Bessa R, sloppy wind on lever

[cameramanic]

The wind on lever on my Bessa R seems a lot loser, and is not as positive as the on my L, which is quite stiff. When I go to take a photo the lever does not lock
into the position that allows the shutter release to be pressed but wobbles about a bit. should I have this looked at ?

 

[bmattock]

Definitely! My R does not exhibit this behavior.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[cbass]

How old is your camera? You may simply need to tighten the lever. That should be easy to do.

 

[cameramanic]

Cheers Chris, How do you tighten the lever ?

 

[cbass]

Ummm...that's a good question. My Bessa is only a few months old so I haven't any repair experience with it yet.

On my other cameras (none newer than 1979, mind you) the wind on/advance lever is usually held in place by a screw-on top cap. Tightening the cap will hold the advance lever more firmly to the wind shaft. Since the Bessa's advance lever has no holes for a point spanner, I suggest pressing a flat peice of rubber against the cap and using your thumb to gently twist it the cap tighter.

If that doesn't help, then perhaps the mating slot bewteen the advance arm and the drive shaft has become worn beyond repair. This could be the case if your camera is well-used. A competent camera repair person could help you there.

I hope this advice helps. Good luck. 🙂