VOITLANDER PERKEO 1 - SHUTTER ALWAYS SLOW

Hi there I have a Voitlander Perkeo 1 with Prontor-S shutter

I have been testing its speeds and unfortunately the shutter only seems to operate at one speed - slow.... I calculate by looking at the blades open and close its about 2 seconds. This is a consistent time and not affected by the speed control dial. Anyone know what the problem might be? I love this little camera and would like to take it out for a spin.

Thanks very much folks

Steve

Not what you hope to hear, I'm sure, but it sounds like the shutter needs to be cleaned to operate within a useable range.

Those cameras are indeed charming, however a professional cleaning will cost you much more than you will recoup if you plan to sell it at some point.

I can't say on your behalf if it is worth it or not, but unless it has sentimental value for you to to have it in an operational state, or you have the ability to repair it yourself, I would probably consider it a decorative item.

Prontor repair manuals are floating around the internet if you wish to go that route.

Not what you hope to hear, I'm sure, but it sounds like the shutter needs to be cleaned to operate within a useable range.

Those cameras are indeed charming, however a professional cleaning will cost you much more than you will recoup if you plan to sell it at some point.

I can't say on your behalf if it is worth it or not, but unless it has sentimental value for you to to have it in an operational state, or you have the ability to repair it yourself, I would probably consider it a decorative item.

Prontor repair manuals are floating around the internet if you wish to go that route.

Thank you very much for replying Niels

I feared the worst - the blades do indeed look a little 'gummy' so that must be why they are only operating at at 2 secs.

Oh well - it is a lovely thing to look at, so either I only use it for longer exposures or pop it on the shelf along with my other temperamental vintage cameras!

Steve

Lighter fluid usually fixes gummed shutters. You could try removing the front lens element unit and pour some lighter fluid on the shutter blades to see if they speed up a bit.

Does the shutter 'buzz' during the exposure? If not, it's gummed up with old lubricant (that shouldn't really be there).

 

If it slowly buzzes, the speed regulator mechanism is stuck. Multi-speed shutters have a small run-down timer gear-train that gets pushed in and out of engagement by the speed selector dial. The speed train should be spring loaded to its minimum engagement (fastest speed) position. If it's stuck or the return spring is broken/missing, the speed will be stuck at slow. Indicated by buzzing on both cocking and release of the shutter.

 

No buzz means the speed train isn't stuck fully engaged, and that the problem probably lies with sticky blades. Either way the shutter needs attention and cleaning.