SOLVED: Bronica ETRS and 135N film back issues

[indy_kid]

Recently picked up an ETRS with 5 backs: 2-120, 1-220, and 2-135N. I haven't used the 135N backs before, but it wasn't that hard to figure out the loading.

The problem comes when I advance the film, and the counter clicks off the "S". At that point, neither back will advance the film, either with the knob on the side or from the body itself. I should add that I can use the side knob to advance the film for the entire roll (using a roll of exposed film as a test roll) with the cover open, but as soon as I close the cover and wind it off the "S", it stops winding. Guess I'm not understanding how closing the cover plays into the function of the back, other than to engage gears that advance the frame counter. Seems to me that the body should be able to drive the winding, regardless of what the counter says. Yeah, it becomes problematic to keep track of the frame count, but at least you can continue to shoot! As it is, once the frame counter becomes engaged in the process and clicks off the "S", all winding stops. That has me scratching my head.

Does it sound like BOTH have stripped gears? Possible, given that it was from an estate and someone other than the owner messed around with them.

Ideas?

EDITED FOR ADD'L INFO.

 

[moto-uno]

Are we to assume that the camera operates correctly with the 120 (220) backs attached ? Peter

 

[wiltw]

ETRS backs have multiple interlocks with the body. If the shutter has not been fired, film will not advance. You have to pull the dark slide to fire the shutter...otherwise, the camera will not release the shutter. Only after the shutter is released is when the film insert allows the film to advance. (Only use of multiexposure control allows shutter to be cocked without also advancing the film)

 

[neilt3]

Works the same as a 35mm camera , you've got to fire the shutter before you can wind the camera on .
Once you get to "1" your ready to start shooting .
like wiltw said .
Load it up untill the start point .
Put the back on the camera , remove the darkslide , take a shot , wind on , take another , until "1" appears on the counter and your ready to go .
I have both the 135W and 135N backs and they both work the same .

I assume yours aren't working / winding on because your not doing the above ?

 

[indy_kid]

Put the back on the camera , remove the darkslide , take a shot , wind on , take another , until "1" appears on the counter and your ready to go .
I have both the 135W and 135N backs and they both work the same .

I assume yours aren't working / winding on because your not doing the above ?

The body is mounted on a power winder. I can mount the 135 back, pull the dark slide, and fire the shutter repeatedly, but the film isn't winding.

Again, once it's off the "S" mark on the frame counter, it won't wind. The body will fire as long as the batteries for the power winder hold out.

 

[indy_kid]

Okay, so I loaded a 120 back to see what happens. It's not winding.

I can see the gear in the body turning when I fire the shutter, and the gear in the body isn't loose. So, I can only assume the body gear isn't making solid contact with the back gear.

Sounds like a job for a repair shop at this point. I'm not about to dig into that body on my own!

 

[indy_kid]

Okay, I'm an idiot.

I had the multiple exposure lever in the wrong position. When shooting multiple exposure, flipping the lever retracts the gear into the body so that it won't wind the film.

Funny how the mind works. I'm watching "Django Unchained" when my mind went to the gears not engaging, and that reminded me of the ME lever. Reloaded a 120 back, mounted it on the body, and the motor winder ran on its own until it hit the first frame. After that, each firing happened as one would expect. Will try it with the 135 back, but confident I've solved the problem.

 

[neilt3]

See post 3 .

Well , it sounds like everything should be right now .

 

[moto-uno]

Hey , what about post #2 . Peter