Zorki 1 Film Unwinding Itself Problem

[Tim Tomic]

Hello All,

Im regretful that my first post has to be a "ive got a problem" post, but onward and upwards I guess.

I bought my first FSU Zorki 1 a month ago, the camera seems to be in good condition, albeit besides one problem; the film seems to unwind itself inside the camera (on the film spool.) The film leader is cut correctly (ive tried different variants of the Lieca Leader trimming technique and still the same problem.) The camera seems to take the first one or two turns of the advance knob but after that i can see that the film has become unwound on the spool.

Any ideas/comments/suggestions as to what the problem could be?

Thanks in advance, Tim.

 

[gb hill]

Are you threading the film leader all the way up under the metal hook? Also check to see if the metal hook is flush against the spool. No gap.

 

[Tim Tomic]

its all the way under the hook, and the hook does sit flush. Could it be the pressure on the back plate is not tight enough hence it just unwinds?

 

[gb hill]

Possibly I suppose! and (I'm assuming it's a bottom loader like the Zorki 2c) which I have. I really can't see how the film is coming loose once it's snug on the spool and wound on. Could be something wrong with the film advance? Someone more experienced with these camera's will have to weigh in. Hope you get it fixed soon.

 

[fanshaw]

I assume that the problem is not just that the film is detaching from the spool? Otherwise, check the seating of the spool on the take up spindle. Is it loose? You should find that if you hold the end of the spool while winding on (without film of course) there is some resistance to slipping. The spool should not be completely loose on the spindle nor should it be gripped so that it doesn't slip at all.

 

[Tim Tomic]

Your assumption is right fanshaw, the film isnt detaching from the spool, the actual spool is undwinding on the spindle which holds it.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I guess either the spindle or the take-up spool is deformed somehow or the spool is from a different camera. You might be able to create a bit more friction with a bit of tape around the spindle.

if the spool is tight on the spindle, I would take a look at the rewind/advance switch.

 

[wolves3012]

Sounds like you don't have the right spool for the camera. The Zorki 1 spool has two rivets poking through to the inside, these are what allows the wind mechanism to turn it. If the wrong spool is in place it just won't work.

 

[Tim Tomic]

Thanks for all the help guys, seems that it is the spool, and while sticky tape did fix the problem wolves3012 i think you are correct with your assumption of the wrong type of spool being used. There are two minor sized rivets on the inside although i believe they serve purpose to hold the spool hook on with.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[reagan]

Tim ~ welcome to RFF and to the wonderful world of FSUs. 😎 Your description of spindle/spool sounds like mine and they are working fine. Maybe some spindle tension adjustment might be in order. I've got some errands to run and I'll get back later this afternoon with pics. I have some spindle / spool pics that may be of help. But not to worry, the Zorki.1 is a great little camera. Get this minor flaw worked out and you're going to love it. Just curious, is it fitted with I.22 or 50 glass? or? Anyway .... I'll re: again later.

ZorkiKat here at RFF I'm sure could be some help too as well as many others.
edit: here's his "Fed1-Zorki1 Survival Site." good stuff there.

 

[reagan]

Tim ~ I'll add a couple of thumbnails and some links to give you something to compare yours to. Of course there are variations, especially in spools. The one pictured actually has a "hook" while my others, including Leicas, only have a tab of sorts to jam the film under. Still, they work fine.

I believe the rivets slide into and catch on the collet "fingers" pictured in the links below. Also, tension on the spool can be adjusted. The spool should be just a little difficult to remove from the spindle and not just fall out of the camera.

If you believe your spool is right and think the spindle may need some adjusting, wait for greater minds. I've tinkered on mine, but never had to adjust that. I believe the slot on the end of the spindle is used to tighten or loosen to increase or decrease tension. BUT GET A SECOND OPINION. Again, I'm not dead nuts sure.

I'm outta time. I'll check in later. Good luck!


JE Labs is an excellent site for helps. Below are links to a couple of his photos of Zorki/Fed spindles etc.
http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/LIIrepair2.jpg
http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/z1dshutterbody.jpg

 

[Tim Tomic]

Regan, Thankyou very much! It seems that the tension on the spool was a bit loose. Tightened it all up and ive got a roll of film in there as we speak! I've got a I-61 on the camera atm, though im looking a Jupiter 3 once I get bored of only having the I-61.
Once again thanks heaps to all! Ill be sure to post once i get d some photos! Cheers!

 

[reagan]

...ive got a roll of film in there as we speak!

good for you. well, you did it on your own. after re-reading my post just now, i realized my observations were misleading. however, you figured it out.

you'll not be disappointed with the I.61. i'm told often [here @ RFF] they're great performers. have fun!!