FED-3 ripping film - fixed

[Murray Kelly]

I initially tried to use the FED-3 but after a few frames the film inevitably stuck and the sprocket holes tore. I had an awful job getting it to rewind, it was so stiff.
I determined that the height allowed for the cassette was about 1/16" (1.5mm) too short by trimming that much off the bottom of the plastic spool at the bottom of the cassette. The film fed out OK but at a slight angle across the frame.
A recent post about Zorkii-4 and the spacers to allow the FSU cassettes to sit properly and were best removed (5 min job) made me return to the FED-3 and look at the top of the cassette space. I had thought maybe the fork was distorted somehow but grinding bits off that made no difference.
I re-inspected it and saw a very small ridge at the back where the machining of the cavity had left a tri-angular piece of the casting behind. Obviously unimportant to FSU film users but it prevents the bigger style cassettes we use from completely entering the compartment and when the base plate is put on the spool and cassette are jammed tightly together thus preventing the film to unwind from the spool.
This only happens after the slack film in the cassette is taken up (about 6 frames) then the sprocket wheel tears the film.
With a Dremel tool and a fine milling bit I used a slow speed and carefully removed the tri-angular piece if metal and the camera now performs faultlessly.
Hope this helps anyone, and I know there are some, who has a FED-3 that rips the sprocket holes.

 

[HiFiTie]

I have been having the same problem with my FED 2. Very hard to advance and rewind film with the base plate on, it is effortless with it off.

Is this "triangle" you are talking about on the top of the camera, inside the housing, just next to the two teeth that connect to the film cassette? I am having trouble finding it, and the cameras ability to eat film is what is keeping me from shooting with it! 🙁

 

[Murray Kelly]

Yes, it is exactly where you said it should be. There is a difference to the FED-3 insofaras the top cavity steps up at the back and is not machined down flat all round.

Just opened my FED-2 and altho it doesn't eat film there is a tiny triangular ridge up there next the rewind fork, so allowing for casting variability between cameras that might be your problem. The FED-3 had a piece of metal left in there that was about 1/16" (1.5mm) high and it was possible to put a cassette in the camera and rock it towards you down off this ridge. Now it sits rock solid. (pun intended)

To prove if you need more height for a cassette try slicing a bit off the bottom of a cassette spool where it sticks out the bottom and run that thru it. You don't even need a film in it - just try to turn it with the rewind knob. Check the lock, too. Could be someone put a washer in there that was too thick. The one under the screw. If you know someone in your area has a FED-2 you might try switching backs to see it that is the problem.

My FED-2 is obviously a very snug fit because I note the paint is worn off this stepped area behind the fork from the edge of the cassettes.

Apart from all that I can't suggest anything useful.

Murray
PS - Welcome to RFF!!! 🙂

I have been having the same problem with my FED 2. Very hard to advance and rewind film with the base plate on, it is effortless with it off.

Is this "triangle" you are talking about on the top of the camera, inside the housing, just next to the two teeth that connect to the film cassette? I am having trouble finding it, and the cameras ability to eat film is what is keeping me from shooting with it! 🙁