Mamiya Six folder - blank frames question

rajmohan fotograf · Sep 17, 2015

Hello folks,
My Mamiya Six folder (the latest Automat II version with the Sekor lens) is in excellent shape. I put the first roll of color 120 film through it a few days ago, and the experience was wonderful.
The roll has just returned from the lab, and I was surprised to see only 9 exposed frames from the beginning; the last 3 frames were blank. I tested the shutter at all speeds before taking it out, and everything was working perfectly. The 9 exposed frames are well exposed, indeed better than I had expected. I shot the last 3 frames exactly as I had the previous 9 frames, and advanced the film without any problems. The film was also loaded per instructions. Also, the first frame was partially cut through (I don't know why this was the case)
After unloading, I dry-fired the camera with the back open at multiple shutter speeds, and everything works just fine.
I'd be grateful for any insights to explain the 3 blank frames.
Many thanks!

Rick A · Sep 17, 2015

Did you remember to cock the shutter before thinking you were taking a photo? It isn't enough to only push the double exposure lock out. That's the only thing I can think could be wrong, unless the shutter failed in spite of cocking.

rajmohan fotograf · Sep 17, 2015

Hi Rick, mine is the latest Automat II version, which cocks the shutter automatically with the film wind. I watched the shutter cock (on the front of the lens) as I wound the film on with every frame. So I'm at a loss! The other frames were fantastic - I am thrilled with this camera!
One last thing is that on the negative strip the frames have numbers from 1 to 16, and I assumed that the sequence of frames would follow the numbers. But there are also arrowheads that point the other way (from 16 to 1) - do the arrowheads indicate that perhaps the actual start of the roll is at 16, or will the sequence of frames always be from 1 to 16? (Probably a silly question, but if the arrows indicate the correct sequence, then it's the first 3 frames that are blank, possibly because I wound on the film too much before exposing the first frame).
Perhaps time to try another cheap roll and see what happens...

removed account4 · Sep 17, 2015

does the camera still have the ruby window in the back ?
i had one of these cameras ( not the late versions but early ones )
and i remember there was a way to load the camera so the counter and the ruby window
syncronized. maybe you aren't syncronizing your winder ?
i can't remember exactly ( its been years )
but with the top-side winder on "1" you line up the "1" in the ruby window
and if you have a advance lock you flip it ...
my only guess is that your winder isn't syncronized, so it says 12 at the wrong time, ...
or that it starts at "3" so you miss 3 views ...
great camera, i must have put 300 rolls through mine in about a year

good luck !
john

rajmohan fotograf · Sep 17, 2015

Hi John,
Thank you for the suggestion - I honestly don't know the answer to your question. I'll check when I get home and see if this is the case. The fact that it worked perfectly on most of the roll does suggest to me that the fault lies with me and not the camera!

removed account4 · Sep 17, 2015

NP
i have a feeling the winder isn't at the last frame / "o" when you load the new roll

have fun!

rajmohan fotograf · Sep 17, 2015

Thank you - if it is this simple, I'll be very happy!

Rick A · Sep 17, 2015

If your camera still has the ruby window in the rear cover, you start the film with the counter at "0" , insert leader in take up spool and wrap one turn, close the cover and advance the film until the number 1 is visible in the window. This should coincide with the counter at no. 1, you can close the window and rely on the counter. The numbers on the backing paper are top for 6x4.5 (1-16). center for 6x6 (1-12), and bottom for 6x9 (1-8).

xya · Sep 17, 2015

I have two of these, a IVB and a V. on both there is a dot on the film counter. before loading film you have to check, whether the film counter index is on the dot mark. it normally stays there when you have taken out the previous roll. if not, move it there by turning the advance knob and actioning the film advance release lever. then load the film, advance the arrows on the backing paper to the white index marks, close the camera, action the advance lock release once and move the film. it stops automatically at "1".

a bit more of information is on my website http://www.120folder.com/mamiya_six.htm

hope it helps. good luck with your camera, it's a gem.

rajmohan fotograf · Sep 17, 2015

Thank you very much, Rick and xya - I'll apply these helpful tips when I load the next roll.

Mamiya Six folder - blank frames question

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