Lachlan Lau
New member
I recently got a Sigma DP2 Merrill from Yahoo Japan auctions. When I recieved replacement batteries and was able to test it, I found that everything worked, except the shutter button had to be pressed very hard in order to fire the shutter. I could also only feel 1 tactile click stage. I found this very helpful disassembly guide (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3998582) by member Boris Starosta (https://www.dpreview.com/members/9695890082/). I followed the guide and took apart the camera, eventually getting to the top plate. I found that one piece of Kapton/Polyimide tape made the shutter button work properly again. Two pieces was too stiff and would make the button hard to press, while simply reassembling the top plate set me back to square 1 (it was not a problem of loose screws). While I had the top plate open I also cleaned the tracks for the multi function dial with alcohol, and the gold plated brushes on the dial itself.
A close-up of the Sigma DP2 Merrill top plate, showing the Kapton tape on top of the shutter button.
After reassembling the camera and testing it, I found that the camera's half press would work correctly, however sometimes when the shutter was fully pressed it would focus again and then take the photo. Below is a video showcasing the issue.
Interestingly enough, when I search for "DP Merrill Shutter Issue" on the Sigma forums I find nothing. There is only 1 thread on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/groups/1924594@N23/discuss/72157657658656732/) where I found mention of this issue. My question to the people of this forum is to ask whether anyone knows the exact part or compatible parts for the shutter button.
A close-up of the Sigma DP2 Merrill top plate, showing the Kapton tape on top of the shutter button.
After reassembling the camera and testing it, I found that the camera's half press would work correctly, however sometimes when the shutter was fully pressed it would focus again and then take the photo. Below is a video showcasing the issue.
Interestingly enough, when I search for "DP Merrill Shutter Issue" on the Sigma forums I find nothing. There is only 1 thread on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/groups/1924594@N23/discuss/72157657658656732/) where I found mention of this issue. My question to the people of this forum is to ask whether anyone knows the exact part or compatible parts for the shutter button.
Last edited:
