Minox shutter problems, again! And how to DIY fix

Next, loosen but do not remove the two screws indicated by the red arrows. This will allow the shutter cock lever to be adjusted. The lever can slide as indicated by the blue arrows. The screws should be tight so use the correct screwdriver.<div></div>

Next adjust the position of the lever by trial and error so that when the film winder is wound on, the rear of the silver piece is pushed past the shutter catch by approx 0.5 to 1.0mm. Note the similar mechanism opposite (not shown in pic) for the shutter close. The silver piece on that side should also push past the shutter catch by 0.5 - 1.0mm. Don't adjust so that the silver piece pushes too far. If the silver pieces do not latch on both sides of the shutter then the shutter will not work. On the second film wind stroke the spring will cause the silver piece to relax back and rest on the shutter catch.

The copper springy parts are part of the solenoid electrical circuit so must be clean and bright. Also no dirt or dust must come between that part and the silver part. I tested that by placing a thin piece of paper between the copper and silver parts and as expected the shutter did not work.

There are two solenoids, one for open and one for close shutter. The open shutter solenoid actually pushes out causing the shutter catch to pivot inwards towards the lens. That releases the sprung shutter and the shutter opens, which in turn breaks the electrical supply to the solenoid (copper and silver bits seperated breaks the circuit). The close solenoid works in a similar way but it is triggered later in time.<div></div>

Thanks Stephen. This looks excellent info very clearly explained. Thanks again for the time you have taken.

Stephen, great !

Thanks for the compliments guys. I just hope this can help a few people. I am sure that this is not the only cause of shutter failure but it should help in some cases. I am sure that those screws will be misadjusted on some cameras that have been tinkered with. Please post with any success stories.

Thanks all! I just saved a 35 GL from the trash! Some adjustment and pinhead drops of CRC brought it back to life. I can't wait to put a film through it tomorrow. Thanks again.

stephen, i hope you're around somewhere... because your're still helping people! :)

 

looks like my GT has more stories to tell, thanks to you

 

gratias ago

<p>Thanks Stephen, you just helped me as well! I bought a ML today from an ebay like site here for € 15 ($20). First film role wasn't exposed. Guess what, shutter failure! Followed your instructions and its working now. Great!</p><div></div>

<p>Stephen, I hope you still follow this thread. Thank you so much for your tip!<br>

I received a working ML which stopped to open the shutter when I put it to "P" mode and tried then to use the self-timer. I lost a film but especially my nice mood when I discovered that. Internet search gave quite a black figure, with prices for repair or with no hope. But your post changed the situation completely.<br>

I did not even open the shutter mechanism. Just loosened the two screws, shifted them a bit down and fixed again. It costed me 1 euro, the price of a tiny screwdriver. Now the "P" mode does not still work (the shutter does not open), the same for self-timer. But in manual aperture mode everything goes as it should do. Will put soon another roll to see the result.</p>

<p>It is such a pleasure to see it working back. Thanks again!</p>

 

<p>Dimitris.<br>

I love the ML had 2 in last 17years both with shutter problems. Even when fully serviced by Minox Germany at 200GBP a time they have soon exhibited the perennial shutter problem. The plus side of Minox servicing is the are good people to deal with and return the camera with a 2 year guarantee.<br>

My 1st ML, a retirement present, lasted 15 years with service until I dropped it and damaged it beyond repair. My current one in mint condition from Ebay had shutter failure on 1st film. Honest private Leica ebayer returned money and told me to keep the camera. Serviced by Minox I've lost a few frames and wont have time to return it to Minox before my hols so I'm taking an Olympus XA as back up.<br>

As I don't do as much shooting now I've resorted to regularly firing the empty camera at all stops plus P and Timer, but not sure if under or over usage will help.<br>

When guarantee runs out in a year I may resort to trying the DIY shutter solution well described in this Forum. In these hard times saving 200GBP a service becomes a key consideration.<br>

Good luck with these otherwise excellent cameras! <br>

Lawson<br>

</p>

<p>Hello<br>

Of course, in the UK, Andy Britton's MS Hobbies can repair and service Minox 35's.</p>

<p>Thanks for the Uk contact details. I assume you are Andy? I'll be in touch after my Hols in Sept. Despite what I said above about resorting to DIY my hands are too shaky at 78 and I'd rather leave the delicate shutter fault correction it to the experts.<br>

Thanks again.<br>

Lawson</p>

<p>Here we go again! I've 2 excellent 35mls apart from both with sticking shutters. The worst, still under warranty from Germany was returned recently with 'no found faults'. With a holiday in May I'm reluctant to send it off to Germany again. Does anyone know of a reliable repairer in the UK?<br>

At 78 my fingers are not nimble enough to carry out Stephen Jamieson's clearly explained solution, dated May 25,2008.</p>

 

Hey, he is working again. My shutter opened up when I advanced the film but after adjustment all is fine. Thanks guys.

<p>Does anyone have any idea how the camera figures the different speeds? I think that circuit may be the problem.<br>

I just got a Minox 35 GL, the meter works great, the shutter also works but its speeds are off by a lot... like instead of 1/30 it shoots like 1/2. This is consistent, I can adjust the aperture and they go faster/slower, also adjusting iso they adjust.<br>

Therefore I am excluding oil issues, sticky shutter etc.. It really seems some problem with the electronics.</p>