Fuji GW690III blank frames below 0 deg C?

[Rauti]

Hello RFs,

I have a love/hate relationship with my Fuji GW690III.

I had blank frames on a trip (NYC in Januar), then while finding out what was going on, the transport mechanism broke. So I assumed the blank frames were caused by the defective transport-mechanism. (The first image is fine, than blank frames)

Now after a professional repair I thought now everything should be solved. I took it to another cold place (below 0 deg C). Again: The first image is fine than only blank frames.

The following film (this time above 0 deg C) is absolutely fine.

Does anyone every experienced this? This blank-frames are breaking my heart.

Dryfiring the camera in the spring-like temperatures shows that the shutter is opening on whatever speed I shoot or with of the two shutterbuttons I press.

Any ideas?

Thanks a lot!

rauti

 

[Dan Daniel]

Sounds like oil is gumming up in colder temperatures. Most likely a good cleaning of the shutter would clear this up. I would contact your repair shop and discuss.

 

[retinax]

Seconded. It's probably not the transport mechanism, in a 120 camera that would mean you wouldn't find all your film on the takeup spool.

 

[Moto-Uno]

I'm assumimg that you specified cold weather problem to the shop. At 0 degrees , many lubes seem like packing grease to feather weight shutter components ( a slight exageration to make a point ). Peter

 

[Rauti]

An update: I rang the technician up and presented my theory. He said he only ran some tests at roomtemperature. He suggested to put the camera in the freezer (in an air-tight bag of course).

So -25 deg C according to the cheap thermometer and after a good hour I ran some tests, if the shutter opens or more important if it doesn't open.

Nothing. All ran smoothly.

Now I'm really worried that I give the camera to get the shutter (in the lens!) relubricated and that doesn't change a thing.

It works flawlessly when there is no film in the camera and it irregularly doesn't open when there is film in the camera.

Any ideas what it could be?

Thanks alot!

cheers,

rauti