IKOFLEX

And is this fast speed something new, or just something you hadn't noticed before?

I purchased it a couple of weeks ago,shutter was very slow so I used a lighter fluid flush. All shutter speeds save for 1/10 began to work. What is puzzling is that it works at what sounds like a proper speed at 1/10 two to three times out of fifteen or twenty. I have been exercising the shutter at all speeds.

Check the positioning of the speed dial. There are a series of steps in the dial, and between 1/10 and 1/25 is a large step. It may be that the dial needs to be positioned slightly one side or another of the marking for the pin and step to be in the right spot. This might be why it is erratic- just hanging on the edge of the step, then dropping off?

You can move a dial until you get the right speed, then make a mark on the dial. The index mark from the factory isn't always in the best spot. It's easier on large view camera lenses, but you can just remember to be offset a bit for 1/10 or so.

Dan,I tried your solution and it has worked. I tried it previously however moved the dial too little distance. Believe it or not the correct point is just about midway between 1/5 and 1/10.

From 1/10 and slower speeds the retarding gear train (clockwork) is engaged. 1/25 and faster speeds don't use it. The fastest speed uses it's own spring.

This allows you to use intermediate speeds on the old rim-set Compur shutter between all speeds except between 1/10 and 1/25 and 1/100 and 1/250 (or 1/300 depending on the shutter).

anthonym3 said:

Dan,I tried your solution and it has worked. I tried it previously however moved the dial too little distance. Believe it or not the correct point is just about midway between 1/5 and 1/10.

Click to expand...

Great. Here are a couple of samples of this type of ring with steps. In both of them, you'll note a notch in the middle of the steps- the lower arrow on the Seikosha side is pointing to it, between the two arrows on the Compur. This the 1/25 or 1/30 point that JPD is referring to, where the slow speed escapement is disengaged. In both of these rings, the slow speeds are to the bottom (they rotate in opposite directions to change speeds). Looking at the Synchro-Compur lower section, you can see how small of a distance is involved in changing the speed from 1/8 to 1/15 (the lower arrow is pointing to this area, which has the slightest rise in the middle).

It is possible to fine-tune speeds by either filing down or expanding (swaging) steps as needed. You'll often see these marks on older shutters like the Compur Rapids and such. Or, as I mentioned before, you find the position of the dial that gives the right speed and make a mark.