Help.. Dropped my OM2

Chris Nielsen · Mar 25, 2012

OK, so I was sitting down and talking while loading film. Last time I do that. Fumbled my OM2N while the back was open and it dropped onto the carpet from about knee level. It wasn't a long way to fall but it seems to have bent the door somewhere, now it doesn't close properly without a slight push upwards.

Am I OK to gently bend it the other way or is that going to wreck it further? This is my main camera, the one I bought from John @ camtech, so it'd be a real shame if I break it further.

Thoughts?

mr rusty · Mar 25, 2012

My guess is a slight and careful bend back will probably cure. However, the door is removeable (to exchange for e.g. databacks) so if necessary just buy a beater and change the door. Its unlikely to be a damaged body.

Old-N-Feeble · Mar 25, 2012

Yes... probably. But once you think you have it right load a roll of fast film and take the camera outside into bright mid-day sunlight. Hold the camera with the back to the sun at various angles. Don't take any photos but keep the lens cap on and advance the film a couple of frames. Process the film as usual and look for signs of light leaks.

Jeff Kubach · Mar 25, 2012

You could look up KEH and get a beater there.

Jeff

Rick A · Mar 25, 2012

I have a beater OM-1 body I'll sell for cheap. The thing still shoots good, but the MLU doesn't work and the self timer set lever is missing.

Chris Nielsen · Mar 25, 2012

Thanks all. I didn't think about changing the door, I have a beater om1 here as well so I will try that and see how I get on.

Ken N · Mar 26, 2012

Not sure if this will be a concern in your case, but the pressure plate is different in the OM-1.

E. von Hoegh · Mar 26, 2012

Replace the back of the camera. Use a camera strap, this is what they are for.

wblynch · Mar 26, 2012

Ken N said:
Not sure if this will be a concern in your case, but the pressure plate is different in the OM-1.

From what I have seen, only the very early , non-MD, OM1's.

Chris Nielsen · Mar 27, 2012

Thanks all. Yeah I didn't have a strap on it but I am not sure it would have made any difference in this case

Old-N-Feeble · Mar 27, 2012

Maybe your damage is worse than mine but...

Why don't you try to tweak the back into shape? I've done so very successfully twice... once with an Olympus OM-1 and once with a Nikon FM-2. What do you have to lose that isn't already "potentially" gone other than a roll or two of outdated test film? I've only warped two backs (from shear clumsiness) and both I easily repaired. All you need to do is "feel" how it opens/closes/latches... then test for light leaks. If it works then be diligent... "feel" how it opens/closes/latches for awhile... watch for leaks for awhile. Then... stop worrying so much.

darinwc · Mar 27, 2012

if you need it I have a parts om2 body I can send you the back from.

Newt_on_Swings · Mar 27, 2012

Take off the door from the hinge first, and look for any indentations around the edges of the door. A slight bend should not be a problem, though may be a hassle opening and closing the door. You can try to bend it back, but do it by placing the bent part on a flat surface and lightly hammering it to straighten it on that surface. Bending the other way may make things worse.

ajuk · Mar 28, 2012

If anybody does have a beater, I'd like to swap a roll of film for the plastic timer lever.

John Hermanson · Mar 28, 2012

It is most likely the small silver hinge sockets on the body are bent. Possibly putting a different back on will work or maybe latch will be misaligned in the same way. John.

Chris Nielsen · Apr 1, 2012

Thanks all + John for your help.

Help.. Dropped my OM2

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