Inconsistent Frame Spacing (M4)

[Abram]

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I'm sorry to dig up an old topic but I encountered a potential problem with my M4 just this week. I've shot probably a dozen+ rolls through the camera since acquiring it in March. Every frame has been perfectly exposed (unless I made an error) and the spacing between frames has been more or less perfectly consistent. 

 

I do use a 21 Super Angulon which does indeed leave almost no room between frames but with this camera I was just trying out a DR Summicron I recently purchased as well. Both of these rolls were Fuji Superia 200 (Fuji Canisters, I don't roll my own.) and shot back to back. The first roll was completely fine but then as I was scanning the second I noticed the first 5 frames were quite different and then all of the subsequent frames were close but not perfect (there were a few frames that seemed a bit closer than normal). 

 

Is this a sign that the camera is going to need servicing soon? I don't mind it if that's the case I just want to be sure before I make any moves.

 

So for the record, both of these contact sheets are the same type of film (Fujifilm Superia 200), not bulk-loaded, shot on the same day, with the same lens (50mm Summicron Dual Range) on the same camera (M4).

 

IMG_0287 by Abram Goglanian, on Flickr

 

IMG_0286 by Abram Goglanian, on Flickr

[TomB_tx]

Since it is only the first few frames, perhaps the film hadn’t fully engaged the feed sprocket when loaded, slowing the takeup spool to move the film farther than the sprocket would normally allow. Then it settled onto the feed sprocket for the rest of the roll. The takeup spindle is clutched so it can slip and keep tension on the film, while the feed sprocket is what “meters” the spacing.

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[Abram]

Usually what I do when I'm loading a roll into an M body is rewind the film slightly until I feel tension (removing the slack) and as such I've always had perfectly loaded rolls and never experienced a slip before. I'm 99% sure I did this when loading the second roll into the body but it is possible it could have slipped.

 

I will have to shoot another roll through it and check to see if it happens again.