Canon VI-T rewind removal?

[bjel]

Hi all,
Is there anyone out there who has experience dismantling the rewind mechanism of a Canon VI-T?
I have a Canon VI-T with a rewind crank that has become very stiff to turn. A close examination shows some dried up grease or some such material on the shaft. Perhaps this problem is simply a lubrication failure. I am not sure how to proceed with getting the shaft out for servicing. The rewind crank and crank knuckle can be taken off after removing four screws, and I have removed another small screw that appeared to retain the fork. The fork does not easily unscrew from the end of the shaft (with reasonable force applied). I am pausing for experienced advice before escalating to larger forces on the fork.
Thanks,
Bruce

 

[Peter Jennings]

If you haven't already, try a few drops of lighter fluid on the rewind mechanism first. That may loosen up whatever seems to be gumming it up. I have a VI-L and the mechanisms are the same, and I don't think you can do a proper disassembly of the rewind mechanism without removing the top plate.

 

[bjel]

For the record, I eventually worked up my resolve and attacked the rewind fork with a bit more muscle. It cracked loose and unscrewed without further trouble. After getting the shaft out I could see that the lubricant has completely dried up and the bore that the shaft runs in is quite scored. A little fresh grease in there and I think things will be much improved. Too bad it was so far gone that the bore is damaged, but at least it shouldn't get much worse under my ownership.