Just bought a Zeiss Ikon and I've already broken it.

Hi Tobias
if you need it, I've the Ikon Manual, although I can't remember of a problem like this. Now I have to go to work, but if you write me your mail I'll reply asap when I can with the .pdf

One hint - but remember I DON'T have the Ikon, I'm taking from my FM3a experience, so no idea if this might apply or not. Probably you're now in "A" mode. Try to switch the upper dial to M mode let's say 1/125 which is the flash sync (I know there's a time where Ikon shoots anyway,even without batteries), but also others should be fine and see if something changes and the shutter unlocks and you're ready to fire again. Just a quick try.
In FM3a (but that's a known battery problem) happens that when in A mode the camera doesn't work and the mirror/shutter lock up, you have to switch to the manual shutter mechanism by selecting any M time. Probably it won't apply to Ikon but it's really easy to check.
 
Set shutter speed to 'B'

Set shutter speed to 'B'

Hi-

You might try setting the shutter speed dial to 'B.' This may help release the mid-cycled position of the shutter curtains. If it does, you 'll hear the shutter complete its cycle and open/close. Hopefully, you'll be able to wind the film advance lever as normal after this.
 
If all of these tips fail, try to load film and advance it and close the camera back, you may also try to rewind the film back again - this should help return the camera open/close spindle return into the stiff mode... Anyway, this problem is trivial, so do not worry and just try to work it out gently... It is definitely a case of a half advanced shutter.
 
Hi guys,

Thanks for all the advice. I've had a try at a few different shutter speeds, with no result. Here is what it looks like at the moment:

Ikon.jpg


(Along with this topic, not the first photo I was planning to post :), and hopefully not a reflection of my 'real' photos...)

@ Leigh - this looks like the shutter is fully released?

@ Italy74 - that PDF would be great, may not help with this problem but would be very useful all the same

@ mfogiel - I can't load a film because the film advance lever won't move. It's stuck in the position it assumes when you're primed to shoot.


Previously when the film advance lever was in its current state, the metering would work with a half press of the shutter release button. But none of the numbers show up in the viewfinder.

Looking increasingly like it's going to have to go somewhere to get fixed, which is incredibly disappointing.

I've had it for four days... :bang:
 
This is going to sound strange, but try banging the base of the camera against the palm of your hand a few times, hard. Works with jammed Bessas I've had.
 
OK, hit it as hard as I dare, but no change.

I did a fair bit of research before diving into the rangefinder thing, and I'm nervous about throwing the adjustment out.
 
when you close the door and press the shutter does the meter gets engaged? - look through the viewfinder if there is a red number on the left side shining.
 
Try to load some film all the same, place it on the advancing dents and try to close the back door. Then rewind the film a bit, so that it engages the advance spool. Then see if you can cock the shutter again.This might be sufficient to solve the problem.
 
Tobias, for the .pdf, PM me your mail address. I'm at home now and can send it immediately if you want, unfortunately I can't attach any file through the rff mail forwarding otherwise I'd have already done....
 
@ hellomikmik - the meter doesn't engage; I think it's only supposed to when the film is advanced ready for you to take a shot (this was how it behaved before I broke it)

@ mfogiel - tried that, but because I can't use the film advance I can only really lay the film over the sprockets with the leader curling behind the spool. Tried it a couple of times and eventually managed to pull the leader all the way into the housing.

I'm not having a great day with this...

@ italy74 - pm sent, with thanks
 
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Tobias,
Just insist on tweaking, this is a very banal problem and eventually all will fix itself without the need to send the camera for a repair... Make sure, tha batteries are inserted correctly, with the flat, engraved part placed towards the inside of the camera, and the switch is on (you will see the red dot exposed). Try all the tips again...
 
@ Double Negative - Tried that. Seems to me that the rewind crank isn't connected to anything but the film itself. So the right hand doesn't know what the left's doing, so to speak.

@ mfogiel - I'm sure you're right. I've been very gentle with the camera and it was working perfectly before this all started. It doesn't seem serious, but I just can't seem to get a result...
 
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What has happened is easy enough - the shutter has jumped back and is in released state but the transport lock is still engaged in cocked state. Moving the takeup spool and transport sprockets back- and forward or closing and opening the back ought to reset it on most cameras. Be gentle, and resort to service before you force anything.
 
jbielikowski said:
Tobias, don't touch it, gonna be only worst. Go to service.
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This has to be frustrating but I think this might be the best advice. I think the advice you have received so far is correct but if it hasn't reset by now I wouldn't mess with it anymore. It's probably a 10 minute fix at the repair facility. Good Luck.

And don't feel bad, things like this happen to almost everyone sooner or later. My worst one was trying to reload an M4 at a basketball game back in the 80's. I was in a hurry, wasn't looking at the camera, and put my thumb right thru the cloth shutter. Still pains me to think of it.
 
I hope you get the issue fixed. Tapping the camera base firmly into the palm of my hand has always worked for me with Bessas and Nikon FM2s.

In the future, always remember to take the camera OFF of "A" mode when loading film, and don't advance too quickly.

Good luck.
 
From looking at the photo that you posted, it looks as if the shutter is partially tensioned (maybe about 1/8th of the way).

I think the problem is that the film leader has pushed one of the shutter leaves out of position (either in front or in back of one of the other shutter leaves). You might be able to fix this yourself, or you might not.

You seem a bit hesitant about messing with the camera too much, so I probably would suggest having someone knowledge look at it. Not a salesmen behind the counter.

Even partially tensioned, you should be able to push down one of the connecting rivets, and the entire assembly should move lower. If the assembly doesn't budge, then I think that it's a jam that requires a repair person. Should be a quick fix, however.
 
since this is not a dealer camera, I'm presuming no warranty on it.

Sounds very similar to what happened to my FM's back in the day. After the shutter jammed, I gave a very gentle tug down on the blades and it closed up in the proper position. Can't remember if someone suggested this (newspaper photographers) or if I thought what the hell. Have done the trick several times with other jammed FMs so I'd be inclined to try what srcphoto suggests. If it's due for a service trip, might as well make it worthwhile ;)

fwiw, the shutter looks similar to the FM shutter (think it was pre titanium ?) and maybe blades aren't seated properly.
 
Tobias 40:15 said:
@ Leigh - this looks like the shutter is fully released?

No it doesn't. It looks like it's stuck just short of its true resting position.
Someone else made a similar observation during the night.
It's up to you, but those things can be so delicate I personally wouldn't touch it now for fear of doing some damage.
I repeat my suggestion to contact Mainline in Crows Nest or send it to kennedy's in Melbourne. As the mechanism is almost certainly the same os the Bessa I'm sure Mainline's techie could deal with it.
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