Defeating Isolette II multiple exposure interlock

I loved my Isolette I so much that rather than get the bellows fixed I ordered a rebuilt isolette II. It's great because it has a self-timer and one more shutter speed, and the shutter release button is way smoother. What's annoying is that it has a multiple-exposure prevention "feature".

I don't want to do multiple exposures; the problem is that the shutter release button always gets hit in my pocket and trips the ME prevention interlock, so whenever I get it out of my pocket to shoot something it won't shoot unless I wind it again first. One solution would be to not wind it, and only wind it right before shooting, but this seems like a pretty poor way to work. I'm trying to get used to tripping the shutter by hitting the metal lever on the shutter with my hand but it's kind of awkward.

Maybe I'll take the top cover off and see if this feature can just be disabled permanently. I never had any problems accidentally multiexposing my isolette I.

I can't say I know the Isolette II by sight, but with all the folders I have, I can manually re-cock the shutter and fire it on the same frame by pressing the actual release tab on the shutter itself (normally actuated via an arrangement sync'd with the shutter button via a rod or something). Allows me to overcome what you describe or take multi exposures.

Edit: I'm an idiot. You're already doing this. Heck of a first post for me...please disregard...

If the shutter has the thread for cable release, you could use one when that happens. Unfortunately, some Isolettes and Records only have the cable release thread in the shutter release button.

Another option would be keeping the camera in it's case instead of in the pocket.

I just encountered the same problem this evening with my Ansco version of the Isolette III.

Mine also trips the double exposure prevention if you try to press the shutter before cocking it. In this case, I just press the lever to side of the lens.

I tend to wind on as soon as I take a picture and I assume you do to. I think this problem would be eliminated if we delayed the winding on until just before taking the picture.

JPD said:

Another option would be keeping the camera in it's case instead of in the pocket.

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I don't think I have ever taken a camera out in its case!



Steve.

I tend to wind on as soon as I take a picture and I assume you do to. I think this problem would be eliminated if we delayed the winding on until just before taking the picture.

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In this case I think it would be easier to modify the camera than modify my ingrained shooting habits!

I just got an Isolette III last week, and I ran into this problem. After tinkering with it a bit, there seem to be two solutions. . .

1. Don't wind your film until you're about to take a shot. (This is stated in the manual, by the way!) Even when loading the film, you can stop short of the first frame and slip the camera into your bag/pocket, then finish winding when you bring it out.

2. You can always trigger the shutter by tugging on the connector bar underneath the bellows. It pivots side-to-side, so you actually tug it lightly towards the side of the camera, and then it's almost as easy as using the normal release on the body.