Does self-timer equal self destruct?

R Alan

Registered Idiot
Local time
6:30 AM
Joined
Aug 29, 2005
Messages
37
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Yesterday I shot a roll or two with my GIII strapped to the roof rack of my truck to try and get some blurred surreal action photos. In order to get up to speed after tripping the shutter I was using the self timer to give myself 10 seconds or so. I've always known on old cameras like my Yashica D that using the self timer can somehow goof up the insides. What happens to the Canonets if the self timer self destructs? Will the camera still function or will I have to break out the jewelers tools?

Roy
 
Break out the Ronsonol and Spanner. The self timer can cause the whole camera to lock up. I received one that way, bought non-working. In went the lighter-fluid, the self-timer counted down, shutter operated great. A good flood cleaning fixed the problem. Popped the front module to get to the mechanism.
 
If it does go, whatever you do don't try and force it. This is what causes the problems not the timer. The operating arm gets bent and the only real solution then is to get inside and disable it completely. If it just stops and you haven't forced and good clean as Brian says will get everything going again.
 
I speak from experience, the self timer on the GIII is very very far away. Takes a lot of puzzling to get there. Short wires and all. I regretfully did not succeed, the lens went to Jon Goodman, a very good purpose at least!

good luck, Rob.
 
Thanks for the advice... When I first got the GIII I pulled it apart to disable the faulty battery check light circuit, and put a few drops of naphtha where I saw moving parts. Maybe some dripped to the right place. So long as I don't have a heavy hand when it locks up I should be fine. Thanks again.

Roy
 
Back
Top Bottom