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How can I fix my Carl Zeiss Werra camera?

This classic camera went out of production about 30 years ago.
It had a well known problem, the shutter jammed if you pressed the exposure button while at the same time winding on the film. This was easy to do and meant a trip to a camera shop to have it fixed by a camera repair man. Old time camera repair men familiar with this kind of camera are now hard to find. It should be an easy job to release the shutter mechanism if you could find out how to get inside. This is not a focal plane shutter but is integral with the lens. Some models had removable lenses, the one I own has a fixed lens, and I cannot figure out how to take it off to get at the shutter mechanism. Removing four small screws inside the camera which look as if they should secure the lens doesn't help, they just loosen the lens wichi is still prevented from coming free by something inside.

Gordon Lee
February 2005

Cameras, Film Cameras Camera Ago Problem

Hi Eric,

I know this is an old thread but taking my chances.

By any chance do you have photo of this part where in the spring is re-attached? THis is where I'm stucked at the moment. I have cleaned all but can figure out a way to go and re-attached this loose spring

"Beware of the aluminium ring which operates the secondary shutter blades. It has a small spring which returns it in place. If this detaches, you have to fish it out with a fine wire hook, and re-attach it. Also, beware of the tiny screws which hold the RVS lever in place. They are very easy to lose."

Thanks in advance
orzalan

orzalan
December 2017

How did you remove the shutter?

Wednesday
February 2010

Futher to my last reply, I have successfully removed, cleaned and reassembled the shutter. I would recommend using a digital camera to record the dis-assembly stage by stage. The blades to the main shutter set are captive in a frame, but those to the secondary shutter are loose. All can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. I would avoid loosening any screws on the main clockwork unit, which looks pretty complex. Beware of the aluminium ring which operates the secondary shutter blades. It has a small spring which returns it in place. If this detaches, you have to fish it out with a fine wire hook, and re-attach it. Also, beware of the tiny screws which hold the RVS lever in place. They are very easy to lose.

Eric
September 2007

Hi, The lens holding ring inside the body has two notches. I cut down a large washer to match these, and the ring screws off. The lens/shutter asseembly then comes away from the camera. I can't remember what I did next with mine, but you can dismantle this unit, or possible unstick without a full stripdown, Eric

Eric
September 2007

are these cameras worth anything

bob
April 2006

dont attempt the repair yourself these cameras has a double shutter and needs a skilled repairer i know as i have repaired many of these and its not a task for an amateur.

mike-cameraman
September 2005

Try www.kominek.com in Canada. They have successfully repaired my Werras. Russ, the owner is a straight shooter.

Chris
chris@mcshoot.com

chris
March 2005