“Quick fix” for Olympus OM-1n sticky shutter at faster speeds?
EDIT: thanks to all who have commented. It’s clear that this won’t be a quick clean and lube like I had hoped. I’ll try and get a professional CLA sorted before my holiday and if not, immediately after. You’ve sufficiently dissuaded me from trying it myself and making things worse. Thanks for all of the advice, much appreciated!
Hi there,
I have an Olympus OM-1n I’ve been using for a few years. Its worked mostly flawlessly in the time I’ve had it. A few years ago, the lever would occasionally lock up but this seemed to clear itself with use. Unfortunately, it currently seems to be having issues exposing properly at higher shutter speeds, especially on the right hand side of the frame. The issue almost always occurs at 1/1000s, I don’t think it ever happens at 1/500s so I have been getting by just using this and slower speeds. My lab tech says this is because of a sticky shutter.
Unfortunately in the midlands UK, I’ve had trouble finding a recommended CLA service at all, let alone at a reasonable price. I’m going on holiday in a few weeks and will be taking my camera. I’m comfortable taking things apart and wondering if there is a “quick fix” I can use to get the camera functioning normally through my holiday with the hope I can find a proper CLA when I get back. I was thinking along the lines of using WD-40 to clean it out, then using silicone lube to lubricate the mechanism again but I’ve no doubt this is not the right combination of solvents and lubricants.
Can anyone advise on a quick fix for this issue please? I have found some guides online, this one looks good quality but I don’t have the measuring equipment or know which part of the mechanism specifically might need the work. I have attached some sample images where the issue is worst in the hope someone can identify the issue and what I need to clean/lube to fix it for now. Thank you for any help you can provide.