Loading the R3a in low light...

[reala_fan]

I was at a Robert Cray concert last night in Denver. Shooting the M-Hex 50mm f2 on a C-V R3a. I really love the R3a with a 50mm, prefer it's large rangefinder patch with a 50mm to the smaller patch on the Konica Hexar RF.

The only "bear" with the R3a in this situation, is loading a new roll. I find it really hard to get the next roll going in this very low-light situation. It's very fumbly. I am thinking of buying a 'mini maglight" to hold between my teeth while I reload.

The only other item for me with the R3a is, once in a while, the knuckled rewind lever unfolds and become el-jamm-o'd when advancing to the next frame (only happens when I shoot vertically).

I have seen photos of some R3a's at appear to _not_ have the knuckle in the rewind lever. Anyone know if that is the case? That there was a knuckled and non-knuckled version of the R3a rewind lever?

Appreciate...

 

[ruby.monkey]

The easiest way I've found to load the R3A (and, in general, any opening-back 35mm camera) is to feed the film leader into the take-up spool slot, hook the sprocket holes over the drive sprocket, hold them in place with my thumb, and only then slot the cassette into place. Works well even in low-light conditions.

I never had a problem with the rewind lever popping out of its own accord. Perhaps your camera could do with a check-up?