Mamiya 6 frameline problem

[vincentbenoit]

One side of the square making up the 75mm framelines of my Mamiya 6 is not as bright as the other three sides. (To be precise, it's the the vertical line on the right-hand side of the viewfinder that's concerned). The difference in brightness is quite marked, to the extent that the affected line can be difficult to see in some situations.

Note that the effect is not dependent on focussing distance. Also, the problem concerns the 75mm framelines only; the 50mm framelines are all equally bright.

Any help in understanding the cause of the problem (and how to solve it) would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

Vincent

 

[wpb]

Remove the lens and re-mount it, making sure it rotates until it stops even if it is slightly past the "click" that locks it in place. It will have a little play even when it has clicked into position, just wiggle it some to see if the missing line comes back. Over time the lens doesn't fully engage the frameline selector on the body but a little wiggle or a collapse of the lens mount will solve the problem. Sorry if I'm not 100% clear with my explanation but this is infinitely easier to explain in person.

 

[jan normandale]

Vincent, have you tried using a jewellers cloth on the contact points of the lens to clean any possible oxidation off the contacts?

It might be worthwhile to check that. The cloths are usually available at a jewellers for a few dollars or a couple of Euros / Pounds

Also manually inspect the 'springy-ness' of the contacts to ensure all are retracting properly when depressed and they should then 'pop' back into the extended position when released. If not check them with a small fine toothbrush to see if grit or dust is impeding the movement of the contact points in their 'slots'

 

[vincentbenoit]

Remove the lens and re-mount it, making sure it rotates until it stops even if it is slightly past the "click" that locks it in place. It will have a little play even when it has clicked into position, just wiggle it some to see if the missing line comes back. Over time the lens doesn't fully engage the frameline selector on the body but a little wiggle or a collapse of the lens mount will solve the problem. Sorry if I'm not 100% clear with my explanation but this is infinitely easier to explain in person.

Your explanation was quite clear - thanks. I've tried to do as you suggested but to no avail.

Vincent

 

[vincentbenoit]

Vincent, have you tried using a jewellers cloth on the contact points of the lens to clean any possible oxidation off the contacts?

It might be worthwhile to check that. The cloths are usually available at a jewellers for a few dollars or a couple of Euros / Pounds

Also manually inspect the 'springy-ness' of the contacts to ensure all are retracting properly when depressed and they should then 'pop' back into the extended position when released. If not check them with a small fine toothbrush to see if grit or dust is impeding the movement of the contact points in their 'slots'

Hi Jan. Thanks for the tips. I've cleaned all the contacts but that didn't do it.

Vincent

 

[wpb]

The frame line selector is mechanical so if it works for the 50mm lens chances are it is the 75mm giving you problems. check the lens mount for any sign of damage.
The electrical contacts should not come into play.

 

[vincentbenoit]

Have identified the protruding bits in the lens mount (body and lens) which control the frameline selector. Neither of them looks worn out to me (I could be wrong, though - these bits are fairly small). Unfortunately I don't have another 75mm lens at hand to try and find out whether the problem lies with the body or the lens.

Am beginning to wonder whether this frameline problem could have to do with the mask through which the framelines are projected, rather than frameline selection per se...

Vincent

 

[sleepyhead]

Am beginning to wonder whether this frameline problem could have to do with the mask through which the framelines are projected, rather than frameline selection per se...

Vincent

Hi Vincent, just saw this thread - you're thought above was my immediate reaction on reading your original post., that or something internal obscuring part of the frameline illumination window. Try shining a small torch (flashlight) into that window while looking through the camera with the 75mm mounted. See if the line gets brighter. also perhaps look from the front to see if there's any obstrcution - of course, having another Mamiya 6 body to compare with would be a huge plus.

Good luck, and hope you sort it out. Did this problem arise suddenly?
---Yaron

 

[Finder]

Is the frosted frameline window clean? Does it have any oil residue? What about the other windows and componants in the rangefinder system?

 

[vincentbenoit]

Is the frosted frameline window clean? Does it have any oil residue? What about the other windows and componants in the rangefinder system?

All the windows are very clean. Obviously I can't see through the frosted glass window so it might well be that some part located behind it has gone out of alignment.

Vincent

 

[vincentbenoit]

Did this problem arise suddenly?

No, I just became aware of it when I started to use the 75mm lens.

Vincent

 

[jan normandale]

Vincent... something just occured to me.. do you have the Mamiya 6 or the Mamiya 6MF which is capable of shooting 135?

 

[vincentbenoit]

Vincent... something just occured to me.. do you have the Mamiya 6 or the Mamiya 6MF which is capable of shooting 135?

It's a 6, not a 6MF. It's actually one of the latest models that came out before the 6MF was introduced, with "AE" and "AEL" spelled out on the shutter speed dial.

Vincent

 

[jan normandale]

It's a 6, not a 6MF. It's actually one of the latest models that came out before the 6MF was introduced, with "AE" and "AEL" spelled out on the shutter speed dial.

Vincent

Vincent, I've looked thru the VF of my M6 and the framelines are all equally bright, which is about the same as most of my other RF camera framelines. Sorry I'm not able to go further to help. I'm now in "unknown territory"

My thoughts are as another member suggested. It could be something internal on the RF itself. If all else is working, I do know some mirrors can lose silver over time or become oxidized and reduce the reflective capacity. When this happens it is not a uniform reduction in reflective capacity it occurs in patches over a mirror surface.

 

[esc_ctrl]

I am facing the same Problem and can't find any other source of information. Have you already found a solution to this?

 

[notraces]

I had the same issue and sent it to Precision Camera (Bob Watkins) in Chicago. Bob explained there's a screw adjustment that enables the frames and locks them into place (mine would not stay completely illuminated - even though the lens was locked into place. There was some very small play that would cause the lines to not fully illuminate). I can't remember the exact fix - and I only had the issue with my 75mm lens - my 50 was fine...

 

[esc_ctrl]

Thanks or the reply. Same here, 50 (when the lens is collapsed) is fine.
Just got the camera, took off the lens and after I mounted it back on I noticed that the vertical frameline on the right side is dimmer. Pretty bummed now...
So no easy fix?

 

[brian steinberger]

Thanks or the reply. Same here, 50 (when the lens is collapsed) is fine.
Just got the camera, took off the lens and after I mounted it back on I noticed that the vertical frameline on the right side is dimmer. Pretty bummed now...
So no easy fix?

Your fix is listed above. Send it to Bob at Precision Camera in Chicago. He's been servicing my mamiya 6's for years. He does great work. Though ive never had this particular problem.

Brian

 

[esc_ctrl]

I'm from Germany, so I'll have to see where to send it to.
Do you think Mamiya still services the 6? Or would I be better off finding an independent camera mechanic?