Re: [KOML] film advance

[melhus <melhus@fdrc.iit.edu>]

> ... My 220 magazine is not advancing the film properly. Sometimes
>it advances one frame, sometimes two frames, and sometimes it doesn't
>advance at all....
>
>How does the frame counter interlock with the advance mechanism? Has
>anyone tried to repair one or should it be sent to Greg Weber? Thanks
>for the info. Jim

I've opened up the backs of a few of my magazines that had oddities
(one would only take the darkslide halfway, the other had the
exposure indicator not working right.)  If you're handy with tools,
and don't mind working with some small parts with springs on them,
the back can be opened and worked on.  But if you're not good with
tools, and patient, forget it.  Also, be sure that you know when to
quit and get a professional to do it.

To open up the back, peel off the leatherette on the sides, and just
above the plastic back door release.  Unscrew the 5 screws that you
find.  Then remove the screw holding the back release lever on.  Now
you can take the back off and look at the guts of the mechanism.
The large triangular gizmo on the left as you look at the back side
of the back is supposed to slowly drop as the film is exposed,
changing the distance that the film gets reeled (to compensate for
the increased thickness of the film.)  However, in your case, it
sounds like the gear that engages the advance lever is not hitting
all the time.  Look at it, and see what looks wrong.  It's also 
really nice to see another that works properly (same film type.)

Most important, though, is the home mechanics version of the
Hippocratic oath, "First, do no harm."  Or don't undo what you
can't redo.  That way, your investment in the back won't be 
squandered on idle curiousity.

Good luck,

Regards,

Martin F. Melhus       |  PDGA#   |     Where would we be without
melhus@fdrc.iit.edu    |  11296   |     hypothetical questions?