Mamiya ProTL shutter problem... help!

[alpenglow]

I've started to have a curious (and frustrating) problem and I have no idea how

to solve it. In the bulb mode, (and only in the bulb mode), when I trip the

shutter, the shutter will open, but when I go to close it, it will not close.

I have to physically remove the battery, wait approx. 10 seconds, re-install

the battery and then trip the shutter to close. If I reinstall the battery

more quickly than 10 seconds, it will not work. All of the other shutter

speeds work fine... just not bulb. And yes... I checked the battery, and even

replaced it with a fresh one to eliminate that as the cause. I'm at a real

loss as to what the issue could be. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Many thanks,

Mike

[pete_andrews10]

I think your Pro TL is working as it should. As I understand it, the ProTL was designed with a "battery saver" bulb setting. This basically disconnects the battery after the shutter is tripped, when the shutter is set to B. To close the shutter, you have to turn the shutter speed dial from B to another speed.

 

Just looked at the online manual, and that's what it says on page 29.

 

When all else fails, read the instructions!

 

Downloadable manuals are here:

 

http://www.mamiya.com/customerservice1.asp?id=3&id2=115

[alpenglow]

Thanks Pete for the reply.

 

However, since I posted this question, I think I have the problem figured out. The camera worked fine in the bulb mode until recently. And by "working fine", I mean it would open with one press of the shutter release cable, and then close with another press of the cable. The camera does feature the "battery saver" feature as you mention, but you do not have to turn the dial to a different shutter setting to get it to close. I recently found out that when I remove the shutter release adapter, (necessary to attach the cable release), the bulb function works perfectly when I press the shutter button on the camera body. But with the adapter attached, it does not work. So I think the problem is with the adapter, and I have ordered a new one from B&H. I should have it withing a few days, and then I'll know for sure. I hope this is the problem, cause if it isn't the problem is in the camera body, and that would suck.

 

Anyway, thanks for the reply.

Mike

[alpenglow]

Pete... I just wanted to follow through with this thread.

 

I got my new cable release adapter today, and it appears that was the problem as it seems to work just fine now. So that was an easy fix, and a big relief! But thank you for taking the time to consider my dilemma... much appreciated :)

 

Cheers,

Mike