Prontor-S Stuck Open

DarkRoastArts · Feb 13, 2022

Hello! New member here! I’m a film photography hobbyist located in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, USA.

I was curious if you find folks could assist me in solving my Prontor-S issue. The shutter is off of a Billy-Record bellows camera and had had an issue with a sticking lens. So I dove in deep into taking it apart and cleaning it. Now, and I take the blame here for getting past my depth, I have an issue where the shutter will not close upon use of the release lever. I’ve gotten as far as believing this is an escapement issue but am baffle at the solution. I’ve got the Google doc in the manuals for this lens (which is how I found this lovely forum) but am struggling to comprehend it all. If I can figure out how to post a video clip, I’m happy to do so, to help illustrate the problem.

Thanks so much! Look forward to exploring this place more.
-DarkRoastArts

dxqcanada · Feb 13, 2022

What exactly happens after tripping the shutter ?

DarkRoastArts · Feb 13, 2022

It doesn’t reset. It stays completely open. I’m trying to upload a photo but it says the file is too big. I’m on an iPhone SE…

dxqcanada · Feb 13, 2022

So if you set the shutter speed cam to mid slow like 1/5s ... set shutter, then press release ... shutter opens ... you hear speed escapement engage, and end ... then shutter stays open ?

dxqcanada · Feb 13, 2022

... and how "deep" did you take it apart ?

dxqcanada · Feb 13, 2022

DarkRoastArts · Feb 13, 2022

Here’s a video link on my Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZ7v3tPptwX/?utm_medium=copy_link

I removed the entire gear plate to access the shutter and aperture blades.

shutterfinger · Feb 13, 2022

There are lots of things that can cause your failure.
1. delay timer not properly positioned, slots in the mount allow it to be moved in and out at the top and bottom if so equipped.
2. Speed ring not correctly installed blocking Bulb and Time levers from moving, Pallet end of delay timer not in its slot.
3. Springs not correctly installed on Bulb, Time, cocking.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1...=sharing&resourcekey=0-URs_J982gWJSnJ-SD-rymA
When cocking and releasing the shutter as pictured it will stay open until the T lever is released.

dxqcanada · Feb 14, 2022

When testing the shutter you will need to put the speed cam back into position.

I suggest that you take the Secret course ... you will learn a lot.
https://learncamerarepair.com/

albada · Feb 14, 2022

In your video, it appears that the pallet at the bottom is sticky. When you pulled back the pallet near the beginning of the video, the shutter closed. The pallet is driven by a starwheel. You might try pulling the pallet's lever back a tiny amount, and see whether the escapement and pallet operate correctly, giving you the one-second speed. If so, the problem is either (1) pallet and/or starwheel are dirty, or (2) pallet lever is out of adjustment. (1) is by far the most common problem. Also, put the speed-setting dial back on, being sure that the various levers are in their slots, set the speed to the max or second-to-max, and see whether the shutter fires. If it does, then (1) or (2) is almost certainly the problem.

Mark Overton

shutterfinger · Feb 14, 2022

I missed the post with your video somehow. Your thumb almost blocks the problem.
White arrow is out of position/bent during servicing. Reform it so that the pallet runs smoothly.

Prontor-S Stuck Open

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