Paralyzed G-III

MelanieC

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Dec 28, 2005
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Oregon
A few weeks ago, I bought a G-III QL17 for $35 shipped. The seller was very honest with me and told me that the camera had two issues: (1) the shutter would sometimes stick if the camera had not been used for a while and (2) it was sometimes possible to advance without having tripped the shutter. I figured for $35 I could live with these two problems, got the camera, and put two rolls of film through it without any real issues. The shutter stuck a couple of times but working it a bit unstuck it.

I put roll #3 into the camera. Only problem is now it appears that the shutter is well and truly and permanently stuck. I tried warming the camera up in case the lubricants were just cold and gummy. No dice. I can hit the advance lever as many times as I want but can't get the shutter to trigger. If it were anything else I'd give it a good whack, or kick it, but I know if I do that I'll only end up with a misaligned rangefinder for my troubles.

Are there any simple or obvious things I can try to unstick my shutter? I don't have the funds to CLA this camera at this time. I know there are plans available online that would guide me if I decide to open up the camera and do some surgery myself, but haven't quite worked up the guts to do it (I'm barely brave enough at this point to try loading film reels in the dark, much less take apart a rangefinder).

Thanks, Melanie
 
Oh come on Melanie, if you could whack your Leica - surely you can give the humble Canonet a good smack? 😀
 
Melanie,
You can look at it one of two ways. Send it to someone (if g'man has the time, he is the man) is definitely one option. The other is to try it yourself. For $35, it might be worth it to learn.

I have been thinking about getting a second one since I like my current one so much. Would be a nice pair to have when out and about. Also, I'd be able to experiment on one, too. My shutter sticks sometimes, too.

allan
 
Papillon- Cool dogs, ears are like the shape of a butterfly.

I passed Melanies link to my wife who enjoys anything about dog genetics.

I think DMR did surgery on her GIII and succeeded. May be worth connecting with her.
 
Thanks for the moral support, guys. If you can give me some idea what CLAs run for I could make a more educated decision. Unfortunately I recently realized I'm basically destitute so I might not have a choice other than home veterinary care.

I do indeed have a Papillon. He is my small auxiliary dog. He is sort of cool, and sort of a horrible little animal. But he keeps up with the Border Collies, and that's saying something, considering he weighs seven pounds soaking wet.

skeeterbagsmallcropped.jpg
 
You need to flood clean the shutter. I've used Ronsonol and/or Isopropyl alchohol. The hard part is getting to the shutter, you have to remove the front lens group. I use a pair of needle nosed pliers.

If you are uncomfortable doing this, I've done several before. Price of return postage.

Don't cough on the D70. Digital SLR's are great for documenting camera repairs.
 
Fedzilla_Bob said:
I think DMR did surgery on her GIII and succeeded. May be worth connecting with her.

Oh yes, that was almost a year ago. It's still working just fine! 🙂 My baptism by fire in camera repair. 🙂

All it really took with mine was a bit of gentle cleaning of the shutter blades with Ronsonol. It was totally stuck when I got it, but once it started working it stayed working. {knocking on wood} 🙂

The tricky part was getting the front of the lens assembly disassembled enough to see what was going on with the jammed shutter speed dial and to get to the blades of the shutter. If you search on this site I'm sure you can find the threads. Don't be turned off by the word "drill" in there. 🙂 🙂

What you'll really need most to try a repair on this is a steady hand and some patience. The tools you'll need will be a lens spanner wrench, some jewelers screwdrivers, both regular and phillips, and stuff like q-tips, wipes, nail polish (and NPR) and Ronsonol.

If you want to try this, you'll get some great advice, coaching, and encouragement from the gang here! 🙂
 
Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl Alcohol

Brian Sweeney said:
You need to flood clean the shutter. I've used Ronsonol and/or Isopropyl alchohol. The hard part is getting to the shutter, you have to remove the front lens group. I use a pair of needle nosed pliers.

Isn't using isopropyl alcohol for cleaning shutters frowned upon? I thought it was supposed to attract moisture after it evaporated and could result in the blades rusting. Just curious.
 
I had no idea tha a papillon was a type of dog.

It seems that there are a few good options here, especially Brian's! The generousity of RFF members is unequalled anywhere.
 
Some repair technicians swear by Isopropyl alchohol, others like Ronsonol. I have used both, start with Ronsonol. If it does not work, switch to Isopropyl Alchohol, 99% pure. Some brands have a lot of water in them. I let the camera dry out for at least 24 hours if I use the 99% alchohol. Two years later, no rust or corrosion on any of the cameras that I've used it on.


I would not use the 90% or 70% Isopropyl alchohol, that is more common.
 
You guys are the best. I think I'm going to give it a go. My boyfriend has more tools than Home Despot so I'm sure he can help me out if I get stuck.

Can I use EtOH to clean the shutter? We certainly have plenty of it in the lab and I can dilute some to whatever concentration is best.

So I don't need to relubricate the shutter blades after they are cleaned?

I had no idea tha a papillon was a type of dog.

Well, he's sort of a dog.
 
Shutter blades should work dry. Some people will rub a TINY amount of graphite powder on them if they refuse to run dry, but that's rare enough. I made my own 'lens spanner' from one of my 358 pairs of needle nose pliers I have hanging around. I just ground the tips into screwdriver-like points, and it works like a charm. Cheaper, too.
 
A bit like this. 😉

Kim

Damian said:
Shutter blades should work dry. Some people will rub a TINY amount of graphite powder on them if they refuse to run dry, but that's rare enough. I made my own 'lens spanner' from one of my 358 pairs of needle nose pliers I have hanging around. I just ground the tips into screwdriver-like points, and it works like a charm. Cheaper, too.
 
Awesome. The boyfriend has access to high-speed grinders and other types of tools so hopefully between the two of us we will accomplish this. If I can get him away from his research for a while we might even get it done before summer. I'd like to be able to cart two rangefinders around with me so I can shoot color and black and white as I please.

Thanks again!
 
It is often possible to free up the shutter by opening the back of the camera and dropping a little lighter fluid onto the rear lens. After a while it should soak through onto the shutter. Working the shutter a few times will free it up. The worse that can happen is that you will have to take the camera apart and you were going to do that anyway.
 
Richard C said:
It is often possible to free up the shutter by opening the back of the camera and dropping a little lighter fluid onto the rear lens. After a while it should soak through onto the shutter. Working the shutter a few times will free it up. The worse that can happen is that you will have to take the camera apart and you were going to do that anyway.
If your rear lens happens to be a kitted doublet, you will succeed in seperating the two lenses as well... 🙁
 
I suppose you've decided to have a go at fixing it yourself, but to answer your earlier question: G'man charged me about $30 for a CLA. Does anyone know if he's come out of retirement?
 
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