Canon VT rangefinder Low speed problem

StepheKoontz · Mar 31, 2019

I have a super clean Canon VT rangefinder that works great other than the low speeds. The low speeds never engage at all, unless I select 1 second first. The 1 second works fine, the 1/2 second works about 850% of the time, the 1/4 works about 70% of the time after I have selected one second and the rest never engage. I suspect there is something sticky about whatever the knob sets. I can't find a manual or a video etc on even how to remove the knob and the cam, to then get shell off and see if I can clean and lube the low speed stuff and get it working. This camera is too nice to destroy. I'm planning to buy a "parts" camera of this same type to practice on, but if anyone has been inside one of these and has some tips, that would be great. If it's too complex I'll just sent it to be CLA'd but I'd like to fix it myself if I can, I've repaired a lot of leaf shutters and lenses so have some experience and tools for the job.

Stephe

awty · Mar 31, 2019

There's a tiny screw on the side of the front chrome selection knob. Cant remember how the rest comes off, but was pretty straightforward.
My slow speeds don't work either, lubricating didnt help. The knob works on a tensioner and probably will need someone who knows what there doing to get working. Had mine professionally serviced and now can get slow speeds only when using the timer, all seems pretty accurate, but I rarely use them.
Nice camera, great to use.

shutterfinger · Mar 31, 2019

Camera Wiki.org says the VT is much like a IVSB2 under the cover. The VT has a cloth shutter curtain. http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Canon_VT
Photobooksonline shows both the IV and VT service manuals available. http://www.photobooksonline.com/books/canonRFrepair.html
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/canon_p_repair.pdf may be of help.
When looking for repair manuals search for the camera make/model repair manual and the camera make/model service manual. One will produce better results than the other but there is no rhyme or reason as to which will be the best in any given search.

awty · Mar 31, 2019

Honestly I wouldn't dig too deep if it is as good as you say. The front slow speed knob operates a cam that pushes against a bar that adds tension to the shutter curtain. If the cam comes lose, you may need to pull the front of the camera off to reinstall. Also you need to mark and photo as you go.
Heres a pick of a barnack canon b I prepared earlier, which is similar.
Also if your model dosen't have a bottom door lock, I would recommend taping the side latch as its easy to knock open.
VT is a great camera worth a service by a professional. If you want to practice on one there are plenty of beat ups for not much money.

There's a good guide for removing the top plate. The VL is similar http://tunnel13.com/blog/1957-canon-l2-top-plate-removal/

StepheKoontz · Mar 31, 2019

Yeah I think I will send this one in to a pro and pick up a junky one to play around with.

Tom Tran · May 28, 2022

StepheKoontz said:
I have a super clean Canon VT rangefinder that works great other than the low speeds. The low speeds never engage at all, unless I select 1 second first. The 1 second works fine, the 1/2 second works about 850% of the time, the 1/4 works about 70% of the time after I have selected one second and the rest never engage. I suspect there is something sticky about whatever the knob sets. I can't find a manual or a video etc on even how to remove the knob and the cam, to then get shell off and see if I can clean and lube the low speed stuff and get it working. This camera is too nice to destroy. I'm planning to buy a "parts" camera of this same type to practice on, but if anyone has been inside one of these and has some tips, that would be great. If it's too complex I'll just sent it to be CLA'd but I'd like to fix it myself if I can, I've repaired a lot of leaf shutters and lenses so have some experience and tools for the job.

Stephe

I just finished servicing my Canon IISB which presumably has the same slow gear mechanism as the VT. I just take off the entire slow shutter enscapement (remove 2 screws from the bottom plate) and soaked it in lighter fluid then rinsed in a ultrasonic cleaner. Seems to fix the issue. Also check out the second curtain cam under the speed dial and clean the slow speed rod.

Canon VT rangefinder Low speed problem

StepheKoontz

awty

shutterfinger

awty

StepheKoontz

Tom Tran

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