Finally got a stubborn Pentax shutter working with a $2 rubber band

Had a Spotmatic that was only firing at 1/1000 no matter what I set. Cleaned the slow speed escapement twice, checked the brake lever, nothing. Almost gave up. Then a guy on the Facebook group suggested wrapping the magnet arm with a tiny strip of latex from a surgical glove. First try, every speed from B to 1/1000 is within spec now. Anyone else found weird non-traditional materials that saved a repair?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_lucas2d ago

I've done the glove latex trick on a handful of Copal shutters myself. The key is using the thinnest possible strip and making sure it's completely dry before you close the mechanism. It works fine as a temporary fix, but you're absolutely right that it degrades - I replace them with proper shims or new parts after a year or two.

noahhall2d ago

First try, every speed from B to 1/1000 is within spec now" - I mean, are you sure though? I've seen so many "fixed" shutters where a rubber band or glove latex just masks a bigger problem. Those materials break down over time, especially with temperature changes. You're basically adding a ticking time bomb into a precision mechanism. I'd rather have a camera that only works at one speed than one that might fail completely at the worst possible moment. Plus, surgical latex can leave residue that's a nightmare to clean off later. Just my two cents, but I think proper replacement parts are the only way to go for anything long term.