shutterfinger · Feb 2, 2019

Looking at a working copy it looks like the socket is held by a blind rivet. I doubt epoxy will hold it for any period of time unless its never used. A piece of brass or aluminum rod pressed in would be better. The socket may have a pin on the threaded end to prevent it from turning.
The repair manual can be downloaded here: https://www.scribd.com/doc/44503560/Compur-Shutter-Repair-Manual
The manual has the base shutters. Many have minor differences of the internal parts which do not interchange. Some versions were special made for a camera manufacturer and are a variant of the base shutter.

tih · Feb 3, 2019

Thanks, shutterfinger! Documentation is always good to have!

I've actually got two of these lenses: one badly damaged one, but with a very good shutter, and this other one that has a somewhat more worn shutter, with the missing cable release receptacle. I'd like to move the good lens parts over to the good shutter, but unfortunately it's one of those lens constructions that wrap around the shutter quite a bit, and to take it apart, I'd have to get the front element (the actual glass) out of the aluminum flange holding it (to get at set screws hidden inside the lens, locking it to the shutter so it can't be unscrewed), and I can't budge it. The front element on the bad lens just dropped out after I unscrewed the front ring, which turned out to be holding it pressed into its flange, but on the good one, I've even tried pulling rather hard with a soft suction cup, to no avail. I've sort of decided to leave it at that; so far, I haven't damaged the surface at all, and I'd rather keep it that way.

Anyway, I thought I'd upload pictures of the area in question on each of the two, just so it's completely clear which type I'm talking about...

shutterfinger · Feb 3, 2019

Get some acetone aka nail polish remover and apply around the edge of the lens element or threads of a stuck part and let it sit 5 to 15 minutes reapplying as necessary. Some of those housings can be a real pain.

P.S.
Some elements fit their barrel so snugly that the slightest tilt causes it to jam in the barrel. Taping it against your cupped palm usually helps.

Cable release receptacle for Synchro-Compur sought

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