Supplier for Wista DX brass focus knob

[AndyCoulson]

Hello all, and if it's not getting too late to say, happy new year.

I've had a look around, hope I haven't missed this question being answered elsewhere. I'm looking for a supplier of brass knobs and nuts for a Wista DX. Nippon Photoclinics in NY sent me one that Evri lost in their warehouse, and Nippon have no more. Teamworkphoto can't help. I've not had a reply from Wista in Japan, and I've not found the European distributor.

So the first question is, does anyone know where else I might try ?

If I can't get the knob, I'm considering having some made - so the next question would be are there any recommended brasswork engineers around ?

And ultimately I suppose I can consider buying a below-par Wista for spares, so the next question could be does anyone have such a camera (with the knobs)

Thank you for your guidance, Andy
(PS I've replaced the bellows now, that was my first restoration task)

 

[jhotopf]

What's happened to the brass knobs have they sheared off? I have a friendly blacksmith near me who repairs all my metalwork. You could get the centre of the knob soldered and then retapped.

 

[Ian Grant]

There will be a model maker in Edinburgh who could easily make a pair (so they match). I have someone in my street who makes working scale steam engines, he has a fully equipped machine shop ( he's an ex-rocket engineer), plus friends who can make items like this.

I'm planning to get some items like this cast, but in an older brass alloy. Ask a few of your friends chances are they'll know someone.

Ian

 

[AndyCoulson]

Hi Jonathan, one was missing when I bought the camera.
Good idea Ian, I'll see if anyone knows someone.
Andy

 

[David M]

Pardon our interruption...

Although this isn't an exact match, these people might be able to help you

 

[AndyCoulson]

Pardon our interruption...

Although this isn't an exact match, these people might be able to help you

Thanks, I've contacted them.

 

[AndyCoulson]

There will be a model maker in Edinburgh who could easily make a pair (so they match). I have someone in my street who makes working scale steam engines, he has a fully equipped machine shop ( he's an ex-rocket engineer), plus friends who can make items like this.

I'm planning to get some items like this cast, but in an older brass alloy. Ask a few of your friends chances are they'll know someone.

Ian

This might work... I contacted the Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers (ESME) and they gave me cause for hope

 

[AnalogueWendy]

Wondering whether I can link this to another thread

Suppliers and brands for camera spare parts, repairs, maintenance and more

Maintaining and restoring my cameras has sent me off on many internet adventures looking for all the unusual fittings, and other bits I need. Thought this would be a good place to collect some of my favourites, in no particular order. These are not photographic suppliers - they are sources for...

www.5x4.co.uk

. . . or perhaps I should do it the other way around.
Which works best @Ian-Barber ?

 

[AndyCoulson]

Wondering whether I can link this to another thread

Suppliers and brands for camera spare parts, repairs, maintenance and more

Maintaining and restoring my cameras has sent me off on many internet adventures looking for all the unusual fittings, and other bits I need. Thought this would be a good place to collect some of my favourites, in no particular order. These are not photographic suppliers - they are sources for...

www.5x4.co.uk

. . . or perhpas I should do it the other way around.
Which works best @Ian-Barber ?

Not that you were asking me, Wendy, ;-) but I looked in the threat you linked to, before I posted my question. So it would seem to make sense.

 

[AndyCoulson]

Just to follow up, I had two new brass knobs made by a model engineering society - and they’re perfect. It was so much more interesting talking with an engineer than buying online (were that even possible). Great suggestion.
Also, it feels good to have the camera looking complete again.
Andy