M4-intermittent shutter jam

[andredossantos]

Hey Folks! Quick question: In my hands I have a beautiful M4 which adavnces and fires perfectly while not loaded. Once I load film, the first 4 frames or so I have to hold the advance lever outward otherwise the shutter button does not depress. Now, this stops happening after I get to frame 4 or so, and then it's smooth sailing from there.

I do notice that when film is loaded the little circular thingy that grips the film moves back very slightly when the film is loaded which could be why it's not firing on those early frames, and then once more film is on the spool tension holds it tight.

Anyway, anyone familiar with this problem? Any quick fixes? Thanks in advance!!

[andredossantos]

Aperture: Did the shutter lock up when there was no film loaded too?

[thetooth]

I had a M2 that had a similar problem , so I sent it to Sherry Krauter and the problem is no more . Sounds like the camera is ready for a overhaul . Mrs.Krauter did a great job on mine for around $400.00 with shipping and it took about 4 weeks travel time included .

Best

[Vickko]

Yep, that's the failure mode. There is an interlock (a notch, actually) that has to be positioned properly to allow the shutter to be depressed. With no film tension, that notch can go into the right place, and enable the shutter release. But with the back-tension from film, that notch may be pulled, and not clear the shutter release.

It can mean that the geared wind head has been installed with the wrong gear alignment.

I've done it myself - on an M2, and the M4 would be similar.

Vick