Olympus OM2n shutter/battery problem

[hwilliam]

I bought a used OM2n with a Program Back at an estate sale along with a Winder2, 50mm 1.8 and 21mm Olympus lenses (No the 21 isn't for sale)...anyway, I assumed the batteries in the camera were dead so I replaced them with Eveready A76. When doing a battery check the light in the back of the camera does not light, the shutter locks up after triping until the auto, off, manual lever is moved up to "check". After opening the back of the camera, removing the lens I discover that the shutter is not opening at any speed except bulb, when it stays open as it should. I put these batteries in the program back and they work, so I figure it isn't the batteries. It looks like the camera isn't getting power? So is it worth a repair, or just find a good used body?

Thanks
Bill

 

[MattKing]

Bill:

1) clean all the battery contacts; and
2) get some silver oxide batteries - the alcaline A76 batteries can be problematic in some cameras.

 

[John Hermanson]

A76 (alkaline, along with LR44) are the wrong batteries. They can cause mirror lock and meter errors. Lithium CR1/3N are also wrong. Silver oxide 357, 303, SR44W, G-13, S76, MS76, KS76 are correct. BUT, even with your alkaline batteries, you should still get a steady red battery check LED. B is an all mechanical speed that works without batteries. Make sure inside of battery cap is clean. Otherwise you have a problem that would require service. John

 

[nsurit]

Heck, he isn't going to do it, but I will. John at Camtech (zuiko.com) is the guy to send it to for repair/service. He has done wonderful OM work for me over the years, as well as for many others I know. No disappointments with his work. Bill Barber

 

[judah]

A76 (alkaline, along with LR44) are the wrong batteries. They can cause mirror lock and meter errors. Lithium CR1/3N are also wrong. Silver oxide 357, 303, SR44W, G-13, S76, MS76, KS76 are correct. BUT, even with your alkaline batteries, you should still get a steady red battery check LED. B is an all mechanical speed that works without batteries. Make sure inside of battery cap is clean. Otherwise you have a problem that would require service. John

I always used LR44 in my OM2 and OM4 and never had a problem. They last for a few months and the only time the mirror locks up is when the batteries are dead. Puzzling...