I wanted to try camera repair and decided on a broken example of the Beirette Junior II from Ebay (cost GBP 9). The aperture was stuck fast and the shutter trigger didn't work.
When I got the camera in its original case, I was pleased with the overall condition. The Junior II model (refering to the shutter name) is a very basic viewfinder camera - you guess the focus distance. With a basic 'everset' shutter with three speeds (30,60, 125) and Bulb (B), it is as basic a camera repair project as I'd likely get. If I can't repair this, I probably shouldn't carry any further dreams in this business!
Internet research revealed the camera instructions ( http://www.butkus.org/chinon/beirette_35mm/beirette_35.htm) which shows the camera to have a double-exposure prevention feature: you need to advance the film forward after each exposure/shutter trip to permit further shutter trips. This explained and resolved one of the 'repairs' needed, i.e. the camera was operating normally, just manually rotate the film advance sprocket wheel to permit the shutter to fire again.
The aperture was stuck fast and I decided to soak it in WD40.
It worked! But at the large cost of coating the shutter, aperture, lenses and everything else in the area with WD40 oil.
Advice: NEVER USE WD40 OIL (OR EQUIVALENT) IN A CAMERA. IT DOES NOT EVAPORATE AWAY!
I was now forced to strip, clean and reassemble everything. But it would be good instruction on how things work inside!
The photos and description are available to view at my Flickr site
