Topic: Kodak 620 lock mechanism

[Kai-san]

For years I've had a Kodak 620 - Modèle 32 lying in a box unused. This model was made in France and has a Angenieux 100mm 1:4.5 lens. The only problem with this camera is that the lock mechanism to keep it folded is gone. The release knob on top of the camera is missing, only the spring is remaining in the threaded hole. And then there is an anchor stud just below the lid that was probably used to hold a spring. I would like to fix this lock in one way or another. Does any of you have a similar camera that you could take a picture of showing this mechanism? It would be very helpful to see what it has once looked like. Or maybe someone has invented an alternative fix?

[Francois]

I don't have that exact model but I have several Kodak folders. I suspect that most of them from the same time period use a similar design. I'll check it out.

[Francois]

OK,
I found one of my folders with a similar mechanism. But mine's in 616 format so it's a lot bigger.
The hook is a flat plate with hooks cut into it. One end is bent 90° to meet with the button.
The hooks match two bent tabs on the door itself.

I took some pictures... very hard to do with the bellows in the way.

If you need better pictures I can see if I can't use my inspection camera...

[Kai-san]

Thanks Francois! It is sort of useful, but the release button on mine is situated to the side of the lock mechanism and further back. I found a picture online that shows what it looked like, but not in any detail: http://kodak.3106.net/cam/cam15491.jpg
It's some sort of flat rod that is bent and has an arm that is rotating around the anchor stud that I mentioned. It's going to be a bit tricky to make a replacement that works.

[Francois]

Maybe you could just make it out of flat stock like on mine?
Sometimes Kodak over-complicated some design elements.
The photos came from a Senior 616.
The camera was built between 1932 and 1936.
So if yours dates from around the same period, there are good chances that a similar mechanism would work with very few mods.

[Kai-san]

Mine is from 1950 as you can see from this useful website: http://kodak.3106.net/index.php?p=217&cam=1549
On this model they have moved the lock release button to the side and to the back related to the axis of the release bar. This makes for a complex mechanism, which is probably why it has failed. I know some people solve it by putting a rubber band around it. Not very elegant, but it probably works. I'm thinking of removing the spring that helps the camera unfold, and then drill through the bottom plate to put in some kind of lock.

[02Pilot]

Does the relocated button require an articulated release bar, or is the leg that goes to the button simply extended? If it's the latter flat stock should be an option. Failing that, as you say you could relocate the button (top or bottom) and make a shorter release bar, or even some sort of spring-loaded clip on the front might work.

[Francois]

I would personally be quite hesitant to remove the opening spring. I'm afraid that it could make the whole front floppy without the tension.

[Kai-san]

Does the relocated button require an articulated release bar, or is the leg that goes to the button simply extended? If it's the latter flat stock should be an option. Failing that, as you say you could relocate the button (top or bottom) and make a shorter release bar, or even some sort of spring-loaded clip on the front might work.

The problem is that everything is gone; button, release bar and the pivot arm for the release bar. So I would have to re-invent the whole mechanism. But the idea of a spring-loaded clip is interesting. As for removing the opening spring I'm not quite certain, but there is a very sturdy lock in full extension mode.

[02Pilot]

Are the pins that the bar slides on still present? If so, you could make a simple flat bar with a little extension that would sit proud of the door edge, hook in a small spring somewhere (maybe to the existing hole in the top), and clearance the door to let the new latch through. Then you could just push down on the protruding latch and the door would pop open.

[Francois]

Just don't go the route of redneck engineering... 

[02Pilot]

Just don't go the route of redneck engineering... 

All my engineering is redneck engineering. Now hold my beer... 

[Kai-san]

There are no pins, but two tiny black tubes. Hope you can see them in this picture. Below in the middle there is a stud which could be used to fix a spring or something. On the left side you can see the hole where the button has been.

[02Pilot]

The tubes are a pain. If you are equipped to tap threads into a hole, you can make a button out of a small screw. Then the question becomes how to attach the bar. I'd probably drill a couple small holes, tap, and then thread in tiny screws to act as pins, letting the bar ride on them. All this depends on how comfortable you are will doing the sort of thing I'm describing, and getting the tools and fasteners necessary if you don't have them.

[Francois]

Don't forget that you will need to detach the bellows before working on it.
I just hope that the parts are not all riveted like on some cameras...

If all else fail, you can always use a butterfly lock like is used on old window screens... That would fall into the redneck engineering world for me.

[Kai-san]

I need to try to make something simple. I do not want to drill any holes in that area, the film chamber is right behind.
Not sure what those butterfly locks look like Francois, but is this redneck enough for you? 

[Francois]

That would be as redneck as can be... Ugly but efficient.

I was thinking more along the lines of this