1
\$\begingroup\$

I've recently acquired a Bronica ETRSi and I'm having issues with it (1) Winding on the film and (2) Firing the shutter. I'm wondering if anyone might have any suggestions.

There are 2 levers on the side that control double exposure and mirror lockup, to which I have tried the 4 permutations in order to try getting the shutter to fire etc.

Photo (click to enlarge) Double Exposure Mirror Lockup Result
enter image description here ACTIVE ACTIVE Cranks and locks, mirror locks up, shutter fires - No film advance based on window & no spool spin - All as expected
enter image description here ACTIVE INACTIVE Cranks and locks, no mirror lockup, shutter fires - No film advance mased on window & no spool spin - All as expected
enter image description here INACTIVE ACTIVE Cranks and locks, mirror locks up, shutter fires - No film advance based on window & spool spins - Should see film advance
enter image description here INACTIVE INACTIVE Cranks but does not lock - Normal initial wind and then loose wind after 2 rotations hutting a bump each other loose rotation - spool spins - No film advance - Shutter does not fire

I noted that the manual spool winder on the film does indeed spin when I am spinning the film/shutter winder, proving that the double exposure switch does move the geared wheel into the correct positions.

FYI - I checked that everything was in the right configuration during the test. Film loaded, lens attached, dark slide removed, shutter button lock disengaged etc

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
6
  • \$\begingroup\$ Was there film in the camera during the tests ? \$\endgroup\$
    – Bob Macaroni McStevens
    Dec 5, 2022 at 16:04
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ How does the manual describe the camera’s operation? \$\endgroup\$
    – Bob Macaroni McStevens
    Dec 5, 2022 at 16:06
  • \$\begingroup\$ Have you contacted the seller? \$\endgroup\$
    – Bob Macaroni McStevens
    Dec 5, 2022 at 16:06
  • \$\begingroup\$ @BobMacaroniMcStevens everything was as described in the manual for correct operation. Film loaded, dark slide removed, lens attached and shutter button lock disangaged. \$\endgroup\$
    – physicsboy
    Dec 5, 2022 at 16:07
  • \$\begingroup\$ @BobMacaroniMcStevens I found the problem/solution - See below \$\endgroup\$
    – physicsboy
    Dec 5, 2022 at 16:12

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

I found the answer... The film was fully advanced and off the initial spool. The constant spinning and "bump" I felt must have been the tail of the end of the roll hitting the other spool.

I got into this situation due to my hesitation and experimentation with loading/going through my first film in this camera.

I wasn't sure if I'd loaded things correctly the first time so I did open the back, check things were advancing and then closing it back up. This led to the film counter resetting itself, so I didn't really know where I was on the film. Plus I'd just come from shooting a lot of 35mm so silly me, forgot it was only 15 frames...

I chalked this roll up to being a waste and to just get the action of using the camera down, so I reversed the film and ran it back through and everything worked perfectly as expected.

I'm not sure if I've exposed the middle of the film, so I'm going to go back through again the correct way and then I should have the operation down to a fine art :D

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.