Olympus OM-1 Incomplete Winding Process

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silveraurora

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Mar 13, 2023
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I recently came across an Olympus OM-1n with a number of different issues - surface corrosion, bad light seals, prism damage and a jammed advance lever. I thought it would be a fun project to try and fully revive the camera while learning some tricks along the way. My first goal has been to get the camera winding and firing again so I know the other fixes will be worth it. Having read through some common shutter issues with the OM-1 I have deduced that it is not an issue with the idler gear (c) and instead believe there is something wrong with the mirror springs cocking.

I've attached a couple of images showing what is going on. Taking the base plate off I am able to fire the shutter if I lift the lever arm (a) up while depressing the shutter button. I think this is because in the winding process (b) does not cock in to position properly, but as this connects to deeper in the camera I can't see why. Looking through the front and comparing to functioning OM-1 there is another spring (d) that is not in the proper loaded position after winding.

Has anybody had this issue before or know how to remedy it so that everything cocks in to place properly and does not need the lever arm (a) moving by hand to fire?

- note - both photos are taken when the camera has been advanced -
Image.jpeg

Image - Copy.jpeg
 

Buzz-01

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Oct 20, 2018
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I'm not sure whether I fully understand your issue. Do you need to advance the film advance lever more than once to be able to take a photo? That's what I've had on an OM-2 before and there the problem was the clutch mechanism inside the advance lever axle that had gummed up. Took it apart from the top side and cleaned it with alcohol.
After that it worked fine again.

Edit: this part is the same in both the OM-1 and the OM-2.
 
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Boomlight

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Sometimes the gear labeled "C" in your photo goes out of alignment. Loosen the screw holding it in place and rotate it until the notches line up with the teeth in the gear just to its left, then tighten the screw again. It may take a few tries, but it works if you stick with it. I've resurrected a couple of OM-1's and 2's that way.
 
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