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Martin Taylor
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 11:04 am: | 
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I don't know what possessed me considering the Minox 35's reputation for flaky electronics but I bought a ML 35. I immediately put a new battery in it and checked it out and the shutter appeared to be working well in both automatic and aperture priority modes. However, I just got my test roll processed and half way through it appears that the camera has started misbehaving in aperture priority mode.
Examining the camera again, it still seems to work in automatic mode, that is the shutter opens but only if there is enough light available. If the picture is going to be under exposed in automatic mode the camera doesn't warn you and the shutter release clicks but does not open. In flash mode (virtually manual with a fixed shutter speed) the camera works as it should. In aperture priority mode an appropriate exposure is reported by the LEDs in the viewfinder, the shutter clicks but does not open - or, to be more precise, rarely opens - it will surprise you and open once in a while.
I've heard of this happening to of ML's; aperture priority mode goes but automatic mode works seems to be the sign of a dying Minox. Obviously, it's not the mechanics of the shutter mechanism as the shutter can fire. Any ideas how to tackle the electrics and where to look to repair this problem?
Thanks - Martin |
Jackson
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 29, 2004 - 01:36 pm: |
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I don't have firsthand experience with the ML, but I'm familiar with a similar problem in others, such as the GL. The shutter mechanisms in these need lubrication in order to perform reliably. With age, or without the proper lubrication, they stick and exhibit the intermittant shutter you've described. It appears as a reluctance to open at fast shutter speeds, and may eventually affect not only 1/500, but also 1/250 and 1/125. I don't know of any direct relationship between this problem and the aperture priority/automatic modes.
Sorry, I don't have details on the exact pieces that need lubrication, or how to disassemble the shutter. Maybe someone else here can direct you to a site with additional info. |
Jeremy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 - 09:06 pm: |
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What Jackson said is correct. I've done such a repair myself. It's complicated to describe, but briefly:
You work from the back. Remove back, remove black cone around lens, remove film gate and look at the mechanism top right of the lens. See how the shutter/aperture is cocked? Use a loupe if you can't. There is a slit, out of which protrudes a tiny lever that controls the shutter. You have to drop lighter fluid into this slit, work the lever and soak it back up. First disengage the spring on the lever. Repeat until shutter works at all speeds. It took me an entire evening. Test it again the next day and if still intermittent, repeat procedure ad infinitum. |
Martin
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 04, 2004 - 11:18 am: |
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Thanks Jeremy - I'll give this a go this weekend.
Regards - Martin |
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