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Lgdavis
Tinkerer
Username: Lgdavis

Post Number: 34
Registered: 08-2007

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Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2011 - 10:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

I just picked up a Contax 137 Quartz MD (motor-driven SLR). It’s powered by four AA batteries. The battery compartment was a bit hard to get into, and when I did get it open found the batteries were fairly well corroded. I cleaned that all up and installed fresh batteries, and the camera seems to work ok. But my problem is I can’t open the back. It has the common rewind knob pull-up release. But the latch doesn’t release. I’m reluctant to pull too hard, and anyway it seems to pull out far enough – the door just doesn’t pop open. I’m also reluctant to pry on the door with anything other than my fingernails. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I try some oil or solvent thinking it may be “glued” shut. Thanks, Larry
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Trooper
Tinkerer
Username: Trooper

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2011

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Posted on Monday, March 14, 2011 - 12:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

If you take the battery door off you will see a small recess at the locking end where you can operate the door release mechanism from the bottom with a small flat bladed screwdriver, just push this tab upwards. This way you don't need to use excessive force on the rewind mechanism.
You may still have to pull the door open as the leaking batteries may of caused the problem, or possibly old light seals that have gone gooey.
So, Good Luck. Brian.
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Lgdavis
Tinkerer
Username: Lgdavis

Post Number: 35
Registered: 08-2007

Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!)

Posted on Monday, March 14, 2011 - 12:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Moderator/Admin only)

Brain,
Thank you! Thank you! It worked like a charm!!
What a relief. I have a new camera!
Larry

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