FED 3- Shutter way too fast

[reub2000]

I was just testing out a FED 3 that I acquired a couple of months ago. Only a couple of the frames came out on the film. What I found was that most of the time the second curtain of the shutter would move with the first curtain, making it so the film didn't get any exposure. Is this something simple or complex to deal with?

 

[Valkir1987]

The shutter of this type is developed in such way that the first curtain takes the second curtain with it in the right position. If the second curtain is to fast it will close the narrow space of light, resulting in an onexposed negative.

But there might be another problem causing this problem, in the shutter meganism there is a lever 'catching the second curtain' so it can be released on the right time. If this lever doesn't catch the second shutter arm both curtains will travel across the plane without any light getting through.

Try to lower the tension on both curtains, it might be overtensioned because the shutter was to slow. In that case some parts need to be lubricated. Otherwise the problem is in the shutter mechanism. There is a good article on this forum about cleaning and adjusting the shutter. Good luck 🙂

 

[wolves3012]

I can think of two likely scenarios:

1) The second blind is over-tensed, or the first under-tensed. The second blind catches the first and the exposure is capped. Usually at least some of the frame would be exposed, however.

2) The first curtain sticks due to severe under-tensioning or dirt/dried up lube etc. The second curtain collides with it, pushing it closed but giving no exposure. I had this happen on my Z5 (but only at /1250!) due to the second curtain release mechanism fouling the first curtain's travel.

Either way around the camera needs some disassembly to find the root cause. There are other possibilities than the two above, so first establish the "disease" before prescribing the "treatment"!

 

[fidget]

The advice above will get you sorted. I just wanted to add that if the shutter behaves the same on 1/25th and on B, then the release mechanism probably isn't trapping the second curtain correctly. This is very common and is easily fixed, if you are up to taking the top cover off for a bit of light CLA.

 

[JonP]

I've also got a FED3 type a, and that arrived with NO tension in the shutter curtains, How many turns do you reckon for a good starting point? And would you start with both curtains tensioned to the same degree? I've contacted the seller and got an "Oops" back, with pictures, with the advice of some turns!

 

[fidget]

Ah, that's a good question! It will get many different answers. I suggest that you could start with around 4 or 5 turns for the first and 3 1/2 for the second. Once you get it to work you can fine tune it with the "HOW-To" at the top of the FSU section. Does it all otherwise look good?

The second curtain should always be at a lower tension than the first.

 

[JonP]

It looks real nice, just couldn't resist it in black. I know not original but I liked it and it's the only cosmetically modified one I've got - though a black Kiev is tempting.