Konica T and 200 F4 issue

[Paul Howell]

Yesterday when out and about at the zoo with my T, I started with a 300 4.5, after 8 shots I changed to a Hextar 200 4.0, one more shot and the film advance froze. I later I changed to the 50 when I putting the the cameras back into my bag, and it starting working. The 200 is not the top of the line but the bargain level lens, of course I bought it used for very little money. It had been dropped at one time, some damage on the rear of the lens, but I had used it on a T4 without issues. Looking at the lever and pins I don't see how it have an affect on the film advance. Any thoughts.

 

[Michael Howard]

That is odd, but I'm betting it was just random luck that it froze at that moment. On the T's, I've had older ones do that, then some slight jostling would free them up again. Under the bottom plate, there is a small gear/pall that would lock up a bit with a little grit, smack the bottom of the camera and it would free up again, and be good for another 1000 activations.

 

[Paul Howell]

Might be right, I have this T on my list for a good CLA.

 

[reddesert]

You have the lens, you're best placed to inspect it. Perhaps show a photo of the rear of the lens? Two things I would look at:
- test at home under controlled conditions to see if the problem is really associated with the 200mm lens
- look at the back of the lens to see if there's any bent baffles or similar that could interfere with the mirror or the stop-down linkage.

 

[Paul Howell]

I will do that sometime today.

 

[runswithsizzers]

Might be right, I have this T on my list for a good CLA.

Do you have someone picked out to do the CLA?

I have a T4, a T3n and a few lenses. Now that Greg Weber has retired, I am looking for someone who likes to work on Konicas.

 

[Paul Howell]

I did not know Greg Weber retired, his old web site is up with pricing, guess I would have found out when I emailed him.

 

[runswithsizzers]

I did not know Greg Weber retired, his old web site is up with pricing, guess I would have found out when I emailed him.

Yes, last summer he sent back one of my Konicas, saying he was unable to complete the repair due to health issues. He sent me a few rolls of expired Konica film for my troubles.

I wonder what is going to happen to all of the cameras, parts, and tools he had?

 

[Trask]

Ah, I'm sorry to hear Greg is/may be retired -- he did a nice job on my Konica rangefinder camera back in the day, and also CLA'd my Konica AutoReflex. He'll be missed.

 

[blee1996]

I am suspecting the same two things on the 200/4 lens as @reddesert : aperture stop down pin or other mechanical obstruction. Or could be the aperture blades are so oily that they are stuck and cannot be stopped down

 

[Paul Howell]

Thanks I'll check the pins and lever to see if they move freely.

 

[Paul Howell]

I checked the lever moves but does not close down to F16, about half way. I have a Vivitar Series 1 first generation 70 to 200 3.5, not sure if I will replace the 200.

Just got a pristine A, in case, had the original 675 mercury batteries, the passes stickers on both the both the lens and body. The body and lens is a latter, lens 52mm 1.8. Too bad Greg is no longer in business I would have liked a CLA on it. I'll call Tempe Camera to see if they do it.