Olympus 35SP stuck rewind button

klownshed · Dec 27, 2016

I have an Olympus 35SP that seems to be suffering from not having been used enough. The meter is well and truly dead (a battery had been left in it and the meter is corroded beyond repair). However the lens is beautifully clean and the body is virtually new condition.

I ran a roll of film through it and it worked perfectly, nice clear sharp shots and the shutter speeds seem to be accurate enough.

However, when I rewound the film the rewind button on the button didn't return and is jammed in.

has anybody experienced anything similar? I'm not completely inept when it comes to taking things apart and would like to at least rule out taking a look myself before consigning it to display only purposes. As much as I like the SP I can't justify spending lots of money repairing or replacing it but like all my cameras to work (and be used).

I have a 35RC and LC to scratch the Olympus rangefinder itch when required, but it would be nice to make the SP functional again.

MattKing · Dec 27, 2016

Try closing the camera and winding - if necessary, with film.

klownshed · Dec 28, 2016

I've tried that, the rewind button just won't release so the spool won't engage and the film won't load.

Kirks518 · Dec 28, 2016

I would take the bottom plate off. There is a slight chance it's just hung up on it. If it isn't, I'm pretty sure you can reset it by moving gears and rods or what-not once the bottom is off. I've had similar things happen on old cameras, and usually they're just a little gummed up from age (ie, needs a CLA).

John Koehrer · Dec 28, 2016

Move the take up sprocket.

klownshed · Dec 30, 2016

The take up sprocket is disengaged for rewinding. Moving it just spins the sprocket, it won't re-engage. The rewind button won't move at all, something is jammed. I will have to disassemble and see if I can find an obvious problem that doesn't require hens teeth new parts.

John Koehrer · Dec 30, 2016

Was worth a shot.
There's a lever that engages the rewind button. Bottom cover off and it should be obvious where it is..it's
got one end touching the RW button. A gentle touch away from the RW should release it.
That may solve the symptom but not cure the problem. BUT! it may.

Greg Heath · Dec 30, 2016

yes, take the bottom off and put a couple of drops of Naptha around the rewind button area. work the button a couple of times. I will check my schematics.

Greg Heath · Dec 30, 2016

klownshed said:
I have an Olympus 35SP that seems to be suffering from not having been used enough. The meter is well and truly dead (a battery had been left in it and the meter is corroded beyond repair). However the lens is beautifully clean and the body is virtually new condition.

I ran a roll of film through it and it worked perfectly, nice clear sharp shots and the shutter speeds seem to be accurate enough.

However, when I rewound the film the rewind button on the button didn't return and is jammed in.

has anybody experienced anything similar? I'm not completely inept when it comes to taking things apart and would like to at least rule out taking a look myself before consigning it to display only purposes. As much as I like the SP I can't justify spending lots of money repairing or replacing it but like all my cameras to work (and be used).

I have a 35RC and LC to scratch the Olympus rangefinder itch when required, but it would be nice to make the SP functional again.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/albums/72157625285946754 Check These photos out. use an eye dropper to drop some Naptha into and around the rewind button. Not a bunch, just a couple of drops.

The battery compartment can be cleaned up with QTips and Vinegar. Rinse with distilled water.

Let me know how it works out. I refurbished a 35RC some years ago. The lenses in these cameras are fantastic.

Greg

klownshed · Dec 31, 2016

Thanks for the link. That's just what I was hoping for.

I've cleaned the battery compartment to remove as much corrosion as possible, but the meter board is also badly corroded and unfortunately beyond repair so it will be meterless. But that's ok as long as the camera works.

I will definitely try and free the rewind knob and the photos in your link look like they will be a big help.

I'll report back when I get a chance to take the SP apart.

Greg Heath · Dec 31, 2016

klownshed said:
Thanks for the link. That's just what I was hoping for.

I've cleaned the battery compartment to remove as much corrosion as possible, but the meter board is also badly corroded and unfortunately beyond repair so it will be meterless. But that's ok as long as the camera works.

I will definitely try and free the rewind knob and the photos in your link look like they will be a big help.

I'll report back when I get a chance to take the SP apart.

Those cameras are awesome. I had an Olympus RC that I gave to photojournalist in India a couple of years back. I thought he would appreciate it. the Lens on that camera was awesome. The problem with the meter in the camera is usually the dead cell on the lens. I just used my light meter app and my phone and snapped away.

Olympus 35SP stuck rewind button

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