Spotmatic SPII Bulb won't remain open

DavesDogma · 04-01-2023, 09:17 AM

I have an SPII in fine working condition, working meter, etc except that the bulb mode fires a very fast shutter, similar to 1/1000 in sound. I know that I can get it fixed with a CLA, but is this a simple thing to adjust on my own, or is that a very bad idea?

kypfer · 04-01-2023, 02:35 PM - **1 Like**

If you're familiar with working on other small mechanisms, watches, clocks etc., and have the correct tools for the job, then it's possibly a "simple thing to adjust on your own", if you can find a copy of the service manual or maybe a detailed on-line procedure.
Other than that, save your initiation into camera disassembly for a no-cost old relic or two and get your presumably otherwise working Spotmatic fixed professionally (or live without the B function).
If you really do need a camera for B exposures, it'll probably be cheaper to source a second camera specifically for that work rather than pay to get your Spotmatic fixed.
Good luck

bigdavephoto · 04-03-2023, 06:20 AM

Originally posted by DavesDogma

I have an SPII in fine working condition, working meter, etc except that the bulb mode fires a very fast shutter, similar to 1/1000 in sound. I know that I can get it fixed with a CLA, but is this a simple thing to adjust on my own, or is that a very bad idea?

I have been watching this thread to see if somebody will ask a question, and nobody has. So I will. First I need to say I am not trying to be mean or sound like an as%$*le or anything. So anyways, here is the question.

You do know to use a camera in Bulb mode, when you take a picture, you need to hold the shutter release button down for the camera to take a long exposure? Example, for a 5 second exposure, you need to hold the shutter release button for 5 seconds which will hold the shutter open for 5 seconds.

Not trying to be mean, but sometimes we do miss obvious things. I do that all the time. Plus, I don't know what your experience is with cameras. Sorry.

pentasonic49 · 04-08-2023, 12:46 PM

Getting another body would be cheaper than paying to get a little used function fixed. Some cameras had a B and a T setting, I use a cable release which locks down until released for those which only have B.

04-01-2023, 09:17 AM	#1
DavesDogma Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Madison Wisconsin Posts: 26	Spotmatic SPII Bulb won't remain open I have an SPII in fine working condition, working meter, etc except that the bulb mode fires a very fast shutter, similar to 1/1000 in sound. I know that I can get it fixed with a CLA, but is this a simple thing to adjust on my own, or is that a very bad idea?

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04-01-2023, 02:35 PM - 1 Like	#2
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,600	If you're familiar with working on other small mechanisms, watches, clocks etc., and have the correct tools for the job, then it's possibly a "simple thing to adjust on your own", if you can find a copy of the service manual or maybe a detailed on-line procedure. Other than that, save your initiation into camera disassembly for a no-cost old relic or two and get your presumably otherwise working Spotmatic fixed professionally (or live without the B function). If you really do need a camera for B exposures, it'll probably be cheaper to source a second camera specifically for that work rather than pay to get your Spotmatic fixed. Good luck

04-03-2023, 06:20 AM	#3
bigdavephoto Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: East central Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 893	Originally posted by DavesDogma I have an SPII in fine working condition, working meter, etc except that the bulb mode fires a very fast shutter, similar to 1/1000 in sound. I know that I can get it fixed with a CLA, but is this a simple thing to adjust on my own, or is that a very bad idea? I have been watching this thread to see if somebody will ask a question, and nobody has. So I will. First I need to say I am not trying to be mean or sound like an as%$*le or anything. So anyways, here is the question. You do know to use a camera in Bulb mode, when you take a picture, you need to hold the shutter release button down for the camera to take a long exposure? Example, for a 5 second exposure, you need to hold the shutter release button for 5 seconds which will hold the shutter open for 5 seconds. Not trying to be mean, but sometimes we do miss obvious things. I do that all the time. Plus, I don't know what your experience is with cameras. Sorry.

04-08-2023, 12:46 PM	#4
pentasonic49 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: weston-super-mare Posts: 395	Getting another body would be cheaper than paying to get a little used function fixed. Some cameras had a B and a T setting, I use a cable release which locks down until released for those which only have B.