Mamiya 645E Rapid Wind Grip Issues

Years ago I purchased a Mamiya 645E with rapid wind grip new when they were still being sold new. A few months after purchasing it I ran into a problem; the camera locked up while using it with the rapid wind grip.

I sent it to Mamiya as it was still under warranty at the time. They repaired it and sent it back to me. I shot a few rolls with it and for whatever reason I stored it and went back to using my older 645.

Recently I took it out of storage and tried shooting a few rolls with it. It locked up again!! This time I removed the rapid wind grip, placed the standard crank knob on it and kept shooting. Camera works fine without the rapid wind grip. I did some unscientific testing and discovered that in order for the rapid wind grip to work properly you have to wind it twice. If you make the mistake of slightly winding it then attempt to do the two full advance winds, the camera will lock up. There seems to be no safeguard against this. This is a problem if the film advance lever winds ever so slightly without you knowing (when you place it in a camera bag, when you grab the grip a bit too quickly, etc) then attempt to do the two advance winds.

Is this just with my 645E or has anyone else had this issue?

Dear snegron,

My 645D/winder does not have the problem you describe. It sounds as though it could be the winder rather than the camera.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

Neal said:

Dear snegron,

My 645D/winder does not have the problem you describe. It sounds as though it could be the winder rather than the camera.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

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Thanks Neal. Looks like for now I won't be using the rapid wind grip to prevent any damage to the camera.