Flexaret Va

Hi!

I got my hands on a Flexaret Va, found some manuals on internet but of course not for the Va, I figured out everything except one thing, behind the winding knob there is an ISO setting so you don't forgot what kind of film you got in there, but I cannot figure out how to change the ISO value, don't want to be to violent with it.

 

Any one knows how that works ?

 

Mikael

Is there a little button in the middle of the knob that releases the ISO ring? Or do you pull the whole knob forward and rotate it?

 

Setting the ISO reminder usually involves pressing or pulling something to release a lock. Gently though.

Yes, there is a button in the middle that I can push in, I thought about that also, but the ISO ring still does not turn if I push it in, but maybe it is stuck, have to try and massage it a little ;)

 

Found some information also indicating that it might only be possible to change the ISO setting while changing film so maybe the film door has to be open, will try that also.

I wouldn't worry. It's only a reminder after all.

 

Keeping the film box lid with the camera is a better idea.

 

Could you report back on the image quality please? I've always been curious about these Czech cameras, but not curious enough to actually part with money!

I figured it out if any one is interested, the ring can only be turned when the back of the camera is open and you pull the winding knob out, you can then turn the ring to the selected ASA/DIN setting (it's a bit limited anyway, 10, 20,50,100,160), so after you put film in the camera and close the back you can no longer change the speed setting.

 

I have shot a roll of HP5, I will see if I get anything good from it, if they are bad I don't think we should blame the camera to begin with anyway ;)

Look ok, just got one roll of HP5+ through it yet, nothing fancy, box speed, ID11, 1+1, 13 minutes, Epson V600 auto exposure 2400 DPI straight to jpeg, just a test roll to see if the camera works ok, no light leaks or scratches on film so I am happy so far.

 

 

On the other hand, if the pictures are bad I am not at all sure we should blame the camera...

Flexaret camera's are very capable camera's, I've been using the IV, the V and the VI and while they may not be as advanced as other Medium Format camera's I really like the lightweight and foolproof handling of these camera's. They are often overlooked and looked down on because they come from a former East Bloc country but Meopta was really a high quality company.