Lektra Timer In Need Of Repair

[mikewhi]

Hi:

I have a Lektra enlarging time I bought from Zone VI Studios about 15-20 years ago. It has always been a great timer. Just the other day, the times for it have been noticably off. When I set it for my standard 3-seconds, it stays on for longer - like 4-5 seconds. 2 Seconds lasts for nearly 3 seconds.
It does appear to be repeatable, so it is certainly usable in it's current state (I just set it a 2-seconds and think in terms of 'exposure units'). But, the anal retentive part of me would like it to be accurate, too.

Anyone know where I can get this repaired? Is Lektra still alive? Anyone that you know service this make. I'm not sure of the model number - it is not the TM-8 but it is the same battleship gray and is built like a tank.

Thanks.

-Mike

 

[JackRosa]

Mike:

I believe Lektra went out of business a long, long time ago. I own several Lektra timers. Instead of having it repaired, you may want to consider purchasing a <used> one on eBay.

 

[Loose Gravel]

I just looked at a couple of these on the web. No LEDs or numbers counting, right? Looks like you could buy one for $10. However, if you want to get it fixed, then it sounds like the internal timer is out of wack. It could be just out of adjustment (turn a small screw) or it could be a bad capacitor (best guess). Simple to fix by someone that knows basic electronics. Try a stereo repair, TV repair, ham radio guy, etc.

 

[mikewhi]

I just looked at a couple of these on the web. No LEDs or numbers counting, right? Looks like you could buy one for $10. However, if you want to get it fixed, then it sounds like the internal timer is out of wack. It could be just out of adjustment (turn a small screw) or it could be a bad capacitor (best guess). Simple to fix by someone that knows basic electronics. Try a stereo repair, TV repair, ham radio guy, etc.

Yes, it's a model TM-560R Lektra Laboratories. It has not modern LED's or anything like that. It has simple knowbs on the front to set time in full seconds and tenths. I don't see an adjustment screw on the outside. On the inside, I see a few screws but I don't know how to adjust it.

Thanks for the advice.

This is such a nice timer that I'd hate to lose it.

-Mike

 

[Loose Gravel]

If you are not familiar with electronics, then you shouldn't mess with it, but I should think a repair would be simple for someone who is.

If it is stable, then I'd say it must have taken a bump or something to get it out of adjustment. If it drifts, then I'd say you have a dying capacitor.

 

[JHannon]

You might want to try contacting Richard Ritter. He used to work for Zone VI and still repairs the spot meters and other camera equipment.

Here is his web Page : Richard Ritter

good Luck.

Regards,
John

 

[ann]

someone gave me one of these timers. What does the "start" plug on the back side of the timer do?

 

[mikewhi]

someone gave me one of these timers. What does the "start" plug on the back side of the timer do?

You plug the footswitch into it.

BTW, my times seem accurate again......Odd. I didn't do anything to it at all. Three seconds is 3 sec now. I hope it stays that way.

If omeone gave you one, you have a real nice timer there. It is 1000 watt capacity. I use up to an 8x10 cold light head with it. Until the other day, it has served me perfectly for 15+ years. Good luck with it.

-Mike

 

[ann]

I try plugging a foot switch in but it didn't work. The foot switch does work with other timers so perhaps there is something amiss with the socket. Thanks.

 

[JackRosa]

Footswitch - Anne's Timer

Anne:

Depending upon when the timer was manufactured, you will see different types of sockets. The fact that your footswitch does not plug into that socket does not mean that it is not "the socket". Look at the other sockets - are they all the same?

 

[JackRosa]

Footswitch & socket

I have 2 Lektra TM-8 timers and they have different socket types for the footswitch. This my previous comment.

 

[mikewhi]

Is it a TM-560R? I don't know if there were variations on the plugs or not. Mine is a 3-prong plug and the footswitch came with the timer.

On the front of the timer there are 3 switches and 2 knobs. The left switch is Power\Off. The middle is Start\Reset and the right is Time\Focus.

For the footswitch to work, the left should be switched to Power(duh), the middle to RESET (not so duh) and the right to Time(duh). Then the foot switch works on my timer. If I set the middle switch to START the footswitch does not work. Oh yes, the power cord for the timer needs to be plugged in and the footswitch needs to be plugged into the START outlet.

If that doesn't do it, then something on the timer must be broke. Maybe that's why it was free

Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

-Mike

 

[ann]

thanks Mike, i will check it out with the RESET in place.
It has two basic 2 prong outlets in the back. One says enlarger the other start, which i thought would be straight forward. Never crossed my mind about the reset switch altho, power on did

Everything else seems to work as the enlarger turns on when in the focus mode and goes on and off in the timing mode.

I just really like a foot switch.
If i doesn't work out, it is no big deal as i have several others , just testing this as a back up.

 

[Dan]

I just really like a foot switch.
If i doesn't work out, it is no big deal as i have several others , just testing this as a back up.

Ann, if you have an extra for the Lektra, would you be willing to sell one? I'd love to buy it because I've been searching quite a while for a foot switch.
Dan

 

[ann]

well, i think the timer has gone the way of the trash. It just doesn't want to work. I had i plugged into a cold light head, the head also has a stablizer so i don't know if this is a problem or not. I may test it at the lab on another enlarger and see what happens. However, i have never had any issues with timers and
cold light heads, altho, i have hear rumors of those who end up with issues.

I have a foot switch that has a standard 2 prong electric male end. pm me if you think this would work.

 

[Dan]

I checked my timer and that foot switch won't work.

 

[JackRosa]

To: Ann

Ann: I would be interested in your footswitch with standard two prongs. Are you willing to sell it to me?