Being not much of a camera repairer, I was still able to fix my Olympus Pen D which had two issues. That should show that just about anyone can do this.
1. Camera Fires on Wind
2. Camera Allows Winding Multiple Times Before Firing
These are both two sides of the same issue. Connecting the lens/shutter and body there is a ring with an arm:
Unfortunately, this is made of a very soft metal. If the arm is bent in one direction, you get issue #1, and the other, it's issue #2.
The best way to fix this is to bend it with a screwdriver very slightly while the top and viewfinder assembly are removed. Then wind and shoot the camera a few times to confirm the problem is fixed. You can shoot the camera while the shutter button is removed by pressing a small screwdriver into the hole the shutter button occupies. While the top is off it's a good opportunity to clean and lubricate the parts there. I used isopropyl alcohol and then clock oil.
It's also possible to access this part without taking the top off, by disassembling the lens/shutter area. However, re-bending the part this way is more difficult, because you will have to guess the correct amount to bend it, and reassemble the lens/shutter in order to test it. If it's wrong, you have to take it all apart again.
In taking the top off, one of the screws broke in half. While taking the viewfinder off, all 3 of its screws broke. If this happens to you, it's okay - the viewfinder can be held somewhat snugly by the top plate alone. It seems they were using a pretty strong glue on some of these screws.
Now that it's back together again, the camera does its advance and fire cycle properly.
3. The aperture does not function
This can happen when the parts get loose and jump their track. You must open up the lens/shutter assembly and reseat the parts, particularly the aperture ring. Take care when doing this: there is a spring and tiny ball bearing which is the shutter speed selector that can fall out.
It's quite easy to reseat the aperture ring, but if you move things around while reassembling, and you probably will, you may end up with problem #1 or #2, as I did, so take care.
Also a good opportunity to clean and lube the shutter mechanism. I made sure not to get any oil on the shutter blades or touch them at all.
4. Lens Assembly Looseness
Loosen and retighten the 4 screws inside the film chamber.
That's it. I hope this helps you troubleshoot these common issues, because it's a great camera to use. I didn't expect to be able to fix it myself.
I didn't have a lens spanner - I used a small pair of scissors instead. To get the frame counter off, I used the two cut prongs of a safety pin held in pliers (and a lot of force). The rest was done with a small flathead screwdriver set and pliers.
If you have any questions about what to unscrew to get things off, I found that information available online elsewhere, or ask me and I'll be happy to help. I didn't want to clutter this guide with every step.
1. Camera Fires on Wind
2. Camera Allows Winding Multiple Times Before Firing
These are both two sides of the same issue. Connecting the lens/shutter and body there is a ring with an arm:
Unfortunately, this is made of a very soft metal. If the arm is bent in one direction, you get issue #1, and the other, it's issue #2.
The best way to fix this is to bend it with a screwdriver very slightly while the top and viewfinder assembly are removed. Then wind and shoot the camera a few times to confirm the problem is fixed. You can shoot the camera while the shutter button is removed by pressing a small screwdriver into the hole the shutter button occupies. While the top is off it's a good opportunity to clean and lubricate the parts there. I used isopropyl alcohol and then clock oil.
It's also possible to access this part without taking the top off, by disassembling the lens/shutter area. However, re-bending the part this way is more difficult, because you will have to guess the correct amount to bend it, and reassemble the lens/shutter in order to test it. If it's wrong, you have to take it all apart again.
In taking the top off, one of the screws broke in half. While taking the viewfinder off, all 3 of its screws broke. If this happens to you, it's okay - the viewfinder can be held somewhat snugly by the top plate alone. It seems they were using a pretty strong glue on some of these screws.
Now that it's back together again, the camera does its advance and fire cycle properly.
3. The aperture does not function
This can happen when the parts get loose and jump their track. You must open up the lens/shutter assembly and reseat the parts, particularly the aperture ring. Take care when doing this: there is a spring and tiny ball bearing which is the shutter speed selector that can fall out.
It's quite easy to reseat the aperture ring, but if you move things around while reassembling, and you probably will, you may end up with problem #1 or #2, as I did, so take care.
Also a good opportunity to clean and lube the shutter mechanism. I made sure not to get any oil on the shutter blades or touch them at all.
4. Lens Assembly Looseness
Loosen and retighten the 4 screws inside the film chamber.
That's it. I hope this helps you troubleshoot these common issues, because it's a great camera to use. I didn't expect to be able to fix it myself.
I didn't have a lens spanner - I used a small pair of scissors instead. To get the frame counter off, I used the two cut prongs of a safety pin held in pliers (and a lot of force). The rest was done with a small flathead screwdriver set and pliers.
If you have any questions about what to unscrew to get things off, I found that information available online elsewhere, or ask me and I'll be happy to help. I didn't want to clutter this guide with every step.
