Wind Shaft Advise

EdColorado · Apr 5, 2019

I'm working on a Konica II rangefinder here. The thing came to me as part of a deal on Ebay, sold as not working so no surprises. The film winder was locked up due to old grease that had turned into epoxy. I have everything cleaned up except for the film wind shaft. It's finally out of the camera and is somewhat loose and I'm looking for advise on how to continue. The barrel turns on the shaft but feels dry, like it's dragging too much. I've never had a wind shaft apart and don't know how to proceed of if I should just leave it as is. The gear face has a couple of holes that lead me to think I need a pin wrench to remove the gear. Is that right, does it un-thread from the shaft and would I expect right hand threads?

Whats the recommendation to proceed from those who have been here before?

Thanks for any help...

glbeas · Apr 5, 2019

I would soak it in naptha until it loosens then blow it out with compressed air, careful not to blow your parts off the work table. A drop of 3 in 1 oil down the shaft, no more than that, should keep it working.

AgX · Apr 5, 2019

EdColorado said:
The barrel turns on the shaft but feels dry, like it's dragging too much.

I am ignorant of your model, but I expect the friction brake still inside your assembly.

EdColorado · Apr 5, 2019

AgX said:
I am ignorant of your model, but I expect the friction brake still inside your assembly.

So these do have some kind of friction assembly in them? I've never had a wind shaft from any camera apart and really don't know whats inside.

EdColorado · Apr 5, 2019

glbeas said:
I would soak it in naptha until it loosens then blow it out with compressed air, careful not to blow your parts off the work table. A drop of 3 in 1 oil down the shaft, no more than that, should keep it working.

I soaked it in some Naptha for about five minutes I guess and that at least got it turning. Maybe some more soak time will help loosen it up some more. I'll give it a shot thanks.

AgX · Apr 5, 2019

EdColorado said:
So these do have some kind of friction assembly in them?

Any take-up spool must have a friction drive, as the advance by the sprocket wheel is constant but the take up by the take-up spool rises continuously due to the growing circumference.
Also for fastening the leader in many cases twisting of the spool is necessary.

EdColorado · Apr 5, 2019

Yes of course. My question wasn't very clear sorry, I'm wondering how it's done in a wind shaft. Do they usually have some kind of friction material in them, or is it with a spring assembly of some sort? Is it safe to soak the assembly in Naptha for an extended time?

Thank you!

shutterfinger · Apr 5, 2019

glbeas said:
A drop of 3 in 1 oil down the shaft, no more than that, should keep it working.

3in1 oil dries out in bout 3 months and leaves a sticky residue behind. It and WD40 are the worst lubricants to use in any camera.
Use TriFlow, clock oil, or similar light weight oil designed for fine mechanical movements.
Pure Naphtha can damage camera parts. 90% Isopropyl Alcohol works also or mix it 2:1 with the naphtha for faster drying.

EdColorado · Apr 5, 2019

I oiled the winder using some Nyoil that was given to me by a local camera repair guy when he closed shop. It felt OK so I went ahead and put the camera back together. Winding feels good, rewinding is smooth, so I guess the wind shaft is OK. Everything else seems to be working so I'll move on to testing and then recovering.

Thanks to you all for the help and suggestions!

Wind Shaft Advise

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