Rolleicord V - how to test shutter with back open?

[blee1996]

Hi, this might be a dumb question. I'm trying to test the leaf shutter of a Rolleicord V, but I cannot figure out a way. Once the back is removed, the pin pops up and resets the frame counter, which in turn locks the shutter cocking and release lever. Are there any way around it? Thanks!

 

[dourbalistar]

Hi, this might be a dumb question. I'm trying to test the leaf shutter of a Rolleicord V, but I cannot figure out a way. Once the back is removed, the pin pops up and resets the frame counter, which in turn locks the shutter cocking and release lever. Are there any way around it? Thanks!

Flip the double exposure prevention lever down (the lever on the right side of the camera face, opposite from the M/X flash sync lever) so that the red indicator shows. That should unlock the shutter cocking and release, and you should be able to test with the back removed.

 

[blee1996]

Thank you, that solves the mystery!

I mistakenly assumed that lever is for self timer, and I never dare to touch self timer on an old camera with unknown background.

Flip the double exposure prevention lever down (the lever on the right side of the camera face, opposite from the M/X flash sync lever) so that the red indicator shows. That should unlock the shutter cocking and release, and you should be able to test with the back removed.

 

[Dan Daniel]

I mistakenly assumed that lever is for self timer, and I never dare to touch self timer on an old camera with unknown background.

The self timer is connected to the flash sync selector. If the shutter is cocked and the flash sync is set to X, you can keep pushing that lever to set the self-timer mechanism. Then when you push the shutter release, the self timer will wind down and fire the shutter... well, that's the idea but as you know it doesn't always work on older cameras. At least you now know what can happen if you play with the flash sync lever.

 

[blee1996]

At least you now know what can happen if you play with the flash sync lever.

Definitely not playing with flash sync lever either. I know from experience that some Kodak shutters (Rapid 800 for Tourist, Synchro 300 for Signet 35), if the flash sync delay module is not working properly, the entire shutter cannot function either.