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Waynemel
Tinkerer Username: Waynemel
Post Number: 165 Registered: 08-2009
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Tuesday, October 05, 2010 - 06:21 pm: |
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Can anyone tell me the proper procedure for adjusting the shutter speeds on this camera? I seem to be able to get the higher shutter speeds to be correct or close to it, but the lower speeds (1/30th and slower) seem to be twice as fast as they should. What am I missing? |
Aphototaker
Tinkerer Username: Aphototaker
Post Number: 281 Registered: 12-2009
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Tuesday, October 05, 2010 - 10:12 pm: |
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If my understanding is correct, adjustments are usually not necessary for this camera. The prime suspects are gummed up timing gears. I know from some experience that the camera usually needs cleaning and lubrication of the shutter spindles and bushings, lubrication of some parts on the bottom and under the shutter speed dial and several shutter releases at each speed to make it work more or less properly. This is based on my FTb in which I didn't have to do any further cleaning. But if these steps do not fix your situation to acceptable levels (1.25 s instead of 1 s is fine), I suppose the next step would be to open the mirror cage and clean the timing gears with naphtha and see how that helps. In any case, I don't think one should try any mechanical adjustments unless all these cleaning steps are done, for obvious reasons. |
Waynemel
Tinkerer Username: Waynemel
Post Number: 166 Registered: 08-2009
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, October 06, 2010 - 05:35 am: |
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I don't think it is a matter of cleaning and lubing, as this has been done. What is puzzling is that the slower shutter speeds are twice as fast as they should be (measured with a shutter speed tester). I suspect this is a matter of not only the curtain tension, but also the width of the slit between the curtains. Unfortunately, I don't know how to make this adjustment. |
Aphototaker
Tinkerer Username: Aphototaker
Post Number: 282 Registered: 12-2009
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Wednesday, October 06, 2010 - 06:33 pm: |
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Aha, they are faster! The tension to the curtains is adjusted using the brass gears around the shutter spindles on the bottom (rewind side). I have never needed to do this before, so it is better if you wait for more experienced people's advice. Good luck! |
Gez
Tinkerer Username: Gez
Post Number: 231 Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, October 07, 2010 - 03:24 am: |
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You need a copy of the FTb service manual. There may be free sources somewhere but I got my copy from www.lensinc.net for a very reasonable cost, fast delivery too. Page 19 has some brief notes on how to adjust the slow speeds. There is some adjustment provision under the top cover, but you may have to pull the front panel to gain access to the slow speeds governor, cf Fig.21. If possible try and avoid that as it is quite a bit of work and the leatherette is very difficult to peel off. PS if the fast speeds are good then the curtain speed and tension will be fine. |
Aphototaker
Tinkerer Username: Aphototaker
Post Number: 283 Registered: 12-2009
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, October 07, 2010 - 06:41 am: |
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I have a service manual that seems to have the same notes. I am not sure if this is the same as the one that Gez has, but if you would like to have it, PM me your email address and I will be glad to send you the PDF file. |
Waynemel
Tinkerer Username: Waynemel
Post Number: 170 Registered: 08-2009
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2010 - 09:10 am: |
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Aphototaker: Thanks for the offer. I have PM you a couple of times. Are the emails not making it through? |
Aphototaker
Tinkerer Username: Aphototaker
Post Number: 284 Registered: 12-2009
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Friday, October 29, 2010 - 07:20 am: |
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Waymel, sorry for the late reply (too many things going on in life during the last several days). No, I didn't notice any email in my mailbox telling me about your PM. That is strange. I have had PM's before from some members. Could you try again. |
Aphototaker
Tinkerer Username: Aphototaker
Post Number: 285 Registered: 12-2009
Rating: N/A Votes: 0 (Vote!) | Posted on Friday, October 29, 2010 - 07:27 am: |
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Waynemel, just in case, I have sent you a PM with my contact info. Just send me a little note via email and I will send the PDF file in the reply. Regards. |