Kowa Six help

campy51 · Aug 28, 2017

I received a Kowa Six from a ebay auction and the cosmetics are near mint but when I put a roll of film in and start shooting the winder locks up after just a couple of shots. If I open the film door and close it will release the winding knob. If I take the film out it works every time. It also seems to work with film in it but the lens off. Is it the lens or the body? It breaks my heart to have to send it back because of the condition of the body and lens being near mint.

Paul Howell · Aug 28, 2017

What film? I cannot shoot HP5 as it will not cock the shutter, have no issues with Tmax or Foma, just Ilford.

Barry Kirsten · Aug 28, 2017

Hi Campy, I've had a Kowa 6 and also have a Super 66 at the moment. That doesn't make me an expert, and I'm not sure I have the answer for you here. But firstly I'd check very carefully that the lens is securely locked in place, with the locking ring all the way home. For the lens to mount correctly the two pins have to be rotated around to the index marks, and I assume you do this. Also it's important with these cameras to wind on completely, because if not the button will not 'fire' for the next exposure. I'm not sure this is the answer to your problem, but from past experience I feel that it has something to do with the correct mating of the lens with the body. I hope this helps, and if I can think or anything else I'll let you know.

Sirius Glass · Aug 28, 2017

Sounds like it needs a CLA. Return it. Unfortunately if a camera sits for many years thing get gummed up by the lubrication. You do not know what it will cost to have it clean and adjusted. Get one from KEH.com.

campy51 · Aug 28, 2017

I am using old outdated film and here's what I did. I put a roll in and fired off 2 shots and then the knob locked and won't rotate, so I opened up the back and closed it and the rest of the roll fired normal. I am very confused that it won't work with film loaded but works fine without it. Fires and winds every time.

btaylor · Aug 28, 2017

Old cameras are always a shot in the dark. I always budget for a CLA even when the ad says "works perfectly, no CLA needed!" because they usually do anyway. Even if you get one that works great today, it may not next week. There is a guy in Los Angeles that is a former Kowa factory service tech. I suspect about $200-250 would be needed to get things back to new. It's a really nice camera, I used to own a few.

paul ron · Aug 29, 2017

it could be the frame counter mechanism. seems when you open the door, it resets the counter back to zero n works again.

it would be worth fixing.
but fixing cost vs what you paid for it is something you must decide. but when purchasing kowas that are known for a few flaws, the price of the repair should always be considered to bring your camera up to par. once repaired, it should extend the life of the camera for reliable service for a good long time. when sending it in for repair, be sure to ask to have the winding mechanism upgraded... that's their major Achilles problem.

campy51 · Aug 29, 2017

I paid $175 and it is a conservative 9 condition cosmetically and it was supposedly a back up camera. My problem is I will use it very rarely and will mostly display it in my small old camera collection I have. I would hate to have to spend another couple of hundred to have Ross Yerkes overhaul it.

paul ron · Aug 29, 2017

that's a great price, you could probably recoup most if not all of that on resale down the road, especially in a 9 condition for an overhauled camera.

I'll tell ya, once you get to use it, it has a way of growing on ya.

otherwise... sell it for what you paid for it... OR... return it for a refund n lose the postage costs?

I know its a tough spot to be in... been there.

campy51 · Aug 31, 2017

I am sending it back for a refund. Didn't want to put the money into considering all the Bronica and Mamiya's out there. I also have my eye on a Tachihara 4x5, just waitng to hear back on my offer.

btaylor · Aug 31, 2017

I think you made the right decision.

For me, I found the ergonomics with the side grip to be just about perfect and it was wonderfully compact. To be honest I thought the Six handled better than my Hasselblad. But it didn't light your fire, so move on.

Sirius Glass · Aug 31, 2017

You made the best decision.

Kowa Six help

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