Canon LTM Canon Vt help?

[JohnTF]

Just picked up a Vt, the manual wind is in the up position, the black dots are aligned, the camera seems to function well, but the release button to return the knob to the down position is not budging. I see the manual tells you to return the advance knob to the down position before using the lever wind, and of course that was not done-- any consequences with using it as it is?

Seems to have a nice viewfinder, good contrast RF image, lens needs some help, it is the 50mm 2.8 and I understand cleaning that one is not a simple task.

Thanks,

Regards, John

 

[xayraa33]

No consequences John, I most times leave the wind knob up regardless if I am using the bottom lever winder or not.
Look at it this way, the older bottom loader Canons always had the wind knob in place when an optional Canonvit type winder was used.

The worse that can happen is the skin of your right hand can get ground down a bit if you are not careful 🙂

 

[JohnTF]

Thanks, it is in very nice working and cosmetic shape, plus the bonus that it has a good viewfinder. I first picked it up and thought otherwise, until I found the switch to return it to normal from RF setting. ;-)

So, not only a great looking vintage RF, but an excellent user, though I think the lenses of choice may be from my LTM collection.

I did send a nice 50mm vintage Canon with a Bessa to a good photo friend in Cambodia, no regrets, she is a great photographer, and I believe the subject of the most popular image in my gallery. I will find something suitable for it -- figure the 2.8 is iffy at best- I hear the coatings are pretty soft.

A spiffy case came with it as well, and it is marked EP, I picked it up at the Show in Cleveland on Sunday.

John

 

[Paul Connet]

Just picked up a Vt, the manual wind is in the up position, the black dots are aligned, the camera seems to function well, but the release button to return the knob to the down position is not budging. I see the manual tells you to return the advance knob to the down position before using the lever wind, and of course that was not done-- any consequences with using it as it is?

Regards, John

Hi John,
I just tried playing with mine without trying to exactly duplicate your sequence of events, but mine does not seem to ever lock up the release button. It moves against the spring tension regardless of whether the shutter is cocked or uncocked. Have you tried tripping the shutter and recocking with the manual knob raised. Mine will do that with no problem. I'm not quite ready to try and recock the shutter with the lever wind and the knob up to duplicate your situation.

Maybe someone will chime in with the real solution. Regards, Paul C.

 

[JohnTF]

I am not at all sure what has caused this, just checked the manual, and it said to return the advance knob to the down position before using the lever wind.
It does not seem stuck, it still moves freely up perhaps a half mm, and I jiggled it, but that press release is very tight.

Manual says it is for winding when you have a tripod and cannot use the lever?


Thanks, John

 

[JohnTF]

Seems to be a stuck button, which is now stuck "in" with the wind in the recessed position, may have to ask someone's opinion on the proper lube or solvent for it? I see it does not rotate when it is down and the film is advanced with the lever.

John

 

[john341]

I just had a look at my VT .. didn't know the advance knob would come up...to get it down I simply pressed the small button on the back behind that knob and down it fell! Top machine, the VT Hope you sort the return out...

 

[JohnTF]

Don't think I will be taking the top off to free up the button ;-) - but will keep it in mind if it needs service, everything else seems very good, lens needs to be cleaned.

Any one using the 50mm 2.8?

John

 

[Nokton48]

I'm using the 50mm F2.8, it's a great lens. I sent my VT to Essex Camera Repair, if yours has not had a recent CLA, I have always been pleased with the results, and they are very fast.

 

[JohnTF]

I'm using the 50mm F2.8, it's a great lens. I sent my VT to Essex Camera Repair, if yours has not had a recent CLA, I have always been pleased with the results, and they are very fast.

Thanks, I think I have put a few kids of repairmen through college. ;-)

Brian tells me there is an issue with these lenses and the oil used in the aperture?

John

 

[Nokton48]

I took my Canon 50mm F1.2 apart, cleaned inside, and got it back together in about half an hour, and I was being rather slow about it. Had to try several times, on the re-assembly 😛.

Camera bodies I don't mess with. Those I send to Essex.

 

[JohnTF]

Well, I do have a few friends who help me out, am pretty good mechanically, but am still thinking about that watch I took apart when I was about 8 yr. old. ;-)

I do not have the right tools, though I saw someone use a pair of scissors for a spanner.

I have cleaned some which came apart easily, i.e. no tools needed.

I have three shutters in for a CLA on some other system, this one missed the boat.

I also do not know really which lenses need the elements realigned and which ones do not.

You missed this show, you could have given me an on the spot diagnosis?

I do not know when and if the next club show will be this good, there were a good mix of dealers, club members, but no students or teachers took advantage of the free admission, RFF members got a discount as well.


Regards, John