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on Apr 16, 2019 9:02:20 GMT
Last Edit: Apr 16, 2019 10:17:43 GMT by bp_reid
I have been picking up a few spares or repairs Contaxes off eBay recently. Firstly an RTS and a 139 which both just needed a new battery and a good clean up to be immediately usable, after which i replaced the leathers. Happy days. last week I put in a low-ish bid for a really nice looking, but non-working RTS II which looked really nice (including the leather) thinking if it might be a simple fix and, in any case, if I can't get it going it will be a nice display case camera... Anyway, it arrived and is good enough to be in a display case, just a couple of small scratches and light wear. I went to boots and grabbed a new PX28 popped it in and the meter lit up, pressing the shutter button lighted the databack signal below the shutter but wouldn't fire. The mechanical release however worked and after about 10 shots the shutter release worked normally in both Auto and manual. However, after a couple of days it stuck and I have had to repeat the process. My question is, is it plausible that the camera has simply suffered from lack of use (given the condition) and might free up over time? image of camera... Contax RTS II by Barry Reid, on Flickr
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Status: Failed treatment for L.B.A. and G.A.S,
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on Apr 16, 2019 19:09:15 GMT
Posted: Apr 16, 2019 19:09:15 GMT
After a quick search, I found some old posts on RTS shutter issues that might be helpful... rangefinderforums: Intermittent and sticky + not firing - mflenses: jammed shutter w/photos Since these use electronic systems tied to the mechanical parts of the shutter, it might be a case of needing to clean both the electrical contacts and cleaning the gunk off of the actuators/levers/gears and then replacing it. Non-conductive oxidation occurs on electrical stuff over time and lubricants fail with age. It may well be related to shelf-sitting, but my guess is that if it only works for a bit and reverts back to being sticky... exercising the mechanical parts won't be a permanent fix for long, and before you know it... the exercising fix stops working too.
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on Apr 18, 2019 15:17:40 GMT
Posted: Apr 18, 2019 15:17:40 GMT
Thanks for the response, Lumiworx. I understand that generally, things don't juste get better.
However, blind optimism is winning at the moment... After posting on Tuesday I had a bit more time to spend with the camera and I found it to be hesitant both opening and closing the shutter. However, doing about 100-150 firings using the normal release button (rather than just a few) seems to have freed up everything. Indeed the shutter sounds right and consistent at all speeds in a way that it didn't to start with. I have also been able to just I pick it up and press the button at various times today. The mirror foam is now replaced and a 24exp. film loaded for testing over Easter.
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on Apr 18, 2019 19:27:09 GMT
Posted: Apr 18, 2019 19:27:09 GMT
That's certainly a good sign if it keeps getting better with each repetition. If it does start to go backwards at some point later on, at least the indications you have now point to it being fixable with some minor cleaning if you'd choose to make it longer lasting - or at the very least, remembering to redo the same exercises prior to shooting more rolls.
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on May 15, 2019 10:51:52 GMT
Posted: May 15, 2019 10:51:52 GMT
Managed to get the film shot, but not yet processed. Then camera is now running very nicely, and worked perfectly after a 2 week layoff too. Hopefully when I get the results there won't be any shutter capping or the like and hopefully no light leaks as there aren't really any light seal kits out there.
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on May 15, 2019 19:55:32 GMT
Posted: May 15, 2019 19:55:32 GMT
hopefully no light leaks as there aren't really any light seal kits out there. Light seal kits are a waste of money. Why line someone else's pockets when you can by sheets and cut your own?
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on May 12, 2020 19:01:45 GMT
Last Edit: May 12, 2020 19:02:08 GMT by lenslover
hopefully no light leaks as there aren't really any light seal kits out there. Light seal kits are a waste of money. Why line someone else's pockets when you can by sheets and cut your own? Because it does take a hell long time, to measure that all, some, like myself, don't have time for this into life, and finding a proper replacement material to use as lightseal, too.
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on May 13, 2020 10:54:21 GMT
Posted: May 13, 2020 10:54:21 GMT
Light seal kits are a waste of money. Why line someone else's pockets when you can by sheets and cut your own? Because it does take a hell long time,
Takes me about 5 minutes to cut a full set.
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on May 13, 2020 16:17:34 GMT
Posted: May 13, 2020 16:17:34 GMT
Because it does take a hell long time,
Takes me about 5 minutes to cut a full set. Yes, because you're used to-do so. I don't want to measure each of my Contax, Yashica or Minolta SLRs, when i do need a new Replacement Kit.
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