New to RF's and new the Canonet - Q's

[theoneills]

Hi everyone,

I've just acquired my first canonet. 😀 I'm very excited even though it is less than perfect, but so am I ;-)

It has a couple of problems:
1. shutter seems to intermittently jam when in Auto mode
2. metering seems to intermittently work, i suspect battery???

If anyone can provide some advice please let me know.

Thanks I sooo excited,
Ben

 

[Kim Coxon]

Hi,
If you want to download a copy of the manual, there is one on my website

I can probably give more information if you tell us which model it is but sticking shutters is a common problem in these cameras and caused by oil getting on the blades. They can be leaned by DIY but otherwise it will need a CLA. The battery problem could be dirty contacts. If you search the Canon RF threads there are quite a few posts on the subject.

Kim

 

[theoneills]

Thanks Kim,

The shutter seems to work properly in manual mode? So I'm a little stumped. But a good CLA would be helpful.

Thanks again,
Ben

oh and its the original plain canonet, I think. There is no other name on it.

 

[Kim Coxon]

The original Canonets had selenium cells and so didn't use a battery. 😉

This page might help: http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/film/series_net.html?lang=undefined

If the meter is intermittant, then the shutter will also be in auto mode. There is an interlock which stops you taking a picture if the metering is out of range.

Kim

Thanks Kim,

The shutter seems to work properly in manual mode? So I'm a little stumped. But a good CLA would be helpful.

Thanks again,
Ben

oh and its the original plain canonet, I think. There is no other name on it.

 

[fishtek]

The intermittent failure of the shutter in auto mode might just be the camera refusing to allow a poor exposure. If the shutter/aperture isn't such that a proper exposure will be made, the camera won't allow it. Move the shutter speed dial towards a lower speed and see if it fires.

I cleaned the contact for the battery with a thin pencil eraser to remove the green gunk, and it did the trick.

Hope you can get it to work. It's a neat camera.

Regards!
Don

 

[Kim Coxon]

Most of the operating manuals are here if you need one: http://pentax-manuals.com/manuals/range/range.htm

Kim

 

[theoneills]

Thanks everyone for your advice.

After some jiggery and pockery I've got it sussed. The camera is indeed not allowing poor exposure, or so it thinks. Its mostly because the meter very intermittent. And when its not working or when I have bad judgement :bang: , it won't let me press the shutter release button. Anyway, after taking the top off, I now completely understand how this contraption works.

I now need to clean the finders so I can see the focusing box. Anything I need to be weary of?

Thanks,
Ben