Help with Rolleicord film counter problem

I just got a rolleicord on e-bay. It's either a I or II type 3.

When I tried to load film for the first time I ran into a problem.

I advanced the film but the counter would move forward a little and

then go back. Also, it would keep winding. I'm not sure if I'm

doing something wrong or the camera doesn't work or both. Does

anyone have any suggestions?

Hi Stuart,

 

If it has a bayonet on the taking lens, it is a type II. If there are no bayonets, a type I. I have a I, so I will tell you what you would need to do...

 

Once you load the film and close the back, check the red window and wind on until you hit "1" on the film paper-backing, then you must push in the button on the film winder, simultaneously pulling the small button between the winder and the focusing knob downwards. This will set the counter back to "1" and you will be ready.

 

After the first exposure, press the button and wind on until it hits "2" where it should stop until you take the next exposure and then press the button again before winding.

 

I hope that this helps. Not too sure about the "II" model as I have never handeled one.

The film counter uses a small geared wheel on the end of a spindle. That geared wheel has a spring to keep it pressed against the film spool.

 

There are several possibilities here:

 

1) The spring that provides the tension might have snapped.

 

2) The geared wheel might be gummed up and not having enough friction against the film spool to turn the frame counter.

 

3) The entire frame counter mechanism might have a gummed-up or broken part

 

 

I'm going to guess it's No. 1. Open the camera and press down on that small geared wheel in the top chamber. It should require a firm press. If it doesn't move or it simply flops back and forth, then you'll need to the camera serviced.

 

This is where I would start.

Thanks for the help! I pushed the wheel and it seems to be working. I was able to hand wind the number back to 1 and run a roll through and it seemed to work. My one question now is how can i load film so it starts at 1. How do i reset the film counter?

Never mind i figured it out from the 1st post. It works! Thanks again!

Glad that you got it figured out and that it is working properly. Took me a minute to figure it out when I got mine. You have got yourself a great camera but it well need a CLA. This will most likely keep it running for many more years. Which lens is on yours? Mine has the triotar 3.5 which is pretty remarkable lens for the price. It is the simplest Zeiss design (three elements, as the name suggests) but often I can only see the difference between it and a Zeiss Tessar (on a Rolleiflex) at the corners. Using a tripod will help a lot,obviously.

 

If you got a triotar, remember that it wil not work well in very difficult lighting situations, as they are prone to flare. A shade helps, but they are difficult to find. I saw one for $275.00 from one retailer! I got mine after a long search for $31.00 on *bay. If you have the "I" model you will need a push on filter(28.5 mm) and shade, and if the "II" model with the bayonet, then a Bay I filter/shade.

 

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me directly at bhakta1287@hotmail.com