Shot in the dark?

[Kenj8246]

In the spirit of 'you never know til you ask', I just picked up a Mamiya Super 23 in pretty decent shape with 6X7 and 6X9 rollfilm backs. Plus a ground glass in holder.

My problem: the 6X7 seems not to advance the take up spool. Anyone ever had one apart and/or fix this particular problem? I was hoping to use the 6X7.

Thanks in advance.

Kenny

 

[Kenj8246]

UPDATE: Experienced a 'duh' moment this morning. Was asking a coworker if he had a spanner wrench I might borrow to remove the rewind lever on this Mamiya Press roll film holder to see if I might effect a 'repair'. He noticed the the spool opposite the wind lever turned when I stroked the lever. DUH! Looks like the take up spool goes opposite the side with the lever. Needless to say, I felt like an idiot. Haven't had a chance to try film but I think it's gonna be fine. Tonite, I'll replace the seals and this weekend will get a chance to run some Acros thru this Mamiya Super 23.

Kenny

 

[oftheherd]

I think you are going to like your new SP 23. They are fun to use, if a little heavy. But along with that weight you get a real system camera. Which lens do you have? As I am sure you know, there are lenses from 50mm to 250mm. Also different backs and ground glass holders. If you find you like it enough, you may want to venture into cut film, but really not much reason to do that unless you do zone system work. You might enjoy a set of extention tubes as well. Those 6x7 and 6x9 negatives are so nice.

As to taking apart a 6x7 or 6x9 back, I have done that only for replacing a top. My next project, whenever that may be, will be to replace my original 6x7 back's wind lever return spring. It looks a little tricky but I think doable.

Let us know how you like it after using it.