Agfa Silette shutter not closing until I advance film

[SilleteOwner]

Hi all. I'm quite new to photography, and having fun using an old Agfa Silette camera. It's the Color Apotar Prontor-SVS version.

I took it away on holiday, and got through 2 films just fine. On the third, I hit an issue about half way through.

As in the title, when I take a photo (in any combination of settings) the shutter remains stuck open. However, when I turn the film advance lever, to prepare for the next shot, this closes the shutter.

Can anyone suggest what might have happened here, and give me an idea of how I can fix it? I know these cameras can be had cheaply, but this is my 2nd one of these (I destroyed the first through stupidity/inexperience) and I've been super happy with how well it works other than this issue, so I'd really like to fix it!

 

[retinax]

Could be just sticky shutter blades, but I think I've also encountered something like this when the shutter was not cocked completely or perhaps cocked too far because the gearing that cocks it was off. I don't know how this works on the Silette, could it have jumped a tooth?
Typical of sticky shutter blades or other lubricant-turned-goo-issues would be if it gets worse in lower temperatures or after sitting unused.

 

[SilleteOwner]

Thanks for the reply retinax!

I don't think it's sticky shutter blades, necessarily. Although, it also seems that after looking at my negatives, the shutter didn't fire at all on about 10% of my photos 🙁 I was in really warm weather when the problem occurred - in fact, I've only used it in warm weather.

I think it's possible that it did 'jump a tooth' ... perhaps I need to just get a tiny screwdriver, open it up, and have a fiddle around inside?

 

[retinax]

Hmm as I said I don't know the Silette but sticky shutter blades are a possibility with all old leaf shutters. It sure will also have an effect when it's warm. You could put the camera in the freezer for a little (in a ziplock bag!), if it's worse then, pretty certain it's this sort of issue. Don't force anything though if it's hard to operate when cold.
If you decide to tackle any repair, do look for a manual or some sort of online tutorial, video etc. beforehand! You'll also need at least a lens spanner. And do not, I repeat DO NOT follow the advice sometimes found online to squirt lighter fluid into the shutter while assembled. That can cause problems because it just moves the goo around inside the mechanism.