-
TravelWide Repair Question
I have managed to break part of the retaining ring that holds the helical mount onto the camera body of my TravelWide. On my bench right now is a ~120 degree semicircle of 1/4" wide plastic with two screw holes broken out.
I am sure that this has happened before to some other TW user: Can it be fixed? If so, what is the best way?
Don't really want to send it all off to SK Grimes for a custom machined ring in Titanium.
DIY suggestions?
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
What tools do you have? Plastic is quite easy to cut and shape with files.
p.s. If the plastic is ABS, then gluing it with acetone can be as strong as the original.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Price the replacement part from TravelWide first... They might give you one at little to no charge...
If the part broke to begin with, there was a weakness or defect... Fixing the broken part should be a last ditch effort, as the repair might/might not hold, and you have to get it right the first time...
Steve K
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Thank you Steve, sounds like good advice. My tool set rides in a nylon pouch on my belt labled "Leathgerman". The Wave model has two knife blades, file, saw, Philips and flat screw drivers can opener , finger nail sciczors and plyers.
I weas hoping for a fix that could be done with a hot glue gun or via 3D printing from an online shop.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LabRat
Price the replacement part from TravelWide first... They might give you one at little to no charge...
If the part broke to begin with, there was a weakness or defect... Fixing the broken part should be a last ditch effort, as the repair might/might not hold, and you have to get it right the first time...
Steve K
Not sure Wanderlust is making parts. Ben Syverson has been very quite and hard to contact for quite a while so I would doubt that one could obtain any replacement parts. When I try to log onto their site I get a security warning so have not kept up with any progress he has made with continuing to make the TravelWide 90. I know that he did mention in the comments section of the Kickstarter page that in the future he may choose to make the retaining tabs out of aluminum, I would think a lot of those original tabs have broken off ears.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
plywood
...in the future he may choose to make the retaining tabs out of aluminum, I would think a lot of those original tabs have broken off ears.
Aluminum would certainly be a good choice.
Some aluminum alloys are almost as strong as steel, but still light weight.
- Leigh
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
You could certainly 3D print the part, but without a redesign I'm sure it will fail around the screw holes again. It looks like there's some room to make the screw holes a bit stronger by going thicker, though that may necessitate some longer screws.
How exactly did it fail?
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
While packing with other gear, the mounted lens and helical were compressed axially towards the film plane. The screw holes on one side were ripped out.
I would think that if this part were made from aluminum it wouls be an effective mod.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I know it has been a few months, but I've just had the exact same thing happen, and for the exact same reason. That retaining ring is flimsy! Did you ever come up with a solution or are you dead in the water?
-
1 Attachment(s)
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Back-burner now but on the to-do list. We went on vacation anyway and had a good time. Now facing other things . . .but its still a want-to-do project.Attachment 182390
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I have the same problem and have sadly had the same result (silence) following several attempts to contact Ben through multiple channels.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Well, I sent a quote request to SKGrimes. Maybe we'll get a group discount if we order 3 sets of flanges ;)
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I would be interested in hearing about that quote.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Drew Bedo
I would be interested in hearing about that quote.
+1
I am (relatively) local to SKG and will be retired in a couple of weeks, so I could bring my camera down there for Adam to figure out a robust fix.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I would be interested too, depending on the price. My travelwide has not broken (yet), but I want to make provisions for the long haul. I love this little guy.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Tagging this thread. My TW has two broken screw holes as well, but on diagonal ends. It works fine with just the two other screws tightened.
I need to take it apart again and try just superglueing the holes. I believe they just cracked and did not actually break off.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I'll let everyone know once I hear back. Maybe we aren't the first to request replacement parts, and they already have a blueprint on file? Fingers crossed
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I may have a file for 3D printing this part - ISTR that someone posted it somewhere, possibly APUG. I'll check when I'm back at my home computer. Maybe SKG could use this to extract dimensional info.
EDIT - I have .dxf drawings for the arc-shaped pieces as well as for a circular retaining ring but I can't vouch for their accuracy.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
The part would probably be more robust if made from Aluminum or Brass rather than plastic.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I would be in for one. I'm very careful with my TW and have it cased such that no pressure can be applied to the lens but it happens.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Steve Goldstein
I may have a file for 3D printing this part - ISTR that someone posted it somewhere, possibly APUG. I'll check when I'm back at my home computer. Maybe SKG could use this to extract dimensional info.
EDIT - I have .dxf drawings for the arc-shaped pieces as well as for a circular retaining ring but I can't vouch for their accuracy.
Could you share this file with me? SKG is requesting it.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Can do. Sent you a PM about the logistics.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Has SK" Grimes made a quote on fabricating a retaining ring?
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Still waiting to hear. They have the DXF file, and according to USPS tracking, my Travelwide and it's broken pieces arrived in Woonsocket this morning. Should be hearing soon, I'll be sure to update as soon as I know anything.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Any update from S.K. Grimes?
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Still nothing. They emailed me yesterday, apologized for the delay. Something about outsourcing to a specific machine that is currently out of order. It could be awhile.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Please keep us up-dated oln this.
I have a TW with the same repair issue. I would guess that there are others out there too. No sense in sending it in if they are still working on a fix.
Cheers
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Are we talking about a jam-nut or a lens flange? Chances are that TravelWide's part is standard and easily replaced with a steel part. If not a jam-nut or flange, then what is it, please? Any snapshots available?
If it is some unscheduled odd part, then Glen at http://www.glennview.com/ might help.
-
2 Attachment(s)
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
These parts mount to the inside of the camera with very small screws and the screw eyelets get broken when there's too much friction with the helical.
Attachment 168554Attachment 168555
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jon Shiu
These parts mount to the inside of the camera with very small screws and the screw eyes get broken when there's too much friction with the helical.
Attachment 168554
Thank you, Jon. I had no idea. Crazy engineering. Certainly a metallic replacement is in order. They appear symmetric, so only one part duplicated is necessary - no?
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jac@stafford.net
Thank you, Jon. I had no idea. Crazy engineering. Certainly a metallic replacement is in order. They appear symmetric, so only one part duplicated is necessary - no?
yes, the two parts are same. I have to admit mine broke when I turned it too hard, so my bad.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jon Shiu
yes, the two parts are same. I have to admit mine broke when I turned it too hard, so my bad.
Not your bad! The part was simply poorly engineered.
.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Any response from SKG on the cost a brass substitute ring segment?
I am sure that there are others with this problem out there.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Still waiting to hear. It's been over a month.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by
evites
Still waiting to hear. It's been over a month.
Questions:
- Is this a common problem?
- are replacements not available from the manufacturer?
- How thick are those, and do they need to be that thickness in order to work properly?
- Still wondering what the SKG quote might end up being, and what material they intend to use for it.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
In my opinion, this is a design deficiency in every TW camera. Most folks seem to be more carweful with their TW than I have been.
he TW was a Kickstarter project and I understand that there has not been a follow-up or second mfg run. No. there are no spare parts available. Check out the 250+pagrthreadontheKickStarter forum for the back-story
Not sure what "thick" means for this discussion. The walls of the screw holes are to thin . . .?
I would like to know the SKG price too. Then I'd like to know who they job it out to and contact them for a direct and lower quote.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
What I did to fix mine was sandwich the part between 2 pieces of yupo cover stock (plastic paper) and glue it together including the little round bit from the screw holes. Then trim them up using a craft knife and redrill the holes when the glue was dry. It's worked well enough for me to use it for pinhole, which is what I want to use it for, and it can focus in and out too but I wont go there now. So there you have it, plastic fantastic.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I think the delay from Grimes is due to be there being no quick fix using the existing material/design. The whole unit needs to be remanufactured.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
My Travelwide is not broken but I am careful.
Since mine isn't broken I don't have the part to look at. But, looking at the photo it seems that it is simply a flat piece of plastic. If that is the case it seems that a duplicate made from a sheet of brass of the appropriate thickness would not be too difficult to make.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
well, yeah. When considering if/how I'm going to make a part the thickness of the material required is kind of important. How many to make also has a bearing on how it should be made - would I need to make three or a hundred?
Someone mentioned something about having a dxf file from somewhere, if someone has a small cnc mill and some experience getting from a dxf to the mill this should be fairly simple. Unfortunately, life hasn't panned out in a way for me to have such a mill, but I do have a couple of manufacturing options.
So, assuming that they can't be easily replaced through the manufacturer,
- Is this a common problem?
- How thick are those, and do they need to be that thickness in order to work properly? Would a thinner part do the job?
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I need at least one part, but would commit to two depending on cost.
The early adopters got into the TW for $99. The follow-on buyers got in for $150. The camera cost me something <$200 (don't remember exactly) with shipping from someone who had bought two. This is not a premium/rare/collectable item so a sky-high custom part won't work for me.
But I do want to fix mine if possible.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I understand. I have a pm off to the guy that said he had a dxf file, but no response yet.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
I was able to get replacements of the broken pieces by leaving a comment in the Travelwide Kickstarter page. Not sure if that way is working anymore?
Jon
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Update on SK Grimes quote?
-
3 Attachment(s)
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Wow, Drew is missing his TW since 6 month.
Magical dxf.files are on the way, SK Grimes is out since May, August?
Drilling and milling,
Attachment 170831
lathing, boring,threading,
Attachment 170832
Attachment 170834
is possible with my machines.
If it is possible to redesign and to improve this parts given by the space inside of the camera, I could create some improved parts, probably out of aluminium, if SK Grimes doesn't jump in again, some day..
No files needed, I have to move the wheels and knobs of my machines by hand and by brain, but I need one complete system (TW body, helicoil or whatever is screwed in front of the body, broken parts inside of the body, screws) to have a look on the possibilities.
It will take two days to present a solution, or to give up :-)
Ritchie
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Super!
It is obvious that a part of this dimension can only reliable in metal, rather than a strange combination of plastic and tiny metal add-ons.
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Well, I need the fix. How many others also need this repair? Can we do a group buy?
And most importantly .. .what will it cost ?
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
Drew,
first I get some pictures from inner side of the TW, and some dimensions from measuring.
Next I get a complete camera and i will create some sets of these dubious parts out of aluminium.
I am now planning to create 20 sets of two parts.
You didn't have to order; I can see the need, and I will do the job.
I let you know when the camera arrives.
I want to start machining the parts within one week, and you can follow the whole process - I am planning to bring some pics to this thread.
Since nobody was aible to help the TW owners, my mainly interest is helping out, so costs of manpower will be as low as possible, obviously with a tendency to less or nearly zero.
Unfortunately the shipping costs for sending the camera straight over the ocean, forwards and backwards, isn't an attractive factor.
But what the hell.
We only have to split, to devide the shipping costs - everybody has to take part in giving back the shipping costs to the member which will send me his camera.
If this costs with insurance included would have, let's say 140$, deviding through 20 would mean seven dollar to each person.
In spite of adding costs of needed material plus shipping costs, we will arrive at costs you are willing to pay for.
This member and me, we spoke about some possibilities.
Our idea is holding flat the shipping costs in general.
I one case I would send back the complete parts together with the camera. .
He then would send the parts within USA, special thanks for this.
If it would be more attractive to send the ordered parts directly, I will send directly.
Probably this is more an alternative to european members.
Ritchie
-
Re: TravelWide Repair Question
From now, things become more real - Monday one camera owner will definitely ship his camera set to me...