Retina 1b problem with shutter

Hi everybody -

 

I have a slight problem with my Retina 1b. It involves cocking and

releasing the shutter. Basically, the shutter cocking mechanism is

jammed, which I hear is not exactly an uncommon problem with Retinas.

 

In short, I now cannot cock the shutter without first pushing in the

little button on top of the camera intended to be used to reset the

film counter. Once I do that, the shutter is cocked but I can't use

the shutter release! The shutter release works only part way. To

release the shutter, I have to do it on the lens itself.

 

So, any suggestions? Is this something I can fix by myself? If not,

does anybody happen to know where in Hong Kong I can get it fixed? Or

if need be, in the U.S. (and whether it would be worth it considering

postage expense).

 

I like the small size of the Retina and it does take nice photos.

Guessing exposure and distance have turned out to be not that terribly

difficult, and it's not exactly a threatening-looking piece of

equipment so photos of strangers is sometimes a bit easier! So, it'd

be nice if I can get it working again, hopefully without too much of a

hassle.

 

Thanks in advance!

Basically, this requires an adjustment to the screw located under the button that you need to press. Now, I don't recall if you need to make it higher or lower. It's sort of a trial-and-error thing, I think.

 

It's something you can do yourself. And because you don't have a rangefinder to muck up, it's also a good time for you to clean the viewfinder.

 

You need to remove the rewind knob, the two screws under the rewind knob and the screw on the end of the camera. The top should lift off.

 

When you make your adjustments, turn the screw one way for one complete turn. Replace the top but don't reattach the screws. Wind and fire the shutter a few times. If it's worse than before, turn the screw the other way. Like I said, trial and error.

 

Use the right size screwdrivers, or you'll damage the screwheads. It also helps if you have some general mechanical skills. Pay attention to what you're doing. It's a straightforward job and should take no more than 15 minutes.

My Ib had the same problem. The repairman said that the cocking rack was somewhat damaged, and he successfully straightened the teeth on it.

 

On meny Retinas the cocking rack is very worn. New ones can be bought from micro-tools.

If you decide to do it yourself, when you remove the top, inspect the shutter-cocking rack.

 

Looking down at the top of the camera, with the lens facing away from you, it's located in the lower right corner of the top of the camera. If any of the teeth on the rack or gouged or missing, you'll need to replace that part.

Thanks Mike and Patrick! I'll give it a shot. Doesn't sound too hard Patrick, what did you mean by a new cocking rack can be bought from micro-tools? What exactly is 'micro-tools'?

 

Mike, how exactly do you remove the rewind knob? In the meantime, I need to pop out and get some jewelers screwdrivers (used to have some, not sure where I placed them).

 

So basically everything can be accessed by removing the top plate of the camera? This could get dangerous. If I actually enjoy this process, what's to stop me from collecting more beaten up cameras? A slippery slope it is ...

http://www.micro-tools.com

 

Couldn't find the cocking rack there today. Maybe they are out of them?

Remember, when/if replacing the cocking rack, to investigate the original cause of the failure. The shutter itself is probably in need of a CLA, thereby putting extra strain on the cocking mechanism. A replacement rack with no other work, though a "quick and dirty" solution, is likely to result in another failed rack before too long, and they're not cheap!! A Retina in good order should wind as sweetly and smoothly as any other camera. Any stiffness at all should be an indication of other work being required.

The Retina 1b is a rugged camera that can take lots of abuse. I had mine dropped in a small creek dyring canoeing on three different occasions. Each time, I would let it drip-dry overnight, with brownish colored liquids coming out of the camera. It always came back to life without any repair.

Thanks again everybody. Any suggestions for doing a CLA by myself? What sort of oil - if any - should be applied to the various moving parts? I'm assuming I shouldn't just go and squirt the thing with WD40. Cheers

Jay,<br>you might want to look at:<br><a href="http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/%7ESrawhiti/retinarack.html">Chris Sherlock's pages</a><br><br>--Micah Henry