Stereo Realist shutter problem -URGENT

avortex · Aug 19, 2019

I’ve been cleaning the shutter of my STEREO REALIST camera, and while now it works fine, a new problem has arised. When I cock the shutter, the exposure is automatically made without using the shutter release. It must have a simple solution (I suspect that some piece is out of place) but I’m on holidays -not even on my country- and I don’t have another camera to compare the mechanics.
Any guidance to solve this problem will let me continue taking pictures, so a BIG thank you in advance!

Kino · Aug 19, 2019

I have no way of knowing how you cleaned the shutter but that usually indicates to me that some of the sticky grease you cleaned off the blades has migrated to the latching mechanism that holds the shutter in tension. The latch is now sticky and must be cleaned as well.

I have a Stereo Realist, but have never cleaned the shutter(s), but have had other rangefinders exhibit this symptom. I usually had to continue cleaning the shutter until it disappeared...

Your mileage may vary...

shutterfinger · Aug 19, 2019

Shutter Double lamellar type shutter, behind the lenses. Cocked with seperate lever

The only time I've encountered a shutter releasing as soon as the shutter cocking lever is released is when a latching lever is sticking and not operating correctly.
Double check your assembly or flush it some more.

avortex · Aug 19, 2019

Thanks a lot for the ideas! I’m using contact cleaner, as suggested in this video: I’ll try your ideas tonight and keep you informed tomorrow.

Truzi · Aug 19, 2019

I don't know if this will help, buy my View Master personal will fire the shutter on advance only with a cable release. If I screw in the release to the same depth after advancing, there is no problem - it only happens when I leave it in. (So I don't use the cable release, lol.)

Like Shutterfinger suggested, something may be sticking. It just may not be the most obvious thing. I'd still start with the obvious, though.

avortex · Aug 20, 2019

Thanks for all the help.
Unfortunately, after a new cleaning the problem persists. I’ve uploaded a little video to show you this strange shutter behaviour:
Please, also take a look at the picture of the camera. Perhaps you can find if something is out of place...

Kino · Aug 20, 2019

This lever appears to be stuck or gummy...

Try flushing the pivot point with naptha or solvent until it freely moves.

It doesn't appear to be swinging down to latch the shutter in firing position and allows it to fire without pressing the release.

This is also a compound lever with more than one moving "leg" on the bottom; make sure they both move freely and the wire springs hold tension on them.

AgX · Aug 20, 2019

avortex said:
I’m using contact cleaner, as suggested ...

I do not kow what is suggested in that video, but there are different compounds marketed as contact cleaner. The most popular one over here, which even caused the success of its manufacturer, leaves a residue behind.

avortex · Aug 20, 2019

Ok, my friends, problem solved
It was a very silly thing. I’ve checked the book “Stereo Realist Manual” and I’ve seen a drawing of the internal parts.

I’ve compared it to my camera and I’ve noticed that the wire that keeps the compound lever in the correct position was stuck between the two “legs”. Now, as you can see in the photo, is in its correct position and working perfectly fine.

Many thanks for all the contributions! You’re great!

Truzi · Aug 20, 2019

Glad you worked it out.

Stereo Realist shutter problem -URGENT

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