Stuck shutter problem: Olympus PEN E-PL5
There’s an anoying mechanical problem with a few cameras like my Olympus PEN E-PL5 which results in a shutter stuck when trying to take a photo. Someone even made a video, and others report the same issue too. The camera’s film function works as expected.
The camera has to shutter curtains according to this comment on mikrocontroller.net and while the first one works without a hitch, the other one is the one prune to get stuck.
My solution
So, once you are sure the problem description fits and you can safely assume it’s a mechanical problem, then I have a solution for you. It requires applying some force. You get yourself a decent sized book and place it on the table, the book is what you’ll slam the camera onto.
Best to do this without a lense installed.
First start the camera, set a long exposure time, click the button and then slam the camera on the book. You might have to repeat this a few times or slam it on a different side.
I had the issue twice and that’s how I solved it both times.
If it worked for you, please do send me a mail and let me know.
Update 2019-03-26: It happened again, but a 5s exposure and and whack on the knee loosened the shutter.