Shutter problem on Olympus Pen F (1/2 frame film camera)

[Renamable]

Hello everyone, it’s my first post here. I got an Olympus pen f (the very original version) from a friend, he had informed me that it was malfunctioning. But I really wanna fix it since it was given as a gift. The problem is as following: the shutter works normally when the lens is removed from the camera body, but fails to fire when the lens is mounted on.
Does anyone else encounter a similar situation or have any idea on how to fix it?
Appreaciations in advance for your help! Btw, it’s really nice to see there are still many who enjoy photography with film!

 

[brbo]

Does the aperture actuator on the back of the lens moves freely as it should? If it's stuck the shutter can't fire when the lens is mounted.

 

[SteveInConverse]

Check any contacts the lens or body might have and ensure they are clean. I'd also swap out the batteries for good measure.

 

[r_a_feldman]

Check any contacts the lens or body might have and ensure they are clean. I'd also swap out the batteries for good measure.

The original Pen F does not use batteries (no internal light meter). So, as brbo wrote, check the aperture actuator lever on the lens to make sure it moves freely. You can also press in the smooth button on the lens (not the lens release button) to manually close down the diaphram, then try firing the shutter while the button is depressed.

 

[Cholentpot]

Hello everyone, it’s my first post here. I got an Olympus pen f (the very original version) from a friend, he had informed me that it was malfunctioning. But I really wanna fix it since it was given as a gift. The problem is as following: the shutter works normally when the lens is removed from the camera body, but fails to fire when the lens is mounted on.
Does anyone else encounter a similar situation or have any idea on how to fix it?
Appreaciations in advance for your help! Btw, it’s really nice to see there are still many who enjoy photography with film!

I had this issue and had to send it to get fixed. It has to do with a linkage.

 

[Huss]

Check any contacts the lens or body might have and ensure they are clean. I'd also swap out the batteries for good measure.

Steve you are thinking of the digital Pen F, not the OG film one the poster is referring to.

 

[SteveInConverse]

The original Pen F does not use batteries (no internal light meter). So, as brbo wrote, check the aperture actuator lever on the lens to make sure it moves freely. You can also press in the smooth button on the lens (not the lens release button) to manually close down the diaphram, then try firing the shutter while the button is depressed.

Sorry! I'll shut up now and let the adults talk

 

[SteveInConverse]

Steve you are thinking of the digital Pen F, not the OG film one the poster is referring to.

Bingo! Totally brain cramped

 

[Huss]

Bingo! Totally brain cramped

S'Awright. I had a digi Pen F - sweet camera. Sold it because too many cameras.

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to Photrio.
I've revised your thread title slightly, because as an owner of Olympus OM film equipment, and shared user of Olympus OMD M4/3 digital equipment, I know very well how easy it is to run into confusing information!

 

[wiltw]

If the shutter fires with lens off, but the shutter does not fire with lens mounted, I would immediately suspect that something in the lens is interfering with movement of the arm that swinsg to stop down the lens at time of exposure...check the action of that link on the lens (not the aperture pre-selection ring)

 

[Renamable]

Does the aperture actuator on the back of the lens moves freely as it should? If it's stuck the shutter can't fire when the lens is mounted.

You are my life saver Thanks!