Kodak 3A rangefinder repair [Archive]

AnselAdamsX

02-12-2007, 17:43

Hi,

I have a Kodak 3a Special Model B and I'm trying to remove the 2 mirrors in the range finder so I can re-silver them. I removed the partially silvered one easily but the other one I don't see how to remove it without breaking the glass. It is glued to a pivoting metal piece that had three screws to adjust the position. The attached photos show the front and back as far as I have been able to move it. I'm thinking they glued the mirror to the metal after it was in place and I'm going to have to break the glass and glue in a new one. Any suggestions on how to remove it without breaking the glass?

BILLC

02-12-2007, 18:36

Hi,
I will have a look at mine, it is working and so I haven't had to get into it. Are you using it? What film have you found? I use 120 with an adapter to get 6x14 negatives. Welcome to the RFF.
Bill

AnselAdamsX

02-13-2007, 03:53

Hi,
I will have a look at mine, it is working and so I haven't had to get into it. Are you using it? What film have you found? I use 120 with an adapter to get 6x14 negatives. Welcome to the RFF.
Bill I just bought it recently. I plan on using 120 roll film as well. I still need to rplace the bellows and CLA the shutter. I also bought an accessory back & holder for sheet film. But that hasn't arrived yet.

Chris

AnselAdamsX

02-13-2007, 03:57

Hi,
I will have a look at mine, it is working and so I haven't had to get into it. Are you using it? What film have you found? I use 120 with an adapter to get 6x14 negatives. Welcome to the RFF.
Bill Which lens does yours have? Do you have an online example 6x14 made with your camera?

Chris

BILLC

02-13-2007, 04:34

Hi Chris,
I have a bunch of 3A's and they all have different lenses. The one with the rangefinder (special) is out in my darkroom, I'll hunt it up in a bit. I don't have a scan up yet of a print. I just got a new scanner and will work on that. I have the sheet film back but don't use it. I built an adapter that drops in to any 3A without any modification and uses the autographic window for film advance. Lots of fun. I'll post some pictures of that set up if you like.
Bill

BILLC

02-13-2007, 06:08

Hi Chris,
My 3A is the special B with a Kodak anastigmat f-6.3 170mm lens, #28172. It has the kodamatic 1/2 to 150 + T & B shutter. It is a good performer and fun to use.
I was thinking about how they would have glued anything in 1914 and the most likely suspect is hide glue. Hide glue will soften with heat and mositure so a soak in warm water might do the trick if you can get it off the camera. Who will resilver it for you?
Bill

AnselAdamsX

02-13-2007, 15:23

Hi Chris,
I have a bunch of 3A's and they all have different lenses. The one with the rangefinder (special) is out in my darkroom, I'll hunt it up in a bit. I don't have a scan up yet of a print. I just got a new scanner and will work on that. I have the sheet film back but don't use it. I built an adapter that drops in to any 3A without any modification and uses the autographic window for film advance. Lots of fun. I'll post some pictures of that set up if you like.
Bill Mine has the Bausch-Lomb tessar. I'm curious to see how it does. I'd like to see a pix of your 120 adapter. I haven't figured out how I would re-silver the mirrors yet. It probably is better to just replace them.

Chris

AnselAdamsX

02-14-2007, 03:54

I managed to remove the mirror by pulling on it using a vicegrip. Ended up chipping th glass and denting the metal. Once it was out I scraped along the edge of the glass and metal and the mirror popper right off. Should have tried that before. Here are some pix showing the pieces.

Eastwestphoto

03-11-2008, 18:13

Hi Chris,
My 3A is the special B with a Kodak anastigmat f-6.3 170mm lens, #28172. It has the kodamatic 1/2 to 150 + T & B shutter. It is a good performer and fun to use.
I was thinking about how they would have glued anything in 1914 and the most likely suspect is hide glue. Hide glue will soften with heat and mositure so a soak in warm water might do the trick if you can get it off the camera. Who will resilver it for you?
Bill

[quote=eastwestphoto]
Buy broken 35mm SLR cameras on Ebay and remove the mirror. Place mirror between to flat solid objects and cut and snap to size. Its cheap and the mirror is always good. regards, Don