Bronica SQaM Lens Changing Anomaly

[whlogan]

I am the new owner of a Bronica SQaM which seems to have fallen quite in love with my 65mm lens. Nothing I do will persuade it to let me remove this lens. New batteries don't do the trick. Asking it to start up a new roll of film doesn't do it either. Is there some secret code ring or encantation that I am not privy to that is keeping this securely emplanted on the body? I'll try almost anything short of C-4 or a pipe wrench.

Thanks
Logan:confused:

 

[pnance]

I'll ask the obvious, is the shutter cocked? It seems you already know not to leave batteries in the body.

Paul

 

[Peter Black]

Hi Logan

I believe you'll want to read the tips at the link below and hopefully that'll solve your problem.

http://www.camerahobby.com/Photo-Bronica_Tips.htm

Peter

 

[Canuck]

Remove the back. If you can see into the body to the back of the lens, and it is closed, it needs to be cocked. You should see two little studs on opposite sides with a narrow slot they travel in on the backside of the lens. If the lens isn't cocked, you can GENTLY move the cocking lever (the two studs) by moving both studs until it clicks into place. Methinks it is clockwise to locked shutter open. After it clicks into place, I think you need to cycle the camera, so place the batteries back into the grip for the drive and turn the camera and hit the fire button. If all toes and other body parts are crossed, and the planets are aligned, the camera will magically cycle and allow you to remove the lens. No warranty or guarantee implied but it worked for me and my semi-dead body . Cheers!

 

[whlogan]

Thanks for the quick replies.... the lens iris leaves are open, seeming to suggest the lens is cocked. The bright red light over the viewing screen comes on if the shutter button is pressed. removing the back does not allow me to see past the main mirror/buffer thingy..... guess we will off to the shop tomorrow unless some one has more to offer..... really appreciate the help...

 

[Jack Fisher]

I, too am a new owner of the SQ-Am. When I received it, I discovered the Lens Release Button (in front of the Shutter Speed Dial) required a little more persuasion than should be normal to press it down and thus release the lens lock. After a little persuasion, (thumbnail), the lens was removed, and I exercised the button repeatedly, and was able to see the links inside the body. I carefully and sparingly lubricated the sliding and linkage parts, and the button became easier to activate when removing a lens.

Also, there is a tiny amount of "wiggle room" when turning the mounted lens collar back and forth. Wiggling the lens in a counter-clockwise direction (when looking at the lens from the front), seems to relieve the imagined stress on the Lens Release Button.

I hope your problem is as simple as this. Let us know the result. ...and we hope you solve the problem soon.

 

[whlogan]

Took it to the shop and even the very small girl there was able to get the lens off and now even I can do it.. perhaps my arthritis is worse than I thought.... may get a small strap wrench from Porters.... thanks for all the answers....
Logan