Reducing Camera Noise

Magazine Spindle Assembly (left) Shutter Spindle Assembly (right)

If your ACL is sounding louder than a purr and the sound is not a rhythmic “rat-a-tat-tat” like a machine-gun this is usually a sign that something is rubbing inside.  There are several common problem areas to check:

• The Shutter Spindle Assembly (MIN40E)
• The Magazine Spindle Assembly (MIN 30E)
• Transmission Shaft Assembly (MIN 52E)
• The Claw Spindle Assembly (MIN 25E)
• Worn Washers

A tiny pin near the gear comes out (usually only in one direction) and the assembly can be taken apart. When putting the assembly back together, add a drop of light oil to the shaft).

If all the parts are mechanically OK and the shafts are straight, it is possible that the nylon washers are worn out — or unevenly worn. Washer thickness should be adjusted so that the shaft turns freely, but without any up or down play. If you want your 30 year-old camera to run “like new”, the washers are important. On the other hand, there is no need to randomly replace a washer if all is well with an assembly, since fine-tuning washer thickness is a pain.

WASHER DATA: (note: thickness is approximate, and will need to be adjusted to your part +/- a few hundredths of a millimeter)

• Washer MIN 47 for the SHUTTER SPINDLE: nylon; .5mm thick; 5mm diameter; hole is 3mm diameter
• Washer MIN 56 for the TRANSMISSION SHAFT: nylon; 1.0 mm thick; 7mm diameter; hole is 4mm diameter
• Washer MIN 27 for the MAGAZINE SPINDLE: nylon; .5mm thick; 7mm diameter; hole is 4mm diameter

Check gears 53SE and 54SE on the Transmission Shaft under a magnifier for signs of wear. Although the first ACLs used metal gears in the Transmission, these were later switched to nylon-ish material to reduce noise — these gears are the first suspects to check for wear. (Also note that the diameter of the gears on the various Shafts are different between the French and English versions — you can’t just swap them).

An ACL with good parts is a remarkably silent running camera for its small size and lack of “heavy insulation” (ie- the “Lead” used inside the SR to reduce noise). The only problem is that spare ACL parts haven’t been made for 20 years. If your camera tech doesn’t have any replacement parts, many machine shops can make custom gears and washers … though it may not be cheap.