Can get 36 frames on Contax IIa?

[Hatchetman]

Hello

I recently bought a Contax IIa from KEH. It seems to work OK, but I can't shoot an entire roll of 36. The shutter advance binds up like you've hit the end of the roll, but that is not the case. I am getting around 30 frames before this happens. It's like there is not enough room on the take up spool for any more film. The spool itself is a center feed one, meaning you have to trim the film leader equally on each side. The spool has a slot in the center rather than the bottom edge. The spool may have been married to a reloadable canister?

Any thoughts as to what is going on?

 

[bobby_novatron]

My Contax IIa has the same type of take-up spool -- there's that center slot that you feed the trimmed leader into. But I can't say I've had a problem getting only 30 exposures on a roll.

 

[Hatchetman]

I couldn't find any reference to it anywhere on the net either. Maybe something binding with the frame counter mechanism?

 

[Highway 61]

That's a fairly common problem due to the rewind unit shaft having got sticky over time and offering too much resistance when you wind the film. Take the rewind unit off (take notice of all the screws, spacers and spring), remove the sticky grime you will find in it, relube with a tiny bit of modern white lithium grease designed for ball bearings, and reassemble. Your problem will be solved.

 

[Hatchetman]

That's a fairly common problem due to the rewind unit shaft having got sticky over time and offering too much resistance when you wind the film. Take the rewind unit off (take notice of all the screws, spacers and spring), remove the sticky grime you will find in it, relube with a tiny bit of modern white lithium grease designed for ball bearings, and reassemble. Your problem will be solved.

OK, I like your theory, but the film wind seems free and easy early on the roll. why does it all of a sudden start binding?

 

[Highway 61]

OK, I like your theory, but the film wind seems free and easy early on the roll. why does it all of a sudden start binding?

Just look at how a 10-speeds bicycle drivetrain works and you'll get the answer. The take-up spool is the front geartrain, the film cartridge is the freewheel.

This isn't all of a theory : I had the exact same problem on my own IIa. I did on mine what I advise you to do on yours : problem solved immediatly. 10 minutes of routine work involving a good screwdriver, a pair of precision tweezers, a bit of lighter fluid, a tab of lithium grease, two Q-tips.

Now that we're in 2015 you can't use cameras made in the 1950's without having to get into their innards for this or that, in general. Especially regarding parts originally lubed with petroleum-based lubricants.

 

[Hatchetman]

I see your point about gear ratios. Very plausible. I will have to look for some diagrams on the net to see if this is a job I am capable of. 30 frames/roll isn't THAT bad. LOL.

 

[Highway 61]

You just have to remove the camera back and lock the rewind fork using something flat, then remove the screw which holds the rewind knob in place, then remove the screw which holds the rewind fork in place, and take the whole unit apart. It's not difficult and there is no risk of damaging anything.

Don't forget to clean the rewind shaft tunnel, it's likely to be full of dried-up grease and rust.

 

[Hatchetman]

OK. Thanks. I will take a look at it when I get home.