rolleiflex, how many cranks = 1 frame?

2

2planks

Newbie
Local time
6:31 PM
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
4
I have a rolleiflex automat (type-x I believe) i recently purchased for $25. I had it serviced locally to fix the film advance, which wasn't working, unstick the shutter, and to have a general CLA, which was $192.

Now that it has been serviced, the film advance seems to be working fine, and the shutter and aperature work smoothly. However, the film counter does not seem to be moving as I wind the film. This being my first TLR, I thought perhaps I just hadn't wound it enough to reach to the first frame, so continued cranking forward carefully and expectantly. I quickly reached the end of the roll without taking a single shot - the frame counter remaining on "0" all the while.

So, am I doing something stupid?

And assuming the counter IS broken, I'd still like to at least try it out in the mean time. So can anyone clue me in to approximately how many cranks of the advance lever it takes to get to the first frame and then how many cranks to advance each frame??
 
Last edited:
You need to thread the backing paper between the pair of rollers that are close to the film spool in order for the "automat" feature to work and start the counter. If you did do that and the counter didn't start then the "feeler" rollers need adjustment.
 
With the Rolleiflex Automat models you first feed the leader between the rollers. Pull out enough paper to start it into the take-up spool then close the back. No arrows to line up. You then turn the crank till it locks and you are ready to go.

Before loading the camera though make sure the pressure plate is set for 2 1/4x2 1/4 Not 24x36
 
Thanks wayno! it worked right away. That was really easy and I never would have figured to put it UNDER that roller!
 
Wayno and Colyn nailed it - would wager there's a 99% chance you're not threading the film through the rollers.
 
I did the same thing with mine....thought I was crazy and then it dawned on me...ah yes between the rollers! LOL.
 
I have a 2.8E and it requires the under the roller loading method. That said, I also have a T (which is just like new). Without checking the manual I loaded the T the same way - it was really stiff - indicating I had a problem somewhere - I checked the manual and much to my surprise the T loads over the roller not under. All is working like a charm with the T now.

Terry.
 
Right, the T (and the Rolleicords) use the "line up the arrows on the film with the red dot" method.

Too bad you wasted a roll of film -- maybe you can wind it back onto the spool somehow??
 
Don't feel bad - like others here I too ran film straight through a few times before figuring out the "under the roller" trick... At least I'm in good company!
 
KoNickon said:
Right, the T (and the Rolleicords) use the "line up the arrows on the film with the red dot" method.

Too bad you wasted a roll of film -- maybe you can wind it back onto the spool somehow??
Click to expand...

Yes, it was a waste $5.00 worth! Live and learn or better yet RTFM :)

Cheers. Terry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom