Shutter problem on Zorki 4

[MarkoKovacevic]

The shutter shoots as normal until 1/60 or 1/30th and lower, and then it shoots normal, but then only closes 1/2 way until you wind the film on.

Any ideas how to fix this?

 

[nzeeman]

you need to make more curtain tension on second curtain
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30343
if that dont help, cleaning is needed 🙁

 

[wolves3012]

More tension on the second curtain will probably sort it out for now BUT it's a sure sign that it needs a proper CLA - see the sticky at the top of this sub-forum...

 

[b1bmsgt]

Could be the dreaded film chips in the gears problem...

Russ

 

[brainwood]

Wolves3012 is pretty much spot on I think. The 40 year old grease thickens up and seems to particulary effect the second curtain. You could try using lighter fluid which will thin the grease ( see the stickies above) . I had the same problem with a recently purchased Fed 3a. I whimped out of self administered CLA and sent it to Yuri at Fedka but I'm sure I will get back a fully working and reliable FSU camera which will do the job I bought it for ... to take photos
Good Luck
Chris

 

[fanshaw]

Could be the dreaded film chips in the gears problem...

Russ

Yes, it could, and film chips are apt to damage the shutter curtains as well. I am doubtful about the wisdom of adjusting the curtain tension when cleaning is what is needed. It is likely that uneven exposure will result. I have been tempted to adjust curtain tension on a number of occasions but I have always found it to be unnecessary once the shutter has been cleaned and debris removed.