I love my ME. I hate the take up spool. MV/MG the same?

jtkratzer · 01-25-2014, 02:42 PM

I haven't had any trouble loading, but on my ME Super, rewinding feels like the film binds up pretty bad. I'm going to do a quick search and if I can't find anything on the subject, send it off to Eric for a CLA.

Bootleg · 01-25-2014, 07:07 PM

Thanks for all the advice in this tread!
The problem I'm having is even if I load correctly and take 20 exposures, the film sometimes pops out if I stroke the advance lever too quickly! It isn't a huge problem, it maybe happens every 5th or 6th roll, especially if i'm trying to take exposure after exposure quickly. I'm thinking about getting a p30t to see if I like it. I really love the ME; I'm thinking about busting up a broken k1000 and trying to switch out the take up spool... I'll pull both out tonight and do some measuring.

hks_kansei · 01-25-2014, 07:53 PM

If you need to take shot after shot in fast succession look into the MEII winder for it.

Otherwise, just take it easy on the wind lever, if it's popping off chances are you're trying to wind WAY too fast and the sprockets are skipping/tearing the film.

Winding film at light speed isn't going to be too healthy for the camera, or film.

stevebrot · 01-25-2014, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by Bootleg

the film sometimes pops out if I stroke the advance lever too quickly!

This should not happen if the sprocket cogs (both top and bottom) have engaged the holes on the film margin. Is there any chance that your film door is missing the film pressure plate?

Steve

Bootleg · 01-25-2014, 08:09 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

This should not happen if the sprocket cogs (both top and bottom) have engaged the holes on the film margin. Is there any chance that your film door is missing the film pressure plate?

Steve

The film pressure plate is fine. I've checked over the camera and everything is as it should be.

alan_smithee_photos · 01-25-2014, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

As for loading 120 film...just part of the medium format experience

Steve

There are exceptions. I started shooting a Rolleiflex recently and the film loading on it is genius. As easy as (maybe easier than) an slr. My other medium format is a Fuji GA645. Its like the world's biggest point and shoot, including film loading. To heck with those crazy backs.

**filoxophy** · 01-25-2014, 10:51 PM

I can definitely second the recommendation of the P30t, if your ME is bothering you. You'll have to decide on the aesthetics, but ergonomically the P30t has a lot going for it. Molded grips; lit up shutter speeds shown on a black background in the VF rather than a dot next to printed numbers that are impossible to see inside, and sometimes hard to see outside; diagonal split-prism focusing screen; exposure lock; DOF preview; physical shutter speed dial for when you want to go manual. It lacks the 1/2000th shutter speed and exposure compensation of the ME, as well as the little indicator window which tells you if the shutter is cocked. Also the shutter/mirror sound isn't as pleasing.

But for a compact aperture priority body, it is very good in my book.

Bootleg · 01-25-2014, 11:26 PM

Originally posted by filoxophy

I can definitely second the recommendation of the P30t, if your ME is bothering you. You'll have to decide on the aesthetics, but ergonomically the P30t has a lot going for it. Molded grips; lit up shutter speeds shown on a black background in the VF rather than a dot next to printed numbers that are impossible to see inside, and sometimes hard to see outside; diagonal split-prism focusing screen; exposure lock; DOF preview; physical shutter speed dial for when you want to go manual. It lacks the 1/2000th shutter speed and exposure compensation of the ME, as well as the little indicator window which tells you if the shutter is cocked. Also the shutter/mirror sound isn't as pleasing.

But for a compact aperture priority body, it is very good in my book.

On garythesnail's recommendation I actually bought on one about an hour ago, haha. I can't wait to try it out. I can live with the ME's take up spool I guess, if I remember to be careful, but who knows, maybe I'll love the P30t!

stevebrot · 01-26-2014, 02:38 PM

Originally posted by Bootleg

The film pressure plate is fine. I've checked over the camera and everything is as it should be.

Then you either did not engage the sprockets (top and bottom) before closing the back or the holes were stripped out.

Steve

**arnold** · 01-26-2014, 05:14 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Then you either did not engage the sprockets (top and bottom) before closeing the back or the holes were stripped out.

Steve

I would agree. My procedure after inserting the end into the takeup spool, is to slowly advance the film until both sprockets engage and slack is taken up. I then carefully close the door and use the rewind knob to take up enough slack, so that it moves on film advance. One advance to get past exposed area gives more than the official number of shots.

**TomB_tx** · 01-26-2014, 06:35 PM

I never had a problem with the Magic Needles on my MX or LX. I also had a Canon FT "QL" - where the "Quick Load" meant you just laid the end of the film over the take-up spool, and spring loaded rubber pads grabbed the film by friction. They all worked fine when new.
And I still use a Leica IIIf, where you have to cut the leader with a 4" long "tongue" like film use to have, remove the camera baseplate, pull out the take-up spool, insert the end of the leader under a clip in the spool, then fit the spool, cassette, and film in the slot in the bottom of the camera (the back is solid and won't open) and get it up under the pressure plate and between the rails. This also works better with a Leica bulk-loading cassette, as it is longer than today's cassettes, which let the film sag below the rails.
So I don't complain about any of today's loading systems. Even my Leica M9 digital, where you still need to remove the baseplate to insert the SD card!

stevebrot · 01-26-2014, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by TomB_tx

Even my Leica M9 digital, where you still need to remove the baseplate to insert the SD card!

Tell me you are kidding. That is taking tradition a bit too far.

**Digitalis** · 01-26-2014, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Tell me you are kidding. That is taking tradition a bit too far.

No, he isn't kidding. The M8 is the same too.

Here I am waiting for a Digital IKON from Zeiss or a HEXAR RF Digital - a Hexar RF digital would be awesome. It would give Leica a swift kick in the daddy bags, just like the original Hexar RF did in the days of film.

Bootleg · 01-26-2014, 07:45 PM

Originally posted by arnold

I would agree. My procedure after inserting the end into the takeup spool, is to slowly advance the film until both sprockets engage and slack is taken up. I then carefully close the door and use the rewind knob to take up enough slack, so that it moves on film advance. One advance to get past exposed area gives more than the official number of shots.

This is exactly what I do. Maybe I have a dud but I've tried loading it every which way and the film pops out of the take up spool, no matter what I do, if I stroke the film advance too quickly.

**arnold** · 01-26-2014, 09:41 PM

Originally posted by Bootleg

This is exactly what I do. Maybe I have a dud but I've tried loading it every which way and the film pops out of the take up spool, no matter what I do, if I stroke the film advance too quickly.

That is odd, since it is not the takeup spool that pulls the film along. It is the cog teeth. Question is, why are the cogs jumping out of the film holes. Poor alignment? Too violent an advance? Film not flat and lifting off the cogs?

01-26-2014, 02:38 PM	#24
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Bootleg The film pressure plate is fine. I've checked over the camera and everything is as it should be. Then you either did not engage the sprockets (top and bottom) before closing the back or the holes were stripped out. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 01-26-2014 at 06:03 PM.

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01-25-2014, 02:42 PM	#16
jtkratzer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lancaster County, Pa Posts: 963	I haven't had any trouble loading, but on my ME Super, rewinding feels like the film binds up pretty bad. I'm going to do a quick search and if I can't find anything on the subject, send it off to Eric for a CLA.

01-25-2014, 07:07 PM	#17
Bootleg New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 20 Original Poster	Thanks for all the advice in this tread! The problem I'm having is even if I load correctly and take 20 exposures, the film sometimes pops out if I stroke the advance lever too quickly! It isn't a huge problem, it maybe happens every 5th or 6th roll, especially if i'm trying to take exposure after exposure quickly. I'm thinking about getting a p30t to see if I like it. I really love the ME; I'm thinking about busting up a broken k1000 and trying to switch out the take up spool... I'll pull both out tonight and do some measuring.

01-25-2014, 07:53 PM	#18
hks_kansei Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 834	If you need to take shot after shot in fast succession look into the MEII winder for it. Otherwise, just take it easy on the wind lever, if it's popping off chances are you're trying to wind WAY too fast and the sprockets are skipping/tearing the film. Winding film at light speed isn't going to be too healthy for the camera, or film.

01-25-2014, 08:00 PM	#19
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Bootleg the film sometimes pops out if I stroke the advance lever too quickly! This should not happen if the sprocket cogs (both top and bottom) have engaged the holes on the film margin. Is there any chance that your film door is missing the film pressure plate? Steve

01-25-2014, 08:09 PM	#20
Bootleg New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 20 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot This should not happen if the sprocket cogs (both top and bottom) have engaged the holes on the film margin. Is there any chance that your film door is missing the film pressure plate? Steve The film pressure plate is fine. I've checked over the camera and everything is as it should be.

01-25-2014, 08:53 PM	#21
alan_smithee_photos Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 844	Originally posted by stevebrot As for loading 120 film...just part of the medium format experience Steve There are exceptions. I started shooting a Rolleiflex recently and the film loading on it is genius. As easy as (maybe easier than) an slr. My other medium format is a Fuji GA645. Its like the world's biggest point and shoot, including film loading. To heck with those crazy backs.

01-25-2014, 10:51 PM	#22
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	I can definitely second the recommendation of the P30t, if your ME is bothering you. You'll have to decide on the aesthetics, but ergonomically the P30t has a lot going for it. Molded grips; lit up shutter speeds shown on a black background in the VF rather than a dot next to printed numbers that are impossible to see inside, and sometimes hard to see outside; diagonal split-prism focusing screen; exposure lock; DOF preview; physical shutter speed dial for when you want to go manual. It lacks the 1/2000th shutter speed and exposure compensation of the ME, as well as the little indicator window which tells you if the shutter is cocked. Also the shutter/mirror sound isn't as pleasing. But for a compact aperture priority body, it is very good in my book.

01-25-2014, 11:26 PM	#23
Bootleg New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 20 Original Poster	Originally posted by filoxophy I can definitely second the recommendation of the P30t, if your ME is bothering you. You'll have to decide on the aesthetics, but ergonomically the P30t has a lot going for it. Molded grips; lit up shutter speeds shown on a black background in the VF rather than a dot next to printed numbers that are impossible to see inside, and sometimes hard to see outside; diagonal split-prism focusing screen; exposure lock; DOF preview; physical shutter speed dial for when you want to go manual. It lacks the 1/2000th shutter speed and exposure compensation of the ME, as well as the little indicator window which tells you if the shutter is cocked. Also the shutter/mirror sound isn't as pleasing. But for a compact aperture priority body, it is very good in my book. On garythesnail's recommendation I actually bought on one about an hour ago, haha. I can't wait to try it out. I can live with the ME's take up spool I guess, if I remember to be careful, but who knows, maybe I'll love the P30t!

01-26-2014, 05:14 PM	#25
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,294	Originally posted by stevebrot Then you either did not engage the sprockets (top and bottom) before closeing the back or the holes were stripped out. Steve I would agree. My procedure after inserting the end into the takeup spool, is to slowly advance the film until both sprockets engage and slack is taken up. I then carefully close the door and use the rewind knob to take up enough slack, so that it moves on film advance. One advance to get past exposed area gives more than the official number of shots.

01-26-2014, 06:35 PM	#26
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	I never had a problem with the Magic Needles on my MX or LX. I also had a Canon FT "QL" - where the "Quick Load" meant you just laid the end of the film over the take-up spool, and spring loaded rubber pads grabbed the film by friction. They all worked fine when new. And I still use a Leica IIIf, where you have to cut the leader with a 4" long "tongue" like film use to have, remove the camera baseplate, pull out the take-up spool, insert the end of the leader under a clip in the spool, then fit the spool, cassette, and film in the slot in the bottom of the camera (the back is solid and won't open) and get it up under the pressure plate and between the rails. This also works better with a Leica bulk-loading cassette, as it is longer than today's cassettes, which let the film sag below the rails. So I don't complain about any of today's loading systems. Even my Leica M9 digital, where you still need to remove the baseplate to insert the SD card!

01-26-2014, 07:04 PM	#27
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by TomB_tx Even my Leica M9 digital, where you still need to remove the baseplate to insert the SD card! Tell me you are kidding. That is taking tradition a bit too far.

01-26-2014, 07:18 PM	#28
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by stevebrot Tell me you are kidding. That is taking tradition a bit too far. No, he isn't kidding. The M8 is the same too. Here I am waiting for a Digital IKON from Zeiss or a HEXAR RF Digital - a Hexar RF digital would be awesome. It would give Leica a swift kick in the daddy bags, just like the original Hexar RF did in the days of film.

01-26-2014, 07:45 PM	#29
Bootleg New Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 20 Original Poster	Originally posted by arnold I would agree. My procedure after inserting the end into the takeup spool, is to slowly advance the film until both sprockets engage and slack is taken up. I then carefully close the door and use the rewind knob to take up enough slack, so that it moves on film advance. One advance to get past exposed area gives more than the official number of shots. This is exactly what I do. Maybe I have a dud but I've tried loading it every which way and the film pops out of the take up spool, no matter what I do, if I stroke the film advance too quickly.

01-26-2014, 09:41 PM	#30
arnold Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,294	Originally posted by Bootleg This is exactly what I do. Maybe I have a dud but I've tried loading it every which way and the film pops out of the take up spool, no matter what I do, if I stroke the film advance too quickly. That is odd, since it is not the takeup spool that pulls the film along. It is the cog teeth. Question is, why are the cogs jumping out of the film holes. Poor alignment? Too violent an advance? Film not flat and lifting off the cogs?