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Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment

Introduction

The electronic speeds on the Super Program can be adjusted by connecting the shutter to the front block before it is reinstalled to into the camera. Curtain speeds should only be adjusted with a three sensor shutter tester that can accurately measure the travel times. The curtain delay can be adjusted to a reasonable degree with a single sensor tester.

  1. Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Prepare the shutter: step 1, image 1 of 2 Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Prepare the shutter: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • The shutter should be installed in the camera chassis.

    • Solder jumper wires to the red, brown and white shutter controls signals.

    • Solder a jumper wire to the positive battery terminal.

    • Solder a jumper wire to the ground connection.

    • Install the bottom cover and batteries.

    Edit

  2. Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Prepare the front block: step 2, image 1 of 3 Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Prepare the front block: step 2, image 2 of 3 Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Prepare the front block: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Solder the jumper wires from the shutter control wires.

    • Red wire connection.

    • White wire connection.

    • Brown wire connection.

    • Solder the jumper wire from positive battery.

    • Connect the ground wire to the camera chassis.

    • Connect the shutter release plate to the camera chassis (ground).

    Edit

  4. Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Select the shutter speed: step 3, image 1 of 2 Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Select the shutter speed: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Turn the mode dial to the 'M' position.

    • Be careful not to let the ball bearing escape when passing through 'Auto' mode (the larger hole).

    • Adjust the shutter speed by grounding the contact posts for the shutter speed selector buttons.

    Edit

    • The camera has the necessary electrical connections to operate the shutter, but some of the mechanical actions have to be done manually.

    • Charge the mirror mechanism.

    • Charge the shutter.

    • Press the shutter release.

    • Push the opening curtain latch on the shutter.

    • Push the mirror return latch.

    Edit

  6. Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Adjust curtain travel times: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Measure curtain travel times with a shutter tester. If the shutter is far out of spec, it may be necessary to select a slower shutter speed to get a reading.

    • Adjust the lower gear for the opening curtain. Turn clockwise to decrease travel time and counter-clockwise to increase.

    • Adjust the upper gear for the closing curtain.

    • Both curtains should have a travel time of 5.6 ms over 22 mm. Incrementing the gears by one tooth changes the travel time by ~0.05 ms.

    Edit

  7. Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Adjust curtain delay: step 6, image 1 of 2 Pentax Super Program Shutter Timing Adjustment, Adjust curtain delay: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Set the shutter speed to 2000.

    • Adjust the eccentric post until the exposure time measures 0.5 ms.

    • The service manual gives an acceptable range of 0.45 to 0.6 ms for the 1/2000 setting. Other speeds should be accurate at this point.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Sam Gustafson

Member since: 09/01/22

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