Help! Mamayia 645 playing up...

[sarahfoto]

My Mamyia 645 takes 4 frames and then rewinds the film. Every time the same amount of frames, all of a sudden. My guess is it might be the automatic handle I have on? But scary thought...could it be something with the camera?
I've changed batteries in camera and handle but it changed nothing.
:confused: Sarah

 

[John Koehrer]

Try it without the handle?

 

[Paul Sorensen]

Do you have another back or insert? Do they do the same thing? I would definitely try another back on it if it is a Pro or Super model. If it is the original model with the power winder you can't change backs, but I would still try with another insert.

 

[sarahfoto]

Yes, sure did, now, and it's still skipping. Now I've played around with it a bit more, seems to be working when the back lid is open but when I close it it starts skipping...

 

[sarahfoto]

Paul, I have a back for 220 films that I tried now and it seems to work(without film), so maybe I need a new film back. I really REALLY hope so...

 

[Greg_E]

There was a series of backs for the Super that had some issues like you describe... Basically they would were out too soon and start having winding issues. I used to remember how to tell if it was an early or late model back, but not anymore.

Also the 120/220 is really all in the insert, so you should be able to put the 220 insert into the suspect back and see if the problem is still there. If the problem is gone than you just need a 120 insert. You could try the same with the 120 insert in the second back too to check the insert.

 

[sarahfoto]

Yes! I put the 120 insert in the second back so now it's working! A big sigh of relief....

 

[Greg_E]

OK, so you need another back. It is nice to have more than one back in your bag. Maybe one with color and the other with B/W films.