Clarus MS-35, resurrected

[bliorg]

Hi all -

I'm rediscovering camera repair after years off. Have had this Clarus for a LONG time, and it worked for a while, but not consistently. Got some pictures out of it a long time ago, then set it aside when the rear curtain started lagging. Tried to sell it a while back, and no bites.

Well, fresh off the Konica rehab success, I decided this kitschy little camera deserved a second (third, fifth, dozenth) chance. Opened it up, lubed it in a few places, cleaned it some others, and added some tension to the curtains:
IMG_2392 by Scott, on Flickr

The result? The shutter is firing consistently and reliably, the glass is pert-near perfect, and the door latch even works now. And I have the case:
Clarus MS-35 by Scott, on Flickr

Threw the ground glass against the rails and the rangefinder seems correct. Unfortunately, and predictably, I'm out of 135. Placing an order tonight. The shutter still doesn't wind up to the speeds it should, but I sincerely doubt this thing ever hit 1/1000. But it's good enough now for Sunny-16 and a scanner, so it's time to test.

Too much fun.

Thanks for looking.
Scott

 

[Theo Sulphate]

That's the second Clarus that's appeared here in a week. I'd never heard of them before, but they seem to be very well built. Apparently there's still a discussion forum for them.

 

[elcabezagrande]

That's the second Clarus that's appeared here in a week. I'd never heard of them before, but they seem to be very well built. Apparently there's still a discussion forum for them.

The first generation had a reputation for quality issues and mechanical failure. By the time that they got the problems sorted out, they were saddled with a reputation for unreliability, and could not compete with Leica, or locally with the Kodak rangefinders, even with a much lower price, so they soon became a footnote in history. It would have been interesting to see how the camera might have evolved, if given a chance.

I shall soon put a film through mine.

 

[summicron1]

i have one that sorta kinda works, and i love all those brass gears -- quality stuff.

Was it hard to get the top off?

 

[nosmok]

I had a Clarus that worked PERFECTLY, and in the middle of my first roll-- I dropped it! No case, no strap, it's crazy heavy and it broke and I haven't found a working one since. PM me if you want to fix one of mine!