MelanieC
Well-known
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
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