OM-3 stuck advance /shutter

[RonniePedersen]

(long time guest lurker...)

I have stumpled upon a OM-3 in reasonable shape (whoohoo), but the advance or shutter seem stuck.

Batteries have been out for years, new ones confirm battery check. But since its a mechanical shutter I guess it wont need them...

I've removed the bottom plate, but the gears seem fine and free of any gunk. When I press the shutter theres movement on the lever that goes across the bottom from the right side to the lense mount. This only moves about 1-2mm and it looks like it should be able to move roughly 6mm.

Advance lever only goes to the park position, like the shutter is cocked and ready.

Mirror isnt up.

Any ideas? (there are more or less encyclopedias with info on the om1 and 2, but my google fu has failed me on this one.)

[Attila]

Welcome!
Rare valuable camera worth to fix by an expert and not ruin by yourself.

[RonniePedersen]

Wise words Attila, sadly experts are few and far between in my area. Had it been a mint camera, I could have seen it as an investment, and found capable hands regardless of handling costs. I wont go any further than the bottom plate, rather keep it as a show piece or simply sell it as a rare diy offer.

But for sure, it wont be wasted / forgotten...

[Attila]

[Lloydy]

I presume you've seen this site ?

http://olympus.dementix.org/Hardware/

I've downloaded OM1 repair manuals from here, they don't list OM3 but would it be different mechanically to the OM4 ?

[Ymmot]

I'm not an expert as I have not the guts nor the need to open a camera yet,
Though for repairing zuiko lenses I can certainly vouch for the awesomeness of that website .

However as the OM4 is a mostly electronically regulated camera, I would suppose that the internals are different, especially the shutter,
so depending where the fault is, it may suffice, though this fully depends on how much parts they share, so don't count on it.

As a wild guess the internals if at all are probably similar to a mix of OM4 (the most similar body) and OM1(n) (also mechanical), though I would also say send it for repair if possible at all, messing a OM3 up is a shame even if not mint.

[RonniePedersen]

It appears that I've mended it myself...

Following the instructions from Rui in this thread about a OM4 in similar state.

http://photo.net/olympus-camera-forum/00ao31

But the camera would love a CLA, so I'm talking to some local techs about it.

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions.