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Firing Shutter Independently of Lens and Body

MarkF_48

Member
Could a 500 series camera body or lens possibly be damaged by releasing the shutter independently of each other > fire the shutter on a lens while not mounted on a body or fire the camera without a lens? This might be done only occasionally to check each for correct functioning. I think I've read somewhere this may not be a good thing to do on some cameras possibly because the mechanism likes to have some resistance to "cushion" the action of the release. I do realize each will need to be recocked to mount.
 
I'd like to hear the answer from people with some training in repair and maintenance, but I can't imaging that actauting the shutter on a lens or a body, where the body and lens are separated, could harm anything. Certainly my lenses and bodies have all been tested this way many times. The biggest risk is in how you recock the lens - there is a chance the tool could slip and damage the rear lens element.
 
There is only one reason not to release a lens or body on its own:
It could lead to an attempt to mount a lens that is not cocked on a body that is not cocked.

For testing purposes bodies and lenses are frequently released on their own.
Cocking a lens that is not mounted on a body is done best by using a small coin.
Avoid screwdrivers to cock lenses unless you have an ultra steady hand or funds to pay for a new rear element of the lens.

A custom made tool to cock a lens or to release a seized body is offered at aution sites for around 12 USD.
 
I'd like to hear the answer from people with some training in repair and maintenance, but I can't imaging that actauting the shutter on a lens or a body, where the body and lens are separated, could harm anything. Certainly my lenses and bodies have all been tested this way many times. The biggest risk is in how you recock the lens - there is a chance the tool could slip and damage the rear lens element.

I've have seen a Hasselblad repair veteran with decades of experience fire shutters on lenses without any hesitation. I therefore have no reason whatsoever to believe claims that doing so would be detrimental to shutters.

Wilko
 
Thanks Polypal and Wilko for confirming my understanding - I was pretty sure these simple mechanical devices could cope!
 
Simple mechanical devices?? :z04_schlaumeier:

Disassemble a 500 CM body and try to make working camera from the parts.
These cameras are little mechanical wonders designed and built by very talented craftsmen.

It takes several years for a trained repairman to master these cameras. :z02_respekt:
 
Simple mechanical devices?? :z04_schlaumeier:

Disassemble a 500 CM body and try to make working camera from the parts.
These cameras are little mechanical wonders designed and built by very talented craftsmen.

It takes several years for a trained repairman to master these cameras. :z02_respekt:

And as soon as you get bored from hacking the 500CM mechanics: go for a Prontor shutter :) That is a real challenge!
 
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