Rolleiflex Automat film problem

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Hi APUGer's.
I got a an old Rollei Automat from Ebay last year. I noticed that approximately the first third of the roll of film is unexposed while the tail end of the film is exposed beyond the film and in to black paper backing. I think I loaded the film correctly by putting the black paper between the steel rollers then inserting the black paper until it catches the take up spool. I'm sure it's just me. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Paul Goutiere]

Hi APUGer's.
I got a an old Rollei Automat from Ebay last year. I noticed that approximately the first third of the roll of film is unexposed while the tail end of the film is exposed beyond the film and in to black paper backing. I think I loaded the film correctly by putting the black paper between the steel rollers then inserting the black paper until it catches the take up spool. I'm sure it's just me. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

The two rollers sense the beginning of the film as the film is run through. When you load the film, close the back and wind on the film, do you feel a slight tension on the winder and hear a "snap" at a certain point?

If not the camera may need a simple adjustment........inside the camera.

[Rolleiflexible]

Camera needs to be cleaned -- the film
transport is robust but a few decades of
neglect will lead to irregular frame spacing
and/or the sort of problem you describe.

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Thanks Mr. McNew for your advice. Now the next thing is to find a place to have it done. BTW love your work.

Best,
Don

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Thanks. Yes the crank does have tension when I wind it. I wind the crank until it stops. I think the camera needs adjustment.

Best,
Don

[Rolleiflexible]

There are a number of qualified Rolleiflex
service folks in the US -- I've used several
and prefer Paul Ebel, in Wisconsin -- you
can reach him at paulebel44@yahoo.com
if you want to give him a try.