Quarz 1x8s-2 - can it be repaired?

[agingeri]

I just got a Krasnogorsk Quarz 1x8s-2 (Kinoflex) wind-up super8 camera which I bought on Ebay. I actually got it for the lens and filters and the seller said the camera was working, but it seems like it could be repaired, which would be a plus.

I cannot wind the spring, and tension on the handle seems to indicate that the spring is fully wound. However, when I push in the run button on the front, nothing happens. The shutter also does not open when I use the single-frame socket with the cable release, so I'm assuming that there's something not engaging with the run button. I've tried opening up the camera, but I can't get the side of the case off because it is being held on by the hand crank and shutter speed dial.

Does anyone know what the problem would be/how I might fix it or at least how to open the camera? Would a camera shop be able to help me or is it too obscure a camera?

Thanks for any advice.

One more thing: I noticed that the gate is held in by screws and not rivets. Is it possible to remove the gate and convert it to super-duper-8?

Thanks again.

[agingeri]

OK, I've got the camera running again by basically removing every screw I could get at (not many-- It's a testament to the camera's durability that you can't break it even when you're trying very hard and armed with a screwdriver) and taking everything apart and putting it back together. The camera now runs, but it's kind of chattery (it sounds like the claw is hitting somewhere on the gate) and if I tighten the bottom screw on the gate all the way it doesn't run at all. Any ideas as to why this might be and how I might fix it?

[downix]

I don't know this camera specifically, but my basic suggestion is check the claw mechanism to see if there are any obstructions in the way.

[Jean Poirier]

I have the same problem with a DS8 quarz 8s-3. You are luckier than me since I cannot have access to the motor from inside. What do you think was the problem when you had a look at the motor? Jean

[munnin]

... maybe it's a dumb suggestion but why don't you try and ask Olexandr Kalynychenko (olex@a-teleport.com) as he sells those cameras and sure is a specialist on the subject. He is quite friendly and he will surely help you if he can... bear in mind that he is in Ukraine.