Need some tech info on the 35SP

[Fitzmagus]

I have recently aquired an Olympus 35SP.
According to the seller it hasn`t been in use from 1980.
After installing a new air zinc battery, and giving it the once over it seems on the face of it that everything seems to be working as it should, with the exception of one issue.
When cocking the shutter, the film take up spool and the film advance sprocket are not moving and seem to be free moving independent of one another.
Is there anyone who has had any experience of this issue, that may be able to help. Thanks

 

[02Pilot]

Off hand I'd suspect the rewind button is stuck, as this disengages the sprocket and take-up spool. Try a small drop of Ronsonol around the button and jiggle it. Cleaning the button and the area around it with a stiff brush (an old toothbrush will work) once it's free should resolve the issue.

 

[Fitzmagus]

Sorry, i should have explianed in more detail in my last post.
The rewind button is not depressed, It is working fine, but when i press it in it locks ok. But the only way to disengage it is to open the back of the camera and turn the sprocket manualy. Once the button has been released, The film winder leaver isn`t moving the take up spool or the film advance sprocket. Both are still rotating as if the film release was still pressed in.

 

[02Pilot]

It's very possible that the mechanism behind the button is still gummed up. I would still try a drop or two of Ronsonol on the button first. If that doesn't free it up you'll need to pull the bottom plate off and see what's going on in there.

 

[Fitzmagus]

Thank you for your advice, i have done what you suggested and have taken the bottom cover off.
Removed the spring clip that holds in the top plastic button. removed the button completely.
All springs, gears and rods seem to be in good condition, so i worked some ronsonal down into the mechanism drop at a time.
Worked the sprocket, film take up spool and the spring mechanism under the release button manually for 2to3 hours.
I also have lightly oiled the springs, lever connections and gear coggs with sewing machine oil and a very fine artist brush.
At this point, i am at a loss as to what is going on with the camera.
Do you think, that if i continue with the above procedure that eventually the mechanism will free up, or is there a possiblity that there may be something else wrong with the camera. Thanks

Steve

 

[02Pilot]

I haven't worked on a 35SP in a while - can you post a photo or two of the mechanism with the bottom plate removed?

 

[Fitzmagus]

Oly 35SP

Oly 35SP

Hi
Please find attached the photos you requested, Hope you can help.
Thank you for taking the time to try and resolve my problem, It`s much appreciated.

Steve

 

[02Pilot]

Unfortunately, there's not much to see there. The interlock is probably hidden, and without the camera in front of me it's hard to see how the pieces interact when moving.

Not that I think it will be particularly useful in this case, but there are some good disassembly photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/sets/72157625285946754

Sorry that I don't have more to offer, but it's really hard to work out this sort of thing without having either done it before myself or having the camera in my hands. perhaps someone else who has one or has had this issue will be along to assist.

 

[Fitzmagus]

Thank You very much for taking the time to try to assist me with this issue.
It is a difficult one, because this little gem of a camera is becoming so rare to find these days, it will not detract me from doing my utmost to resolve these problems. she`s worth it.
If there is anyone who can help, shout out now.

May the grace of the Lord be with you all.
Steve

 

[02Pilot]

If nothing else, try actuating the advance lever and see if you can see anything under the bottom plate moving. It may give you a clue to something that's stuck, loose, or otherwise not right.

 

[jajong]

Hi Steve. I have got an SP as well. I opened it up to have a look. I noticed there is a little spring missing in yours. It connects the point of the black arrow to the piece of metal pointed at by the red arrow. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jan

 

[02Pilot]

That could definitely be the source of the problem. It looks like that spring is needed to engage the advance mechanism.