My ARFO restoration project

Hello all!

A few days ago I've received a completely destroyed Arfo-2A camera that I've bought from Alex-photo knowingly. I decided it may be cool to try to restore it, the camera is trash anyways so there was nothing historical about it to preserve.

This camera had no lens or shutter so I am still looking for one. I'm not even hoping for original - although it would be amazing, but if anyone runs into even any old Vario or Compur with back element diameter of 30mm to fit inside the plate I would really appreciate heads up.

I've stripped it down, sanded down the rust, painted it, made my own leather covering where there was none on the sides and bottom. I know, I know this camera is super-rare so how could I dare to restore it. Well it was beyond trash at the point that I got it so after long deliberation I've decided to proceed.

So here are before and after pictures:

BEFORE:

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0034.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0034.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0035.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0035.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0036.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0036.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0037.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0037.JPG


AND... AFTER:

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0038.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0038.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0039.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0039.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0040.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0040.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0043.JPG

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent/842010_IMG_0043.JPG

This is my first complete restoration project so please don't judge harshly [:)]..

Vlad

Not sure what I can do with frayed back door though, I thought of putting a new leather frame around the edges but then decided to keep it original...

Congratulations Vlad looking vey good hope you get the parts you need

Samsung GX-10,too many Russian Lenses, A lot of Zenits, an Almaz 103 a few Yashica,and finally a Minox35GT

Looks great Vlad! Very nice job and worth doing considering the condition you got it in. Back door looks ok the way it is.

Regards, Bill

Thanks Bill! That makes me feel better, I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing with a camera of this rarity, however destroyed it may have been...

Vlad

Richard, thanks! Yea if for some odd reason you run into an auction for a shutter let me know! Thanks!

Vlad.

Damn, I've got an arfo lens&shutter and was looking for the body!

HA!!!

Kirill, I sent you an email with maybe some very enticing trade offer [:D].

Vlad

I've been communicating with Kirill directory and we discovered an interesting fact. The shutter/lens assembly that he has is from the ARFO-4 and the diameter of the lens mount on ARFO-4 is I believe the same as on Fotokors - 38mm, whereas Arfo-2 is 30mm, and so is the EFTE-2 that I have.

Just thought I'd share this piece of info.

Cheers,
Vlad.