Canon VT: Repairing pinholes in a cloth shutter and advance knob function question

mtnbkr · Feb 23, 2022

First, the "easy" question:
There is a little nub on the back of the camera directly below the film advance knob. Also, the wind knob, when pulled up, doesn't remain in the up position (works fine otherwise). I haven't seen clear instructions, but my assumption is when you raise the knob, it locks into place and you press the nub to release it into its down position. Is that correct? Mine doesn't, which is why I'm asking. However, it works fine otherwise.

Second question:
I've had a few light leaks as evidenced on my pictures. They're small and in the lower right side of the frame. Using a bright pen light, I've identified a vertical series of pinholes in the cloth shutter at the stitched edge of the shutter (where the curtain opens during operation). There appear to be no other leaks I can find. As a repair, can I use a very tiny paintbrush (like used for painting figurines and such) and dab a tiny bit of liquid electrical tape over the pinholes?

I'm hesitant to send this camera out for repair because it is in fantastic shape otherwise. The shutter speeds seem accurate (based on my results on film, pinholes notwithstanding), and operational it's smooth, quiet, and solid-feeling. The viewfinder is clear and the rangefinder patch is bright.

Chris

__Brian · Feb 23, 2022

Press the release to raise the knob, you might have to turn it to find the spot that it pulls up. Once up, it engages until release by pressing the button again.

You can try some shutter patch, but if there are a lot of pinholes, might need new curtains.

mtnbkr · Feb 23, 2022

__Brian said:
Press the release to raise the knob, you might have to turn it to find the spot that it pulls up. Once up, it engages until release by pressing the button again.

Actually the button doesn't move or seem to do anything. The knob raises without it (once aligned properly). It drops back down as well. The button appears jammed at the "release" position (ie flat with the surrounding facia).

__Brian said:
You can try some shutter patch, but if there are a lot of pinholes, might need new curtains.

Is "shutter patch" a product or just a generic term? There aren't a lot of pinholes, maybe 3-5 tiny holes (literally pinholes that required a bright LED flashlight to see), all aligned vertically, and adjacent to the stitched edge of the shutter. My feeling is a tiny bit of added bulk from a liquid patch wouldn't pose any issues because it's situated next to a portion that is slightly thicker than the rest of the curtain. The rest of the curtain appears light-tight and solid.

Chris

gone · Feb 23, 2022

"shutter patch is basically "a wing and a prayer". I've tried it, and if the curtains have holes in one area it will happen again later. The cloth is just no longer up to the job anymore. But, I would try it and see, you never know.

Sunlight focused through a lens is really, really strong, especially through a tiny hole. It's very powerful, and it was peeping through tiny holes in the curtains that weren't obvious the first time.

__Brian · Feb 23, 2022

I know people use the liquid electrical tape- and state it works. Worth trying.

mtnbkr · Feb 23, 2022

momus said:
"shutter patch is basically "a wing and a prayer". I've tried it, and if the curtains have holes in one area it will happen again later. The cloth is just no longer up to the job anymore. But, I would try it and see, you never know.

Sunlight focused through a lens is really, really strong, especially through a tiny hole. It's very powerful, and it was peeping through tiny holes in the curtains that weren't obvious the first time.

__Brian said:
I know people use the liquid electrical tape- and state it works. Worth trying.

Thanks both. I may give it a try. Worst case, I have to replace the curtain anyway.

Chris

beemermark · Feb 23, 2022

__Brian said:
I know people use the liquid electrical tape- and state it works. Worth trying.

I’ve used it on older cameras and it works fine

mtnbkr · Feb 23, 2022

So, I gave it a try and it seems to have worked. There's no sign of light leakage through the curtain and the shutter still works smoothly. A tests on film will be the next step.

Chris

awty · Feb 23, 2022

I have a Vt and a VT deluxe. The button presses in and the turn nob stays up, so your button must be jammed, could use a drop of light oil and let it soak. I dont think its a huge job to take the nob off, there use to be a you tube vid.
My curtain looks like its been patched before has lots of black dots on the inner of the closing curtain. I have tried unsuccessfully with liquid electrical tape on a Leica curtain, but that was obviously beyond repair. If its only small holes its worth a try. Best to build up the patch with light coats instead of all at once. It will peel off if you need to remove.

shutterfinger · Feb 23, 2022

Golden Heavy Body Acrylic Artist Paint #1040 Carbon Black https://www.goldenpaints.com/products/colors/heavy-body
Dilute no more than 1:1 with water, paint on in thin layers and allow to dry between coats. 2 to 3 coats light seal holes depending on how thick you make each one.
I have done entire Graflex 4x5 shutter curtains with this and the stay light tight over the years. It can be applied with an air brush if desired.

Pin holes aligned with the end stitching suggest decaying shutter curtain or excessive pull on the curtain from dry curtain roller bearings/bushings.

mtnbkr · Feb 23, 2022

awty said:
I have a Vt and a VT deluxe. The button presses in and the turn nob stays up, so your button must be jammed, could use a drop of light oil and let it soak. I dont think its a huge job to take the nob off, there use to be a you tube vid.

Thanks, I'll have a look. I'll see if a drop of light oil will help as well.

Chris

mtnbkr · Feb 23, 2022

shutterfinger said:
Pin holes aligned with the end stitching suggest decaying shutter curtain or excessive pull on the curtain from dry curtain roller bearings/bushings.

Quite possible. But, I can get it fixed and CLA'd at a later date if the problem gets worse. I just didn't want to be forced into it just yet.

Chris

mtnbkr · Mar 8, 2022

Just an update...
The liquid electrical tape fix worked. The light leak is gone and exposures remain accurate.

Chris

Canon VT: Repairing pinholes in a cloth shutter and advance knob function question

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