arhphotographic

This week I acquired an Olympus OM 1 advertised as parts/not working on that well know auction site. The owner noted that the camera shutter worked but the viewfinder and lens were ‘hazy’. On testing the camera all was well, I had a working Om 1. Even the light meter works, not bad I think for £30!

The viewfinder ‘haze’, after a little research, proved to be a foam pad gone bad. This was located under the flash accessory prism and if I wanted to correct it, the top plate was going to have to come off! After watching a couple of videos online, I felt reasonably confident that I could complete the task. So armed with my trusty screwdriver set and lens spanner wrench I set out to try to improve things in the viewfinder.

First the Film Advance Lever had to be removed.

Next the Film Rewind had to be removed.

Finally the small retaining ring on the flash accessory port.

Et Voila! Top plate removed.

Just look at that goooooooo! The two screws securing the flash bracket were then removed carefully. Using some surgical spirit I removed the foam goo from around the prism and flash bracket. While I was there, some of the electrical contacts were cleaned as well.

Once satisfied with what I had done I reassembled the top plate.

The moment of truth. Had I been successful in my attempt to cleanup the viewfinder?

I knew I would never get to look ‘like new’ but I’m really pleased with what I’ve accomplished.🥳 So now I’m off to play!