OM4-Ti: Shutter Setting Issues

KidA · Jan 4, 2016

My beloved OM4-Ti always had the not-so-smooth shutter selector. It seems somewhat sticky on some settings and then weirdly 'clicky' on others - hard to explain. Being winter time, it was out for hours on end at about -2 deg C (about 30 deg F) and the shutter settings were even harder to set; to the point where it was almost impossible to change with great force. Does anyone know an 'easy fix' for this issue? I know I'm asking for a lot, but maybe you guys know something I don't. $190 and a 4 week wait to get it repaired doesn't sound good, and $400-500 for another body doesn't sound much better either.

Even worse; a couple times on the same roll, there were inaccurate shutter speeds being performed by the body... VERY inaccurate. One example that stuck out to me was I had a setting of 1/125 s and I heard something more like 1/15 s. I thought, 'maybe that was just the mirror and the shutter was ok'.... nope! The neg was overexposed by a mile. This has never happened to me on any of my OMs (both mechanical and electric shutter models). The only problem I've ever had with this particular camera other than the sticky shutter selector, was not being able to fire in the cold and it was much colder than this past weekend.

Anyone experience anything like this on these bodies??

Arvee · Jan 4, 2016

First of all, I am not surprised that the shutter misfired at those temperatures. Cold soaked batteries do not do well below 40-45F, no matter the construction. The shutter selection 'stickiness' sounds very much like the body needs a CLA with an emphasis on the 'L.' Mechanical cameras are a lot more tolerant of the cold than electronic models. If one of my electronic cameras functions correctly for 30 minutes in temperatures similar to those you cited, I consider myself very, very fortunate.

Professionals who need to use a camera in very cold climates had their cameras stripped and re-lubricated with synthetic lubes that function very well in cold temps.

Ricardo Miranda · Jan 4, 2016

The shutter ring on the OMs don't need any lube in there.
In fact, in the long run you'll be regretting doing so.
I'm almost sure that the mount of a OM-4Ti is identical to the early OM-4 or OM-2SP, so all you need to do is to unscrew the mount over a large sheet or inside a bag and be very careful when taking it out not to loose a ball bearing that is at about 2 o'clock position as you look down the mirror.
That ball bearing and the place where it seats is mostly the responsible for the stickiness.
For the record, on the earlier OM-1 or OM-2 the ball bearing is at 12 o'clock.
With a bit of lighter fluid or alcohol and a cotton bud clean the hole and put the ball bearing in a cap with the same fluid.
Clean the hole and contact surfaces between the shutter ring and the body several times.
I had the same happen with OM-1/2N and a -2SP.
It is normally due to ingress of dirt.

This place has a lot more info: http://olympus.dementix.org/
Sorry, it seems to be down at the moment.

M6F6E6 · Jan 4, 2016

thanks Riccardo. that makes a lot of sense. i will try a repair like that on my old buggered OMs first! but would that stickiness make the shutter malfunction on that guys camera?

KidA · Jan 4, 2016

Ricardo Miranda said:
The shutter ring on the OMs don't need any lube in there.
In fact, in the long run you'll be regretting doing so.
I'm almost sure that the mount of a OM-4Ti is identical to the early OM-4 or OM-2SP, so all you need to do is to unscrew the mount over a large sheet or inside a bag and be very careful when taking it out not to loose a ball bearing that is at about 2 o'clock position as you look down the mirror.
That ball bearing and the place where it seats is mostly the responsible for the stickiness.
For the record, on the earlier OM-1 or OM-2 the ball bearing is at 12 o'clock.
With a bit of lighter fluid or alcohol and a cotton bud clean the hole and put the ball bearing in a cap with the same fluid.
Clean the hole and contact surfaces between the shutter ring and the body several times.
I had the same happen with OM-1/2N and a -2SP.
It is normally due to ingress of dirt.

This place has a lot more info: http://olympus.dementix.org/
Sorry, it seems to be down at the moment.

I will definitely try this out. Thanks for the info. I'm going to practice on an old 'for parts' OM1. Are there any other major differences in shutter speed rings on the OM4 and OM1 other than the ball bearing position? I wouldn't like to be surprised on the OM4! haha

I wish the latter OMs had the same shutter ring as the OM1 and OM2. Even if the earlier ones are sticky, they seem always much smoother and buttery than the plastic clicking ones of the latter bodies.

Ricardo Miranda · Jan 5, 2016

Two warnings:
Set the shutter speed to 1000 before lifting the ring. And remember to put it back on that position.
Otherwise you will have problems with incorrect shutter speeds.

On the OM-4 be aware of the "Lock" button. Press it while fitting back the shutter speed ring.
If you don't do that, it will not seat properly.

Xmas · Jan 5, 2016

M6F6E6 said:
thanks Riccardo. that makes a lot of sense. i will try a repair like that on my old buggered OMs first! but would that stickiness make the shutter malfunction on that guys camera?

Probably not the OM4 shutter curtains are timed by electro magnets the second curtain latch electro magnet probably has lube that turns to wax at a 28F soak, only the reversion mechanical might be ok, if you get the symptom.

The factory may have used sealant on the registration plate screws they can be tight and Ricardo has mentioned the loss of small bits...

The build standard of OM1(n)s are better than OM4.

beegee675 · Jan 5, 2016

Send it to John Hermanson @ zuiko.com

KidA · Jan 5, 2016

beegee675 said:
Send it to John Hermanson @ zuiko.com

He wants $190 and many weeks I can almost buy one in bargain condition for that. And mine is not in tip top shape to begin with, so I don't find the value in sending it to him, although I'm sure he does a great job.

thuggins · Jan 5, 2016

KidA said:
He wants $190 and many weeks.

While we can be thankful for anyone who is keeping our old cameras alive, John is no longer a practical resource to turn to. I have had him work on about a dozen of my Oly's over the years and he was never fast (consistently slower than the repair times posted on his site). The last camera I sent him was my OM2 and it took about six months to the day before I saw it again. All my cameras now go to KEH.

Xmas · Jan 6, 2016

thuggins said:
While we can be thankful for anyone who is keeping our old cameras alive, John is no longer a practical resource to turn to. I have had him work on about a dozen of my Oly's over the years and he was never fast (consistently slower than the repair times posted on his site). The last camera I sent him was my OM2 and it took about six months to the day before I saw it again. All my cameras now go to KEH.

illogical Jim

If he is slow he is probably busy, ie good.
Buy a 2nd body.

KidA · Jan 6, 2016

Xmas said:
illogical Jim

If he is slow he is probably busy, ie good.
Buy a 2nd body.

Good? Perhaps the work done is done properly if he's sought after. But 'good' also entails keeping customers in the loop with unpredictable wait times!

ciniframe · Jan 6, 2016

John now has a regular job for Tamron and only repairs OM bodies on the side. He was never fast, my shortest wait time years ago was 3 months. But now, unless time does not matter, I'd send my OM to another repairer. (although to be honest, I don't know who)

Xmas · Jan 6, 2016

KidA said:
Good? Perhaps the work done is done properly if he's sought after. But 'good' also entails keeping customers in the loop with unpredictable wait times!

The post does not say he did not send monthly updates on actual queue lengths either?

Single person repairers who quote turn around in web page may provide a current estimate for a simple registration plate removal and solenoid degrease, before you send off the camera.

The actual queue lengths can vary a lot.

Some one who has no work is more suspect?

baachitraka · Jan 6, 2016

Michael Spencer from England.

thuggins · Jan 6, 2016

Xmas said:
The post does not say he did not send monthly updates on actual queue lengths either?

Some one who has no work is more suspect?

Just for the benefit of those who make things up, once you send a camera to John you will never hear a single word until it (hopefully) shows up back on your doorstep.

And anyone who thinks taking six months to do two hours work needs to pass around what they're smoking.

OM4-Ti: Shutter Setting Issues

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency