Floppy TLR Wind Crank

[KoNickon]

I have a couple of TLRs -- Mamiya C33 and Ricoh Ricohmatic 225 -- with winding cranks that do not stay in position, whether folded or upright. Anyone know how to cure this? It doesn't see to be a matter of whether the pin that holds the crank in place is pushed in too far, or not enough, or is squarely in place. There's obviously some sort of camming action that needs to take place, but I don't know how to achieve this. Thanks.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

I have a couple of TLRs -- Mamiya C33 and Ricoh Ricohmatic 225 -- with winding cranks that do not stay in position, whether folded or upright. Anyone know how to cure this? It doesn't see to be a matter of whether the pin that holds the crank in place is pushed in too far, or not enough, or is squarely in place. There's obviously some sort of camming action that needs to take place, but I don't know how to achieve this. Thanks.

Rollei used small cork pads under the end of the lever which are simple, effective, and long lasting. Did either of the above companies copy them? When servicing a Rolleiflex, if needed, replacements may be fabricated simply by cutting the appropriately sized pads from a suitable donor material Eg. a champagne cork. Take a look at your cameras to see if this method was also employed (I don't know, sorry).
Cheers,
Brett

 

[nhchen]

Assuming I understand your question..In my mamiya c3/33 under the winder there is two small pieces of plastic/(teflon?) which are held in place by a round spring underneath them. This holds the winding crank in the folded or unfolded position. When I removed the crank in the mamiya the two plastic pieces jumped out from the pressure of the spring underneath which makes me think they could be easily lost.

regards,
nathan

 

[FrankS]

Viagra ?

 

[nhchen]

Viagra ?

🙄😛

 

[KoNickon]

Yeah, I was aware when I posted the question that the issue, and my description of it, could be the source of comments along these lines! Brett and Nathan, thanks for the tips. I'll bet both cameras were serviced and the proper material got lost along the way.

 

[Uncle Fester]

Viagra ?

Nothing worse than a floppy crank that won't stand up when you need it to 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

 

[KoNickon]

OK, joshing aside, I fixed the, uh, condition for the Ricohmatic. I pushed out the pin that holds the crank in place and removed the crank. Under the crank, on either side of the crank hub, were black plastic pieces that obviously provided the necessary friction to keep the crank folded or in ready position. I teased them out of their recesses, flipped them over and reinstalled them, and reattached the crank. Done! I expect those pieces took a set over time (the camera is ca. 55 years old I think) and lost their friction properties.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

OK, joshing aside, I fixed the, uh, condition for the Ricohmatic. I pushed out the pin that holds the crank in place and removed the crank. Under the crank, on either side of the crank hub, were black plastic pieces that obviously provided the necessary friction to keep the crank folded or in ready position. I teased them out of their recesses, flipped them over and reinstalled them, and reattached the crank. Done! I expect those pieces took a set over time (the camera is ca. 55 years old I think) and lost their friction properties.

Good work! A simple and intelligent fix. 😉
Cheers
Brett

 

[farlymac]

I hope the C33 is just as easy a fix.

PF