HELP i'm new here and new to rangefinder cams

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karempot

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May 5, 2006
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hi i'm new here and also a newbie (wannabe for now) rangefinder user
i recently purchased a minolta himatic9 and a petri 7s
i'm having problems w/ both cameras
after loading the film correctly (i've practiced and wasted three cheap films) i've noticed that after cocking it for a while the film gets torn by the (i don't know what to call it) the sprocket (?) and it just gets stuck there in that place so the film isn't winding properly
i can hear it tear when it happens and i've wasted money developing film with only a few images coming out.
in addition, those images that did come out were out of frame (either it's overlapped or two scenes in one frame)
i'd hate to give up my cameras if it can be fixed.
i wanted to give one of them to my little brother so he can take up photography (and wouldn't have to bug me for my slr) so if anyone can help i'd greatly appreciate it.
thank you!
ciao! :D
 
I've had similar problems with older cameras. It is possible that you are not loading the film properly. It can be difficult the first few times, especially with older cameras. Double check your loading practices. Open the back of the camera up, and "wind" some film - don't actually load any. Look to see if the mechanics are working in there. Put some pressure on the winding spindle (that onto which the film is wound), and then operate the winder. Gently. See if things are working.

Most of the time, those older cameras need work. Especially cameras bought off the auction sites.

Welcome to RFF.
 
When I say "gently" . . I mean VERY gently. Pretend you're a film canister. Also check to see if the pressure plate is possibly putting too much pressure on the film.
 
I'd do as George says first. And if the problem continues... you definitely need to take the cameras for repair. Sorry about not being able to add to the suggestions.
 
I would recommend to check (without film) if everything is doing what is supposed to:
The winding reel rotates when the lever is pushed, if the sprocket rotates accordingly.
May be both are rotating in opposite direction, don´t worry, some cameras do that way.

Later, I guess you should check:
If the sprocket is rotating properly, it is if it "follows" the winding lever (doesn´t stop) at all times;
If the rewinding knob isn´t blocked in any way (it will make the film not to advance and the sprocket will tension it, tearing it).
If possible get a cheap film and check (with camera´s back open) it you´re loading film the right way and if there is nothing that stops the film.

If you cannot locate the trouble, think aboput bringing the camera to a repair shop.
The Minolta is a very good one, as well as the Petri is.
Hope it helps.

Ernesto
 
thanks to all those that responded to my question.
i'm new to the forum so i had to search for my post to reply heheh

i tried it w/o film and everything seems to work fine.
i loaded up a film, and still the same problem (torn film).
i tried it w/ the camera's back open and w/ it closed.
w/ it open i notice that at certain point (maybe around the tenth frame) is when the film tears on the minolta. a bit earlier for the petri.
i don't know much abt the cameras so i'm thinking of bringing it in to a repair shop soon as i'm through w/ law school finals.

if anyone knows of any reputable camera repair shops around glendale/los angeles/pasadena, CA area pls let me know i'd greatly appreciate it.

thanks again!
 
The old rangefinder cameras are fun to use, but can be a royally frustrating at the same time. Be careful who and where you buy from, ebay is a crapshoot a lot of the time. Watch the classifieds here at rff for great deals on working cameras.
 
karempot said:
thanks to all those that responded to my question.
i'm new to the forum so i had to search for my post to reply heheh

i tried it w/o film and everything seems to work fine.
i loaded up a film, and still the same problem (torn film).
i tried it w/ the camera's back open and w/ it closed.
w/ it open i notice that at certain point (maybe around the tenth frame) is when the film tears on the minolta. a bit earlier for the petri.
i don't know much abt the cameras so i'm thinking of bringing it in to a repair shop soon as i'm through w/ law school finals.

if anyone knows of any reputable camera repair shops around glendale/los angeles/pasadena, CA area pls let me know i'd greatly appreciate it.

thanks again!
Click to expand...

Send a PM (Private Message) to "Greyhoundman" here. He is the resident guru/expert in camera repair and may have some suggestions.
 
Welcome to the forum! You'll discover that you will be learning more about rangefinders than you thought possible. It happened to me!
 
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