Petri Color 35 problems

[ErickD]

Hi, I bought a Petri Color 35 about 11 months ago. I used it for a while then put it on the shelf for a couple of months. I picked it up today but it's not working anymore. The advance lever wont advance so the shutter wont click. I tried clicking the buttons at the top and bottom while advancing but it's not working. Changed the batteries, nothing happens. Anybody know what's up?

 

[Dave S.]

I have the same problem. Mine started after I took the top plate off and reattached the frame line component which had come unglued and was sitting cockeyed. It will fire a few times, but then intermittently jam up and not fire anymore the same as yours. Hopefully someone here can provide us guidance. I'm hoping to open mine back up and if I can identify the problem and get it working again I'll post my solution.

 

[sevo]

There is a lock that prevents releasing if the lens is collapsed, which sometimes came stuck on mine until I re-lubricated it.

 

[Dave S.]

There is a lock that prevents releasing if the lens is collapsed, which sometimes came stuck on mine until I re-lubricated it.

Do you recall where this lock is located? What did you use for lubrication? Thanks!

 

[kuzano]

The lens lock is

The lens lock is

The center wheel at the top center of the back locks the mechanism until the wheel which extends the lens is spun out until the lens reaches the zone focus area.

The frame line component coming loose and sitting cockeyed is a common fault of the camera, but is not linked to the lens extending wheel. It sounds like you may have overlooked that the lens has to be extended out in order for the mechanical functions of the camera to work.

There is a fellow who sells a spiral bound repair manual for the Petri Color 35. Be sure NOT to get the manual for the Petri "Color 35" E automatic. Totally different camera and not a very good one.

A fully functioning Color 25 or Color 35D (300 top shutter speed) is a great pocket camera. No bigger than An Olympus XA for the most part, and a good lens.

 

[Dave S.]

Thanks for your input kuzano. I am aware of the necessity of extending the lens for the camera to function. I don't believe that is my particular problem. I took the camera apart a bit tonight and I suspect that the lock that prevents releasing if the lens is collapsed is the culprit as suggested by sevo. Once I can identify where that part is and how to re-lubricate it I am hopeful I'll be back in business.

 

[kuzano]

OKey DOkey

OKey DOkey

I've ordered the repair manual and awaiting it. My Color 35 needs to have the view finder lines re-oriented. Am picking up another... The D model soon. Like them a bunch.

Good luck. Please consider posting your solution to this thread. Will check back.

 

[Dave S.]

I've ordered the repair manual and awaiting it. My Color 35 needs to have the view finder lines re-oriented. Am picking up another... The D model soon. Like them a bunch.

Good luck. Please consider posting your solution to this thread. Will check back.

Yes, I really like mine too. I have two. One I picked up several years ago when I was first getting into film photography. The shutter was sticky as heck and so I ended up sending it to "The Head Bartender" to get a CLA (I didn't even know RFF existed back then!). I bought my second here on RFF for the cost of shipping - a black body version no less! Once I fixed the frame lines on it I started having problems 😡. If you can post any information on the locking mechanism (i.e. location) you come across in the repair manual you just ordered I would appreciate it. I'm not sure I'll be able to figure it out on my own. Thanks!