Olympus 35 Rc - Image drags with delay when focusing

[analogmob]

Hi guys,

I'm a semi-happy new owner of an Olympus 35 RC rangefinder.
Did my first session with the RC and realized very quickly that something maybe wrong with the focusing mechanism.
When I'm focusing with the rangefinder to infinity the images drags with a delay together. That goes in slow motion and needed about 1-2 seconds until I can push the shutter.

Is this normal? Can any Olympus RC owner certifiying this behavior as normal?

Thanks a lot!

 

[charjohncarter]

No, not normal. It is fairly easy to remove the top of the RC (even I have done it). When in find the mirror or prism and I bet there is some gooey grease that has dried out or a loose of failing spring. If not that something is slowing the mirror/prism movement.

This should help:

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-134.html

 

[analogmob]

No, not normal. It is fairly easy to remove the top of the RC (even I have done it). When in find the mirror or prism and I bet there is some gooey grease that has dried out or a loose of failing spring. If not that something is slowing the mirror/prism movement.

This should help:

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-134.html

Thank you very much for the answer and the hint.

I really appreciate it!

I was afraid that it might be a fault in the lens.

That would have been far more serious.

Do I have to fear that the focus is wrong, that the result (a sharp image) is unacceptable?

I mean, the only error is when focusing with the camera to infinity. With all other settings, the mixed images merge in real time.

I have to ask because I still want to decide whether I should return the camera or demand financial compensation from the seller and try to repair it by myself or live with the mistake.


Sorry by the way for my english skill. Hope everyone can understand.

 

[charjohncarter]

There is in that link, a way to check the distance vs the lens position (the Rod). I had a CLA by Rick on my RC, but he doesn't do them anymore. It is a great camera when it is working properly. You might see about a return, and get another one.

 

[analogmob]

Error has been eliminated.

I heated the camera a little (not at max heat) with a hair dryer for about a half of a minute.

Fun fact: Parallel of that I get a message of the seller that he offer a compensation, so I get the camera for half the price.

 

[charjohncarter]

I had a stiff focus on an Isolette lens; so stiff it wouldn't move, 10 minutes in a warm oven and it moved. I could take it apart and clean the dried grease out.

Great result for you.