Disassembling Ernemann ' Klapp' camera (9 x 12 cm)

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Hi, I have been able to partly disassemble my Ernemann 'Klapp' camera (built about 1920) since it is in need of a CLA. However I'm puzzled about the way the winding knob is attached to its rod - I don't see any screws or other types of fittings that hold this knob. Any ideas?
Btw the camera is the 9 x 12 cm version.

thanks
Ron

[Tim Deming]

Hi Ron

I''ve serviced one of these cameras, but a photo, or photos, of the parts you are talking about would help. As far as i know, Ernemann made a number of variations of this camera

Cheers

Tim

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Hi Ron

I''ve serviced one of these cameras, but a photo, or photos, of the parts you are talking about would help. As far as i know, Ernemann made a number of variations of this camera

Cheers

Tim

Ok Tim, here is a picture of the winding knob:

[Tim Deming]

If there are no visible screws/fasteners on the side (can you pull up on the knob to see the shaft?), then it likely is just threaded onto the shaft and can just be unscrewed. A problem i've had in the past is that the knob should unscrew, but was frozen to the shaft. It may take some penetrating oil and careful work to remove it

Cheers

Tim

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Indeed no screws/fasteners visible and the knob can't be pulled at least doesn't come out a bit. Will try the penetrating oil which I have some in the shed.
Thanks
Ron

[Steven Tribe]

My 9x12 and 6x9cm German folders (from a slightly earlier period) have the same system. They have brass knobs but steel shafts - which may explain why the "join" appears to have become permanent.
These great cameras were never designed to be easy to service and to last as long as they do. Can't you do a reasonable service without taking this off? If you manage to separate it - how will you re-install it? It could be just a pressure fitting (with a squared shaft) rather than a screw (which might loosen in operation).

[Ron (Netherlands)]

My 9x12 and 6x9cm German folders (from a slightly earlier period) have the same system. They have brass knobs but steel shafts - which may explain why the "join" appears to have become permanent.
These great cameras were never designed to be easy to service and to last as long as they do. Can't you do a reasonable service without taking this off? If you manage to separate it - how will you re-install it? It could be just a pressure fitting (with a squared shaft) rather than a screw (which might loosen in operation).

Steve, it is not possible to get at the shutter mechanism without having the knobs at the side removed. The shutter speed knob was quite easy to remove since it had two very tiny screws that just held it at its place. However this winding knob seems the difficult part.

[Tim Deming]

In a number of "klapp" cameras I've worked on, the winding knob did screw onto a shaft

Tim

[Steven Tribe]

I have realised that you are talking about the tensioning knob on the focal plane shutter at the back!

I hope this is easier than the Mentor shutters I have worked on! Sometimes a series of heating sessions (Blowlamp) does wonders - combined with lots of thin penetrating oil. You will have to protect the wood with a non-conducting heat shield and be aware that the axle is connected to the rubberised curtain material! Theory is that:

- brass expands more than steel.
- brass is a better heat conductor than steel.
- warm/hot oil has a lower viscosity than room temperature.

[yeticek]

Hi folks,

have same camera and same problem.
I know this thread is quite old...but has someone solved the problem ? could make me spare a lot of time
Thanks anyway !