olympus rd

[Snapper_uk]

Try taking the batteries out and using it in manual mode to start, then see if you are still getting the same shutter problem.

The dead batteries won't affect the viewfinder though. It may need a clean up - Luton Cameras did a service on mine, nice job.

 

[infinitydreams]

How can I tell if this battery is working?

I guess if the rangefinder view is dull it needs a service?

 

[FrankS]

When you say rangefinder view, do you mean the entire field of view of the viewfinder, or the small focusing patch in the middle?

 

[infinitydreams]

When set to manual it works without a problem, when on A the meter goes to RED and wont fully depress, you then press it a few times and it works.

 

[infinitydreams]

Small focusing patch in the middle

 

[FrankS]

When the small focusing patch lacks contrast on a screw mount Leica, the replacement of the semi silvered beam splitter mirror, ads $90 to the cost of a CLA.

 

[Snapper_uk]

The rangefinder patch on mine (the small yellow square) is not very bright either - maybe that's how they are meant to be. It should affect the focussing (assuming you can see the second image within the patch?).

One tip, apparently taking the lens cap off turns the camera 'on' - so don't do what I did and leave the cap permanently off as it will drain the batteries. The PX batteries aren't the cheapest...

I had that 'problem' with the shutter too when using auto - now the batteries are dead, I don't bother with them - just go manual and guess or use a lightmeter.

 

[Mablo]

For a battery you can use a cheap hearing aid cell (1.4V) that you can buy from a nearest grocery store. They come in a package of six and cost a few quids. You need to fix something around the cell as it's smaller than the original mercury cell. They won't last very long but I've used one hearing aid cell in a RD for more than 3 months.

 

[infinitydreams]

http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk/sbc_lr9.htm

I found this website but wasn't sure what one to go for?

What exactly should I be seeing with the focusing patch? Sorry people I'm new to this and it's all a little confusing.

 

[Snapper_uk]

You should see a faint second image within the yellow patch super-imposed over the main view. Align these two images to get the camera to focus where you want it.

 

[Snapper_uk]

http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk/sbc_lr9.htm

I found this website but wasn't sure what one to go for?

Yes, that's the place I get all my batteries from. I went for the silver oxide S625PX, which are £6 each, so you see why I said look after your batteries!

 

[infinitydreams]

It's strange as the advert on Ebay said they were sending a new battery but I guess it's not!

How annoying!

I'll have another look at the yellow focus area later, I'm currently at my desk and people are looking at me rather strangely. Although my boss did say....wow my dad use to have one of those!

 

[infinitydreams]

Would one of these be a good choice?

http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk/sbc_mrb625.htm

 

[Snapper_uk]

No, it sounds as if you do have a new battery in it.

 

[infinitydreams]

I'm confused or being thick......both highly possible it's been a long day and haven't slept for 2 weeks (new born).

How exactly can I test the current battery?

If it is dead exactly what battery would people go for?

 

[AJS Lamb]

This might sound a bit pathetic but can't you take the battery into an electrical shop where they can test the battery for you?

I've recently bought an SP and think it's a terrific camera. The lens is wonderful and the rangefinder works well. However, I have no idea whether the meter is working or not. I haven't even bothered checking. I prefer to use a light meter. Force of habit, I suppose.

Anyway, good luck with your RD.

 

[infinitydreams]

Shame there isn't a simple way to test the battery on the RD, although I think I read the if the battery is dead in auto mode then the shutter is locked...so it seems weird that it works sometimes.....

 

[FrankS]

I don't have an RD, so is there a meter needle visible in the viewfinder? If so, does the meter needle respond to changing light conditions? If yes, then the battery is not dead.

Have you seen this site on the RD? http://www.ph.utexas.edu/~yue/misc/35RD.html

 

[Snapper_uk]

What he said. Put the RD into auto-mode (the big red A on the barrel), point it at something bright, press the shutter halfway down and the needle will point to the f-stop for that brightness. Point it at something dark and do the same - the needle should point to different f-stops if the battery is working.

Admittedly, it took me a while to work out if the battery was dead or alive.

 

[infinitydreams]

Battery is working......cheers guys!

What batteries would you buy though for spares?

The camera also has a Hoya Skyliner b1 filter, is this an effect filter or just to protect the lens?