New Pen F

[Wes Medlin]

Hey Guys,

I just picked up a spotless Pen F, with the 38mm f/1.8, and ever ready case. But the shutter seems to be jammed. Any thoughts on this, before I tear into it? It's a pretty thing, with the big gothic F, and even the matching lens cap. I don't want to mess anything up, but I do want this thing running.

Wes

 

[Cale Arthur]

Any thoughts on this, before I tear into it?

Sorry to be discouraging straight out of the gate, but my first thought is, "don't". As a 2-time 'jammed Pen F shutter' sufferer, i've learned a bit about how complex these little guys are. You'd be doing yourself a great service to send it to John Hermanson for an overhaul. I know this isn't the answer you're looking for, but with the F's, jammed shutters can mean that you have several potential problems occuring at the same time and there are no new parts available for the Pens should something go horribly awry. Plus, there's a screw that sits behind the film advance lever that holds the top on which is very difficult to remove if the lever is locked up as well (or maybe that's only on the FT/FV's?).

--c--

 

[Wes Medlin]

Thanks, Cale, but I think I'll give it a shot. I really want to shoot with this thing It might be just the thing to get me over the digital envy blues, and back to shooting regularly with film

Anyway, thought I'd post a shot of it.

Wes

 

[Cale Arthur]

Believe me, i certainly wanted to tear into mine when it locked up on me, but Rick Oleson's repair notes scared me straight into a full overhaul (not as a result of his notes, mind you, which are always top-shelf, but it appeared that it would be fairly easy for me to end up with a doorstop, as Greyhoundman would say.). This link (right here) might get you where you need to be, if it's as simple an issue as is described. If not, i wish you steady hands.. 🙂 Do let us know how it works out!

--c--

 

[Trius]

I concur with the recommendation of John Hermanson as the go-to guy for this kind of work. I have no experience with the Pen F (or any Pen, for that matter,) but John will give you the straight dope and a good job should you go that way.

 

[Wes Medlin]

Thanks, guys.

I took off the bottom cover, and very gently prodded a few gears and levers until I got it to free up. The camera cocks and fires beautifully. The shutter speeds all seem to work. But then, after a few shots, it jams again.

There was a little oilly residue around the lens mount, and I'm afraid some idiot WD40'd this little beauty. I don't think they used much, but we all know that even the tiniest amount is too much.

The diaphram blades seem sluggish, so they need to be cleaned too. I think I may have to wait until tax return season, and send it off. It's such a beauty I don't want to mess it up.

Thanks again for the help.

Wes

 

[John Shriver]

It's also really picky about all the gears being assembled on exactly the right tooth.

 

[Gerbil62]

Hi i have a pen f which is working but i am confused does the shutter fire with the lens off or on as sometimes mine does misfire due to the lens ap not working especially in cold weather as i live in Canada it can sometimes gum up maybe your lens is the problem when this happens i just slightly start to remove the lens and the shutter goes off hope just a thought