OM2-n mirror fault. Is it serious, Doctor?

[benji]

My Olympus OM2-n has started developing the following problem:

On depressing the shutter release button, the mirror stays in the “up” position after exposing the frame (leaving the frame still exposed, I suppose. Not sure, I haven’t checked the film yet). One thing I know, the wind-on mechanism subsequently gets blocked, so I can't really move on to anything.

I have noticed that if I turn the shutter speed ring to "B" Bulb setting, and then back to any of the "preset shutter speeds" (i.e: 1sec), the mirror will go back to the "down" position. Then I can wind on the film again.

I’ve also noticed that if I shoot whilst keeping the DOF preview button depressed with one of my fingers, the mirror will behave as it should. In fact the whole thing will be OK.

But as you would understand, this is still a major problem.
Now, before I have the thing looked at, I was wondering whether some knowledgeable and handy Olympus OM shooter(s) had indeed come across this problem in the past, and if so is it easy enough to fix?

My other alternative is eBay for a new body, but I am a “sentimental sort”, so will do that as a last resort!!!

Cheers,
Benji

[Manofolympus]

Mirror lock up in an OM2 is usually a response to flat batteries- are they a new set? When the mirror locks it is normal for the rewind to be locked as I think the shutter hasn't tripped. Turning to "B" is part of the reset procedure for an OM2 and will unlock the mirror and reset the shutter- though strictly you should press the small button on the lower right of the lens mount on the camera body though I have known them reset without doing this.
If the batteries are ok it may well be a loose or corroded wire,but I would try changing batteries first.

[benji]

The first thing I did was to replace the batteries with brand-new ones, but the problem remains.

[Manofolympus]

Then whatever the cause it will require delving about in the cameras innards to correct-does the manual meter work? and does the shutter work on manual?

[benji]

The light metre works fine.
The shutter has stopped working on both auto and manual modes (I only use manual mode 99% of the time, but I did try the auto mode too. Same thing happens).

I'm a bit intrigued at the fact that holding down the DOF preview button helps the shutter fire normally.

Any ideas as to why that would be?

[benji]

I forgot to mention:
when I said the shutter didn't work, I actually meant the button does go down when I depress it, but then it stays down, does not come back up.

I'm saying just in case it read as if the shutter button just stayed in the "up" position when I try to press it (as would be the case if -say the film was not wound on fully for instance- if that makes sense).
It's not the case here. I press the button, it sinks in, but stays there, with the mirror staying up as well.

Hope this clarifies things a tad more... Although, maybe not!!! LOL

In short, I fire the shutter: shutter button stays down, mirror stays up (until the early hours of the morning and more).

BTW Thanks, Nigel, for the replies so far.

Benji

[Manofolympus]

Dunno is the short answer-have you tried the camera without the lens on-does it still lock up? It would appear to have power or the manual meter wouldn't work but that doesnt preclude an electrcal break in the shutter-when the mirror locks up is the shutter open?

[benji]

With or without a lens mounted does not make a difference.
I can't remember for sure if the shutter is open or not. I haven't got the camera with me at the mo'.
I will check that out when I get back home.

[Manofolympus]

Sorry-our posts are getting out of sync!

[Manofolympus]

With or without a lens mounted does not make a difference.
I can't remember for sure if the shutter is open or not. I haven't got the camera with me at the mo'.
I will check that out when I get back home.

I would guess the capacitor in the shutter circuit is failing or failed-on the OM2 the first shutter curtain is tripped mechanically and the second is held open by electromagnets until the capacitor is charged-this either being done by the OTF meter circuit in auto or via a resistor in manual mode (a different resistor for each shutter speed). If the capacitor won't charge then the shutter will be held open till the batteries go flat-which is why B is a fully mechanical speed-and why setting to B releases the second curtain.
Why depressing the DOF allows it to work i'm not certain-unless it simply allows a wee bit more juice into the capacitor.
If it is this it is poss to mend, since the OM2 uses old fashioned electronics so someone adept with a soldering iron can replace it-however whether this is cost effective vis-a-vis a new camera I don't know-fortunately my OM1 is clockwork and doesn't have these problems! If you use it mainly in manual an OM1 might be better long term.

[benji]

Thanks for the feedback.
I'll make a note of this info!!!
Benji

[ricster]

My OM2SP had a similar fault - I sent it to Protech (who are in the same building as MXV) and it was a quick fix for them. The chap there is ex-Olympus and a genius! They have also fixed my 35rd - can't recommend them highly enough!

[fredmuggins]

If the mirror bounce foam hasn't been replaced, by now it'll just be a line of sticky gunk. When the mirror comes up it might get stuck for a while. This is the first thing I'd check.

[AJUK]

Sounds exactly like a dead battery to me, If new batteries didn't sort it, are the new batteries good quality I once had an OM40 refuse to work because of a rubbish battery. If the mirror comes down when you put it to bulb, then I doubt it is a mechanical fault and more to do with the electrics.