Olympus OM4 - Rewind button jamming operations

[dugrant153]

Hey all,

So I purchased an OM4 about a year ago and really like it a lot. However, today the rewind button decided to jam.

Here is the following sequence of events:

1) Camera working fine. Camera is in a leather case (with tripod screw to keep it attached to the camera).
2) Finished a roll. Pressed the "R" button to rewind film.
3) Rewound film all the way.
4) Needed to take out film so started unscrewing tripod screw. Noticed odd tightness but got it off.
5) Opened film door and took out film. Closed film door and realised that the shutter wouldn't fire, the rewind knob is locked and the "R" button is still down.
6) All other camera operations are fine (battery, metering, etc.)

Before I contemplate sending this out for a CLA, curious if any possible fix options?

Thanks.

 

[Rick A]

Try cocking the film advance lever CAREFULLY. If this doesn't work, send the camera to Zuiko John for a CLA. My rewind button stuck some years back, the grease had set up and required a thorough cleaning.

 

[blaine.minazzi]

Not knowing this camera in particular, it could just have something a bit out of sync.

Things I would try;

If the camera shutter is battery dependent, try a new battery.

open back, and roll the toothed film roller back and forth a bit it it will. Should be able to roll in the reqind direction certainly.

Lightly "bumping" it against your palm. Push rewind button all the way in again. It may only be in partially. Be gentle, dont force anything with any of this.

Is the case the correct case ( factory ) for that camera? Did the tripod lock get screwed in far enough to deform or damage anything perhaps?

Hopefully, it just needs a battery or something simple.

Good luck.

Blaine

 

[MattKing]

Try cocking the film advance lever CAREFULLY. If this doesn't work, send the camera to Zuiko John for a CLA. My rewind button stuck some years back, the grease had set up and required a thorough cleaning.

+1

Opening and closing the back a couple of times can sometimes make a difference.

Be sure to try cocking the film advance lever CAREFULLY with both the back open and closed.

 

[John Koehrer]

open back, and roll the toothed film roller back and forth a bit it it will. Should be able to roll in the reqind direction certainly.


Blaine

What he said.

 

[dugrant153]

Okay so... I had left it in my bag for a few hours and I'm thinking maybe the jostling of picking up my bag did something because the film advance lever loosened up and I was able to advance the film. The rewind button pops up and looks like it's good to go now.
No idea what happened but a Class may be in order soon! Thanks for the advice. I will have to refer back here if it occurs again.

 

[Rick A]

If it sticks again, it is time for a CLA. The lube inside these hardens with age, and needs replaced.

 

[nsurit]

Get your CLA from Zuiko.com. He is the best. Bill Barber

 

[dugrant153]

Yeah, I think I'll need to send John H this camera eventually. You know you like a camera a lot when it starts to malfunction and you wonder what you're going to do without it...

 

[John Hermanson]

Rewind button should pop up the first time you wind the shutter after removing film. Some OM-2S, 3 and 4 may develop a defect that allows you to wind the advance lever multiple times after the first cocking (it should lock after each wind). In this condition, wind lever will not move and may make you think the shutter is would. If it is wound, white speckles will show on first shutter curtain (gently lift mirror and look). If speckles do not show, that means second curtain is showing, shutter is NOT wound, and wind mechanism is jammed. John

 

[dugrant153]

thanks, John. I see the white speckles (looks like a QR code) and the film seems to be advancing so think mine should be OK... for now. But I'll be keeping an eye on it.