M6 - possible problems?

[Vaucluse]

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Have finally taken the plunge and have just bought a beautiful M6 Panda.

 

Have two potential issues that I'm not sure if they are 'normal'.

 

Firstly, there seems to be a little vertical movement on the lock side of the baseplate.

 

Secondly, the rewind knob seems to 'squeak' when I rotate it.

 

Both the above are experienced without a film loaded.

 

Any light shed on this would be very much appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Mark

[too old to care]

My M6 does not have either one of these issues. The rewind knob is very smooth, almost like winding a fine watch. The film plate is also very snug, even turning the release is snug, but very smooth.

 

I do notice that there is a small screw on the inside of the plate. Maybe this is loose on yours. Also, I have heard of corrosion getting into the rewind knob and causing problems. Easy to fix if you have a few hand tools. Look on youtube for videos that show its removal.

 

Wayne

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[Vaucluse]

My M6 does not have either one of these issues. The rewind knob is very smooth, almost like winding a fine watch. The film plate is also very snug, even turning the release is snug, but very smooth.

 

I do notice that there is a small screw on the inside of the plate. Maybe this is loose on yours. Also, I have heard of corrosion getting into the rewind knob and causing problems. Easy to fix if you have a few hand tools. Look on youtube for videos that show its removal.

 

Wayne

 

 

Hi Wayne,

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

So I take it that once you turn the lock on your baseplate you don't experience any movement whatsoever? I've looked carefully at the locking mechanism. It cannot see that it's either loose or bent.

 

And the rewind sounds like it's grating a little.

 

Sounds like I may have to pay the dealer a visit.

 

Mark

[too old to care]

That is right, there is no movement in the baseplate once it is locked. The latch is also smooth to turn, either with it on the camera or off. It is a little stiff though, as though there is a friction washer in there, but no grinding or binding. The rewind knob is very smooth, no grating or anything. With film in the camera it is hard to turn, always has been since new in 98, but never let me down either. I think a minor service may be in order too.