There are numerous possible causes for this sort of problem, but considering
the condition we can discount those related to excessive wear I suspect. In
fact, the problem may have developed quite early, which would explain the
lack of use of the body.
There's an arm that is operated by the release button slide that moves
across the bottom of the camera that was known to catch on the front
casting. As a result, the camera acts as if the release button is always
pressed down -- the mirror mechanism is never locked, so as the spring is
tensioned the mirror just raises up. If is possible to correct this (if
indeed that's the problem) without complete disassembly, but there's no way
anyone could explain it in writing -- you gotta see it a few times,
preferably with the camera disassembled, to even give it a try. Not to
mention the fact that the arm in question is rather brittle and is known to
break....
After that, who knows
Chuck Norcutt wrote:
> I just picked up a beautiful OM-1 from evilbay that was advertised as a
> parts/as-is camera complete with a Soligor CD 35-70 F2.5-3.5 zoom. I
> thought I'd take a chance on a modest bid and won it. The OM-1 has a
> malady which causes the shutter to fire as soon as the camera is wound.
> I have noticed that the mirror is being raised while the camera is
> winding. It seems to me that the mirror release lever may be stuck in
> the released position. This allows the mirror to be raised while
> winding and then the mirror releases the shutter when fully raised.
>
> First of all, is the diagnosis of the fundamental problem likely correct
> or have I missed it althogether? Secondly, is this a remove the mirror
> box problem or might I be able to free it by some judicious squirting of
> lighter fluid and, even if so, will I remove some necessary lube in the
> process?
>
> The reason I suspect some simple sticking is that the camera is so
> nearly pristine that it can't ever have been used very much. It is the
> only totally unbrassed OM-1 that I have ever seen except for my own
> original OM-1 when it was brand new in the mid 70's. Well, almost. It
> does have a slight burnish mark just above the right strap lug and a 3mm
> long hairline scratch on the edge of the back. Just to assure myself of
> its condition I also removed the bottom plate. It's just as pristine on
> the inside as on the outside.
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