[Help] Mamiya RB67 cocking lever doesn't return

[Meerkieker]

So, once solved the coupling arm issue, my recently acquired RB67 struck me instantly with another problem. What a nightmare..slowly getting me demotivated into analogic and medium format systems.



Basically, as shown in the video below, when cocking the mirror/shutter, the lever runs all its way down as supposed. Then one would expect it to rebound back, but in my case it doesn't. Compared to other similar and much more frequent issues, the lever isn't stuck or anything. I could push it with my finger back to its position as shown. I guess it could be some spring or else; nonetheless the camera works fine, it's just a step more to my workflow but still that's not how its supposed to be. I seriously need your advice since i really can't enjoy taking this beautiful machine out for some shots without fearing it won't work.

 

[paul ron]

Your problems have nothing to do with MF systems.... its about your camera and your camera only. If unmaintained or abused duing the life of the camera (any camera), they just don't preform properly.

So how did you resolve the coupling arm issue?

This problem sounds like a spring. I'd start with opening the lever side. BUT... the cocking lever also has related mechanisms on the other side that may be suspect.

With the history of this camera, it can use a good going over to get her back in spec.

 

[Meerkieker]

Your problems have nothing to do with MF systems.... its about your camera and your camera only. If unmaintained or abused duing the life of the camera (any camera), they just don't preform properly.

So how did you resolve the coupling arm issue?

This problem sounds like a spring. I'd start with opening the lever side. BUT... the cocking lever also has related mechanisms on the other side that may be suspect.

With the history of this camera, it can use a good going over to get her back in spec.

I suspect that aswell, i may consider to open first the lever side panel as you said. Which screwdrivers do i need then?
I opened the lower panel and it seems like a spring gets stuck. When moving the lever up and down i feel like it's scratching against something.

Regarding the coupling arm issue, i've answered on the proper thread. Apparently nothing was to blame, but the screws which hold both the chrome plates on the revolving adapter. They were loose and so was the film back, once i screwed them clockwise it all got nicely tight and secure. Since, the issue disappeared. Thanks anyway.

 

[paul ron]

Scratching something?... does it wiggle side to side as well? can you feel what side its scratching? Listen for it? Tools are the standard screw drivers. I cant see the video on this computer but I'll look later when I get back in the shop.

loose screws! yeah that camera should be serviced.. even if you go over it yourself snugging up the screws.

Maybe the lever mount is just loose? when you take it off, you may find more loose screws and another easy fix.

 

[Meerkieker]

Scratching something?... does it wiggle side to side as well? can you feel what side its scratching? Listen for it? Tools are the standard screw drivers. I cant see the video on this computer but I'll look later when I get back in the shop.

loose screws! yeah that camera should be serviced.. even if you go over it yourself snugging up the screws.

Maybe the lever mount is just loose? when you take it off, you may find more loose screws and another easy fix.

I'm asking because i don't have most of the phillips precision work screwdrivers like 00 or smaller.

I hear it scratching down at the cocking lever pivot, maybe something has to get lubed..idk. You will certainly hear it in the video.
Sadly here in northern italy there seems that noone is keen on repairing RBs, there was shop in Milan but it shut down years ago.

 

[paul ron]

get a nice set of whia scredrivers? the most common sizes in cameras are 0, 00 and 000 cross point. jis screwdrivers are better fitted but ive never had problems using the whia sets.

they're made in germany so you shouldn't have any trouble finding them.... google whia screw drivers.

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26199-S...01&sr=8-5&keywords=wiha+precision+screwdriver

i saw the video... yeah something is hanging you up. open the crank side n see whats going on in there.

the other side has a double panel and light seal foam.

 

[MattKing]

You are pushing the lever too gently. Push it a further small bit until it really stops, and then report back .

 

[Meerkieker]

get a nice set of whia scredrivers? the most common sizes in cameras are 0, 00 and 000 cross point. jis screwdrivers are better fitted but ive never had problems using the whia sets.

they're made in germany so you shouldn't have any trouble finding them.... google whia screw drivers.

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26199-S...01&sr=8-5&keywords=wiha+precision+screwdriver

i saw the video... yeah something is hanging you up. open the crank side n see whats going on in there.

the other side has a double panel and light seal foam.

I'll give it a try once i get hold of the screwers. I suppose i should avoid WD40 to lube since it could get dry, should i go for watches oil? Which glue should i use to put the leatherette back in its place? Sorry for all these questions, i'm clearly a noobie with RBs and camera DIY.

You are pushing the lever too gently. Push it a further small bit until it really stops, and then report back .

If it wasn't already pushed to it's limit i suppose it wouldn't get back, even by pushing it. Tried again and that's not my case unfortunately. Thanks anyway.

 

[paul ron]

lube... for rub points like the springs involved with your lever... a very light application of white lithium grease.
for oil, get it from the music store as trumpet valve oil.

leatherette glue... get the very thin double sided tape that looks like scotch tape thickness... or get plibond.