This is a double 8 camera, but since there’s no sub-forum for the brand of camera or format I figured this would sit nicely here. I recently purchased two “working” Leicina cameras off ebay. Neither are ready to shoot film. They both suffer from the same issue: When loaded with film, they only generate enough torque to shoot when set at 24fps. The camera only has two FPS settings: 16, and 24. I usually shoot 18 or 16 to conserve film, so being able to shoot at 16fps is important. I’ve opened them up and done some light cleaning, checked the contacts, etc. I put grease on one spot directly behind the take up spool spoke that spins, which is the first stet of gears just past the dc motor. This is the only spot that grease seemed necessary. I wasn’t confident grease and oil wouldn’t degrade any of the other gears, so I figured wait until I’ve reached out to the community.
Sadly, the only place I could find the service manual (craigcamera.com) is out of business and the various other sites that sell older manuals and camera literature don’t seem to have a copy. The camera has only a few posts online (one or two here that I found) and very little in the way of information, videos, etc. For a camera so beautifully designed, from an esteemed company, with a lens loved (Angenieux K2, which I believe is the same as the one on my Carena Zoomex shooters) I don’t understand the dearth of information or interest.
Can anyone help me by pointing me to either a repair manual, a repair person in the states? I’ve used Simon Wyss for my Beaulieu TR, and Bjorn Andersson for my Beaulieu wind-powered r16, and they are top notch to be sure. But Covid has done a number on mail, and I’m hoping this might be something even some sort of small electronics repair shop could help with if it requires rebuilding the DC motor.
Any information on how to get one of these working reliably would be very appreciated. I have a small amount of money saved for repair, but I’d be happy to also compensate someone if they are able to help me / coach me through the repair as well, if that’s feasible.
Thanks everyone!
Joel-David Chevallier
Design + Production
jdchevallier.com
