Ricoh Diacord help needed

one90guy · Jul 13, 2011

Hi
Just picked up camera, everything works except the film counter. Film will advance but counter never leaves start. I have spent 2- 3 hours today on goolge but have not found anything helpful. Anyone use 1 or have any insight, it would be most heplful. I want to load it and use it. Thanks
David

Dan Daniel · Jul 14, 2011

I don't know the Diacord, but on some TLR models, the film advance system will only work without actual film in it if there is a take up reel in the proper compartment. For example, a Yashica-Mat will work- roughly- with a take-up spool in the top compartment. Roughly meaning that winding will feel rough and motion of the counter can be erratic as the thin gear that transfer spool motion to the counter mechanism rides on the spool.

A Minolta Autocord will will not do any counter movement no matter where the spool is without actual film. The gear to transfer spool motion is in he top compartment while the mechanism to move the film is in the bottom compartment.

There might be a pin sticking out somewhere on the back- usually the edge- when the back door is open. On the Yashicas, this is on the right side about the bottom third of the film opening.On the Autocord, it is at the upper right corner. No idea on the Diacord. As long as this lever isn't pushed in, the counter mechanism is disengaged. On the Rolleiflex Automat and letters, it is actually a thin lever on the right side of the film spool area.

vpwphoto · Jul 14, 2011

I own 3 Diacords... and yes the film doesn't count unless it has something to count.
They are my vacation walkabout camera.
I just went and checked..

one90guy · Jul 14, 2011

Thank you Dan, so far nothing has worked. I do not want to give up on this camera.
David

one90guy · Jul 14, 2011

Thank you vpwphoto, but I loaded a roll but still not working. When I turned film advance after loading the 0 will move from the center of window slightly to the left, then no farther. Would you have anymore ideas.
David

ic-racer · Jul 14, 2011

The Minolta Autocord may be similar. The Autocord Service Manual is available on the net. Look at page 14, "1. Film Counter Cannot Be Advanced."

Dan Daniel · Jul 14, 2011

Is there a new location for the Autocord service manual? The Geocities link I can find is dead- geocities is gone, I believe.

one90guy · Jul 14, 2011

Dan Daniel said:
Is there a new location for the Autocord service manual? The Geocities link I can find is dead- geocities is gone, I believe.

I could not get it to work either. I do thank you for the help.
Thanks
David

ic-racer · Jul 15, 2011

Dan Daniel said:
Is there a new location for the Autocord service manual? The Geocities link I can find is dead- geocities is gone, I believe.

I found it here:

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...GyXY1t&sig=AHIEtbRubV9FLMugw6RBF1WmbOAdnACKFw

Dan Daniel · Jul 15, 2011

Thank you, ic-racer. Always interesting to compare the different documentation of manufacturers. Yashica seems to just have diagrams. Minolta has some specific adjustments, mainly of the 'bend this until things work' style. Rollei has specific adjustments, tolerances, special tools, etc.

one90guy · Jul 16, 2011

ic-racer Thanks, you have helped me out big time. The cameras do seem to almost be twins. Hopefuly Monday I can get started.
David

ic-racer · Jul 17, 2011

one90guy said:
ic-racer Thanks, you have helped me out big time. The cameras do seem to almost be twins. Hopefuly Monday I can get started.
David

Those are cool cameras, hope you can get it fixed up!

komla · Jul 17, 2011

there is no need to have film inside, the counter only works if the back is closed properly. The back is closed if the pin on the right side of the camera between where the film will travel and the edge (same as advance btn and film counter) is pressed down. From 0 there is 4 red circles and then 1.

So I guess the first thing to check is if the pin is there.
(Yes I agree, I probably should learn some more English before I try to explain things to people)

one90guy · Jul 19, 2011

komla thanks, I do believe the pin is working as it should. Also I had no problem with your English.
David

one90guy · Aug 13, 2011

Ricoh Diacord update. I did not have the nerve to open camera up, but I kept working all the functions and pushing the pin on back. Camera nows works, have loaded a test roll and waiting for less than 100 temp to take it out. Thanks again for everyones help.
David

macrorie · Aug 13, 2011

I owned a Diacord LM, in if my memory is correct, there is a sequence that involves pushing in the black plastic button in the middle of rewind knob and winding forward until it engages, and that marks the first frame. But my memory may be hazy. The bodies of those cameras are built like a tank.

one90guy · Aug 13, 2011

Yes your memory serves you well. The day I unpacked the Ricoh it just felt so right I knew my hunt was over, well at least for now. Only 1 other camera has smitten me, the Nikon F4s and I sold it to move into medium format. I toted that heavy F4 everywhere and I still miss it.
david

Dan Daniel · Aug 14, 2011

By the way, Karl Bryan, who is known for quality work on Minolta Autocords, also works on Ricoh TLRs. You might contact him to see if he will work on your model. Fast, good prices, and one of the honest ones. Sounds like it could use an overhaul and cleaning, so if it stays as a prime camera for you it might be worth sending to him. email: karl.kathy@frontier.com

one90guy · Aug 14, 2011

Thanks Dan, I have been thinking about that exact thing. Just had not found anyone yet. Will definately check with him.
David

Ricoh Diacord help needed

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