A couple of questions re Konica auto S2

[d_ross]

I have just purchaesed an auto S2 and it has a couple of issues I'm wondering if someone can help with. the camera appears to be in great condition apart from two things.

1, the lens seems to be slightly loose on the body, most likely not enough to be a problem, but I wondered if there was a simple way to tighten this up?

2, the shutter speeds at 1 sec 1/2 sec and 1/4 are sticky, the rest seem ok, I wondered if this is an issue that could at some time extend to the faster speeds, as this isnt a real issue for me because I never use these speeds in reality.

Many thanks for any advice I can get.

[fidget]

The lens seems to have a slight wobble on many examples, mine included. I guess that it depends on how much.
The timer mechanism for the slow speeds is not used on the faster speeds, so, typically with old folders, the slow speeds stay sluggish but the faster set remain ok.

[vrgard]

My recollection is that no. 1 is fairly common with this camera and is not a problem. I think if you do a search on this forum you'll find it mentioned a few times. Sorry, can't answer your no. 2 question. As you no doubt already know, having now purchased one, it's a nice camera with a very high quality lens. Enjoy and do post some shots taken with it when you get them.

-Randy

edit: Sorry, fidget, for essentially repeating your answer. Looks like we were posting responses contemporaneously.

[d_ross]

thanks very much guys, that was what I was hoping to hear. I'm looking forward to using it and seeing the results.

Thanks again

[delible]

On my Auto S-2, the slow speeds return to normal, or pretty close to it, after some exercise. They do, however, stick again after lack of exercise.

[d_ross]

thanks delible, I'm a bit that way myself without exersize :-)

[Kim Coxon]

A couple of thoughts. The lens itself tends to be mounted fairly firmly. However, the "shroud" around the outside is in about 4 layers to hold all the adjustments. Normally there is some slack in here and it gives the "inpression" that the lens is loose. Does the lens itseld move when you wobble the outside?

If the stickyness at slow speeds is purely due to "gunk" on the slow speed escapement, you should be allright at 1/30 and above. If it is due to gunk on the blades, it is likely to throw the other speeds as well and the may need to be cleaned.

Kim

Originally Posted by d_ross

I have just purchaesed an auto S2 and it has a couple of issues I'm wondering if someone can help with. the camera appears to be in great condition apart from two things.

1, the lens seems to be slightly loose on the body, most likely not enough to be a problem, but I wondered if there was a simple way to tighten this up?

2, the shutter speeds at 1 sec 1/2 sec and 1/4 are sticky, the rest seem ok, I wondered if this is an issue that could at some time extend to the faster speeds, as this isnt a real issue for me because I never use these speeds in reality.

Many thanks for any advice I can get.

[d_ross]

It looks like the lens is moving a little bit, but it seems to be looser from the shutter speed ring out. Even though it is noticeably loose, think it might not be bad enough to cause problems, my concern is whether its likely to get worse.

The only speeds that appear to be effected are 1 sec to 1/4 sec, from 1/8th upwards they seem to be right, and seem to clean. I have a film in it now so will soon know if things arn't right.

Cheers

[IK13]

There's a brass ring bellow the name plate which holds the speed ring (and out) portion of the barrel. It does have slots on the side and there's a tiny screw with a head half-flat (on one side) which serves as a lock to the brass ring. With time though the brass ring gets loose and the barrel starts to wobble.
Easy to fix. Don't tighten it too much though as it might make difficult to select speeds.

The lens itself (the front glass element) is screwed in and should not wobble.

The speeds...well it's a 40 years old mechanical camera. Even if you clean the shutter, the speeds are ...well..as on a 40 years old mechanical camera.

It's going to be fine for print film, I just wouldn't trust it too much with slides...

Post some pictures! It has a very sharp lens (the bokeh is a somewhat different story.)

[d_ross]

Thanks for that, I found that ring was rather loose, the lens is still a little loose but feels much better. Everything seems to be working perfectly, it's a nice camera to use. Thanks again for the tips. here are a couple of pics from the camera.