MP film alignment problem?

<p>Twice recently I've had a film loading(?) problem with my MP (now ~5 yrs old) that I never saw before, or during previous years with an M6. Images were off-center on the film by ~1 mm, pushing the edge of the frame off into the sprocket area. This was at the bottom of the image, so the film should have sat a bit farther in than it did -- and not just for a few frames, but the whole roll. Any idea how this can happen (and persist like that!) with "easy, foolproof" M film loading? Thanks!<br>

(No chewing of sprocket holes or anything else suspicious. And FWIW, after the first time I started paying attention to sprocket alignment as I hadn't before, but that didn't prevent it from happening once more.)</p>

 

<p>I always make sure the film rests between the film rail and is tracking before closing the back.</p>

<p>The problem may be the cassett spools are out of tolerence or something changed in the camera to change payout spool position.</p>

<p>It almost sounds like it winding wrong. Can you try shooting a test roll a dozen times or so and opening the back to see if it's alinged wrong?</p>

<p>FWIW, my MP double exposes at times.</p>

<p>Here is some discussion of the sprocket hole issue. I don't think you could be using Leitz cassesttes. Perhaps the pressure plate is applying uneven force, or not seated properly between the rails? <br>

http://www.photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00RLo2</p>

<p>I had that problem with my MP a few years ago. Turns out the MP film rails do not slope up at the rewind end as the older M's do hence if the cassette is not clicked home fully into the body the film hangs down over the bottom rail and rides there for the whole film. My M3 and M2 are more tolerant of careless loading. Ensure the cassette snaps all the way in and the film sits twixt the rails and you'll be OK.</p>

<p>Thanks Colin, I expect the MP film rail design is the problem -- why on earth would they change something like that, after all those years? I'll be paying more attention to them in the future.</p>