1/500th on Retina

[JSteed#2]

My gorgeous Retina (Rodenstock) works perfectly except at 1/500, when the shutter does not open. I read that there is a separate 1/500 spring. Is this something i can fix myself? Any instructions on opening the beauty up?
Thanks

 

[Duofold RF]

Is this a synchro compur or compur rapid shutter? Compur rapid has a boost spring for 1/500 which need move to 1/500 before cock/charge the shutter. If it is synchro compur, may need CLA to bring it back to work condition.

 

[Duofold RF]

Here are two photos of IIIc synchro compur shutter

 

[Duofold RF]

Chris is a Retina repair master tech, you also can get info here

Chris Sherlock's Kodak Retina & Retinette camera repair service

Chris Sherlock's repair service for Kodak Retina, Retinette, and other 'classic' cameras

retinarescue.com

 

[x-ray]

I wouldn’t even mess with it if it were my camera. I have never seen a leaf shutter even get closet to the marked top speed. Usually the 1/500 is around 1/300-1/350 at best. Copal shutters are just as bad.

 

[Muggins]

I wouldn’t even mess with it if it were my camera. I have never seen a leaf shutter even get closet to the marked top speed. Usually the 1/500 is around 1/300-1/350 at best. Copal shutters are just as bad.

Although that's within half a stop, which is fine for negative film generally.

Unfortunately Chris Sherlock has retired and now only does cameras for fun, though you may find what you want on his website or YouTube channel.

 

[raydm6]

Paul Barden (Corvallis, Oregon) works on certain Retinas. Not sure which model you have?

Paul Barden on Exposure

Grumpy botano-photographer. This site is about the Kodak Retina cameras made in Germany By August Nagel's camera factory in Stuttgart, from 1934 through 1968. Much of the content you will find here deals with the history and repair/servicing of these cameras.

kodakretina.exposure.co

Kodak Retina Camera Servicing by Paul Barden on Exposure

Please view my work intake document here.

kodakretina.exposure.co

Kodak Retina Camera CLA and Repair Service by Paul Barden on Exposure

Kodak Retina CLA/Service

kodakretina.exposure.co

 

[Muggins]

Paul Barden (Corvallis, Oregon) works on certain Retinas. Not sure which model you have?

Paul Barden on Exposure

Grumpy botano-photographer. This site is about the Kodak Retina cameras made in Germany By August Nagel's camera factory in Stuttgart, from 1934 through 1968. Much of the content you will find here deals with the history and repair/servicing of these cameras.

kodakretina.exposure.co

Kodak Retina Camera Servicing by Paul Barden on Exposure

Please view my work intake document here.

kodakretina.exposure.co

Kodak Retina Camera CLA and Repair Service by Paul Barden on Exposure

Kodak Retina CLA/Service

kodakretina.exposure.co

Paul is also the person Chris recommended when he retired.

 

[TenEleven]

Before we go any further down this road, are you sure the shutter actually does not open? Lens at full aperture, camera back open with the lens facing a window and peer through it as the shutter fires? You should see a flicker of light. Also of course the obligatory shutter noises.

The reason why I am asking is that if the shutter spring is in good nick they can get 1/350 to 1/400th (although what speed you exactly get varies shot by shot - a Nikon F2 this isn't) which can - especially in dim light - look as if the blades are not moving at all when in fact it is firing.

Edit: There should be also a notable increase in resistance both in the speed dial when setting 1/500th and when charging the shutter. If the booster spring were absent or weak you should - from my understanding working with these shutters - just get the next lowest speed again unless something is seriously fouling up.

 

[Tim Murphy]

Paul is also the person Chris recommended when he retired.

Dear Muggins,

I'll second Paul Barden for Retina users in the USA.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

 

[Muggins]

Before we go any further down this road, are you sure the shutter actually does not open? Lens at full aperture, camera back open with the lens facing a window and peer through it as the shutter fires? You should see a flicker of light. Also of course the obligatory shutter noises.

Good point, I've been got by this myself a couple of times. Yes, absolutely check as TenEleven says if you haven't already. 1/500th is pushing the human eye's ability to spot it moving.