| Author |
Message |
    
Evand
Tinkerer
Username: Evand
Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 10:12 am: | 
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Hi, folks. I'm new here and looking for a hand with some film camera troubles.
I recently bought a used Fujica ST605 ( http://www.butkus.org/chinon/fujica/fujica_st605n/fujica_st605n-splash.htm ). I made a point of checking all of the mechanical parts when I picked it up for purchase, but because there were no batteries in it at the time, I didn't have the opportunity to check the internal light meter. I bought and inserted the two necessary SR44 batteries the next day.
Much to my dismay, pin in the light meter appears to be stuck in the down position. I'm convinced the batteries are connected and working properly because engaging the meter with the stop-down button actually propels the needle down. This happens regardless of which shutter speed I choose, how wide or narrow my aperture is, what my film speed is set at and how much light I provide.
Can someone tell me what the problem might be? Can this be fixed without costly professional repairs or should I try to get a refund from the seller? This might prove difficult because the sale was negotiated over Craigslist. . .
Thanks for any help you can offer! |
Anirban
Tinkerer
Username: Anirban
Post Number: 6
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 10:37 am: |
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Hi,
The silicon photodiodes could be open; it is rare for a photodiode to fail unless it has seen higher than rated voltage or very high temperatures.
Are you very sure the batteries are not installed the wrong way (correct is with the +ve side towards the battery cover)? That would show the same symptom of sending the needle to the lowest end.
Anirban |
Evand
Tinkerer
Username: Evand
Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 - 04:46 pm: |
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Thanks for the advice, Anirban. Unfortunately, I checked the battery position. It's correct and the problem persists. Any other ideas? |
Anirban
Tinkerer
Username: Anirban
Post Number: 7
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 03:05 am: |
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That means not enough current is flowing through the silicon photodiode to the amplifier input. The amplifier, battery connection and the galvanometer seem to be working fine.
There could be any number of reasons: a wire from the photodiode to the amp. circuit board is bad or the amp. board itself is corroded. Unfortunately, it is impossible to guess correctly unless you open the top of the camera and prod inside.
BTW, the ST605 and 705 are nice little cameras. Only if they had a sturdier film advance! And also a centre-weighted (as opposed to averaged) light meter would have been great. |
