I've been playing with the 1920's Foth 6x9. The plan is for a simple but reversible conversion to a pinhole camera. The lens / shutter unit came out really easily and the front and rear lens cell unscrewed with very little argument. A pinhole shim will replace the front lens cell. The shutter works fine on the 'T' setting if the self-timer is run first. In 'T' mode, click once to open, click again to close. Perfect for a pinhole camera where exposures can be several seconds in bright daylight! To get the shutter working properly means opening the case. Two of the three brass screws than hold the case are going to need a soaking in something before they give up their 85+ year grip.

I was surprised about the lens. I'd assumed a cheap 2 lens in 2 groups formulation, but each lens cell contains two air spaced elements. A good lens in it's day I'm sure. With no anti reflective coatings, the glass should clean up really easily, so I really want to get this shutter working so I can use the camera as intended by Foth all those years ago. Just Look at the beautiful 9 curved bladed aperture mechanism.