FED2 shutter dial problems

[captainslack]

My FED2d has had a problem with it's shutter dial ever since I got it from alex-photo last month. When I lift the dial up, it doesn't want to drop back down after I select the speed I want. Consequently, I end up having to twist the dial around a lot until I find a spot where it will drop back to place in, then lift and drop it back again until I get it where I want it. Very annoying.

I've run two rolls of film through the camera. There didn't appear many problems with first roll. Most of the pics came out fine. However, on the second almost all the pics came out shaky, which makes me think the shutter speed isn't being set properly AND the problem is getting worse.

What I'm wondering is:

a) Is the shutter mechanism fouled up? (No, I haven't set the shutter without cocking it first.)

b) If not, would some lubing of the dial would fix the problem? If so, is this something I could do myself?

c) Or should I not tinker with this thing myself and send it back to the Motherland for a visit to Comrade Oleg instead?

 

[captainslack]

You mean the little screw that's on the dial itself?

 

[captainslack]

Yep! That's the one I was looking at. Unfortunately, I don't have a screwdriver small enough to fit into it. Guess I'll have to run to Radio Shack tomorrow and see if they have one.

Something is definitely wrong, though The dial is very loose and will twist freely after it finally goes back into position. I also can't seem to get it into the Bulb setting, unless I'm doing it wrong. You're supposed to twist the dial to "B" after setting the speed, right? If so, it's not working.

 

[captainslack]

Sounds like the knob is loose on the shaft.
The trick will be to get it in the right place, before tightening the screw.

Oh, boy!!! Any suggestions? Should I make sure the speed is set before tightening?

My first attempt at home camera repair! Wish me luck!! 🙄

 

[kiev4a]

Make sure it's locked down and then turn it in the direction you would go for the highest speed. When the knob wpn't turn any farther let it snap down into the farthest catch. Then loosen the screw and move the dial until 500 is lined up with the selector dot. Then tighten the screw. Most hardware stores--or a Home Depot should have the small screwdrivers. Use the largest flat blade that will fit.

 

[captainslack]

I sense impending disaster..... but I'll give it my best.

I'll let ya know tomorrow!!!

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

FSU mantra, cock shutter first... set speed after.

Go forth grass hopper!

 

[2maneekameras]

If you haven't already retightened the set screw, you could loosen it enought to remove the dial and look at the shaft. There may be an impression where the set screw originally touched the shaft. Reorient the shutter speed dial with the setscrew in that location and retighten the screw. Then check shutter speeds.

 

[captainslack]

WOO-HOO!!!!!

I FIXED IT!!!!!!

Followed greyhoundman's advice and found the "B" setting, then realigned the dial! Works like a charm now!!!

Thanks everyone who posted!!! I sincerely appreciate all your help!

My first camera repair and I didn't screw it up!!! 😀 😀 And for my next task, I'll walk on water. Nah... I'll fix that Canonet 19 I've got upstairs first. One miracle at a time. :angel:

 

[captainslack]

Glad to hear it.

Is the 19, the one with the bottom trigger winder?

The very same. I've got one of the Bell & Howell rebranded one's. Actually I think it's the original Canonet, but with the B&H logo on it and "Canonet 19" engraved on the top. I picked it up at a flea market and it's currently inoperative. The shutter is either stuck or broken completely. The viewfinder is also the color of old scotch tape. Now that I have a set of tools, I can open it up and start working on it! 😀 Gonna have to get a spanner wrench, though...

 

[dll927]

I bought one Zorki-4 that, when it arrived, the shutter speed dial wouldn't raise up at all. A bit of gentle help with a pliers solved the problem, and it works fine. I assume it just hadn't been used (or the dial changed) in a long time.