Olympus OM-1 Incomplete Winding Process

silveraurora

Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2023
Messages
1
Location
United Kingdom
Format
35mm
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 -

 

turtlepaddles

Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2023
Messages
2
Location
Minnesota, USA
Format
35mm
I'm having a similar issue...watching to see what the feedback is. I'll post my issue separately, in case it has a different cause!
 

Buzz-01

Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2018
Messages
205
Location
The Netherlands
Format
35mm
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.
 
Last edited:

Boomlight

Member
Joined
May 2, 2019
Messages
33
Location
USA
Format
Hybrid
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.
 

sprook

Member
Joined
Jul 23, 2025
Messages
1
Location
Syracuse, NY
Format
35mm
Hi! wondering if you were able to solve this issue. I'm having the same thing happen. Any help would be awesome. Thanks
 
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