Kowa SW

Jbennett68

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So I’ve wanted one of these for a while and finally got a functional example at a reasonable price but it needs some cleanup in the view finder. has anyone ever taken off the top of one or opened on up that could offer any advice. I can’t seem to find any reference online anywhere.
 

choiliefan

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Apparently he's still active so Ross Yerkes might be able to help you with this:

Ross Yerkes Rare Camera Restoration

Here's a tip of my hat and a huge thanks to Ross Yerkes for restoring to perfect working order my Warner 66 camera. It wasn't working when I found it, but now it looks and performs like a new machine. Mr Yerkes' comment was "what a job". My comment is "what a gentleman and craftsman"...
www.photrio.com
 

choiliefan

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Oh well, he's the living Kowa expert.
You might want to go with a Bronica, Rollei or Hasselblad instead.
Look up Ed Romney sometime.
We went waaaay over and fell into the abyss...
 

Dan Daniel

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Contact Alex Varas in Spain and see if he works on them. Or if he has some hints on getting in. I'll vouch for his lack of racist screeds with every camera

Alex Varas Cameras - Camera Repair Service.

CLA, camera repair service for 35mm, medium and large format. Rolleiflex and Rolleicord repair and overhaul. TLR, folders, leaf shutters.
alexvarascameras.com
 
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OP

Jbennett68

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Memphis TN
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According to the description it should work. It's all those components in the Kepler finder that worry me. That's a lot of stuff to get dirty.
 

4season

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Kowa SW is on my short list of cameras I'd like to check out "for the right price"!

But until then, Daitocamera on YT has as couple of longish videos, though he starts with the camera already in pieces, but at 1:44 of this video, he discusses optical diagrams he unearthed from 1964, revealing the configuration of both the taking lens and the finder. YT translation works fairly well for his narration.
 
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OP

Jbennett68

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Memphis TN
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Oh cool. Now I know how I’ll kill some time tomorrow. Thank you. There’s a lot of parts in that viewfinder.
 
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Jbennett68

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Sep 16, 2024
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Location
Memphis TN
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35mm
I envision having the same issue I had trying to get someone willing to CLA my Tenax II last year. I bet I contacted a dozen people before I found someone willing to do it.
 
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