Another winding issue with Bessa L

[Hug0]

Dear all,

I'm very new to this forum but have read it for quite some years as I became a rangefinder/Bessa addict! If there is any new-member introduction required please let me know I'll do it with pleasure!

I've used a Bessa R2a for a couple of years and moved to a Bessa L in order to gain in weight and compacity as I mainly take pictures when beeing in the mountains. So far I've been really amazed by this little camera, did ~10 rolls without any problem. I've got the camera "as new" and it really looks like it has never been used before. No fall or any shocks since I have it.

2 weeks ago, after ~20 pictures the film got loose inside the camera and I could not advance it anymore. Back home I opened the camera and found out that the take-up spool is not getting the film anymore as soon as there is a bit of pressure on it, either by pushing with the finger on it or simply the pressure from the film. When there is nothing touching it, it works normally.

I've been through the web to find what is the problem, and got some answers (here, here or again there) as it looks like a common issue.

I've opened the bottom of the camera as Bryce did but I cannot find any loose screw, everything seems ok, and I can't notice any difference in the mechanism when I use the winding lever with or without blocking the spool.

Before I send it to repair (and as I don't fancy too much paying the Swiss price for such a job!) I'm wondering if anyone here has an idea of what could be the problem and how to solve it. Some people suggested that the shaft could be cracked -which doesn't seem to be the case- or something has broken in the upper part of the camera. Here I encounter problems to the plate out (how to remove the lever and the isos selector?).

Here comes a picture of the bottom of the camera, all screws tight and everything seems to work fine, also compared with my R2a.

Thank you !

Cheers

 

[Dez]

I have not dismantled one of these before, but it sounds like the mechanism associated with the rewind button is misbehaving. There should be a return spring forcing the button out, and keeping the mechanism where it belongs to keep the spool engaged. Study the visible bits and see how that engages and disengages with the button. I'll bet there is something preventing it from engaging properly, most likely a broken or displaced spring.

Good luck,
Dez

 

[Hug0]

I have not dismantled one of these before, but it sounds like the mechanism associated with the rewind button is misbehaving. There should be a return spring forcing the button out, and keeping the mechanism where it belongs to keep the spool engaged. Study the visible bits and see how that engages and disengages with the button. I'll bet there is something preventing it from engaging properly, most likely a broken or displaced spring.

Good luck,
Dez

I've been looking for any difference in the mechanism when I let the spool free or if I apply a small pressure on it, unfortunately I'm not able to detect any change. Also I didn't notice a broken bit or something loose in the camera ... I must say I'm now lost with this problem!
I'm waiting for an answer for the seller about the guarantee, otherwise I'll have to bring it to the doctor.
Thank you for your answer!

Cheers

 

[dct]

I also own a Bessa-L. I remember having some double exposure on the last images of the roll 2013 but I didn't have time to investigate further.
These days I'm on a trip but I'm back home around May 12th. If it doesn't matter waiting one more week I will have a look at my Bessa-L with a spare roll if I had the problem just once or if I have exactly the same issue or something similar as you.

I will also have a look at the top cover removal: The ISO dial might be the same assembly as other cameras with the small double holes requiring a spanner wrench to release and remove the piece.
Maybe we can share our experiences and investigations and find a keen solution.
Are you located in Switzerland too?

 

[Hug0]

I also own a Bessa-L. I remember having some double exposure on the last images of the roll 2013 but I didn't have time to investigate further.
These days I'm on a trip but I'm back home around May 12th. If it doesn't matter waiting one more week I will have a look at my Bessa-L with a spare roll if I had the problem just once or if I have exactly the same issue or something similar as you.

I will also have a look at the top cover removal: The ISO dial might be the same assembly as other cameras with the small double holes requiring a spanner wrench to release and remove the piece.
Maybe we can share our experiences and investigations and find a keen solution.
Are you located in Switzerland too?

Hey, that would be great! So far I didn't get any progress, I've asked around and I'm waiting for answers ...
I'm living in Bern.