Bronica GS-1 mirror problems

[funkpilz]

I bought a GS-1 from KEH.com a while ago, with the 100mm f/3.5 lens. I put a 4LR44 battery in it, took two shots and then it stopped working. Meaning when I press the shutter release, the shutter goes off but the mirror stays down. The only way to move the mirror is with the MLU switch (which is kinda sketchy) and by gravity, turning the camera upside down. So I mailed KEH and upon their request sent back the body only. They sent me a replacement for free, so I put the battery in it, took two shots and it stopped working. So I put a brand new 4LR44 in, and it worked for five exposures and then quit working again. KEH mentionend that the alkaline batteries might not work perfectly with the GS-1, so I put in a 4SR44, wich is a silver lithium battery, and it doesnt work at all.
Is there any explanation for this behavior? Are there any mistakes in the handling of the camera that I could be making that might explain this? Please share any thoughts you may have.

 

[SWphoto]

Don't know if the MLU is out-of-synch or not, but a possibility. Here is something I picked up some time ago:

"Bronica GS-1 Mirror Up
The instructions for this are rather convoluted, as I recall. The simple part is to flip the MLU when you are set, then take your shot. (it's the small lever on the lower front of the body) The important thing is to move the lever back before winding on to the next frame. If you make the mistake of forgetting this, you do not have to waste a frame. First, put your lens cap on. Then set the GS-1 to multiple exposure. Then fire your shutter. Reset your MLU, turn off your multiple exposure and all will be well."

If not, perhaps the lens cocking status/film back status may be out of synch. That's the limit of my suggestions.

 

[radiogorillaz]

So I was wondering what battery you settled on. I almost completed my GS-1 (still need a view finder) and I wanted to hear how your situation ultimately played out and what battery you are using.

thanks,
Nate

 

[Tony-S]

You should always use silver oxide and not alkaline or lithium batteries. Only silver oxide provides the sustained current necessary to power the camera.

 

[wiltw]

Officially the battery for the GS-1 is the 6volt PX-28 (silver oxide), and without a metering prism it should last about 1 year. The 4SR44 should have worked.

I presume you know that you need to turn on the power switch?

 

[radiogorillaz]

Not sure if that was address at me, but yes I do know where the power switch is. Thank you for asking. I plan on keeping the GS-1 off except for when in use to help save power.

I am going to go to BatteriesPlus (http://www.batteriesplus.com) in Marietta, GA and hope they have one. If not, I've found a Maxell 4SR44 on Amazon that has free shipping.