Kalloflex K2 problem. Focus distance is sliding back.

[Oblidor]

Hi

I bought a Kowa Kalloflex model 2 (K2) and I need to fix it. Shutter was not working, but when the camera got warmer it opened, but then it got stuck open and won't close again. I also need to clean the focus screen, mirror etc...

However, the thing I noticed last and which I haven't experienced before, was that if I try to focus at infinity and let go of the focusing knob, it rotates back to 7m. It only happens at this end, at 3m or 1.5m it stays. Has anybody repaired a Kalloflex and experienced this and know what is the issue. I find no repair manual online.

Only positive so far is that aperture looks dry and clean and the taking lens looks also very nice.

Thanks for any hints in advance

 

[Dan Daniel]

I am not certain what specifically would cause that in a Kalloflex. But in other TLRs, that can indicate a few things. Interference, something stopping the focus rails from retracting fully. For example, the lens shroud hitting the body edge. or in a Rollei, the parallax frame set wrong and hitting a stop before it should. It could be that the infinity stop is not set properly, knob itself just out of whack.

The Kalloflex has a focus system using two rails, similar to the Rollei and YashicaMat systems.

One of the front panel lock rings is reverse threaded. I think lower right corner? Yeah, ok, see it now, the retaining ring around the shutter lock and release, try reverse threading first (but don't crank it).

Hans Kerensky on Flickr has a couple of collections on working on the Kalloflex.

I've been in a few so ask here and I might remember. Might even get me inspired to dig out the one I want to restore. Funny camera in ways- parts of it are absolute top notch, unique and workable engineering, wonderful finish, etc. And then you have some sections with bailing wire and such... One more round and they would have had an equal to the Rolleiflexes.

Cameraleather has the pattern for it, so don't worry about destroying the cover, it can be replaced.

 

[Kino]

Does this camera have a tiny set of bellows internally?

Maybe just a few folds? Wondering if that could be the cause; stiff bellows...

 

[Dan Daniel]

Does this camera have a tiny set of bellows internally?

Maybe just a few folds? Wondering if that could be the cause; stiff bellows...

No bellows. Uses a tube and a velvet light trap ring like a Yashicamat or Rolleicord.

 

[Oblidor]

I found the problem as I opened up the camera front to get to the shutter and I found the problem. A screw had been driven into the metal where the focusing mechanism goes. When I focused to infinity I was compressing the screw, which then pushed back when I let go of the focusing knob. I don't know where this screw is coming from as I see no holes with missing screws. Possibly somebody lost it inside and it came stuck at a later point. Glad it was only this and not some complicated mechanical issue.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Looks like the kind of screw that would hold the lens board to the focusing rail, or the lens shroud in place, or a side pane in place.

 

[Oblidor]

Looks like the kind of screw that would hold the lens board to the focusing rail, or the lens shroud in place, or a side pane in place.

Yes it looks like the four screws keeping the front cover on.

 

[Oblidor]

I am not certain what specifically would cause that in a Kalloflex. But in other TLRs, that can indicate a few things. Interference, something stopping the focus rails from retracting fully. For example, the lens shroud hitting the body edge. or in a Rollei, the parallax frame set wrong and hitting a stop before it should. It could be that the infinity stop is not set properly, knob itself just out of whack.

The Kalloflex has a focus system using two rails, similar to the Rollei and YashicaMat systems.

One of the front panel lock rings is reverse threaded. I think lower right corner? Yeah, ok, see it now, the retaining ring around the shutter lock and release, try reverse threading first (but don't crank it).

Hans Kerensky on Flickr has a couple of collections on working on the Kalloflex.

I've been in a few so ask here and I might remember. Might even get me inspired to dig out the one I want to restore. Funny camera in ways- parts of it are absolute top notch, unique and workable engineering, wonderful finish, etc. And then you have some sections with bailing wire and such... One more round and they would have had an equal to the Rolleiflexes.

Cameraleather has the pattern for it, so don't worry about destroying the cover, it can be replaced.

Thanks, the images of Kerensky are useful.

I cleaned up the focusing screen and the mirror, but the mirror is still a bit dim. I'll use it for now to see if it is ok in usage. I guess finding one for Kalloflex will be difficult, I see they sell for the more known TLRs.

The last problem I discovered is that the back door is hinged on two screws with a long smooth neck. One of them is missing, so I have to figure out how to make a replacement for it.

 

[Dan Daniel]

You could stick a nail or such in that matches the thread diameter, then make the head diameter with some tape. With one screwed in, the back won't go anywhere. Just leave enough sticking out to grab.

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He knows the Kalloflex mirror size. I have no idea what shipping to Europe will cost but it might be worthwhile.

Alex Varas is on here and he is in Spain. You might message him and see what he does for mirrors. Many people making mirrors, you send them dimensions and they can make one.