My Bessa R4A just died on me

[kossi008]

Two weeks ago I put a film in and advanced it to frame 1. Today I wanted to use it and I got nothing: no LEDs, no shutter action.

Obviously I checked the battery, but after going through 3 of them and cross-checking each with my Zeiss Ikon, I can say: the battery is good. The shutter is fully wound (I can compare to the ZI's shutter), so no mechanical issues, I guess. To me it looks like something in the electronics gave out...

Any ideas before I send it off to Voigtländer to get a quote for the repair? The camera was bought used from a dealer and has been in my possession for 3.5 years now, so no more warrantee...

 

[zuikologist]

Sometimes it is worth cleaning the battery chamber and cover very gently to clear out any oily residue, even if not visible.

Has the camera had any rough treatment that might result in a failure?

 

[kossi008]

No, it's been literally lying in my closet for two weeks.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Maybe still give the contacts a once over in the battery chamber with some cleaning fluid. I found that on my M5 my readings were about a half stop off, after cleaning I was back to perfect accuracy.

 

[kossi008]

I did try cleaning the contacts with some tissue, but I haven't been using any fluid so far. Maybe I will try that, too.

Thanks for the hints so far.

 

[allicio]

I bought a brand new r4a from b&h on the 1st of September that arrived just like your describing.
Completely dead.
I tried different batteries, cleaning the terminals, everything I could think of.
I think there was a problem with the contacts in the battery department
Had to return it and do a PayPal claim

I ended up buying the last brand new r4m in stock here in the uk

 

[john_s]

.......I ended up buying the last brand new r4m in stock here in the uk

Maybe the r4m is inherently more reliable with its mechanical shutter. I hope so as I have one.

 

[teleparallel]

It happened once with me. I believe it's something about the electronics not being able to release the shutter. I sent it to repair, and came back just fine.

 

[allicio]

Maybe the r4m is inherently more reliable with its mechanical shutter. I hope so as I have one.

That was my thinking too.
Fingers crossed!!!!!

 

[Huss]

I bought a brand new r4a from b&h on the 1st of ...
Had to return it and do a PayPal claim

A paypal claim? B&H refused a refund?

 

[Monochrom]

Perhaps...solution

Perhaps...solution

Hi!

YEars ago when i had my ZI it happened the same (electronics are the same), totally dead so i opened the film chamber and advanced (manually) the rod that catches the film. that way i could get back to life my camera, then it happened a couple times again. I sold it but wasnñt the reason to do so.

 

[CameraQuest]

Two weeks ago I put a film in and advanced it to frame 1. Today I wanted to use it and I got nothing: no LEDs, no shutter action.

Obviously I checked the battery, but after going through 3 of them and cross-checking each with my Zeiss Ikon, I can say: the battery is good. The shutter is fully wound (I can compare to the ZI's shutter), so no mechanical issues, I guess. To me it looks like something in the electronics gave out...

Any ideas before I send it off to Voigtländer to get a quote for the repair? The camera was bought used from a dealer and has been in my possession for 3.5 years now, so no more warrantee...

Contact Voigtlander Germany to get it properly repaired.

Stephen

 

[kossi008]

Contact Voigtlander Germany to get it properly repaired.

Stephen

That's what I'm doing, camera goes to my local dealer today...
Thanks everybody.