Mamiya 645 pro tl winding issue - Australia

[Glowye]

Hey all,

I’ve recently picked up a mamiya 645 pro tl, when I bought it the film advanced perfectly up to 15, no issues. But now that I have it the camera will auto wind the film through the initial setup, then through frames 1-6 normally, but then I hear a noise like somethings slipped and then it’s like the camera thinks the roll is finished, so it winds the rest of the roll up. I’ve looked everywhere for fixes to this issue but have found nothing.

Here’s a list of things I’ve tested that may be helpful:
- when the back is open the film winds normally
- all the rollers move smoothly as well as anything else that could become sticky
- I’ve tried different spools
- I’ve cleaned all contacts
- I’ve applied pressure to the back with the back door open and it works fine

The only time it doesn’t work is when the back is closed. The previous owner told me that the camera was working when they used it but then they let it sit for about 5-6 months.

If anyone can help me understand what’s wrong that would be super helpful! Thanks!!

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to Photrio,
Do you have available to you one or more of the following?:
1) another film back; or
2) another film insert; or
3) a manual winding crank to swap out with the power winder.
If so, try each of those to determine if the issue is related to:
a) that particular film back; or
b) that particular insert installed in that back; or
c) the power winder.

 

[Glowye]

I think this is the issue, I have none of these. I feel as if I should just get another film back or film insert and hope for the best but I wanted to know if there was anything else I could try before I go buying a new back.

Welcome to Photrio,
Do you have available to you one or more of the following?:
1) another film back; or
2) another film insert; or
3) a manual winding crank to swap out with the power winder.
If so, try each of those to determine if the issue is related to:
a) that particular film back; or
b) that particular insert installed in that back; or
c) the power winder.

 

[MattKing]

The inserts tend to be relatively inexpensive, and there is a decent chance that that is where the issue lies.
And extra inserts are quite handy when using the camera.
Even a 220 insert loaded with 120 film would tell you if the problem is in the insert, and 220 inserts are often really cheap.
Australia is a long way from here, otherwise I'd be happy to help you try some of my backs or inserts.

 

[MattKing]

I've added Australia to your thread title, in case that increases the chance of someone a bit closer being able to help.
And by the way, the inserts are compatible across the entire Mamiya 645 manual focus line, so if someone has either a 645e or one of the older, non-interchangeable back 645 Mamiya cameras, their inserts will work with your camera.

 

[Glowye]

thanks so much for your help, I guess I’ll see if anyone has any that I could borrow or I’ll just have to fork out some money and buy a new insert and hope that it’s just that and not the back.

I've added Australia to your thread title, in case that increases the chance of someone a bit closer being able to help.
And by the way, the inserts are compatible across the entire Mamiya 645 manual focus line, so if someone has either a 645e or one of the older, non-interchangeable back 645 Mamiya cameras, their inserts will work with your camera.

 

[MattKing]

It might help if you mentioned what part of Australia you are in.
Even if it is the back, they are fairly simple and relatively easy to service.

 

[Glowye]

It might help if you mentioned what part of Australia you are in.
Even if it is the back, they are fairly simple and relatively easy to service.

Alright will do, thanks again.

 

[OAPOli]

How does the issue manifests itself on film? Try loading a dummy roll of backing paper, stop winding when you get to frame 5 or 6, then open the back to see where you are on the roll. Sometimes the frame counter gets sticky and it messes up the sequencing of the leader and frames.