Tough S2 wind/rewind

[Jacob]

A question for the Nikonian regulars at rff:
Since i bought a soft release for my S2 it has become a pleasure to press the shutter. It would be an enjoyable camera if it wasn't for the effort it takes to advance the film. Compared to my M2 it´s like pulling a pine tree backwards through deep snow. And the rewind is even worse. Is this 50'ies Nikon standard or is it possible to cure with a simple lubrication?
Thanks for sharing Your experince...
Jacob

 

[VinceC]

Wind/rewind should be buttery smooth on a well-functioning S2. If it's not rewinding smoothly, then there's a problem with something not disengaging properly when you switch to rewind, because there are no gear trains in the rewind knob (except on an SP) and the film cassette should be turning freely when the chrome collar around the shutter button is rotated from A to R.

 

[Jacob]

Aha... I see. Thank You for the reply. I think it is time for a CLA for my S2... Anybody know a good Nikon Rangefinder repairman in Stockholm, or Scandinavia, or northen Europe? I only know about Leicamen around here...
Jacob

 

[KoNickon]

Jacob, how does the winding feel when there is no film in the camera? I am wondering whether a possible cause is the pressure plate applying too much pressure -- with film in the camera it might cause excess friction in winding (and rewinding as well).

 

[Jacob]

I don't have the camera with me now. As I recall both advancing and rewinding without film is easy but rolling the take up spool with Your fingers is not very easy ... Doesn't make sense! Have to check, will be back.
Jacob

 

[VinceC]

The take-up spool (below the shutter-speed mechanism) should not turn easily unless switched over for rewind.

The S2 is not a complicated camera ... someone who is familiar Leicas and Nikon Fs should be able to recognize what's going on inside.

 

[Jacob]

I just made a quick control. Advancing without film feels ok, some resistance but not much, but turning the spool with the sprockets (?) is really tough. Advancing the film without the back feels ok too but with the back it gets harder. It is probably something with the shutter tension in combination with the pressure plate. I rang a Nikon repairman and we talked a while about what a nice camera it was until he asked if the meter was needle or LED! He thought I said F2, not S2...
Jacob

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

Take the time and trouble and send it overseas to an expert like Pete Smith at Fotocamera Repair in Florida. He just CLA'd both of my S2s and now they advance and rewind very smooth and easy .... as they are supposed to.