sticky shutter on Chinon CM5

[ampguy]

Have had this SLR for about 20 years, and am thinking of giving to the kids to learn film shooting. However, the shutter is starting to stick occasionally. Can be fixed with the slightest touch with thumb, but this would ruin the film.

Are these worth fixing? It's a great K-mount manual camera with accurate meter. I think it's Cosina made, the typical '80s poly/metal K-mount body.

I like how it's all metered manual, there's no option for P or A or S modes, always have to think some to get the meter in the green.

Oddly, the foam seals to absorb the mirror shock, and seal light in the back are all intact, as far as I can tell.

What's another good K-mount manual body besides the K1000 that would likely just work off ebay? (e.g. not need resealing) ?

 

[shadowfox]

Ted, I love these Chinons. If your CM-5 is the same as my CM-3 (except in Pentax K mount), then it's not Cosina who manufactured it, it's Chinon.

If I were you, I'd send it out for a CLA. Any reputable camera shop should be able to CLA it.

I have also a Chinon CE-4S that I'd put on par with Pentax MX + 1/2000th shutter speed.

 

[ampguy]

Thanks

Thanks

It would be hard to justify a full CLA on one of these, but since the seals appear good, I might try to just get the shutter worked on, while keeping an eye out for used K-mount manual/metered-manual bodies.

Thanks!

Ted, I love these Chinons. If your CM-5 is the same as my CM-3 (except in Pentax K mount), then it's not Cosina who manufactured it, it's Chinon.

If I were you, I'd send it out for a CLA. Any reputable camera shop should be able to CLA it.

I have also a Chinon CE-4S that I'd put on par with Pentax MX + 1/2000th shutter speed.

 

[greyhoundman]

Using a remote release cable on "B". Open the shutter and hold it there. Inspect the shutter travel rails for film chips or other debris.

 

[ampguy]

It works!

It works!

Thanks G-man, you never fail to amaze me with your knowledge!

Just using B mode and blowing hard, I've been able to at least temporarily clear the shutter jam. I didn't see any big debris moving, but I can't imagine that some dust got moved out of the rails down there.

Tried all speeds and it's working like new.

What kind of oils do camera repair folks use inside these grooves? I have some super light weight plastic safe oil used for my son's Lionel O gauge trains and I wonder if it's the same?

In any case, I'd also guess that oil could gunk up or attract dirt, so I will probably leave it as is hoping the kids can get some rolls through it.

Any recommendations on a 28 or a 50 as their first prime? I'm thinking the 28 would be more focus friendly, but then it does have a very long throw. Kids are 8 and 11.

Thanks!

Using a remote release cable on "B". Open the shutter and hold it there. Inspect the shutter travel rails for film chips or other debris.