Aparture wuestion Bronica EC-TL

[Joachim Zettl]

Aparture question Bronica EC-TL

I could get hold of a Bronica EC-TL as slightly more compact and metered (but still heavy) alternative für my RB.
Trying out my new toy I found out, that when pressing the red measuring knob the aperture seems to close slowly. It looks really odd, like the aperture is almost stuck. But when I shoot the aperture reacts normal and fast. Is that supposed to be and has to do with the TTL lightmeter, or is that a sign that something is wrong or worn out?

All the best, Joe

 

[Joachim Zettl]

QUESTION – can't edit the headline in the forum overview.

 

[Trask]

I've never noticed that with my EC-TL -- unfortunately, I don't have it at hand to check yet again. The manual stop-down option uses a separate mechanism to actuate the diaphragm in the lens, so it's not inconceivable that there is a problem in that particular mechanism, but that the other mechanism linked to the shutter release/taking a picture is in normal condition. As most manual stop-down mechanisms are pretty directly mechanical in that era of camera-making, it's odd that you can full depress the button but the mechanism seems to take time to fully close the aperture. Perhaps a dried grease issue - though I think you'd feel that when depressing the button.

 

[RowanBloemhof]

Very odd indeed. I recently was gifted an ec-tl with some lenses. And one of the lenses shows a similar issues, yet the other way around. If i'm not mistaken it was with the Nikkor 75mm that when i release the DOF preview button it takes a few seconds for the aperture to open up again. When i take lens out of its mount and push the aperture lever up and down, it feels like the grease has indeed dried up. Very viscose or so.

I'd suggest pressing the DOF button with the lens unmounted and see what the mechanism does. Then try the same separately for the lens. Then you should know where the issue lies.

 

[whlogan]

I will check mine and see what they do... don't recall this being normal, however...

Logan

 

[Joachim Zettl]

Thanks for all the hints!
I am looking for a 150 mm lens anyway. Maybe with a different lens it behaves differently. I will report.

 

[Joachim Zettl]

150 mm Zenzanon has arrived and with this lens the DOF preview and light-metering works fine. So I guess the problem has to do with the 50 mm lens. I don't really understand what, because when I move the aparture on the lens manually it feels, looks and moves normally ... And I found out, that the aparture closes pressing the DOF button realllly sloooow.