Bell & Howell Filmo 70 DR: Door latches are very stiff

[Gillian Donaldson-Selby]

Hello

I've recently purchased a B&H Filmo 70 DR, which appears to be in great condition. I've oiled all the recommended spots with Labelle 108 (one drop only), but was wondering about the door latches which seem to be very stiff. I'm worried I might bend something! Is the stiffness normal, or do I need to oil something on the door?

Thanks

Gillian

[Doyle Smith]

I'll give this a shot.

It might not hurt to oil sparingly the pivot points on the door mechanism.  I haven't had a B&H 70 DR in my hands in 50 years so I can't envision what it looks like. The only image I can conjure up is an Arri IIC door.

The door is pretty stiff because it has be light tight. With the door in your hand, rotate the outside door latch. It should rotate smoothly without binding. Now flip the door over and look at flat fingers that engage the camera body. Are they bent or tweaked? Because the door is removable sometimes the fingers maybe slightly bent from careless handling. If so, take a flat head screwdriver and lightly pry the finger up. Try and refit the door. Rinse and repeat until right. 

DS

[Simon Wyss]

Rinse and repeat seems to have become fashionable.

Do not pry on the latches.

You can work in a drop of oil under each of the lock discs. Always turn both locks together.

[Gillian Donaldson-Selby]

Thank you both☺️I think that's sorted the problem.

Gillian