Pen FT Service

[gbealnz]

Hi All.
After reading the exploits of Rangefinderlove 123 tearing his film (and his hair out afterwards), I renewed my thinking to open up my Pen FT.


Mine has a bit of dust in the finder plus what could be smudges or just haze. Either way the already slightly dim view is dimmer. Dimmer than what I am happy with.


Finding a local camera tech is difficult, and the scant info I have found o the Internet suggests a couple of screws and it opens. ONCE you have mastered the cursed self-timer that is.


I am stuck with the self-timer, I cannot get the center screw that is disguised as the release button out.


I wrote a PM to zuiko85 asking him, and he gave me a few ideas (no, not a bigger hammer ideas), but in the end the thrust of my post/question is "left-hand thread, or right-hand thread" for this difficult to get at button???


Any experts out there that can assist? To undo the button/screw, turn it clockwise, or anti-clockwise? I'd appreciate some help please.


Gary

 

[splitimageview]

the button can be removed by using something sticky, it's a regular thread. I use packing tape or masking tape and press the tape down on the button and turn.

Once the button is removed, the internal screw is reverse threaded.

To make the finder brighter I pull out the old mirror and replace it with a first surface mirror. It's about 2 stops brighter. This is a good idea if your meter is dead. Pull that out at the same time. 🙂

 

[gbealnz]

Split-Image


Awesome, thank you.
Reiterating (I am a bit thick, LOL).


"Regular" as in turn it anti-clockwise to remove?

Gary

 

[splitimageview]

correct, to remove the button, anti-clockwise.

to remove the screw that holds in the lever, that's clockwise.

 

[gbealnz]

Splendiferous, thank you.
I'll try that in a few minutes, gotta make my dear wife a brew first.
Gary

 

[gbealnz]

Nope, failed.

Afternoon cuppa was a hit, but the anti-clockwise failed to make it move, it's definitely tight.



Zuiko85's "bigger hammer" theory is looking better by the minute.
I'm not done yet, but right now I'm stuck for ideas.
Gary

 

[JeffS7444]

I wasn't able to remove it with sticky tape either. But this tool worked great:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/302745252761

 

[gbealnz]

Thank you Jeff, I have a set of similar, used them to lift the top off my M6, but the sizing of what I currently have isn't conducive to the Pen, maybe I need to get one of these.


It's a slippery so in so though, I wonder if in trying to grip it with the "wrench" it will simply push in as it is designed to do? Definitely worth a try though.

Gary

 

[gbealnz]

While I have two helpers, can I ask please.


http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/penfttips.html


This shows the opposite of what SplitImage suggests. I had used this as a guide and if this is incorrect it means I have in fact tightened the screw/button, which is why I cannot now undo it (screwing it anti-clockwise).


Jeff, are you of the same opinion as Split-Image, undo the button by anti-clockwise turning?

Gary

 

[zuiko85]

Ok, I just checked my button again (since I have the button, lever and internal self timer in a bag) My button definitely screwed in clockwise so to remove it would be anti-clockwise. I have a FV model but I cannot see why it would be different from a FT. That little wrench on ebay might work too. I tend to work with what I have and on some smooth rings have drilled holes for pin spanners. But that is fiddly work, fraught with unintended outcomes so is my last ditch effort if all else fails.

 

[leolab]

Hi

I’ve opened a few of the PenFT top plates.

Front decorative button is regular direction screw (counterclockwise to loosen)
The screw behind that is the opposite.

These buttons can be hard to remove, sometimes I use a needle nose pliers with tape on end so as not to damage button

Oftentimes the ‘crud’ you see in viewfinder is deep within the prism assembly and can be near impossible to remove, replacing the mirror on FT with one from Pen F helps the brightness.

 

[splitimageview]

It's very difficult to remove these stuck buttons with pliers, pliers 'protected' with tape, etc. without damaging the button. Ask me how I know...

Nobbysparrow has good stuff, if he says that tool will work on the Pen FT self timer button, then it likely will. The edges of the button are somewhat curved, so the button will need to offer enough surface area for such a tool to grip.

the kyphoto link is accurate, btw. A right-handed screw tightens in a clockwise motion, a left-handed screw tightens counter-clockwise.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Try wicking in a little Ronsonal (lighter fluid) around the screw. It has always helped me to remove a small stubborn screw.

 

[retinax]

Tools like the one suggested above, so-called flexiclamps, can be home made. You need a drill bit of the right size, some sheet metal or strong plastic, a file and a saw. Google it.
Oh and if you have one that's a bit too large, try lining the ring with paper or plastic to make it fit.

 

[zuiko85]

Hi


Oftentimes the ‘crud’ you see in viewfinder is deep within the prism assembly and can be near impossible to remove, replacing the mirror on FT with one from Pen F helps the brightness.

Do you mean the prism right behind the view screen or the top prism that directs the image to the eye.

I had an FT that was jammed. When I sent it to be fixed I had the meter and simi silvered mirror removed and a full front surface mirror installed. Making the camera in effect, a FV. The FT had a wonky, 'transfer the reading to the lens' set-up anyway. I found it just a quick to use a hand held meter when necessary.


Another reason I like my older Pen F is the plain, all matte focusing screen. On the FT/FV screens with the micro prism spot I only use the GG collar around the center spot to focus anyway. I find 'focusing aids' a distraction when trying to compose the frame.

 

[JeffS7444]

Jeff, are you of the same opinion as Split-Image, undo the button by anti-clockwise turning?

I don't have the camera in front of me but actually I think we're all in agreement: I recall the button having standard RH threading (anticlockwise to remove) but the underlying screw having LH threading.


Removing that button is super-easy once you have the right tool.

 

[gbealnz]

Thank you all for the help.


I have admitted defeat at this stage, and have it being sent to a camera tech who has promised to at least have a crack at it.


He will either get the top open for me and return it so I can clean/look/play. Or he will get it open and clean it all for me and see if the meter can be repaired.


Again, thank you all, much appreciated.
Gary