Help removing film spool on Balda

[fraley]

I just got a Balda Hapo 66e (much like a Baldix) and the empty film spool it came with on the winding side, doesn't want to lift out. The carriage that holds it isn't swinging out. It seems I need to disengage the winding rod? How does one do that? I tried lifting the wind-on knob but don't want to force it. Help!

 

[whitecat]

I think I can help with this. I have one and had the same problem. You have to pull it out. It is hard but it will come. Grip the camera firmly and pull the knob. This drove me nuts until I figured it out. Good luck.

 

[FallisPhoto]

I just got a Balda Hapo 66e (much like a Baldix) and the empty film spool it came with on the winding side, doesn't want to lift out. The carriage that holds it isn't swinging out. It seems I need to disengage the winding rod? How does one do that? I tried lifting the wind-on knob but don't want to force it. Help!

The knob has a kind of detent that holds it in. You have to pull hard enough to overcome this. In an older camera, whith hardened lube, it can be pretty stiff. Turn it as you pull up and it may help to loosen the detent.

 

[fraley]

Thanks! I managed to pull the knob up, once I knew it was supposed to lift up I put some lithium grease on it, which helped a little. It's much stiffer than my Agfa folder. Great camera though.