Bronica RF 645 and Strange problem

V

viablex1

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Ok I looked around and I am not sure what is happening here.

I got the Camera in mint condition. I loaded a a roll of film and no problem whatsoever.

I then tried to load the second roll of film and after I close the film door and try to wind the film to the first frame, the counter reads "S" and the film will wind all the way to the end but no numbers show and the shutter won't fire. Really baffled here.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

MAtto
 
Is the second film you loaded the same as the first?

I've just had a look in the back of mine to see what could cause this to happen ... can't see anything obvious. Whatever senses the beginning of the actual negative material after the paper backing has wound through may be at fault.

How old is the battery?
 
it was different film and the battery is new , the winder makes a weird ratcheting sound and the film is winding but the shutter won't cock . I hit ME and the shutter still fires etc, I am at a loss..
 
yes thanks , that is the weird thing, the film winds all the way no problem the winder makes a weird sound when closing the door the film winds all the way to the end and the counter stays on "S". I got a roll of ILFord to work after working the winder a little bit. I mean this is just plain strange..
 
You say that it makes a strange sound when winding the film and the film counter is not working. Doesn't this mean that the gearing is stripped, or has in some way become disengaged? Since that is an obvious answer, I assume that I'm not understanding the problem.

BTW: There are reports that this camera is picky as to type of takeup reel. I have used Kodak and Foma without problem.
 
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ok that must be it the gear does sound stripped after the film is loaded I hope it is a cheap repair, I got it off of ebay and it came new maybe they stripped it our but the camera looked new like the person said. thanks I think you nailed it, weird how it worked perfect initially..
 
You could inquire with Intro2020 the person on the phone was always very helpful and took time to answer my questions.

INTRO 2020 Service Department

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
We are now located in Unit 2 (behind Unit 1), please telephone us before making a visit.

Products Serviced:

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If you require any information, please contact us on the following direct lines:
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For Spare Parts please contact us by e-mail or letter only
and we will get back to you with prices and availability.

cheers,

Wim
 
Door not pushing film count mechanism in????

Door not pushing film count mechanism in????

The classic mechanism that counts frames is usually triggered by a plunger somewhere around the edge of the door.

When you open the door to remove film, the button (plunger) pops out and releases the gear in the camera that counts, thereby resetting the counter to zero. Then when you close the door, the edge of the door pushes the plunger in, re-engaging the gear and starting a new count.

If you are lucky, the gear is not stripped, but rather the door edge or plunger are not causing the gear to fully engage.

I do NOT know if this is how your Bronica works in exact detail, but the concept is similar.... a release and re-engagement of the gear that counts frames.

That would be my starting point on trying to understand what may be happening.

It's likely that if you search the internet you can find a service manual for the RF645 to at least get an idea of how the frame count mechanism works. First look all the way around the recess where the door frame closes into the back, specifically for a button that is up when the door is open, and can be pushed down with gentle pushing on the button.
 
Check to make sure the film is truly wound on the spool; I remember an incident where it appeared to be set, but had the same problem as you are having. I had to release the spool and wind on again.
Also, have you pushed in the spool locks on the bottom?
 
bwcolor said:
BTW: There are reports that this camera is picky as to type of takeup reel. I have used Kodak and Foma without problem.
Click to expand...


I had the exact same problem when I first got the rf645. Took me two rolls to figure out that the takeup spool wasn't working properly.
The fuji branded one worked perfect for me since then.
 
segedi said:
Check to make sure the film is truly wound on the spool; I remember an incident where it appeared to be set, but had the same problem as you are having. I had to release the spool and wind on again.
Also, have you pushed in the spool locks on the bottom?
Click to expand...

yes triple checked that, the film winds all the way to the end but the counter never shows anything past "s"

did you just buy fuji spools the first roll was a fuji and was flawless
 
Most of the film I shot was Fuji, but also shot Ilford. I think the first spool was in the camera when I got it and might have been the problem for me.
And you say the film is winding all the way to the end, meaining it rolls completely onto the other spool as if it's finished?

Sorry for the pedestrian questions... but when you load the film, are you winding it on with the back open until you center the arrows on the leader?
Does the advance sound bad with no film?

And if you don't have a manual, I can send you a PDF version.
It really is a nice camera - hope we can getcha working soon!
 
heck no thanks for taking the time to ask questions, I load the film until the start arrow and the red mark line up , at this point the winder sounds fine, I then close the door and then try to wind and that is when the stripped gear sound starts. I look in the viewfinder and the display is lit up and an x is present. then I ratchet it and it keeps winding the film all the way to the right as you face it until it says exposed and the counter just stays at "S".

the first roll went through absolutely fine. I hit ME and the shutter fires. I didn't drop it etc , strange!!!!!:bang::bang::bang::bang:
 
I think this camera needs a tech ... you've done all the logical things and nothing has worked.

Bad luck ... you must be feeling a little frustrated.
 
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