Fixed a stuck shutter on a 1970s Pentax for a retired teacher today

This older lady brought in her dad's old Spotmatic that had been sitting in a closet since the 80s. The mirror was locked up and the curtains were completely seized. I managed to get it moving again with just some lighter fluid and patience, and she actually teared up when I handed it back. Has anyone else had a repair job that felt more meaningful than just fixing a camera?

2 comments

2 Comments

mark_fisher4812d ago

3 Spotmatics I've fixed changed my mind about that.

ivancoleman12d ago

Had a buddy who swore by his Nikon F2 for years, wouldn't touch anything else. Last summer he found a Spotmatic at a garage sale for ten bucks and figured why not, he'd see what the fuss was about. Spent a weekend cleaning it up and putting new light seals in. Called me up after he shot a roll with it and said he finally understood what all the old-timers meant about those Takumar lenses. He's still got the F2 but the Spotmatic lives in his bag now. Said it just feels right in his hands, like it was made for him.