To Betax or not to Betax

[Curt]

I have three of thoes Beastly Betax shutters. One is accurate on all but the highest speed. They are all Betax #4's. Has anyone out there owned and had a Betax shutter CLA?
I also have one of the dial

 

[jonw]

I have several Betax shutters and since finding the fine services of Carol Miller at Flutot's Camera Repairs, she does the CLA's for me. My betax no.2 with 4x5 Turner-Reich convertibles cells (see pictures on sale ad) was serviced by Carol and it is great. In fact, I am going to send her two more betax shutters for servicing in the next couple of days.

 

[big_ben_blue]

Betax shutter (especially the spacious #4's) are some of the most easily CLA'd shutters - their underlying mechanism is sooooooooooooo simple compared to more modern varieties; I fixed a handful of my Betax shutters myself without any prior knowledge whatsoever. If you feel comfortable enough around smallish parts, you may want to consider trying it in good old DIY fashion (with a few trays to keep the minute parts from playing hide'n seek, and a sheet of paper to make the occacional sketch). Often, it's a matter of little more than (carefully) cleaning some of the levers or the clockwork unit with some cotton swabs and lighter fluid/alcohol. If I remember correctly, the faster speeds were controlled by a progressing groove cut into one lever, while the slower speeds used the clockwork unit for timing. Then again, if you prefer having it done professionally - don't be shy to spend a few bucks for good workmansship.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[John Kasaian]

CLA! CLA! If you don't want 'em, send them to me!

 

[Curt]

I may look at the most ill of the bunch. I have a shutter tester so checking progress is a lot easier. I have four Betax shutters and they do look like they are built like a tank. They aren't the wimpy kind like the some of the dial set models. Lighter fluid works good?
Thanks, Curt

 

[glennfromwy]

Ronsonol lighter fluid is excellent for shutter cleaning. The problem with your highest speeds, however, is most likely due to a weak main or booster spring. A very common problem with older leaf shutters, which may not have achieved those speeds after leaving the factory, anyway. If you are going to use them for anything serious, send them to Carol. It's worth it.

 

[Curt]

Thank you, If it's Glenn From Wyoming I hope you don't mind my Prairie Dog picture. I lived in Wyoming as a kid and my dad is in the Buffalo cemetery in the Veterans section. I recently drove back for the first time since '63 and with my Wife and Son had a great time. I hit the weather just right. Went to Yellowstone, Custer, Gillette, Buffalo, New Castle, and of course Devils Tower, the first National Monument, for those who don't know. Then on to Mount Rushmore. All in all a great trip that I was wanting to make all of these years. We didn't take our Prairie dog Peaches however, she doesn't leave home.
Thanks all...

 

[Curt]

Thanks to all the help; I decided to clean one of my Betax shutters. It was operating at about the same speed on every setting when I started. I took the top off and opened it up and used Ronsonal lighter fluid to completely soak the parts. I used the compressor with a low air flow on an oil free filter to blow it clean. I didn't lubricate it with anything because I don't know what if anything is used. I know that some are run dry.
I assembled it and tested it with my shutter tester and the speeds are 1/2, 1/5, 1/10, 1/20, and 1/30. plus B and T. The 1/25th and 1/50th are off but I can live with those speed differences. I was surprised how consistent the numbers were during testing. I always do three warm ups then record the next three numbers. They were all close.
Curt

 

[Curt]

I've graduated to the Rapax shutter. It's a Kodak 161mm vintage 1943 in a Rapax. I removed the retainer ring and this one was easier to open. I cleaned it the same way as the Betax and low and behold there are speeds close to the originals except for the two high speeds which are slow. It seems to be common among these older shutters. I am going to clean some more of my Betax shutters and look at some others. I want to use them and have shelved because they only work on T or B and sometimes they stick on them. It's been quite a learning experience. I found out that with care and observation I can open them up and clean them out.

 

[John Kasaian]

Curt,
As I recall the Ilex Unversals are the shutters designed to dry dry, not the Betax.

Cheers!