Olympus PEN aperture problems

[CaveDweller]

I am having problems with the original m.zuiko 14-42mm that came with my EPL-1. The aperture shutter inside the lens seems to be only working part time. Sometimes it jams itself wide open at f3.5 and other times when I zoom in and out a few times it gradually closes itself fully at f/22. Also when I go through the focal range of the lens you can normally see the aperture moving and when the shutter button is pressed, it does not do that either.

I don't know if it's a problem with the camera or the lens. I found this quite hard to explain as I'm fairly new to this but if anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated.

I do have other lenses for the meantime but none that cover the 14-42mm focal lengths.I just have a 50mm prime and an 80-200mm telephoto and I like to do alot of scenery shots so my 14-42mm is a must for me:|

 

[peak4]

Have you tried cleaning the lens and camera contacts? Nothing abrasive mind, soft cloth and a drop of IPA or a soft pencil eraser (not one of the old fashioned ones with sand in the rubber)

 

[CaveDweller]

Yeh I've cleaned it aswell as I can without taking the thing apart which I don't want to do. I spoke to currys earlier and they said for this series of camera Olympus should have a 2yr warrenty, which mine falls under. I said I don't have my reciept anymore but he said that didn't matter as long as there is the seriel number on the bottom of the camera. I will give them a ring monday and hopefully they will have a look at it.

About 6months ago a rain drop got into the shutter button and it's became a bit sticky now. Hopefully they won't be able to tell and blame it on that as it's been fine apart from the stickyness of it.

 

[peak4]

Personally I've found Olympus to be superb with warranty claims. So long as the camera is a genuine UK model, rather than a grey import, you should be covered by a 2 year warranty.
The return time can be a bit slow as the service centre is in Portugal, but so long as you can do without the camera for about 3 weeks, I'd make sure you send off both camera and lens. If the other lenses you have are still within the Oly UK 2 year warranty period, I'd enquire about sending them in for a checkup at the same time.
Currys might not want to do that on your behalf, but you can deal with it yourself; all the forms are on the Olympus web site.
The camera will get a good service as well as the lens(es) whilst it's on holiday in Portugal.