Help.. Dropped my OM2

[Chris Nielsen]

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]

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]

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]

You could look up KEH and get a beater there.

Jeff

 

[Rick A]

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]

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]

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

 

[E. von Hoegh]

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

 

[wblynch]

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]

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]

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 What do you have to lose that isn't already "potentially" gone other than a roll or two of outdated test film?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]

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

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

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]

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

 

[John Hermanson]

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]

Thanks all + John for your help.