M7 film advance tension high at shot 20

[stevesurf]

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Hi folks, has anyone had a situation where there is an increased substantial resistance two thirds through a roll?

 

The resistance gets to the point where I have to release some tension by counterclockwise rewind crank movement, followed by re-tensioning.

 

I follow film loading instruction by Leica's manual, have always done this and this just seem to start happening about a month ago. It's not isolated to any particular film type.

 

I would greatly appreciate any advice; since it seems to be something I can work through, I'd rather hold off on sending in to Solms.

[earleygallery]

First question, are you using 24 exposure film?

 

Assuming you're not, then it is probably an issue with the washers under the film rewind lever. I'm not familiar with the issue personally as I use an M2 but have read about it here several times.

 

If you're hand with a screwdriver you could try taking the rewind lever off and resetting the washers which can work, or otherwise you need to take the camera to a repairer (it shouldn't have to go back to Solms).

[stevesurf]

First question, are you using 24 exposure film?

 

Assuming you're not, then it is probably an issue with the washers under the film rewind lever. I'm not familiar with the issue personally as I use an M2 but have read about it here several times.

 

If you're hand with a screwdriver you could try taking the rewind lever off and resetting the washers which can work, or otherwise you need to take the camera to a repairer (it shouldn't have to go back to Solms).

 

Thanks so much for the reply!

 

I actually have experienced this with both 36 and 24, but more with 24 exp film recently.

 

I see the single slot screw under the rewind crank and it would be simple to take off as I have a good jeweler's screwdriver set. I'm not thinking it's that, though, because the crank turns freely in both directions with no resistance, except when this "binding" thing happens.

[stevesurf]

Yes, the search function is our friend; I found a few instances of the "take up spool clutch problem:"

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m7-mp-film-m/278239-film-stops-advancing-m7.html

 

Leica M6 advance stuck - Photo.net Leica and Rangefinders Forum

 

The above indicates that the washer loosening and tightening issue seems to be what's happening

[payasam]

I had this problem once with a Canon SLR. My technician put a drop or two of a thin oil on the shaft under the rewind knob with the point of a needle.