Kodak Retinette 1B, Type 045.
Prontor 500LK Shutter (1963).
CLA of Shutter
Tim Langsford, September 2020.
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Preliminary Examination:
Camera very clean. Aperture smooth. Speed cam a little too tight. Speeds seem ok, no
visible oil on shutter blades. Optics are clean. Basically, seems a shame to disassemble this
camera but, in the name of learning, I will do so!
A. Dismantling Camera to Free the Shutter Mechanism:
1. Free the shutter by unscrewing the outer retaining ring, via the 2 notches. I initially
really struggled with this step as none of my spanner wrenches would fit (leading to
scratches on the ring). Luckily, a pair of large circlip pliers from my toolbox worked
perfectly.
2. De-solder the flash contact wires, noting the colours.
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3. Set focus to infinity. Remove focus ring by loosening (but not removing all the way),
the 3 grub screws set into the ring. In order to get focus accurately reset when
reassembling, note where the front lens group writing sits (on this camera, the ‘o’ in
‘Reomar’ sat pretty much at infinity), then tighten the group clockwise to see how
much further it moves (I made a video of this action to be sure). Then, remove this
lens group by unscrewing anti-clockwise.
B. Prontor 500 LK Shutter Mechanism Disassembly:
1. Turn lock-nut 180˚ and unscrew the scalloped retaining ring.
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2. Lift off the ASA setting ring and the cover plate together.
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3. Disconnect the detent lever from its speed cam slots by inserting a pointed tool in
the hole of the detent lever and moving the lever toward the outside of the housing
while lifting the speed cam slightly. Once the speed cam is mostly free, slide it over
the delayed action setting lever to remove.
4. To remove the delayed action return spring, first set the lever to the fully released
position.
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5. Use tweezers to lift the spring coil off its post and slide the spring out.
6. Depress the locking lever and turn the delayed action lever until the flat side of the
first gear sits against the lens barrel. Lift the whole escapement out.
7. Cock the shutter. Remove the 2 screws holding the speeds escapement. Lift out the
top contact plate, then the escapement.
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8. To remove the blade operating ring spring, detach the long end then lift the spring
from its stud.
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