Compur Self Timer

Salmonoid · Jun 20, 2006

I picked up a nice Zeiss Ikon 6x9 yesterday. I checked out the shutter and found that it was working great even at the slow speeds, but of course the my eye is not calibrated.

I noticed the small button on the top of the compur shutter, and began to play with it trying to figure out what it was. I cocked the shutter and discovered that it could be cocked further if the button were was pressed, but then when I clicked the shutter it didn't fire. Now it is jambed! Yuck.

After internet research I learned that the button was a self timer that often never works. But now I can't figure out how to get the the self timer off, and the shutter to fire normally. Any body know what I need to do to unjam this Compur?

Trond · Jun 20, 2006

You could try to shake the shutter it a little to see if it moves? It did the trick on one of my Compurs, before I had it CLA'ed. The self timer bit has probably stuck due to lack of use.

Trond

BrianShaw · Jun 20, 2006

I don't know where this story about Compur self-timers "never working" came from... I've heard it too but it's simply not true. Compur is a complex shutter and the least bit of dirt/goo will make them stick. Your shutter is in need of a good cleaning and lubing.

Mike Kovacs · Jun 20, 2006

!!

Hold the release down and gently pull on the cocking rack in the same direction it moves when it trips. You should hear/feel the self timer as you pull, then it will clear and the shutter should trip as usual.

Just be gentle - if it really feels like you are forcing it, stop!

The shutter could probably use a service. You could put it off for a while by not using the self timer.

Salmonoid said:
I picked up a nice Zeiss Ikon 6x9 yesterday. I checked out the shutter and found that it was working great even at the slow speeds, but of course the my eye is not calibrated.

I noticed the small button on the top of the compur shutter, and began to play with it trying to figure out what it was. I cocked the shutter and discovered that it could be cocked further if the button were was pressed, but then when I clicked the shutter it didn't fire. Now it is jambed! Yuck.

After internet research I learned that the button was a self timer that often never works. But now I can't figure out how to get the the self timer off, and the shutter to fire normally. Any body know what I need to do to unjam this Compur?

Salmonoid · Jun 20, 2006

Thanks Mike!

Mike you are truly a scholar, and doctor of shutters. Your technique worked perfectly, and the camera is functioning once again. Score one for APUG and the whole gang! Thanks.

Mike Kovacs · Jun 20, 2006

Its not all I'm a doctor of

Send me a note if you ever want to learn how tear the shutter down, of course at your own risk of failing. There are different variations of Compur shutters, but I had this article I wrote hosted here last year: Dead Link Removed

If you are in North America, Carol Flutot does the work for very cheap, only about $50.

Tell us more about your 6x9 Ikonta. I have a very nice Ikonta 523/2 with the Synchro Compur shutter and Opton Tessar T 105/3.5 lens. I like it a lot when I remember to focus the lens!

cdholden · Jun 20, 2006

Mike Kovacs said:
Tell us more about your 6x9 Ikonta. I have a very nice Ikonta 523/2 with the Synchro Compur shutter and Opton Tessar T 105/3.5 lens. I like it a lot when I remember to focus the lens!

I have two of these, both with the pop up viewfinder. One with the coated "T" lens, and one uncoated. The only difference between yours and mine is mine says "Ercona" instead of "Ikonta". I find it amusing that the front of the camera even has the Zeiss Ikon logo. History says the Russians set up camp and went into production with the German parts. This group would later be known as Pentacon. The Tempor shutter shows the Pentacon logo. Is it any different inside? I don't have a Compur handy to compare. Neither of my Erconas have shutters with self-timers.
Chris

Greg_E · Jun 20, 2006

I recently bought a set of different spanners. Before starting to repair these types of things buy a set, money well spent.

Mike Kovacs · Jun 20, 2006

The 523/2 has the all chrome top with accessory shoe and no pop-up viewfinder. I like to use it with a 50mm Voigtlander brightline finder meant for 35mm.

I haven't been inside an Ercona but by all accounts the East German Tessars of that era were the equal of the West, perhaps even better. I believe the Tempor is a simplified Compur copy but only 1/250 instead of 1/500, correct? This Tessar takes 40.5mm screw on lenses, same size as my Contax rangefinders. (very handy!)

Salmonoid · Jun 21, 2006

The camer was found in a used camera store in Billings, MT. It is a Zeiss Ikon, B2 with a Tessar 10.5 f4.5 and Compur shutter. It seems to be in very excellent condition. I can't wait to see the first pictures I make. I bought it to make small postcard contact prints.

Compur Self Timer

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