Praktica LLC slow speed escapement - Mirror Stuck

Ozmediamike

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Jul 23, 2021
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2
Location
Melbourne Australia
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35mm
I’m trying to follow this advice to repair an old Praktica LLC but I was wondering if anyone could guide me in the right direction with how to remove the slow speed mechanism / assembly ( escapement ) .

“..Had a similar problem and fixed It by removing the top cover and slowspeed assembly to reveal a shutter adjustment lever that can be reset by loosening a screw and pulling the lever towards the cocking mechanism“

The article goes on to mention ... “in his case (and mine) it didn’t adjust far enough and required bending the speed steering mechanism slightly”

Wondering if anyone has seen similar or knows how to do this?

I’ve attached as many pics as possible to hopefully make things easier to identify
 

Helios 1984

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Aug 4, 2015
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1,846
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Saint-Constant, Québec
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35mm
My L had this problem, the mirror would hang up when fired at 1sec. When it happens, I just advance the lever again and it reset the mirror.
These L series don't like to be left alone, their bits and cogs need to move otherwise everything stop working properly.
 
OP
OP

Ozmediamike

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Jul 23, 2021
Messages
2
Location
Melbourne Australia
Format
35mm

sorry, I didn’t explain fully, when attempting to cock the shutter, the shutter is locked and will not allow advancement, if I depress the shutter release, still nothing. Inside the front, there is a little latch on the left that releases the mirror from being ‘locked’ in the fully up position, and even if I press that latch the mirror is still in the open up position, and while I can now push it down with a finger manually, it springs back up.
 

Helios 1984

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Aug 4, 2015
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Location
Saint-Constant, Québec
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Have you tried to advance the lever while holding down the release button?
 

chuck3565

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Oct 25, 2015
Messages
94
Location
United States
Format
35mm

First, take the bottom cover off and note where the wiper on the large potentiometer is located. Note where the L lever inside the shutter speed assy is located Then unscrew the L lever and remove it. Next, unscrew the counter and move the 2 levers away from the counter dial while pulling up the counter dial and spring. You will have to wind the dial up when you put it back on. The levers will hold it in the wound-up state. Remove the 3 black screws that connect the speed assy. to the chassis. Gently pull up on the speed assy. Sometimes it sticks. I like to put a small amount of powdered graphite on the bearings in the speed assy when it is off the camera. Put the L-shaped lever in the exact same place as you tighten its screw. Make sure the bottom potentiometer wiper hasn't moved after tightening the screw. Not fun but I've done it many times when I was younger.
 
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