[jruschme]

I recently picked up an "as-is" Pentax Super Program which has a problem with the advance lever that I've never seen before. Basically, the advance does not ratchet, spring back, or actually advance anything; it just sort of freewheels, except for the standoff stop. At first, I thought it might be an issue with the rewind button, but I was able to manually advance the camera from the motor drive connection and everything seemed to work fine otherwise (rewind button popped out, film spool wound, and shutter cocked). As best I can tell, the displays are working and a reasonable exposure is being measured; by ear, the shutter also seemed to be correct.

I'm assuming that the issue is someplace in the top end of the advance and not any of the usual places inside the bottom cover. Before I go tearing into the top, however, I wanted to see if anyone else had seen something like this before and knew what might be wrong. Conversely, would it make more sense to leave it alone and just pick up a cheap Winder ME II?

Thanks...

[Aaron28]

a spring may be broken on the lever mechanism.......since it winds from underneath why not a winder.....besides winders sound cool n look cool

[Not a Number]

Probably the rewind/advance clutch in the take up shaft is stuck or broken. Getting at this is more than just removing the top plate.

Service manual is available here:
Product Details | Pentax Super Program Service Manual | Pentax | Service Manuals | Learn Camera Repair

Hope you have the proper tools, e.g. JIS drivers, spannersand the like.