Contax II shutter jam

[De_Corday]

Hey all. Recently acquired a Contax II of pretty solid provenance... One previous owner, a very mechanically inclined watchmaker. The shutter was jammed--it wouldn't cock. It made it halfway up the film gate and stopped.

So I pulled the film gate cover, Cocked the shutter... Now the top curtain won't come down. The bottom is movable by hand but won't budge more than a few millimeters when the release is tripped.

The ribbons look to be in decent condition, so I don't want to fiddle with the springs unless I have to. I've never had one of these apart before... Any recommendations?

 

[nhchen]

The speed escapements may be gummed up which may be causing this jam. Does it get stuck only on the slow speeds? sometime the fast speed still work ok.

regards,
nathan

 

[Kevcaster]

OK It is unclear from the pictures what is the problem. What is clear is the condition of the camera which is excellent and worth investing in.
The shutter crate is easy to remove and can be flooded with Ronsenol to ungum it if that is the problem. If it is the first curtain springs the you will find that out.
Replacing the springs is very difficult, but replacing the first curtain with a Kiev unit is not that difficult but quite exacting in getting the spring tension right. If you are nervous then send it in to one of the recommended service techs in these forums and enjoy a great camera in great condition.