Flashmatic and Focus-ring Coupling

[HCEarwicker]

Hi all,

I know that in flash/flashmatic mode, the Olympus 35RC couples the focus ring with the aperture to set the correct flash exposure for the focussed distance, as set by the guide number. On my recently-acquired RC I can feel the increased tension as the focus ring pulls the aperture ring with it and that’s fine, as expected. But I also hear a sound like the teeth of a comb being flicked at some points of the focus-ring's rotation and I’m thinking there’s something not quite right.

(Update): I played around some more and noticed that the comb-teeth noise/friction goes away when -

1) I hold down the shutter release (half way) as if taking a meter reading while I turn the focus ring, or

2) When I push the focus ring - i.e. put pressure on it - in towards the camera body as I turn it. Everything feels tight on the outside but...

Something must be catching somewhere, making contact with something it shouldn’t, and I’d rather it didn’t. Any mechanics out there?

Thanks in advance,
Malcolm

 

[charjohncarter]

Mine makes a slight sound while focusing and there is increased tension when using the Flashmatic function.

 

[HCEarwicker]

The increased tension I expect, that's no problem - proves the mechanism is working.

Thing is that lately (didn't happen when I first tried the camera in flash mode) I hear a sound, and feel a feel, like the teeth of a comb - as if the ring/mechanism is making contact with something it oughtn't. It's a quiet sound/feeling, it doesn't feel like I'm forcing anything, and it only happens at some points as I rotate the ring. It's just a tad bothersome. Is the sound you hear anything like that?

 

[charjohncarter]

No, my sound is barely audible and it sounds like two pieces of metal sliding on each other.

 

[HCEarwicker]

Yeah, something's not quite right. I'll try to stay out of flash mode (shouldn't be difficult!) until I can get the camera properly checked out. Thanks.