1/500 shutter speed of IIa

[malkmata]

Hi everyone,
I just picked up a nice Retina IIA from Keh. I have my first test roll in it right now. One thing I notice it that I cannot change the shutter speed to 1/500 once the shutter is cocked. Is this normal for this model?
Thanks a lot.

Norman

 

[Al Kaplan]

Probably. I've run into other cameras like that. I think another spring kicks in to get the 1/500th second speed. Both have to be cocked together.

 

[murpograph]

yes it seems to be normal for the compur-shutters. I've noticed this for all Retinas I own. It is however not impossible to go for the 1/500 after cocking but it's quite hard (mentally) to overcome the resistance as you will be in fear to break a spring inside.

Regards
Udo

 

[malkmata]

Thanks guys for the info. One less thing to worry about!

 

[VictorM.]

Selecting 1/500 sec while the shutter is cocked is a very bad idea. The booster spring in a Synchro-Compur shutter for 1/500 is very strong and other parts may be bent or broken if the controls are forced.

 

[ZorkiKat]

The Retina instructions are contradictory. Another instruction booklet (later version) for the Retina IIa says:

"You can set the shutter speeds before or after cocking the shutter. But set 1/500 second preferably before cocking, since for technical reasons it is easier to do so. To set the shutter after cocking requires a little additional effort, although it will not harm the camera."

 

[malkmata]

I just found this second version of the manual online. I will just change the 1/250 & 1/500 shutter speeds before cocking. Don't want to take chances of breaking anything. Thanks guys!