Fix Old Cameras: Copal One Sluggish Slow Speeds

A Copal shutter with sluggish slow speeds. This video shows how to remove and service the slow speed escapement so as to bring the slow speeds of a Copal shutter back into specifications.
classic camera repair - www.phototronic...
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[@ShawneeUnion]

Really glad you made this. I think all the copal shutters we'll see in our lifetimes have been made so we'll need to know how to repair them in the future. I've always wondered how to adjust speeds too.

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for the great comments and insightful observations.

[@techietypex]

Thank you so much for this and the Copal 0 video. Like the one in this video, my Copal 0 had erratic slow shutter speeds. I was apprehensive about trying to repair it myself until I saw your video. Someone had been in my shutter before me (it was purchased used) and used some sort of gray lube. It cleaned up fine with Ronsonol and Q-Tips. I used a piece of wire to relube it with watch oil. It took a little while to figure out how to put the escapement back in and get the speed dial cam properly back together. Once that was done, it worked like new! Thanks again

[@FixOldCameras]

Persistence and patience paid off. Very good to hear of your successful repair.

[@NefariousDoings]

I’ve just found your channel and all I can say in thanks for making these videos. Incredibly helpful

[@as616]

Thank you. The video and instructions were clear and easy to follow. Now the slow speeds are working acceptably.

[@mojofilterenterprises2450]

Yup, that cam follower screw is reverse thread, or used to be - now it is a sheered off screw.

[@Vertacos]

Just fixed my copal #0... Super easy to do ! Thank you very much !

[@GONZOFAM7]

I was cheering you on as you were struggling to put that screw in. Then success!!! Thanks for the video.

[@FixOldCameras]

You bring a smile with your comment. Thank you for your interest in FOC.

[@dirtywater5336]

Just bought a 150mm LF lens with a copal shutter and it sticks on speeds 1/4, 1/2, and 1 second. It looks like this is all it needs. This guy make sit look so easy but I know I wouldn't feel as comfortable doing it myself

[@seano51]

After cocking the shutter, the outer-release lever on my No.1 won't operate the shutter. I need to actuation the cocking lever once more, letting it fly back, for the shutter to operate. Is there a specific pivot or mechanism that typically needs cleaning/oiling to fix this issue? Thank you.

[@_zzpza]

Excellent video as always. I have a couple of shutters I need to service soon, so this is good timing. Thanks :)

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear it might help. Keep'em Going.

[@Mr.BrownsBasement]

Is it my mistake or one screw is reverse threaded?

[@iguanapete3809]

Need to preserve this craft.

[@ltbphoto]

Gave this a go this evening - everything went well except for the cam follower screw, who's head decided to shear off rather than back out (the shutter doesn't seem to mind the missing screw from what I can tell). Re watching the video where you're reinstalling that screw it almost looks like it's reverse-threaded, is that the case?

[@MikeM677]

Yes it is reverse threaded! I almost sheered it off

[@shutterbugf5]

I havae a Copal No. 1 that looks just like this only there's a black ring that's sitting on top of the retaining ring you first showed.. it has no notches to use a spanner on it and it coveres up the 1/2 moon lock you show in this video.. thoughts!?

[@emilioferral8606]

What would you recommend for the sonicating solution?

[@DavidNguyen209]

So helpful. Thanks you guys so much. I'm really appriciate yours work.

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank for your comments and continued interest in FOC.

[@tomheckhaus7617]

Hello, concerning ultrasonic cleaners. I've got a Harbor Freight unit. Do you use the water based ultrasonic cleaners or alcohol? My cleaner instructions advise, NOT to use a volatile liquid. I use it anyway, using a small plastic container with a lid to hold the part and some alcohol I also leave the heat turned off. I find Windex Brand (Non-Ammonia) window cleaner works well. It has just the right amount of soap and apparently has a wetting agent added. Gallon jugs of the stuff can be bought at home centers and big box stores relatively cheap. The Windex also acts as a good de-greaser and works well with the heater. One other tip is after the escapement is oiled as you've shown, I rest it on a paper towel and place a small piece of paper towel on the top for a few seconds. That seems to pull up any extra oil resting on the two plates. I use the Nye clock oil products. Those Copal#0 and #1 shutters are really nice. Almost every Yashica TLR I've seen has a Copal shutter with the exceptions being the older cameras with various brands of shutters. Thanks for the Videos, always helpful. Regards Tom

[@FixOldCameras]

Some good information. Thank you. As far as ultrasonic cleaners, typically 99% alcohol with no heat applied. Agreed, the design and function of a Copal #0 and #1 shutter in two words... simple elegance.

[@jianxu6678]

thanks verymuch!

[@tjchicago]

Is this process pretty similar on a copal 3 shutter?

[@1981fitz]

I clicked your website link but it says it's down. I have a compur-rapid and I'm wondering if you can service it. It works, but anything under 1/25th sounds like 1/50th, and one second and 1/2 second stick open. Thanks!

[@FixOldCameras]

Yes, need to update links. If you are interested in repair here is a new link. phototronic.biz/

[@neilnissing1321]

I

[@AnthonyWeekesE1Tech]

Will sewing machine oil gunk up over time? Can it be also use for lubricating the mirror box of the Canon A-1? Thanks in advance!

[@FixOldCameras]

If it is a synthetic oil, the claim is that they will not. Petroleum based lubricants can and will "gunk up" after prolonged non use.

[@gopernoper5330]

Would you ever consider doing a repair like replacing the shutter straps on a Contax 2 camera? Mine (as far as I know) just needs the straps replaced, and maybe the leather curtain cords replaced. It is an incredibly common issue, but there’s hardly any info out there on it. I can’t afford to send it to someone, so I was hoping you could help.

[@bluegone1]

I have a yumeka dx-3. It's shutter button is completely loose, doesn't engage the shutter and the shutter is open slightly. Do you have any resources for this or could you create some?

[@dansullivan239]

Where do you get the small metal tube for oiling the parts? Do you know where you can get 99% alcohol? Thanks So Much Great videos!

[@VonBromPhoto]

Thanks for the tip for putting the screw in a piece of paper. 🙂 It's also worth nothing that many of the screws are left-hand thread: turn them the wrong way!

[@DANVIIL]

Brilliant!! I'm sending in my Mamiya C330 in the next week.

[@FixOldCameras]

Right on.

[@DavidNguyen209]

The OM-1 have the same problems. Could you make a video for that too. It's can help me a lot

[@FixOldCameras]

The slow speed escapement lives under the mirror box and is partial accessible by removing the half moon mirror box cover that partially covers the lower portion. The referenced lower mirror box cover is held in place by glue. At 1:15 the position of the escapement can be seen on the following Fix Old Cameras video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jICccot4frp6Zpo

[@vasilhristov2472]

Hello, Can you make a video on how to fix the mirror on an Olympus OM-1

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for the fine suggestion and for your interest in FOC videos.

[@ppday]

i was repaired a same modle