SMC-M 80-200 4.5 woes

Volvo244T · 09-09-2008, 10:42 AM

Alright, I bought this lens a number of years ago to use w/ my ME Super. It works great with one exception: I can't use it past about f/11. Aperture snaps closed up to that point, then slowly works its way down to being completely closed. I'm not great at describing it, but it's almost like it's gummed up or something. None the less, if I use it past f/11, everything is severely overexposed.

Furthermore, here in northwest Alabama, I can't find anyone who's willing to even touch it.

Anyone know of a good repairman? I'm willing to ship it anywhere in the country.

Thanks guys.

John Kovarik · 09-09-2008, 11:43 AM

If it is, as it sounds, a case of 'lazy shutter', I can recommend John Titterington; he has fixed that for me on a PTX 85 1.9. I do not know for sure if he does zooms, but I would guess he does; he can be found at:

JTCamera@aol.com

Good Luck...........

I sent John an email to confim that he's still in business - he is and ready to help. He is in Kansas...............

Volvo244T · 09-09-2008, 12:50 PM

Originally posted by John Kovarik

If it is, as it sounds, a case of 'lazy shutter', I can recommend John Titterington; he has fixed that for me on a PTX 85 1.9. I do not know for sure if he does zooms, but I would guess he does; he can be found at:

JTCamera@aol.com

Good Luck...........

I sent John an email to confim that he's still in business - he is and ready to help. He is in Kansas...............

Must be something in the water out there in Kansas - vintage Pioneer audio equipment is another hobby of mine, and there's a guy out in KC who fixes the old components up to better-than-new shape.

Thanks for the info/reference!

Stratman · 09-09-2008, 01:02 PM

Thanks for this info, I just sent him an email about cleaning up a 70-200 F4 Takumar A zoom. Will be interested to see what he would charge for that.

Miserere · 09-09-2008, 02:26 PM

Volvo, I have that same lens with the exact same problem. My main solution has been to only use it wide open

I have another copy of this lens which looks pretty much new that works perfectly, so go figure. Coincidently, I have it on sale in the marketplace, if you're interested in replacing yours.

09-09-2008, 10:42 AM	#1
Volvo244T Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bettendorf, IA / wherever the truck is parked Photos: Albums Posts: 99	SMC-M 80-200 4.5 woes Alright, I bought this lens a number of years ago to use w/ my ME Super. It works great with one exception: I can't use it past about f/11. Aperture snaps closed up to that point, then slowly works its way down to being completely closed. I'm not great at describing it, but it's almost like it's gummed up or something. None the less, if I use it past f/11, everything is severely overexposed. Furthermore, here in northwest Alabama, I can't find anyone who's willing to even touch it. Anyone know of a good repairman? I'm willing to ship it anywhere in the country. Thanks guys.

09-09-2008, 11:43 AM	#2
John Kovarik Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: West Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 338	If it is, as it sounds, a case of 'lazy shutter', I can recommend John Titterington; he has fixed that for me on a PTX 85 1.9. I do not know for sure if he does zooms, but I would guess he does; he can be found at: JTCamera@aol.com Good Luck........... I sent John an email to confim that he's still in business - he is and ready to help. He is in Kansas............... Last edited by John Kovarik; 09-09-2008 at 12:02 PM. Reason: add info

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09-09-2008, 12:50 PM	#3
Volvo244T Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bettendorf, IA / wherever the truck is parked Photos: Albums Posts: 99 Original Poster	Originally posted by John Kovarik If it is, as it sounds, a case of 'lazy shutter', I can recommend John Titterington; he has fixed that for me on a PTX 85 1.9. I do not know for sure if he does zooms, but I would guess he does; he can be found at: JTCamera@aol.com Good Luck........... I sent John an email to confim that he's still in business - he is and ready to help. He is in Kansas............... Must be something in the water out there in Kansas - vintage Pioneer audio equipment is another hobby of mine, and there's a guy out in KC who fixes the old components up to better-than-new shape. Thanks for the info/reference!

09-09-2008, 01:02 PM	#4
Stratman Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St Louis, Missouri U S A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,464	Thanks for this info, I just sent him an email about cleaning up a 70-200 F4 Takumar A zoom. Will be interested to see what he would charge for that.

09-09-2008, 02:26 PM	#5
Miserere Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,993	Volvo, I have that same lens with the exact same problem. My main solution has been to only use it wide open I have another copy of this lens which looks pretty much new that works perfectly, so go figure. Coincidently, I have it on sale in the marketplace, if you're interested in replacing yours.