PKKA Fed wind on trouble.

[Range Loser]

Hi,

Those of you reading these threads a few weeks ago might have seen the one on the provenance of a PKKA Fed I bought on eBay. Well, I have just got around to putting a film through it. Unfortunately there is a problem with the film advance, it slips a lot and the frames overlap quite badly. Anyone recognise this problem, and know a competent and reasonably priced repairer in the UK? I enclose an example of the negs.

Thanks..

 

[Jocko]

Michael Spencer is an excellent bet - great workmanship, servicing and prices: http://www.btinternet.com/~camerarepairer/

Unfortunately repainted cameras are often defective - which is why they're repainted. But don't lose heart: the FED is a joy to use and once sorted out will outlast us all!

Cheers, Ian

 

[je2a3]

Hi,
Those of you reading these threads a few weeks ago might have seen the one on the provenance of a PKKA Fed I bought on eBay. Well, I have just got around to putting a film through it. Unfortunately there is a problem with the film advance, it slips a lot and the frames overlap quite badly. Anyone recognise this problem, and know a competent and reasonably priced repairer in the UK? I enclose an example of the negs.
Thanks..

Check the rewind knob and make sure it is turning freely. I've had a similar problem before on a Zorki 3 and C with the frames overlapping a couple of drops of oil in the rewind knob shaft took care of it. If the rewind assembly is rusty or dirty you may need to take it apart which isn't a big task - pull up the knob, remove the set screw and the pieces will pull out for cleaning. Just watch out for the sequence of washer, spring, collar and other bits for reassembly.

Joseph

 

[grifon]

There is a screw on the bottom of the takeup spool shaft, try tightening that up

 

[pvdhaar]

Have you checked that the rewind switch is not on 'b'? It doesn't auto reset when you advance. It's the small lever in front of the shutter release.

 

[ZorkiKat]

Sounds like that the R/A switch mechanism is loose. This can be due to any of the reasons posted above, but it could also be due to something more serious. The mechanism uses a spring inside its shaft. This spring can get loose or loose its tension.
Either would require extensive repair. Accessing this spring can only be done most of the time by removing the shutter crate.

Among the indications of loose or weakened spring is frame overlapping. Another is difficulty in winding. The film would often wind loose on the spool and this in turn causes the spool chamber to tighten up, making it difficult to pull more film beyond the 15th or 18th frame.

Have the camera checked professionally. Since you've got a camera which would likely have been reassembled or modified, chances are it wasn't properly calibrated to functional standards. Once done, you'll surely love shooting with the FED.