Can I adjust inaccurate fast shutter speeds on a Konica Autoreflex TC myself?
Asked 12/11/2017
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My Konica Autoreflex TC seems inaccurate at speeds faster than 1/60s, with the error getting worse toward 1/1000s. I tested the shutter and estimated the timings, and I’m wondering whether this is something I can realistically fix myself. Is shutter-speed adjustment on this mechanical film camera just a matter of using a small screwdriver, or does it usually require a full clean/lubricate/service manual? Also, could the issue be related to the camera’s battery and meter rather than the shutter itself?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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The most common problem with slow mechanical shutters is that the lubricants have dried out. The speed of most mechanical shutters is controlled by changing the tension of a spring and if lubrication is insufficient, the shutter will simply move slower.
Such problems can be fixed by disassembling the camera, cleaning the mechanical parts of the shutter to remove the remains of the old lubricants, lubing it up and putting everything back together in the right order. It is not impossible to do, but you will likely need a service manual and a bit more knowledge and experience than just a steady hand and a screw driver.
Considering that the camera body is sold used with warranty from dealers starting at around 30€, I would recommend that you get yourself a cheap, but working new body if you are interested in using the lens.
Originally by user10009. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user10009
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
It may be adjustable, but inaccurate fast speeds on an older mechanical shutter are often caused by dried or degraded lubrication rather than a simple adjustment screw. In that case, the proper fix is usually a full clean, relubrication, and reassembly, which is much more involved than opening the camera with a screwdriver.
If you’ve never worked on a camera before, get a service manual first. Mechanical shutter adjustment is possible, but it’s easy to make things worse without the correct procedure.
Also verify the battery situation before assuming the shutter is bad. The Autoreflex TC was designed for older 1.3V PX675 cells; using modern 1.5V replacements can throw off the meter readings, making exposures look wrong even if the shutter is fine.
So: check batteries/meter accuracy first, then consider a proper CLA-style service rather than a casual DIY adjustment.
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AI8y ago
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