0

Very new to shooting film. This morning I go to take a shot outdoors and the shutter stops halfway and the viewfinder goes black.

It will not let me complete taking the photo. I remove the lens to check and there is a barcode/QR code covering over the screen.

Any idea what this is and what this means I have done? I am eight shots into the roll. Also the camera is 35 years old.

|improve this question
  • 1
    Can you take a picture (like, with a phone cam) of what you see? – mattdm Dec 13 '18 at 2:23
  • 1
    A picture is worth a thousand words... please upload a photo – osullic Dec 13 '18 at 9:28
1

Scan the QR code for help :) j/k - that "QR code" is a pattern imprinted on the shutter curtains to help with weighted exposure.

Irrespective of camera model, the problem described is often due to one of the following causes:

  • Battery exhausted on an electronic-shutter camera (which the OM-40 is). Try replacing the battery; in some cases removing, resting, and reinserting the battery could also help.

  • Accidentally activated a manual mirror-lock up feature (seems the OM-40 hasn't any, though).

  • General film-advance/shutter-cocking mechanical confusion that can in some cases be cleared up (or worsened...) by carefully actuating winder couplings manually - YMMV...

For this specific camera model, there also seems to be a known wear defect called "sticky magnet syndrome" which might (hopefully not) apply here...

|improve this answer
  • He apparently had eight successful shots, so my money is on an exhausted battery, rather than some mechanical defect that suddenly appeared after eight shots. – Jan Steinman Dec 17 '18 at 2:45

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.