Removing the timer lever on a Pentax Me Super

[fabulousrice]

I am trying to remove a very stubborn timer lever on a Pentax ME Super to replace the leather with a leather from Cameraleather.

So far I've only been able to scratch it, unfortunately.

I'm using a spanner wrench like this one, but feel like a tool that is shaped more like a screwdriver would be better.

Has anyone got tips on loosening it or unscrewing it?

 

[cmacd123]

which way does it turn? self timer screw on an ME is LEFT HANDED, not sure if it is the same on an ME super, but the ME super manual refers to seeing the older manaual for some steps.

 

[fabulousrice]

which way does it turn? self timer screw on an ME is LEFT HANDED, not sure if it is the same on an ME super, but the ME super manual refers to seeing the older manaual for some steps.

I tried counter-clockwise, is this what you suggest?

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Things that are made to turn to the left (counter clockwise) are sometimes fastened with screws with a left hand thread.

Try turning the screw clockwise to loosen it.

Back in the 60's I tried changing a tire on a Dodge. At the time the Chrysler corporation used left hand studs for the wheels on the left side of the car. I felt rather stupid with a broken off stud and nut in my hand. Then I noticed the 'L' stamped on the end of the stud. Then came enlightenment.

 

[Mamiya_Repair]

The self timer screw on the ME Super is indeed a left hand thread so you would turn it clockwise to loosen. Attached is a photo of the factory tool for removing this part on the ME Super, you could make this tool out of a flathead screwdriver and a file or Dremel tool.

 

[4season]

Yes, turn the screw clockwise to loosen. A tool similar to a rubber stopper is safest as it's very unlikely to scratch or elongate the holes. Japan Hobby Tool sells sets, but I imagine any number of improvised solutions would work.

 

[fabulousrice]

The self timer screw on the ME Super is indeed a left hand thread so you would turn it clockwise to loosen. Attached is a photo of the factory tool for removing this part on the ME Super, you could make this tool out of a flathead screwdriver and a file or Dremel tool.

Wow that's cool that you have a photo of the tool! I use a spanner wrench like I said, and it was quite difficult already for me to obtain (I knew what I needed... but I had no idea what it was called!).
Also thanks for the recommendation - a clockwise spin it was!

I'm happy with the result - these are covers from Cameraleather (I think? Or someone in Japan whose contacts I've lost).
The back plate was the hardest since there was no way to remove the film type cardboard holder window thingie. I think it's decent, the point is to use the camera not display it in a museum

 

[cmacd123]

I just wish that someone would start selling kits of those special tools. hard to use a dremel to that level of Precision.

 

[fabulousrice]

I just wish that someone would start selling kits of those special tools. hard to use a dremel to that level of Precision.

Agreed. Another issue is that the Dremel would spin at 5000 turns a second while this needs 6-7 precise turns... Quality not quantity!

 

[cmacd123]

Agreed. Another issue is that the Dremel would spin at 5000 turns a second while this needs 6-7 precise turns... Quality not quantity!

I was thinking more of the suggestion to use a dremel to mutilate a screwdriver into a tool to fit that Retainer screw. (pentax part
23900-A122)

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

You use the dremel to remove the head of the screw. Then you drill the remains of the screw out of the hole. Tap the hole for a new size in a left-hand Whitworth thread. Fabricate a new screw on a lathe. Plate the screw with chrome over nickel. Triumphantly put the lever back with the new screw. And film the whole process and put it up on YouTube.

 

[monopix]

I'm happy with the result - these are covers from Cameraleather (I think? Or someone in Japan whose contacts I've lost).

Those are from Aki-Asahi in Japan

http://aki-asahi.com/store/index.php

 

[fabulousrice]

I was thinking more of the suggestion to use a dremel to mutilate a screwdriver into a tool to fit that Retainer screw. (pentax part
23900-A122)

Oh ok lol I didn't understand that was the suggestion

You use the dremel to remove the head of the screw. Then you drill the remains of the screw out of the hole. Tap the hole for a new size in a left-hand Whitworth thread. Fabricate a new screw on a lathe. Plate the screw with chrome over nickel. Triumphantly put the lever back with the new screw. And film the whole process and put it up on YouTube.

All that to get 500 views over 10 years? Haha

Those are from Aki-Asahi in Japan

Thank you! I might order more from them...

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

All that to get 500 views over 10 years? Haha

HaHa indeed:

https://www.youtube.com/user/erzzi6/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4DrRcQ8e7I4544juTmgkZg
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIGEtjevANE0Nqain3EqNSg/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNc6JujTtkIyuZskIeNEGg/videos

It's a million subscriber big business. What's missing here is a new channel "Unnecessarily Complicated Camera Repairs."

We already have "Unnecessarily Pedantic Camera Repairs": https://www.youtube.com/user/mikeno62

 

[fabulousrice]

HaHa indeed:

https://www.youtube.com/user/erzzi6/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4DrRcQ8e7I4544juTmgkZg
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIGEtjevANE0Nqain3EqNSg/videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNc6JujTtkIyuZskIeNEGg/videos

It's a million subscriber big business. What's missing here is a new channel "Unnecessarily Complicated Camera Repairs."

We already have "Unnecessarily Pedantic Camera Repairs": https://www.youtube.com/user/mikeno62

Don't get me wrong, I love restoration videos, but for all the work these people are putting, and all the chemicals they expose themselves to (and all the types of dust getting in their lungs), not a single one has reached a million views (youtube pays views, not subscribers... I myself have over 300 subscriptions, but since I never go on youtube...).
Someone in my family was getting around a million views per video they were posting, less than 10 years ago - all that without exposing themselves to cancer-inducing chemicals all they did was share impressions and jokes about school or video games.

Long story short, my hobby's photography, and making simple repairs - everyone wants subscribers and youtube views but it's really not my thing.