Bronica SQ-A / Grip S - engaging the cranking mechanism

[Pelo78]

Hi all,
I have a question for Bronica's owners using the speed grip
I received yesterday a speed grip for my Bronica SQ-A and, at first, when I mounted the grip on the camera, the cranking mechanism wasn't working.
The thumb lever was slightly raised and, after a bit of fiddling, I manage to push it back in position with a click an now the grip seems tom operate fine.
Is this by design or the gearing is damaged/loosened?

Since I can return the item I'd like to know I this is a symptom of a major problem or simply a feature

Tanks for the info!


Best,

Marco

 

[Daire Quinlan]

the grip can be a bit fiddly to get on sometimes I find, is it possible that you jammed it up against the two pins on the wind knob on the body, and your subsequent fiddling managed to slip it into place properly ? Take the grip off the body and action the wind lever a few times, I'd say if the bit on the grip that engages with the camera body still turns with moderate pressure applied to it (i.e. just the tip of a finger or something, just to duplicate the difficulty of winding on the film in real operation) then you might well be good to go. Or you can disassemble. Haven't had a reason to take mine apart but I wouldn't say the mechanism is too complicated to check.

 

[Peter Simpson]

I, too, had issues with a purchased grip (release lock didn't lock the release). I took the base plate off and ended up adding a shim. It seemed well constructed, but the tolerances seemed off. Not sure if it could be adjustments or just a bad example, but it works fine now.

Dive in there, there may be a screw which has worked loose over the years. Nothing that can't be fixed with JB Weld epoxy (if it moves and it shouldn't), Super Lube synthetic lube (if it doesn't move and it should) or loctite 242 (if it keeps unscrewing). Keep the Loctite away from plastic.

The grip is a great improvement to the SQ-A.

 

[mweintraub]

I, too, had issues with a purchased grip (release lock didn't lock the release). I took the base plate off and ended up adding a shim. It seemed well constructed, but the tolerances seemed off. Not sure if it could be adjustments or just a bad example, but it works fine now.

Had to do similar with the 65/80mm lens hood because it wasn't locking well.

 

[Pelo78]

Thanks to al of you for your replies! The grip now seems to behave properly. The issue wasn't an improper mounting but something related the mechanics, it could be a tolerance issue. or, simply, a feature.
Normally I wouldn't have problem in taking it apart but this would void the warranty offered by the seller: if it's faulty it would be simpler to send it back and get a new one.
It would be interesting, if you are willing to take the chance, to see what happens if you pull the thumb lever upwards... does it move disengaging the cranking system or is it firm in place?
I understand if nobody is willing to test his perfectly working grip risking to screwing it up!

I'm leaning on keeping the grip and, in case is going to give me trouble in the future, try to fix it myself...

Thanks again for your feedbacks!

Marco

 

[Daire Quinlan]

just tried with my grip, there's no give to the lever at all, it doesn't move up, so it looks like something is awry with yours all right.