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Praktica MTL5 self timer

Rekusu

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Jun 23, 2024
Messages
71
Location
Surrey, England
Format
35mm
What ho one and all,

Took delivery of a Prakitca MTL5 which has a dodgy shutter. While i will attempt to correct the problem, I really planned for this camera to provide me with a selection of screws so not too concerned about getting it running again.

However, my first challenge is removal of the self timer lever. Once cranked, press the button to start the timer. But there seems to be no way to actually remove it. My guess is that the button unscrews but to date, all attempts have proven futile. As has a Dr Google search!!!

Any suggests greatly appreciated.

Thanks and toodle pip

Rex
 

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Yes, the button unscrews as you have suspected. It unscrews counterclock wise. You will need a clamp that fits the outer diameter of the button or a rubber sheet pressed on the front of the button to increase friction. Pliers are guaranteed to slip and / or leave marks.
 
Many thanks. I have been trying with friction but a/ the smallest of my rubber cones is not small enough and b/ when fully depressed, the button is slightly below the outer frame so it is not easy to apply pressure. Will have to fabricate something.
 
Using some Bluetac on the end of a pencil eraser. Gets what seems to be pretty good adhesion but the button just turns, and turns and turns. Feels like it is rotating but not unscrewing.
Will drill a couple of small holes to use a wrench, but if it is not really attached to anything, I will be somewhat SNAFUed
 

This was my first self-bought camera in 1972. I died a week later with a failing shutter. I replaced it with a Nikon FM, which I still have and use today but added a Nikon FE for convenience(also still working and used!)
 
I have too many Nikons (F, FM, FE, Nikkormat and D300) Don't do film any longer and although the D300 is nice to use, I still prefer the feel and sound of the manual cameras.
 

The ring surrounding the button unscrews.
 
Have not tried yet but on much, much closer inspection, I think you are correct. There are flats on the ring so will have to fabricate a little spanner thing. Certainly not easy to see.

Many thanks for the update.
 
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