I recently discovered this great site, which has been very helpful to me. Thank you! My good old Konica Autoreflex T3 that I bought new in 1975 has got a problem with the shutter. When the film advance lever is turned, the shutter fires accidentally once or twice per roll of film. I can live with it as long as it is not getting worse, but it probably will? Thank you for any advice!

-- Anonymous, June 16, 2000

Answers

T-3 Shutter Problems

Nils, Now that I finally have caught up with my e-mails, I can actually answer some questions. Your problem can be caused by several things. Check that the linkage between your lens or accessory and the camera body is clear, lined up correctly, and operates smoothly. If there is a hang-up (even a very slight one) in any of these areas, it will cause interference with the shutter's operation, especially if the stop-down linkage of the lens is not working smoothly. Another area of concern is the mirror being hung up for some reason. Still another cause is using a non-Konica accessory that doesn't fit properly (arms or linkages protruding too far, mount turned slightly, etc.). One other possibility would be the shutter-wind mechanism hanging up in the body. Most of these can be remedied at home easily enough. The Konica T and A series are logically laid out and easy to work on if need be. The third-party accessories and lenses are a bit more if only because they vary so much from brand to brand, sometimes from batch to batch. Be more selective and cautious when using other brands of equipment with your Konica as their quality control and tolerances are quite slack compared to Konica's. I bought my T-3 the same time you did and have found that the problems usually associated with the shutter in other cameras can normally be traced to faulty mounts and linkages in off-brand lenses and accessories in Konicas. I have never had a true failure of the Copal Square shutter in any of my T's or A's. If the problem persists after checking these areas I have mentioned, it may be time for a good professional CLA. If there is a problem with the shutter proper (unlikely, in my opinion), it is not likely to be major. Hope this helps out.

Jon from Deepinaharta, Georgia

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2000

T3 Shutter Repair

My T3 has developed the same problem, after sitting a few years. I bought mine in 1974. I talked to Greg Weber about it last month. He said this is a common problem in an onlder camera, expecially if it hasn't been used in a while. A simple CLA (Clean, Lube, & Adjustment) will take care of the problem. I'm sending it in to him. He's also going to recalibrate the meter to take the newer batteries.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2000

T3 Shutter Repair

Del, Good move!! While the camera is in for the CLA, ask Greg to check the little plastic block that the stop-down arm linkage bottoms up against. I had the experience of a lens stopping down and hanging there after the shot with my admittedly heavily-used T3. Then the next shot would be over-done because the stop-down didn't go far enough. The tech who used to do my Konicas said these were the only weak link in the T and A series, and only a minor one, at that. To date, it is the only repair (aside from a good work-up caused by a tumble into a mud pit when I first got the camera) I have had done to my T3 since 1975. That CLA was done in 1989, so it is coming up to the time to get another.

Jon from Deepinaharta, Georgia

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2000