C3 focusing: stiff at one point

[pinkarmy]

i, like many fellow Argus C3 owner, would like to use the camera more.

in a certain way C3's design is in the same league with Voigtlander Vitessa (barn-door model)--they both just simply broken all the rules regarding camera operation.

fondling the camera itself is enough fun
but a camera is made to take photo.
so...

i have been struggling with the focus issue for 2 years.
i am now have a better understanding (after reading the RFf posts).

the (may be) only problem left is the focusing.
the focusing ring is stiff and bumpy from the closet distance to around 6 ft
that i have to turn the lens barrel to force-past that point, when it get from the 6ft point it is then smooth again to the infinity.

why is that?

[Mr_Flibble]

It can either be the lens focusing helical or the focussing ring/RF window that's stiff. (possibly dried grease).

The only way to be sure is to remove the little cogwheel between them and turn them separately to confirm.

Then find a way to clean and lubricate the one that gives you trouble.


Or it might be something really simple like dirt in the teeth of the gears.

[pinkarmy]

Originally Posted by Mr_Flibble

...dirt in the teeth of the gears.

guess i'll get my teeth blush

[pinkarmy]

i inspected the lens barrel again.
i noticed that that single bigger screw on the barrel has affect the turning of the focusing action.

">

if
tightened: the focusing action would be blocked (in fact i can't turn it anymore)
loosen: it the turning would be smooth BUT the front element would not move.

any hint?

[pinkarmy]

ok so i figured out the issue might be cause by the sliver-colored gear cap (the gear that control the rotation of the rangefinder wheel and the lens barrel wheel)

if i did not screw in too tight, the rotation would be smooth.
so i just screw it in loosely, til it barely touched the lens barrel wheel

is that correct?
any C3 owner here bother to take a look of your camera to confirm would be much appreciated. thanks.

[Mr_Flibble]

Shouldn't be a problem at all, but just be careful that you don't lose it.

It's screwed on tight on mine. Perhaps the little cap on yours is bent slightly out of shape.

[pinkarmy]

done!...i hope...

the strange (if not complicated) relation between the front element, the screw on the barrel and the helical caused the issue.