Camera 'WINDERS' packed up working !

pentaxpete

Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2010
Messages
635
Location
Brentwood, England
Format
Multi Format
I had not used my ME Super , ME and their 'WINDERS' for a long time as been 'Messing About with OTHER MAKES ' in my Camera Collection then when I came to USE my ME Super and ME with Winders the Winders would not work - Fresh 'Energizer Max' batteries -- also I have a CANON winder A and a PRAKTICA B series Winder and although the CANON one USED to WORK is does not now -- is there anything inside electronic that would 'Fail' do you think !
 

koraks

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Nov 29, 2018
Messages
22,777
Location
Europe
Format
Multi Format
Apparently.
Have you tried a different set of batteries except that set of Energizers you mentioned? It's a bit odd that at least 3 of your winders would crap out.
 

Nitroplait

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 13, 2020
Messages
807
Location
Europe (EU)
Format
Multi Format
If there is a belt involved, it has likely disintegrated from age. It happens in cassette players, super 8 cameras etc.
 

Dustin McAmera

Subscriber
Joined
Feb 15, 2023
Messages
601
Location
UK
Format
Multi Format
I only ever had one winder; a third-party device, made to fit Canon A-series cameras. After the initial novelty, I found it more trouble than it was worth. It depended on contact between two little spring-loaded electrical contacts and matching ones in the base of the camera. Even when it was still quite new, it would shift slightly while mounted, and lose good contact.
If your devices have contacts like that, it might be worth cleaning them (and the matching parts on the camera).
 

ic-racer

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
16,544
Location
USA
Format
Multi Format
The device would likely need to be disassembled to locate the problem. Sometimes the screws are under covering material or in side the battery compartment.
 

BrianShaw

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2005
Messages
16,523
Location
La-la-land
Format
Multi Format
I can’t really read the opening post.

But some cameras include electrical switches in both the camera and winder so perhaps one or more of those has failed.
 

Truzi

Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2012
Messages
2,651
Format
Multi Format
it could be electronic, but sometimes electric motors/gearing/grease get gummed up from non-use.
Is there a way you can gently turn the shaft of the winder? Without marring/damaging it?

Oddly, years ago my grandmother's electric can opener died, and she had another in the basement, New, and never taken out of the box. The "new" one was at least 15 years old. We had to manually exercise it a bit, but it freed up and started working without issue. I had a similar thing happen on the mechanical shutter of my grandfather's wind-up 8mm movie camera.

If it takes a lot of force to get it moving, you may want to open and clean the unit. Otherwise, it's possible that it's just a "little bit" stuck.
 

BradS

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
8,120
Location
Soulsbyville, California
Format
35mm
I think I’d try another set of batteries … or at least test the batteries you have to make sure they are good.
 
Last edited:

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,863
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
In both of my Minolta Autowinder Gs, it was the electrolytic capacitors that had leaked and the winders then no longer worked properly.

These are actually the only electronic components that can break down over time by themselves.

Minolta Auto Winder G: Service and repair

My next main project will be service and repair for the Minolta Autowinder D and G as well as the Minolta Motor Drive MD-1. The topic follows on from my previous work and articles on Minolta X here. The D Version is for Minolta XD, the G version for Minolta X/XG and the MD-1 for Minolta...
www.photrio.com

Battery contacts can oxidize or corrosion caused by leaking battery electrolyte can work its destructive effect on conductors and contacts over the years.

I agree with @ic-racer that one should open the winder and take a look.
 
  • BrianShaw
  • Deleted
  • Reason: Not worth it.
OP
OP

pentaxpete

Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2010
Messages
635
Location
Brentwood, England
Format
Multi Format
YES Fantastic INFO -- I was GIVEN by a Young Camera Club Member his GrandFather's MINOLTA XG1 + Autowinder G -- I took out a few screws but could not access anything else then read there are MORE Screws underneath the self- adhesive cover -- but if the Capacitor is blown I cannot do that --
 

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,863
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm

There are two electrolytic capacitors, see my post above, any repair shop should be able to do that. It's not a big deal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…