Memar-Silette repairs

[br1078lum]

I was conversing with ScottD on these matters when it hit me that this needs to be a post so everyone can use it.  Anyway, I puchased an Ansco Memar that had some issues with the lens (no focusing), and Scott got me on the right track on disassembly [Loosen the three set screws (Do Not Remove), take off the ring, and unscrew the lens from the barrel.]  Mine was of course glued together by the old lube, so both elements came out as one.  Applied some heat with a blow-dryer, and they came apart.  Someone had to have had this apart before, as the focus ring was not aligned correctly, and the second element was recently lubed, thus the ease in which it came out.

After cleaning and reassembly of the second element to the body of the camera (using a blade from a utility knife as a spanner that I ground the sharp side off of), I am now ready to adjust the front element by taping a focusing screen on to the film plane; making a target to set at the close focus marking of the focusing ring; reinstall the front element; focus; replace the focus ring back against the stop; tighten the ring; and check the other setting marks to see if it all works.  I think this is akin to collimating, but having researched the subject a bit, I found references to everything but how to adjust the focus.

Let me know If I am on the wrong track here.  I also have recently purchased an Agfa Super Silette, and anticipate some of the same problems, and maybe even a rangefinder adjustment.  I think Scott's Super Regent thread will be usefull, as it should be of simular construction, minus the frame counter mech.  Let me know if that is a correct assumption.

Thanks,

PF

[Dean Williams]

making a target to set at the close focus marking of the focusing ring; reinstall the front element; focus; replace the focus ring back against the stop; tighten the ring; and check the other setting marks to see if it all works. 

Looks pretty close, except for the part in the quote, especially the bold.  When you set the lens, on almost all cameras, including this one, you set it for infinity, not close focus.  Put your ground glass or what ever you're using in lieu, on the film rails at the film plane.  Ground side facing toward the lens.
Use a loupe or camera lens to get critical focus at infinity with a target about 100 or more yards away.  Put on the focus ring so it's against the focus stop, and snug the screws gently.  (The focus ring set screw on these Agfas break very easily.)
When that is done, all the focus distances on the focusing ring will be where they should be.  Infinity is the one you have to worry about.
Most of us refer to this as collimating the lens, yes.

The Super Silette is somewhat similar to the Super Regant, but doesn't have a fold out lens, of course.  The rangefinder
is quite similar. 

Dean

[br1078lum]

Thanks Dean, I was working at it backwards!  I was wondering if any of you have any experience using dry Teflon for a lube on the lens element threads?  I have read where some lenses have a problem with looseness due to the removal of the green lube not being there to take up the slack.

PFM

[Dean Williams]

You need to use something somewhat thick for lens helicals.  This type of thread is cut with quite a bit of tolerance
when used for cameras lenses.  They come from the factory packed with grease for that reason.  The grease
dampens the movement of the lens housing in its helical threads.
I usually use white lithium grease.  It doesn't take very much to do the job, and makes the difference between a
sloppy feeling focus, and one that is too tight. 
Don't use something like a chassis grease, though.  I has too much oil in it.
You can get white lith grease at auto supply stores.  Silicone grease might be okay, too, but I find the odor unpleasant.
(Don't use silicone sealant!)

Dean

[br1078lum]

Thanks again Dean.  I need to write some of these tidbits of info down when I come across them so that I don't have to be bothering everybody.  But then, if you don't ask, you don't learn.  I'll post again after I run a roll of film through it.

PFM

[br1078lum]

The Silette arrived today, lens glued like all the Agfa's.  It had a roll of Plus-X in it, and looked like it had not seen the light of day for many years.  Shutter works, though the slow speeds are off.  You've got to shake it to get 1 second to go.  The syncro switch will not go all the way to M. Gave it some heat with the hair dryer to loosen up the lens, and the rangefinder works, seems to be accurate at 10 feet, but very dusty.  But after cleaning the lens, I decided to set it aside for now, as the front element is all buggered up.  It would be like shooting with a center spot Fog effect filter.  Now I need to get back to work on the Memar.
PF

ps: Anyone out there that has a front element for an Agfa/Ansco f3.5/45mm Apotar?  I may need the rear element too, but won't know until I tear into the camera a bit more.

[br1078lum]

After giving it some thought (but not too much as I didn't want to fry my last synap), it looks like the Memar is going to be a doner for the Sillette.  Checking around for parts cameras only showed up ones that were more expensive than what I paid for both of these.  But I may still put the front element back in the Memar and calibrate it for practice later on when I transplant it all into the Silette. 

I found a site showing a teardown on a Super Silette, and it gave me the courage to try it myself.  But since it is now 7th in line for repairs (three working on, three waiting), that may not happen for a while.

PF