Fujica GW690 - Space Between Frames

seadrive · May 19, 2012

I've owned my GW690 (model I) for a while now, and I really like it. It's not tiny, it's not huge, it feels right in my hands, and the Fujinon 90mm is a great lens.

But I've noticed that the spacing between frames is uneven, varying between 7/16 of an inch and 1/4 of an inch, with the average a little over 5/16. When you're cutting up a strip of negatives, and you're trying to locate the exact middle of a 1/4 inch space...

For those of you who own a camera in this series, is this normal, or is this something I should try to have fixed?

TIA!

Dan Daniel · May 19, 2012

My GW690 was overhauled by Fuji Canada in 2007 and had about 40 rolls through it when I bought it. Frame spacing is about what you describe- variable. It seems that being slow and steady with each winding leads to more consistent spacing, but honestly i haven't done serious testing of this. It does seem to be more erratic the faster and more distracted I am when winding.

As long as I don't get overlap, I will avoid another overhaul. I would suggest being more consistent with your winding, and wait for more reasons to get an overhaul?

seadrive · May 19, 2012

Thanks for letting me know it's not just me, Dan.

It's not that big of a deal, but if the space between frames were to get smaller than 1/4 inch, it would be. Guess I'll try to wind the next roll slowly and evenly, and see if it makes any difference.

Klainmeister · May 19, 2012

If it makes you feel better, the one I used did the same thing...until I dropped it down the Grand Canyon. After that, it's been spot on. Go figure?

Newt_on_Swings · May 20, 2012

I just measured a roll that is now drying between the first 7 frames they are at 6/16th inch the last is 1/4th inch.

revdocjim · May 20, 2012

I don't have that camera but recently got the Fujica GS645 Professional and frame spacing varies from 6.5mm to 8mm.

seadrive · May 20, 2012

Klainmeister said:
If it makes you feel better, the one I used did the same thing...until I dropped it down the Grand Canyon. After that, it's been spot on. Go figure?

Something tells me that a trip to the Fuji repair shop in New Jersey would cost a lot less, but a trip to the Grand Canyon would be a lot more fun!

Sounds like the variable spacing issue is pretty prevalent. Guess I'll just learn to live with it, though I've now seen a space as small as 1/8th inch. That's cutting it pretty close! (pun intended)

Newt_on_Swings · May 20, 2012

I think I read in the past that users of these larger cameras have to really make sure the paper leader is very taught in the back before closing. Take out all the slack by putting pressure on the paper when you first load.

The other variable is that as the film sits it could loosen up in camera.

erikg · May 20, 2012

Pretty common with lots of roll film cameras. My Fujis do this and they have since new. So has my RZ and most other 120 cameras I've used. With no sprockets I think it's to be expected to some degree. Unless they overlap I wouldn't worry about it.

narsuitus · May 20, 2012

When I bought my 6x9 Fuji rangefinder, here is what the previous owner told me:

The only tip I have is when you are advancing the film, do it with care, with love. With any medium format camera when you advance the film you are moving a very big piece of film and if you move your thumb smoothly you will get the best image spacing. If you advance it to aggressively you will get overlapping. That camera will occasionally overlap but not enough to ruin any images.

Dan Daniel · May 20, 2012

If my thinking is right, you could add a layer of material to the rollers, leading to each revolution causing more linear film travel? Maybe a layer of tape at the ribbed area on each side?

Newt_on_Swings · May 22, 2012

Extra layer would work as a stop gap before a cla. I use this method for my super ikonta which was designed with slightly thicker film rolls in mind.

TimFox · May 23, 2012

I see the same effect on a GW690II, GW670III, and GSW690III, but have never seen the gap go down to zero.

papagene · May 24, 2012

My two Fuji cameras (GW670 II & GSW690 III) do the same thing, but never really drastically close. I always attributed it to my being a little paranoid about whether or not I advanced the film and would check by putting a little pressure on the advance lever.

TareqPhoto · May 26, 2012

Maybe mine have same issue, will check it later [GSW690III]

Fujica GW690 - Space Between Frames

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