Interesting Problem Flektogon 35mm, Exakta

<p>Ok. here is my problem I feel as though it may be holes in the curtains but yet you will see two basically of the same place and within moment's of each other . So any thoughts would be appreciated , But remember this the first roll thru the Exakta with the Flektogon 35mm F-2.8 none of these showed up now on the second roll these show up ? Thanks in advance .Lauren</p><div></div>

<p>Now the next photo of the same place just moments apart</p><div></div>

<p>Now another set different place and about 10 minutes apart same camera and lens configuration</p><div></div>

<p>Second photo of the same place just moments apart</p><div></div>

<p>Here are the last two photo of why I think its holes in the curtains :</p><div></div>

<p>Really last one :)</p><div></div>

<p>Those are certainly holes in the curtain. Question is whether it's the first or second curtain.</p>

<p>Repair tech's may not appreciate my fix but here goes anyway. Mix a paste of black acrylic "Liquetex" available in a tube at art supply stores. Make it the consistency of fast flowing syrup. With a Q-Tip (cotton bud) paint the back of the curtain(what you see when back door is open), let dry over night, advance partially, again paint what didn't, let dry overnight, advance to second curtain, do it again,dry overnight. In three days of minutes of work, you'll have solved the problem. Caution: do this at your risk but it worked for me on two different cameras. Painting the inside of the curtains created a problem on one of my other cameras!</p>

<p>I think these holes are more likely in the second curtain as this is whet gets exposed to the light if you dont cock the shutter immediately after the shot. Exakta probably doesn't have an "instant return mirror?" I would try Paul's advice, and until then, keep the shutter cocked and use the lens cap.</p>

<p>Since the Exakta does not have an instant return mirror it's quite common to have holes burned into the second curtain if one isn't careful to either wind on immediately, or use a lens cap judiciously... or at the very least keep the lens away from the infinity mark.<br /> Another common occurrence is the rubberized coating has dried out and using the camera has cause little bits of it to start to fall off of the shutter curtains. This is unfortunately rather common on Exaktas.</p>

<p><strong>Lauren</strong>, try shining a torch into the mirror chamber on each of the curtains and view from the rear. Try identify the spots in which there are holes. Then, <strong>only if there are holes</strong>, try and fix them. I fix them easily with <strong>Black Nail Polish</strong> by brushing thin layers preferably on the rubber side of the curtain cloth [if it has a rubber side facing the lens; some have rubber sandwiched in the middle].<br>

Let each layer dry fully before you apply the next layer. You can buy <strong>thinner</strong> [acetone, usually] in the same shop as the one that sells the polish. About 6 hours or overnight would be fine. Shine the torch to check the holes after each layer. When the holes disappear apply only one more layer as a safety measure.<br>

I found this solution to be permanent; nail polish remains flexible, dries fast and is quite thin. All the best. sp.</p>