I just picked up a Flexaret IVa and I'm having problems with the counter. It may get up to a certain number and then starts back at the bottom (say gets to 4 and skips to 1 or 0). Some times it doesn't advance beyond 1. I've heard that the film counter is very fragile and easily damaged. Is it an easy fix?
Also, I find that the film roller is stiff. This leads to the automatic cocking mechanism skipping every once and a while. One ends up wasting film since the automatic cocking mechanism will skip directly to the next frame or even 2 or 3 frames (on the odd occasion right to the end of the roll).
Posted on Thursday, September 01, 2005 - 01:27 pm:
I have opened up a flexaret Va. It is still in parts because I had to disassemble each and every part for cleaning, plus some parts were loose(!) when I opened it up. I found dead insects in there as well.
The film advance, counter and cocking mechanism is all under the same panel. Basically you peel of the leatherette and remove 4 screws, that's it. I do have some digital pictures of rather poor quality. If you would like them, please contact me by email.