Intermittent lag in shutter

[baptnz]

I got a Minolta CLE off eBay last year from a reputable trader in Japan, seemingly in great condition, but every now and then I miss a few shots because the shutter lags ~1s before action after I fully press the button. This only happens a couple of times per roll, and I can't find any clear reasons why this happens some times and not others.

I wonder if this might be a well-known fault, or an electronic/battery problem maybe. I use standard LR44, not SR44, so I wonder if the slightly lower voltage might have something to do with this?

Many thanks

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The CLE has an electronic shutter release. Could be low battery voltage; cameras of that era often did not do well using alkaline batteries. The Olympus OM-2 and OM-4 are both notorious for locking up when using alkalines because the battery voltage drops too low for the camera to function after only a short time of use. I'd try it with silver-oxides to see if that fixes it.

If it doesn't, it could be a dirty switch or a circuitry problem inside the camera; you'll need to send it to a tech for service in that case, and you may end up being told its is unfixable if it needs electronic parts.

 

[Beemermark]

A lot of the CLE problems were due to slight oxidation on the surfaces of moving electrical switch, like the one in the shutter release. Any competent repair shop should be able to do a CLA on the camera.

 

[monopix]

The manual states Silver or Alkaline batteries are OK. It's unlikely to be battery related. It's more likely a mechanical issue. Something gets hung up due to lack of lubrication or lube that has become thick. Does it happen mostly after a period of lack of use (might be an hour or a week)? That would be a typical pattern.

 

[Rob-F]

The CLE has an electronic shutter release. Could be low battery voltage; cameras of that era often did not do well using alkaline batteries. The Olympus OM-2 and OM-4 are both notorious for locking up when using alkalines because the battery voltage drops too low for the camera to function after only a short time of use. I'd try it with silver-oxides to see if that fixes it.

If it doesn't, it could be a dirty switch or a circuitry problem inside the camera; you'll need to send it to a tech for service in that case, and you may end up being told its is unfixable if it needs electronic parts.

It would be a shame to be told it isn't fixable! The CLE is quite a camera. If one place says they can't fix it, I'd send it to another, and not give up. Someone will have the parts! Better get started, though!

 

[baptnz]

Thanks everyone. No obvious cause it seems, I guess I'll first try with brand new silver batteries, to rule this out, and see if the problem gets worse over time, or if I can notice a pattern (so far I haven't – can happen immediately after several successful shots).

 

[Shafovaloff1]

I had a recent problem with my CLE...RESOLVED BY CHANGING TIHE ASA SELECTOR BACK TO 400, WHERE IT HAD BEEN, FROM RECENT CHANGE TO ASA 16OO. i SUPPOSE THIIS NARROWS THE AREA NEEDING CLEANING...SOMETHING LIKE A VARIABLE RESISTOR? ...SEE WHAT FOLLOWS...the automatic shutter setting is working ok but on manual shutter select I am getting shutter delay. The first curtain opens but there is delay for the closing curtain which closes on its own eventually or can be hurried by switching to different shutter speed....my suspicion is shutter button switch needs cleaning. The reason I suspect that cause is that in automatic there is electronic completion of the shutter circuit but on manual select there is a requirement of making electrical contact. Seldom do I use the manual select so the camera remains on to touch of the button. Hypothetical is that invites oxidation or corrosion. I switched to fresh batteries with no change...new alkaline that is. So in the mean time I will be in automatic mode....no problem....nice camera IMHOP. Just working on a Contax II right now and will eventually repair the CLE....but it will have to wait. Thanks for any input from memebers.