Introduction
Sometimes, a jammed camera can be remedied by addressing the mechanisms directly under the bottom cover.
- If the mirror fails to return after an exposure, causing the viewfinder to black out, try pushing the mirror release lever to the right. This will allow the mirror actuator lever to fall and the mirror to return to the viewing position.
- If the release button fails to fire the shutter, check the mirror actuator lever, the black bar that travels in the slot. Sometimes it can slip off the release lever between exposures. Push it up until it is caught by the release lever again.
Even though these simple fixes can get your camera shooting again, be aware that they are signs of old and dirty mechanisms. Your camera probably needs a more in depth cleaning in order to perform reliably.
Tools
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This is an example of a properly functioning mirror charging mechanism.
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The large gear on the far left is driven by the film advance lever on top of the camera.
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The long silver lever is the mirror charging lever. It pushes the black bar to the top of the slot when the camera is wound, which charges the main mirror spring.
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The lever on the right holds the black bar in place while the camera is cocked and ready to shoot.
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At the end of an exposure, the large black gear pushes the release lever, returning the mirror to the viewing position.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
