35G shutter problems

[spin_one]

I recently got hold of a Electro 35G from eBay for just 10€ It was complete and in nice condition regarding scratches and dents also - but it must have been the dirtiest camera I've ever seen...

After cleaning every single part, replacing the pad of death and building my own battery adaptor I have an almost working camera now - if it weren't for the shutter.

Well, I forgot to take a picture of it, but here's a nice one on Matt Dentons page:

http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/electro_inside/10-shutter_cocked.jpg

The problem is the following: the crank above the magnet, which is caught by the part right next to magnet in the picture does not go there in my camera. This results in the shutter not opening at all. If you latch it there manually while pulling the advance lever the shutter opens, but not all the way. It halts at roughly an aperture of 2.

My first idea was that the part labeled "A" in the picture does no turn enough while charging the shutter - but I have no idea why that should be. It's not blocked at least (even though it does not turn too easily). The only thing I can imagine to do is to take away a little part of the lower crank - but since it has been working before like that, that can't be the best way to solve the problem.

Anybody ever encountered similar problems? I'm very grateful for ideas!

 

[b1bmsgt]

Is the self timer lever in the position shown in the picture, or is it down at the lower end of the notch? I ask because what you describe sounds like what happens when the self timer is stuck in the cocked position...


Russ

 

[spin_one]

The self timer is as shown in the picture and the crank that blocks the shutter if the timer is in use seems to be out of the way.

Can it be that the advance lever doesn't cock the shutter enough? I will take the camera apart again and see if it works if I charge it manually. But the lever seems to go smoothly all the way...

 

[spin_one]

Ok, so I took it apart again: if you cock the shutter by hand, it is working. But the film lever seems to work as it should and from my point of view the connection between shutter mechanism and lever can only be put together in one orientation - or am I mistaken there? I wonder what that little spring on the connection between the lever and the gear for the shutter is good for, it seems to hang loose all the time.

 

[b1bmsgt]

I wonder what that little spring on the connection between the lever and the gear for the shutter is good for, it seems to hang loose all the time.

Can you post a picture of it?

from my point of view the connection between shutter mechanism and lever can only be put together in one orientation - or am I mistaken there?

No, it can only go one way.


Russ

 

[spin_one]

First of all: thank you very much for the help so far!

Attached are some pictures of the shutter cocking mechanism. It all looks fine to me, but I think you'll see what I was saying about the spring.

Björn

 

[b1bmsgt]

Well, everything looks normal to me...

I never really thought about it before, but I don't see what that spring does either!!

Russ

 

[spin_one]

On Saturday I finally found the time to fix the POD on another 35G I bought after being unable to resolve the problem with the shutter on the first one. Combining the best of both made a really nice camera and the first roll of b/w film came out quite good I think... prints are due tonight.

Anyhow, I just wanted to use the opportunity to thank you again for your help!

Cheers,
Björn

 

[b1bmsgt]

I have run into a few that were acting in a similar manner. Wish I could figure out what causes it...

Russ