Cameflex Eclair motor runs but shutter is not moving.

robbie Land · November 10, 2022

I have a Eclair Cameflex, motor runs almost perfect, but the shutter does not move. I can turn w shutter knob and slightly with inching knob. But when camera runs, shutter just sits. Any help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Or if you may have specific service folk in the states that may resolve issue. Thanks for any assistance.

Simon Wyss · November 11, 2022

You have helical gears that drive the shutter, pinned. The shutter then is fastened to a disc with screws, guess someone has been at the camera. Repair job for a technician

Marek Budzynski · November 11, 2022

Dear Robbie,

Visual Products can probably fix it.

I would take it to bits and have a look to see what's going on.

I made a Cameflex stripdown guide a while back that shows you how to take it to bits. It's a PDF but you can download it from here:

https://we.tl/t-jekJrP2P3g

There is one photo missing. It shows the correct position that the shutter knob has to be in before you can take the back plate off easily.

I'll try to make an amended version and upload it to Wetransfer and then you'll be able to see what's going on.

From your video it looks like the variable shutter is slightly bent and can't get past the prism. However, having said that, the motor would not turn at all.

Cheers

Marek

Marek Budzynski · November 11, 2022

Here's a link to the amended stripdown document showing the correct position of the shutter knob.

https://we.tl/t-s3KZ2HM66A

robbie Land · November 11, 2022

Excellent! Thank you very much, Marek

Marek Budzynski · November 13, 2022

Here's an even better version. I opened one of mine up and took some more photos for you. Should be fairly straightforward to check if yours is set up right.

One thing I noticed was that I have a feeling that the variable shutter is bent out of shape. If it gets caught underneath the ground glass then it won't be able to move. However, if it can't move then neither can the rest of it and your motor runs.

Have a look and see what you think.

https://we.tl/t-Gk866efFqv

Marek Budzynski · December 3, 2022

Did you manage to get it working?

Cheers

Marek

robbie Land · December 7, 2022

Hi Marek, thank you for checking in. Due to lack of tools, patients and time, I had to send to camera repair person I use for my Bolex.

I hope to know something positive soon.

Marek Budzynski · December 14, 2022

Ask your guy to take photos of what he finds. I'm interested to see what was going on with your camera.

Cheers

Marek

robbie Land · February 21, 2023

finally got around to opening camera and found out the shutter gear is broken and I dont have parts for it. I will send pictures if interested.

Marek Budzynski · February 23, 2023

Might have some spares for you. Send pictures and I'll see what I've got.

Cheers

Marek

robbie Land · February 23, 2023

Excellent! Thank you very much, Marek. I hope to finally get this working. Any assistance appreciated, as you have helped much already.

Marek Budzynski · February 24, 2023

I have a body minus a few bits that I was going to sell to someone in the US for £300. The main mechanism works perfectly so all you would need to do is take the back plate off the body, add the parts that are missing from your one and you'll be good to go.

I'll make a video and upload it to Youtube later on today and you'll be able to see what I mean. If it takes your fancy I can get it to you in a couple of days.

Cheers

Marek