Fed 1g sticking shutter

Cerebum · Oct 11, 2024

I just took delivery of a lovely Fed1g. I bought it for the case (I have another Fed, currently being serviced, that has no case) and figured I can't lose if it was a wreck as I could sell the Fed 50mm f3.5 and not really lose anything. As it turns out it mostly works well (the rangefinder is particularly nice). It would benefit from a service but I don't have the cash, also that would put it at the top end of the value window. The only issue it has is that when you press the shutter button it starts the process but only completes when you let go. Working the shutter frees it off for all speeds down to 1/50, but then when you leave it for a few hours it clogs up again. Is there a place where i can drizzle a drop of oil, or will working it for several days be the best answer in the absence of money for a CLA? Thanks in advance for any replies

reddesert · Oct 11, 2024

The shutter-fires-as-if-B problem is not totally uncommon and it may not just be lube, but some part that's slightly out of adjustment - the second curtain release is failing to fire for whatever reason. This thread might have some places to look: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/fed-3-shutter-issues.188881/

Cerebum · Oct 11, 2024

reddesert said:
The shutter-fires-as-if-B problem is not totally uncommon and it may not just be lube, but some part that's slightly out of adjustment - the second curtain release is failing to fire for whatever reason. This thread might have some places to look: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/fed-3-shutter-issues.188881/

Funnily I read that thread about ten minutes ago it would make sense that the shutter tension could be out, but I am nervous about tightening anything ah, what the heck, in for a penny lol. One strange thing that I noticed, which could suggest something loose, the 1/500 works when the camera is upside down or on its back. Weird lol

ntenny · Oct 11, 2024

There’s a thread about FED shutter adjustments at RFF:

https://rangefinderforum.com/threads/how-to-fed-zorki-curtain-tension.31209/

I’ve followed these instructions with a FED-2; not sure if there are significant differences with the earlier models. I found it to be not difficult as such, but fiddly. Don’t let go of the shaft you’re adjusting!

-NT

reddesert · Oct 11, 2024

I don't know if it's always shutter tension, although that may help, it may not be the root problem. Also linked in the other thread, some helpful pages from Rick Oleson:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-58.html
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-101.html

One thing he specifically calls out is cleaning the gears below the curtain drum of film chips, debris, etc.

4season · Oct 11, 2024

If the shutter needs something higher than factory tensioning to operate, something is wrong. Dried-out and contaminated old lubricants are a big part of it, but so is the rubberized fabric itself, as it tends to harden and become less pliable with age.

Cerebum · Oct 12, 2024

Thanks I am sure it would benefit hugely from a service but I don't have the funds right now. As for cleaning gears, I am a bit too ham fisted for strip downs. I may try giving the curtain a tweak, or just pop it on a shelf til I have the money to pay someone competent

RalphLambrecht · Oct 12, 2024

Cerebum said:
I just took delivery of a lovely Fed1g. I bought it for the case (I have another Fed, currently being serviced, that has no case) and figured I can't lose if it was a wreck as I could sell the Fed 50mm f3.5 and not really lose anything. As it turns out it mostly works well (the rangefinder is particularly nice). It would benefit from a service but I don't have the cash, also that would put it at the top end of the value window. The only issue it has is that when you press the shutter button it starts the process but only completes when you let go. Working the shutter frees it off for all speeds down to 1/50, but then when you leave it for a few hours it clogs up again. Is there a place where i can drizzle a drop of oil, or will working it for several days be the best answer in the absence of money for a CLA? Thanks in advance for any replies

Don't apply any oil. That will make it worse in the long run. exercising the shutter for a while will either free it up eventually or cement the need for a CLA

Cerebum · Oct 12, 2024

RalphLambrecht said:
Don't apply any oil. That will make it worse in the long run. exercising the shutter for a while will either free it up eventually or cement the need for a CLA

Thanks. That's what I thought the only problem is frequently winding that knurled knob plays havoc with your fingers

henryvk · Oct 14, 2024

This disassembly is not hard: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-101.html

Be careful to have to camera on its back when you remove the lens-mount ring because of the shims underneath which must not be disturbed.

Clean the big gears (where all the friction happens, slowing down the shutter) with a q-tip liberally dipped in brake cleaner and make sure to scrape out all the grime and film chips out from between all the teeth with a precision screwdriver. Apply a touch of light oil to the gears.

If the shutter is still hesitant or acts like bulb on speeds other than bulb you may need to re-tension with a CRT monitor/tv like this: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-135.html

Cerebum · Oct 14, 2024

henryvk said:
This disassembly is not hard: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-101.html

Be careful to have to camera on its back when you remove the lens-mount ring because of the shims underneath which must not be disturbed.

Clean the big gears (where all the friction happens, slowing down the shutter) with a q-tip liberally dipped in brake cleaner and make sure to scrape out all the grime and film chips out from between all the teeth with a precision screwdriver. Apply a touch of light oil to the gears.

If the shutter is still hesitant or acts like bulb on speeds other than bulb you may need to re-tension with a CRT monitor/tv like this: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-135.html

Thanks. It does look pretty straightforward, but still scary. I contacted my go to camera repair guy. He quoted me £40 for a full service. I know it will mean I am in for max selling price for one of these, but I don't intend to sell it so £40 is a no brainer

henryvk · Oct 14, 2024

Cheers, £40 sounds like a very good deal!

Cerebum · Oct 14, 2024

henryvk said:
Cheers, £40 sounds like a very good deal!

I thought so. He has done a lot of work for me because he is reasonably priced and does an amazing job. He serviced my MX and replaced all the foam for under £70. He did a brilliant job and you get a twelve month warranty. He us one of the few people who will touch a Pentax LX. His name is Rob and his contact is sales@vintagecamerasgalore.com

4season · Oct 14, 2024

Cerebum said:
Thanks. It does look pretty straightforward, but still scary. I contacted my go to camera repair guy. He quoted me £40 for a full service. I know it will mean I am in for max selling price for one of these, but I don't intend to sell it so £40 is a no brainer

Wow, he's practically giving you free labor. When properly CLA'd, the film advance should feel light and smooth. Early or unusual FED-1 variants can sell for serious money these days.

Cerebum · Oct 15, 2024

4season said:
Wow, he's practically giving you free labor. When properly CLA'd, the film advance should feel light and smooth. Early or unusual FED-1 variants can sell for serious money these days.

He is very good

henryvk · Oct 15, 2024

If the curtains are okay it's not a complicated job but, yeah, that is very cheap.

loccdor · Oct 15, 2024

It's great to CLA cameras you intend to use yourself, but most of the time you won't recoup CLA costs in a resale, you'll be lucky if you get an increase in value at all, unfortunately.

Cerebum · Oct 15, 2024

loccdor said:
It's great to CLA cameras you intend to use yourself, but most of the time you won't recoup CLA costs in a resale, you'll be lucky if you get an increase in value at all, unfortunately.

I know what you mean. I have had a few cameras serviced and some of them now stand me at way more than they would sell for, but that's fine. I only service cameras I am keeping

Cerebum · Oct 25, 2024

I just paid for my service. I dont call it a CLA because Rob strips the camera right down and checks everything. The job he did on my MX was superb. This was his report

"Shutter behaving as 'B' on all settings. Dismantled camera. Cleaned all parts and checked for wear/damage. Found opening curtain lath stitching dragging on ribbon fences. Adjusted ribbon fence on reassembly. Set shutter curtain tensions and adjusted for best speed accuracy.

He also cleaned and tightened the fed lens. It should be back early next week. I can't wait to see how good a Fed1g can be

His email, should anyone need any work done is sales@vintagecamerasgalore.com

Fed 1g sticking shutter

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