The problem was caused by a contaminated shutter magnet so the solution was quite simple - clean the magnet. It's something I do anyway if I service a 139.
The shutter magnet is not to be confused with the release magnet, which can also become contaminated but the symptoms are different. Here's a picture of the shutter magnet. The white plastic arm has a metal plate at the top which contacts the magnet face. This plate and the magnet face are the parts that need to be cleaned.
The more usual symptom of a contaminated shutter magnet is the shutter staying open due to the plastic arm staying permanently stuck to the magnet.
I have recenntly re discovered this amazingcamera . i had one 30 years ago , its great that you share this information so freely
ReplyDeletedo you know anyone that services Contax 139 cameras ? cheers OZ
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI still can't unscrew the ISO dial with the rubber method. Do I need to press the shutter button and the dial release latch at all times while unscrewing the dial?
ReplyDeleteNo, once the shutter button becomes loose you can then just unscrew it.
DeleteI think I've loosened the button, but I can't turn it beyond 1/4. Do you have a video of how you do it?
DeleteSounds like you haven't loosened it. The button in the middle will turn freely once it is loose.
DeleteDoes it pop? I'm sure I'm doing something wrong in another aspect. I really want to see how you do it, just the popping the button trick.
DeleteNothing 'pops'. The button in the middle needs to be unscrewed then the dial lifts out. I only turn the dial as I find it's easier, initially, to turn the whole assembly to get the button started. After that, just unscrew the button. A short quick rotation often gets it started.
DeleteSorry I'm not in a position to make a video. Maybe I will in the future. You might find the assembly drawings help you understand. They can be downloaded from my documents page. https://www.contax139.co.uk/documentation
On page 1, items 10-13 are the button assembly. That's what you need to unscrew.
Holy, I knew I had something wrong. I thought I was unscrewing the whole dial since the button turns with it. So, I just turned the button around with a single finger and it easily unscrewed. Thanks, Peter!
DeleteDo you have any tips for unscrewing the collet under the film advance lever? I'm going counter-clockwise with a wrench but it reaches a hard point and pushing it dented the collet a teeny bit
DeleteNot really. It should just unscrew. Counter-clockwise is correct. Maybe some corrosion in the thread. A TINY amount of oil might help.
DeleteIt's me again. I still couldn't lift the upper cover all the way. The silver cover fixer around the collet will not budge, I guess that means the spring underneath is still attached, but I also can't turn the collet any further. I just tried with a newer 3mm wrench and enough oil.
ReplyDeleteI don't really understand what you're saying. Can you email me with a picture or video to show what the problem is? My email is peter@contax139.co.uk
DeleteHi,i have a yashica fxd and the camera shutters at correct speeds very rarely(even in bulb shutters immediately) , i dissasembled followed your steps, and the magnet with the plastic arm closed, and dont want to open. Can you help me with some advice why this happens?
ReplyDeleteHi, I don't quite understand what you are saying. You said in Bulb the shutter closes immediately? But the shutter magnet stays closed? That's not really possible unless the shutter is defective. If you mean the shutter magnet will not stay closed then it may need cleaning or the wires of the coil may be broken. If you can send me more details, maybe a picture or video, to my email address I'll try to help more. You can find my email address at https://www.contax139.co.uk/contact-me
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete