How to remove take up spool on Canon II-B

I recently purchased a Canon II-B and can't seem to be able to get the takeup spool out to film test the camera. Seems like it should just fall out with the base plate removed, however that is not happening. I am of the opinion that nothing on a camera needs to be forced in order to operate properly and this just doesn't seem to be working. The original instruction manual doesn't help. Any ideas to solve my problem?

The spool is spring loaded so you need to push the middle with your finger and turn clockwise. The center of the spool should pop up giving you more to grip and then grasp and pull out. If it pops up but seems stuck (I had one that did) use a needle nose pliers and gently grab and pull out. Sometimes they seem to stick, most probably from lack of use. Should work fine after that, mine did.

jwd722 said:

The spool is spring loaded so you need to push the middle with your finger and turn clockwise. The center of the spool should pop up giving you more to grip and then grasp and pull out. If it pops up but seems stuck (I had one that did) use a needle nose pliers and gently grab and pull out. Sometimes they seem to stick, most probably from lack of use. Should work fine after that, mine did.

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Thank you. That worked. Still pretty tight. I'm tempted to put a small amount of lubricant on a q-tip and try to make it ease a bit in the removal . No, I wouldn't spray WD 40 in it. Just a hint applied judiciously. Does anyone think that would be anything other than stupid?

I would, if it was mine, just put in in and take it out over and over with maybe a bit of wiggling first to see if it loosens more.
WD 40 in the smallest amount might help but if you do make sure to wipe it as dry as possible. Maybe as a last resort only!