Fixing a Capping Shutter on an OM-1

sedwards

Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2015
Messages
53
Location
Vancouver, BC
Format
35mm
I have an old OM-1 in which the 1/1000 shutter speed is capping.

My google searches and APUG searches have not given me anything to work with in terms of a repair walk-through or demo.

I would like to know how to repair this myself as I'm looking to start doing more of my own camera repair and maintenance.

Any pointers would be appreciated!
 

onre

Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2015
Messages
343
Location
Toijala, Finland
Format
Multi Format
http://olympus.dementix.org/Hardware/

The service article has useful information. The OM-1 shutter is quite precise when correctly adjusted. Basically you will want 1st and 2nd curtain speeds to match. This requires correct curtain roller spring tension. If the lubrication inside curtain rollers is no longer good, you may end up with uneven curtain movement which causes uneven exposure across the frame. For best results you will want a shutter tester of some kind. Best units can measure individual curtain travel times, but even with a single-sensor unit you can do this by measuring both edges and center of film gate separately. With this method you won't know the exact travel speeds, but it can still be done, it's just more tedious.

I trust other forum members to correct if and when I'm wrong.
 

John Koehrer

Subscriber
Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
8,277
Location
Aurora, Il
Format
Multi Format
Like onre says, it needs new lubrication. There are a number of simple circuits for audible shutter speed testers
online but they won't balance travel times.
FWIW travel times on OM cameras are 11.5ms and to get an even exposure first & second should be right on,
IF you have inconsistent or erratic speeds it usually means the bearings aren't clean enough.
 

John Koehrer

Subscriber
Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
8,277
Location
Aurora, Il
Format
Multi Format
The important points for fast speeds will be the pivots for both curtains.
The lower bearings shouldn't be a problem but the top bearings are usually
covered by a bunch of other stuff(technical term).
 

flavio81

Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2014
Messages
5,078
Location
Lima, Peru
Format
Medium Format

Repair is easy:

1. Sell / discard the OM1
2. Buy a Pentax MX
3. Enjoy a more reliable compact body with even better lenses.

Jokes aside... most likely your problem is just caused by lack of lubrication or dirtiness. So my advice is, before you even touch the curtain tension adjusters, make sure the system is well lubricated, and a bit of lighter fluid on the curtain spindles and associated mechanisms, plus lots shutter exercise might cure the issue.

In other words, do not re-adjust the curtains' tension until you are sure the mechanism has been "freed" from stickiness.

I've had many cameras and almost everytime this worked, without need of changing curtain tension.

PD: John K has gave you a good tip... take a look at the zones that would be most affected by gunk and dirtiness and start there.
 

flavio81

Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2014
Messages
5,078
Location
Lima, Peru
Format
Medium Format
sedwards said:
All jokes aside, this is the repair that I have decided to go with...
Click to expand...

Shutter capping is usually just a lubrication / dirtiness problem, instead of tossing the poor machine into the trash can, better remove the bottom cover and drop a bit of lighter fluid in all the bearings you see. Then cycle repeatedly the shutter.
 

darkroommike

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
1,728
Location
Iowa
Format
Multi Format
flavio81 said:
Shutter capping is usually just a lubrication / dirtiness problem, instead of tossing the poor machine into the trash can, better remove the bottom cover and drop a bit of lighter fluid in all the bearings you see. Then cycle repeatedly the shutter.
Click to expand...

More crud in the bottom bearings but don't the top bearings dry out more often? Seems to me that the part that is most difficult to access is always the part that is most likely to need service.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…