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M4 rapid advance lever jammed?


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Having some bad luck with my newly acquired M4 (in addition to the close focus issues I'm having).

 

Was about 25 exposures into my second roll and the rapid advance lever is jammed and won't move at all and the shutter release button can be pressed but nothing happens. What's going on?

 

I was using a cable release that was screwed into the cable release socket, but I can't imagine that would be the cause of these jamming issues, unless the thin pin that engages the shutter somehow is stuck? I'm thinking something else is happening, just not sure what?

 

 

 

Any insight would be appreciated. I love my m4, but the issues are bumming me out.

 

 

Thanks,

Dan

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Have you checked for film chips? That's relatively common and a piece of broken film (from the sprocket holes) can jam up the shutter from releasing. Otherwise it's probably the shutter curtains themselves.

 

Since the M4 is a fairly old camera and you bought it not knowing its full history (I'm assuming) then you might want to consider a service. I recommend sending it to DAG if you can be without it for around a month. For around $250 he will fully service the camera and you'll then know its condition and be able to use it for another few decades trouble free.

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I don't suppose you had a 24 exposure roll?

I'd be sure to salvage the exposed part of the roll by rewinding, and then you can open the back and check things out.

Is this one that Youxin serviced? He does good work, and just returned my Standard in nice shape, but I agree that DAG is a level above about everyone else. After my M4 came back from another well-respected repair specialist twice with problems, I sent it to DAG who got it perfect.

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Old camera bodies that haven't been used for some time may get jammed. Indeed, rewind the film so you can open the camera. Shutter may get jammed somehow, or the curtain. The M4's I had and still have needed a CLA after I bought them and Will van Manen made them run without any problem. Perhaps your M4 hasn't been serviced for years.

Don't try to force anything, just rewind the film and open the back. Then probably send it to one of the better repair people.

Lex

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Thanks all!

 

After further closer inspection, it looks like the shutter curtain is indeed sticking. There is a thin metal strip (looks like a weld of some sort) at the left furthermost edge of the curtain that appears to be coming off. It almost looks like there are two of these back to back, and the one that is coming off slides behind the other (it's hard to explain, but some of you may know what this is). Sounds like CLA time.

 

-Dan

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