cameraleather.com Specific notes on Olympus and Konica SLR's
. . . or how to get around the self timers on both of them.


Removing the self-timer cover and arm on the OM-1and OM-2

Read this section fully before doing anything to your self timer!

First, set your self timer to the active, 9 O'clock position. Now, trip the shutter, but NOT with the self timer trigger . . . just use the shutter button normally. DO NOT WIND THE FILM ADVANCE, and keep it "unwound" until you are completely finished. Your camera is now in the proper setting to prevent the self timer arm, if triggered, from going too far past it's resting position, at 12 O'clock. The little circular retaining cover on the self timer hub has two holes. It's best removed with a spanner wrench, or snap-ring pliers. You might even be able to turn it with your thumb. WARNING: The cover to the self-timer is counter-threaded---it tightens in the opposite direction of normally threaded screws. If you try to remove it by twisting counter-clockwise, you’ll break it! The cover should be removed by turning CLOCKWISE. (Repeat: remove it clockwise) Once you can fell it is loose, pull it out carefully; it consists of several parts and should be set aside as a unit. Now the bezel ring can be removed by unscrewing the two tiny retaining screws. Take them off carefully to avoid dropping them in the opening.

Once you've applied the new covering, the self-timer arm can be reassembled in reverse order.  At this point you can avoid the common error of trying to "thread" the bezel ring under the little black trigger. The bezel lies over the trigger, so never, ever attempt to pull the trigger away from the camera! The trigger does its job just fine with the bezel ring right on top.  Once set in place, you can tighten the 2 little screws on the bezel ring, but just barely get them snug . . . never attempt to really tighten them, since the bezel ring is quite thin and weak at the 2 screw holes. The arm assembly can now be lowered in place, and remember that it now will tighten in the counter-clockwise direction. Don't over-tighten, especially if you're using a spanner wrench! Before applying the small round leather piece to the self-timer hub, you will want to wind the camera and trigger the self-timer. Now the hub is resting at its normal 12 o'clock position, and you can apply the leather disc so the scales or pattern on it are oriented properly with the surrounding body leather. Now you are done . . . remember if you haven't activated the trigger, the self timer arm will be loose. You can wind the film advance, trigger the timer, and it will now be at it's normal 12 O'clock ready position.

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Removing the self-timer cover and arm on the Konica TC and T4


Read this section fully before doing anything to your self timer!

It isn't really necessary to take apart the self timer.  You can set the self timer arm to the 9 o'clock position and slip the cover over/under the arm from left to right.  In practice, you may find this easier to do if you cut the cover at the narrow point between the hole and lensmount.  (You won't notice it's been cut once applied.)  You can see this  "over/under" method of straddling the self-timer on the Leica installation page. Basically, you want to slide the new covering piece from left to right, so that the right side of the self timer hole slips OVER the self timer arm, and the left side of the self timer hole goes UNDER the arm. In this case, it's a good idea to apply some Purell hand sanitizer to the timer arm . . . if you don't know what we are talking about, then take a look at the wet method page of the help section!

If you feel up to it, and want to remove the self-timer arm, read on: The retaining piece has two holes. It's best removed with a spanner wrench, or snap-ring pliers. You might even be able to turn it with your thumb. WARNING: The cover to the self-timer is counter-threaded---it tightens in the opposite direction of normally threaded screws. If you try to remove it by twisting counter-clockwise, you’ll break it! The cover should be removed by turning CLOCKWISE. (Repeat: remove it clockwise ) Pull it out carefully; it is a weak part and should be removed and replaced carefully. From here, the job is self-explanatory.  Apply the new cover piece, and reassemble the timer arm in reverse order. Be VERY GENTLE when tightening the hub . . . in fact, I would get it barely snug.  Over tightening will break it fast.

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