Rolleicord Vb - Film counter not locking when wound on

[Keith (M)]

My Rolleicord Vb has been in regular use and never been a problem - until now. Loading a roll of Portra 400 this afternoon, having closed the back I wound on, expecting the counter to stop at '1' as usual. However, instead of it locking at that point, I could carry on winding. The 'double-exposure' lock is in the correct position.

Using a changing bag, I took the film out and rewound it (yes, it had wound on). Checked the camera, could not see anything wrong, tried again, same result. I suppose I could just watch the counter but as it is supposed to lock the wind-on knob in the correct position and always so far has done, I really would like to know where the problem might lie. Anyone?

 

[archeophoto]

Does the counter flip back to "0" when you open the door?

My Rolleicord Vb has been in regular use and never been a problem - until now. Loading a roll of Portra 400 this afternoon, having closed the back I wound on, expecting the counter to stop at '1' as usual. However, instead of it locking at that point, I could carry on winding. The 'double-exposure' lock is in the correct position.

Using a changing bag, I took the film out and rewound it (yes, it had wound on). Checked the camera, could not see anything wrong, tried again, same result. I suppose I could just watch the counter but as it is supposed to lock the wind-on knob in the correct position and always so far has done, I really would like to know where the problem might lie. Anyone?

 

[Keith (M)]

Yes it does. I have just removed the counter dial and had a look - nothing obvious. Tried loading again, same problem.

 

[archeophoto]

I would take the counter off and soak it overnight in Lighter fluid. Try to move the gears while it is submerged in the lighter fluid. The counter is responsible for stopping the movement. Could be there is some dirt in there somewhere.

Yes it does. I have just removed the counter dial and had a look - nothing obvious. Tried loading again, same problem.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

A bit of wear in the counter perhaps?
It should be possible to load a scrap film and wind the camera with the cover removed. This should provide some clues.
Regards,
Brett

 

[Dan Daniel]

Hmmm... I'm not certain that the counter unit is the problem. As I remember the Vb (don't have one right now), there is a lever that comes in from maybe 9-10 o'clock? And a small winding gear that floats up and into the counter unit on an arm that is engaged when the back is closed, around 6-7 o'clock?

I would play with the tab that sticks out of the back of the camera , Push it in and out a few times. With the counter removed, try starting a roll. See if the lever around 9 o'clock can be moved up and down at all- it is when it is able to slide into a notch on the counter unit that it drops a ratchet tooth to stop the wind knob.

Play with the knob itself, also. Maybe the part that pushes the ratchet tooth out of the way, allowing winding, is hung up and needs some exercise. Push it in a few times.

Opening up a Vb and cleaning it is pretty darn easy.

 

[Gumby]

The original post isn't perfectly clear. Does the counter increment and go past 1 without stopping, or is it not moving? The Vb counter mechanism is friction-drive using a spring-loaded roller in the right side of the film take-up box. It is more likely a problem with that mechanism than a problem with the counter itself. Often it is a issue of just needing to be cleaned and lubed properly.

 

[ronnies]

With my Va (same counter mechanism) I sometimes need to reseat the '12' counter to get it to work properly. I know it's a counter problem on mine as the '16' counter I have does not have this problem. I suspect it's stripped gear teeth on my '12' counter.

So I keep the Va as a 645 camera and use the 'Flex T as 6x6.

Ronnie

 

[k__43]

Is there a screaching sound ? I sometimes had this with my Rolleicord, that I could advance way to far without the counter getting to the next frame.
What helped was just switching the double exposure lock off.
You just have to remember if you took a shot on that frame or not (like one has to with the older 'Cords anyway)