spotmatic not working

[Gooshin]

i gots a spotmatic from a friend here,

she said it doesnt work and its been colelcting dust.

i pressed the shutter button and it took a shot, but i really had apply some force on the button (way more than necessary)

now the shutter button is fully depressed and does not spring back

winding lever does not want to move

shutter is closer

mirror can be moved up and down with my finger

whats wrong?

[Clicker]

Couple of springs broken and most likely merged with the rest of the mechanism so now the advance is stuck too.

[Mike Cash]

Applying way more force than necessary is never a good idea with vintage cameras.

Force breaks stuff. And mechanical cameras are jammed full of things delicate enough to break with the (excessive) force from one finger.

I think your signature "if it doesn't work, hit it, if it doesn't break, hit it again." pretty well answers the question of "What's wrong?"

[Gooshin]

well i have no problems taking it apart, ive taken more complciated things apart before (and yes i have put them back together)

but is there something in particular that i should perhaps be looking at?

[woof]

Originally Posted by Clicker

Couple of springs broken and most likely merged with the rest of the mechanism so now the advance is stuck too.

One possible issue is:

When the shutter is released, the spill remains lowered... this might be due to:

a. Either a damaged wind-up shaft spring or to wind-up shaft spring slipping from the wind-up shaft, with the consequence that the idling gear does not back up properly; or

b. The bezel of the top idling gear is not properly positioned...

Other causes:

The bounce stopper lever does not slip off the bounce stopper.

The pin adjust plate stud is broken and sandwiched between the teeth of the gear.

The shutter curtain, especially the ribbon of the 1st curtain, is torn and coiled around the 1st curtain wind shafts.

Seriously Gooshin, probably not a hack you can do.

Contact Erik at Pentaxs.com


woof!

[Gooshin]

Originally Posted by woof

Seriously Gooshin, probably not a hack you can do.

Contact Erik at Pentaxs.com


woof!

you realize that now i have to do it... hahahah

[Clicker]

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[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by Gooshin

you realize that now i have to do it... hahahah

Believe me...this is not something you want to do. A camera shutter is a little like a mechanical watch, but much more complicated! Lots of little parts. It takes special tools to get to where you can even see the shutter mechanism. (The most obvious screws are not the right screws...I have been there...I know...)

Having said the cautions, there are several good books available at the library that detail the basic techniques, the tools, and what solvents/lubricants are appropriate. There are also places online where you can order supplies and tools.

Steve

[woof]

Originally Posted by stevebrot

Believe me...this is not something you want to do. A camera shutter is a little like a mechanical watch, but much more complicated!

Well said.

Now, I'll load the pistol and place it firmly in your hands...

http://www.robertstech.com/files/spot_sm.pdf

Also (for these use password "Pentax" in case shown):

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/markro...t_cam_spii.pdf
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manual...spot-parts.pdf

There are things about the K1000 manual that are helpful as well. A lot of narrative here, and not all that much difference. Some to be sure. (Also password "Pentax")

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/markroberts/k1000_man.pdf

woof!

[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by woof

Well said.

Now, I'll load the pistol and place it firmly in your hands...

http://www.robertstech.com/files/spot_sm.pdf

Also (for these use password "Pentax" in case shown):

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/markro...t_cam_spii.pdf
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manual...spot-parts.pdf

There are things about the K1000 manual that are helpful as well. A lot of narrative here, and not all that much difference. Some to be sure. (Also password "Pentax")

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/markroberts/k1000_man.pdf

woof!

There is a law against aiding and abetting you know...

Steve

[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by woof

Well said.

Now, I'll load the pistol and place it firmly in your hands...

http://www.robertstech.com/files/spot_sm.pdf

Also (for these use password "Pentax" in case shown):

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/markro...t_cam_spii.pdf
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manual...spot-parts.pdf

There are things about the K1000 manual that are helpful as well. A lot of narrative here, and not all that much difference. Some to be sure. (Also password "Pentax")

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/markroberts/k1000_man.pdf

woof!

Now you've done it. I looked at the pdf manuals and now have the sudden urge to disassemble my brother's and my Dad's K1000s. It's, it's, like an OBSESSION!! Must...fight...urge...must...not...harm...cameras. ..

Steve

(I have the tools and I know how to use them...sort of...)

[jgredline]

I just sent my new used Spotmatic to Eric for the full overhaul. Perhaps that would be best?

[wlank]

Originally Posted by Gooshin

you realize that now i have to do it... hahahah

I'm with you Gooshin. Your manhood has been questioned. Go for it. Take pictures. Post them here. The "Wendy B" thread will eventually wind down. We need some new entertainment. A tip of the hat to those who are providing the pistol and ammunition. I'll just stay in the peanut gallery. Even there a ricochet could get me.

P.S.: In the highly unlikely event you should have to bow to the inevitable (send it to Eric) he has plenty of spare parts. Not to worry. He is a nice guy. When I spoke with him yesterday about the Super Tak 35/2.0 I had started to disassemble and fix myself, he said not to worry, that he'd seen worse. My lens is packed and ready to go in today's mail.

[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by wlank

P.S.: In the highly unlikely event you should have to bow to the inevitable (send it to Eric) he has plenty of spare parts.

Gooshin's friend's camera will likely BE spare parts before he is done!

Steve

[Gooshin]

i love you guys, hahahahaaha