Bress L Loading Problem

[ktmrider]

OK, I have been in photography since 1966 and have owned lots of 35mm cameras so please believe I know how to load a roll of film.

I have a Bressa L which I acquired very cheaply (new) to use with my 15mm. However, the camera will not load film. It looks like the sprockets advance the film too rapidly for the takeup roller. This results in the film coming loose and not advancing. Now I know the sprockets and takeup spool are gear driven and this should not be happening.

I have never seen this problem in any camera before. Anyone have any ideas. Usually I use the 15 on my M but it would be nice to have an extra body just for the 15. Am not sure it is worth the cost of repair.

 

[ktmrider]

Riddle Solved

Riddle Solved

Well, a little more investigation shows the takeup spool does not advance correctly. Since I have only put one roll of film thru the camera and it was messed up I have not used this body at all. So is it worth repairing? And who can repair a L?

Since I only paid $69 for the body I don't want to spend very much and if anyone on the forum wants this body, I will send it to you free if you pay postage.

 

[Bryce]

KTMrider-
Thats a pretty good offer, but before you give it away why not try this?
My first Bessa L had a similar problem and I destroyed it before finding what was causing the problem. I've looked for the thread and can't seem to find it, so I'll just briefly rehash here:
Taking off the bottom cover, which takes two or three screws and no talent, look at the area around the bottom of the advance lever shaft. In my case, the problem turned out to be a loose screw on the end of that shaft.
If that is the problem on your body, it will be in plain view once you have the bottom cover off.
If you really want to give it away, I'll take it off your hands as spare parts; my second Bessa L is over a year old and surely will break sooner or later!