I have a Fed problem

[Andrew McK]

Hi folks

I'm sure someone on this forum will know exactly how to fix this. so here goes.

I have a Fed 3b and noticed odd light leaks coming into my photos in one corner.
So I checked the camera out, took off the lens and back, made sure everything was ok and checked out the shutter.
Ah. the shutter there's my problem.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mck74/47872632/

the shutter blinds have a little gap in them when you wind the film on.
The left hand side of it is not tight like it is meant to be.
So how do I fix this? I'm not sure if there is something just blocking the shutter blind and making it drag or if there is something else wrong.

It's not a problem that makes the camera unusable. Just means I need to put the lens cap back on after every shot.
It's such a sweet little camera too

Does anyone have any answers?
They'd be much appreciated

 

[kiev4a]

You probably have a curtain ribbon that has come loose or is broken. It won't be long before the whole thing crashes and is inoperable. In fact, from the look of the picture, doesn't seem like it would be usable now. You'r going to have to either have the curtains replaced or repaired, or get another FED 3 (probably a toss-up cost-wise.

 

[captainslack]

As Wayne said, time for a replacement body or a trip to Oleg's (click Russian Cameras in the Cool Links section).

 

[Andrew McK]

oh don't send me there!!!

I'll end up buying stuff that I don't really need 😉

 

[kiev4a]

I know all about the effects of loose or broken ribbons. When I first started collecting FSU gear I got a FED 2. I pulled off the back and thought I might improve the smoothness by putting a small drop of oil on the tips of some pins in the bottom of the shutter crate. The pins were the ends of the shafts for the curtains and ribbons. The oil migrated inside and dissolved the shellac holding the ends of the ribbons. The next time I tripped the shutter everything let go -- looked like a train wreck! Didn't know how to fix it--or if it was fixable--so I gave it to Paul Shinkawa. Don't know if he ever got it working.

 

[w3rk5]

I have the same problem with my FED 2. The worst thing is......I broke it. :bang: I for some reason decided to take the shutter apart to see how it all worked.

Oh well, I might as well try and fix it since it's broken anyway.

 

[Andrew McK]

hah. well. I'll try and remember that one.

I honestly don't think it needs taking to bits to fix. nothing looks worn out or corroded it just doesn't fit properly.
If I have to put the lens cap back on after every pic then so be it.
It's not my main camera so it's not so important.