Leitz Focomat IIc - switching cams

[_Zach]

I have a new-to-me IIc that I'm unable to engage the lower autofocus cam on. To engage the lower cam, I first brought the enlarger to its highest position. Then, I pushed in on the Bowden cable to move the bearing into place. However, the side of the bearing pushes against the side of the lower cam instead of engaging above it. It seems the cam needs to be lower in order for the bearing to move into place and be allowed to ride on top of the cam.

Also of note, the Bowden cable is actually bad. The end at the lens side is bent, presumably from someone attempting to force the lens over and the bearing / cam interference preventing it.

Am I doing something wrong, or are my cams out of whack? I do see there are plenty of screws on the cams, presumably for adjustment, but other than the unpacking / basic operation manual, I haven't found any instructions.

Any ideas?

Zach

 

[larfe]

You might be able to find a bowden cable from kienzle in germany

 

[Saganich]

I found this from another thread on RFF:
When sliding the holder for both lenses to the left and right: ALWAYS lift up the holder FIRST. When you move the lenses to the left (positioning the 60mm) the Bowden cable gets pushed in and on the other side of the cable a round metal part pops out. It only lands ON the cam when you push up the holder and AGAINST the cam when you don't. Doing the latter, you strain the Bowden cable and this results in it breaking, or getting a knick, or the black covering coming lose

 

[_Zach]

Larfe, thank you for the pointer for the new bowden cable. About 60 Eur for a new one.

Saganich, thank you for the tip. That was the issue - I was pulling up on the red knob - not the lens holder. Pulling up on the lens holder moves both bearings upward, allowing the lower to move over and rest atop the lower cam. I suppose if I had a working bowden cable, that would have been more intuitive.

Zach

 

[Hilo]

Zach, yes, the two arrows pointing up and sideways are important! The Bowden cable is, unfortunately, delicate and needs to be put through as little strain as possible.