The deeper I dive into servicing the Fox Cine Simplex camera, the more fascinating engineering choices I find. As I was checking lubrication for the main drive, shutter shaft, and sprocket drive, I discovered the camera cavity was full of what looks like wool. A terrific early insulation, the wool would enhance the sound-proof nature of this camera without adding significantly to its size or weight. As I was pulling handfuls of wool out of the camera, the obvious mistake was not putting in 3 bags so I could amuse myself and everyone else with this joke.
Anyway, my first order of business was to check and see if the grease had petrified, or if it just needed to be cleaned and replaced. Surprisingly, the grease was in almost like-new condition, so a minor cleaning and replenishment with molybdenum disulfide grease was all that was required. The counter assembly was jammed, so repairs were made and the counter was reinstalled. The outside counter reset knob was also repaired and reinstalled. Next week we will poke into the inner workings of the motor and the shutter.
