22
Just fixed a sticky shutter on a 1983 Pentax Super Program with a tiny drop of lighter fluid
It was gummed up pretty bad and I had to choose between a full disassembly or trying a tiny bit of solvent on the pivot. I went with the solvent, just a single drop on a needle, and worked it in. After letting it sit for an hour, the shutter fires perfectly now at all speeds. Has anyone else had luck with lighter fluid on old metal shutters, or is that a big no-no?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
wright.taylor6d ago
I read an old camera repair book that said a tiny bit of naptha, which is basically lighter fluid, on a stuck pivot is an accepted field fix. The key is using a minuscule amount and letting it fully dry before testing. It sounds like you did exactly that.
10
Honestly the whole "never use solvents" thing gets blown out of proportion for old cameras. If it was totally gummed up and now it works, you won. People act like these are museum pieces but they're tools meant to be used. A tiny drop on a pivot is way less risky than forcing something or a full tear down you might not be ready for. It's fine.
8