IIIA: Crooked film advance knob

[Whateverist]

This is less a problem than a niggle, but the film advance knob on my IIIa is not on straight - off by just a few degrees, but enough to be noticeable.

There's no impact on the operation of the camera. Can I easily fix this, or am I better off leaving it as-is?

 

[Mudman]

If it works I wouldn't touch it. If you try to bend it back to center as it were you might do some serious damage to the camera. If you're really worried I'd snap a couple of photos and send them to a repairman like Youxin, DAG, or Sherry.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Can you wiggle the whole thing? Knob and the take-up stem?
The knob can be screwed down on the stem a little more if there's too much play in it. (by loosening and tightening the set screw).

 

[B-9]

Easy, do go ahead and try to apply a little pressure in the correct direction. Use your own discretion!

Ive seen a good many screwmount bodies with this issue, from Leica's to Zorki's.

IF you take the advance knob and counter assembly off you'll likely notice a little woopy-doo around the bezel. Unfortunately you really need to completely disassemble the camera to get the raw top plate, a stiff piece of wood and a few good taps sorts everything out.

In all reality, your right in just using it as is. Enjoy it!

 

[Whateverist]

Checked the side of the advance knob, the tiny screw inside appears to be broken in half. I guess I'll be leaving well enough alone.

 

[rfaspen]

I once had such a IIIa with wonky advance knob (it wasn't horrible, but drove me nuts). I had to send it to Don (DAG) to have the knob replaced. Wasn't expensive and he actually went to the trouble to find a properly matching knob year/batch/whatever for replacement. And, without asking or charging, he did a little light tuning up on my camera before sending it back. I still have that IIIa and its my favorite Barnack.

Maybe a quick note to Don just to see what the fix entails?