First classic rangefinder (Part two)

[janvanlaethem]

For those of you who read or answered my initial post of October 19th

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00N0Cp

 

there has been an interesting development in my quest for my first classic

rangefinder. In a recent telephone conversation with my father, he mentionned

he had an old camera that he didn't use anymore. It turns out he has a Futura

S with a standard 50mm lens, it is marked Evar f/2.0. As far as I have been

able to find out, it was made by a German company based in Freiburg, named

Futura Kamerawerk. It has a central Synchro-Compur shutter, with speeds from 1

second to 1/500, plus a B setting. Viewfinder frames for 35, 50 and 100mm. I

haven't seen the camera yet, but he told me he would give it to me on his next

visit (we live in different countries). He bought it second hand in Congo in

1958 while on military service.

 

Apparently, the camera has been stored at home, but hasn't been used since

approximately 1978, which is now almost 30 years. I have no idea if it still

works or not. What should I look out for when I receive it? Apart from running

a roll of film through it and checking all shutter speeds and aperture

settings, is there anything else? Or would you advise me to send it in for an

overhaul, and if so, where could I send it to? I'm having a hard time finding

information about this camera or any other cameras made by this manufacturer,

so I guess they haven't been produced in large numbers. Any information is

welcome.

 

Jan

[steve salmons]

That's a nice collectable, working or not. Important thing to check will be whether the rangefinder spot is still visible and if so whether it is still correctly calibrated. If the shutter speeds and apertures are working but the r/f isn't, it is probably still worth a test roll using best guess focusing<br>

These cameras do take interchangeable lenses but you will probably find them difficult to obtain. The camera itself is not common and if it requires major repair you could hit problems finding parts. A CLA might be justified but if it works I would rather spend the money on a more commonly found rangefinder according to taste and keep it as a second fun camera.<br>

Steve

[SCL]

Check these two sites ... the first has a free user manual and the second lists one for a nominal charge:<p>

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/futura/futura.htm<p>

http://www.oldtimercameras.com/ephotozine/stock/Model.asp?Model=16921&ModelPage=true

[JDMvW]

Before you actually run film through it, try working the camera by running through all the speeds. Often these old shutters are a little stiff after years of no use, but just need some "exercise" to loosen them up.

 

This was, I think, the top end of the Futura line. I wouldn't send it for service unless it doesn't work.

[janvanlaethem]

Thanks for your answers. The links to the user manual are great, I hope the camera comes with its original user manual. I will get the camera mid January, I'll post a follow up and (hopefully) some pictures when I get to grips with it.

 

Jan