I can't load my Zorki C!

[barns]

So I've just got myself a Zorki C but the trouble is I can't load it with film...

There isn't enough clearance for the film leader to run next to the pressure plate. I can't even put a thin piece of paper in there (thinner than film I might add)

The gap where the film is supposed to run is so tight, it would kind of be the damage I would expect if the back of the camera was dented in, but in this case the camera is cosmetically mint.

Is there an easy fix or is this camera a write off? (or am I doing something really wrong?)

Thanks for reading

[doubs43]

Originally posted by barns
So I've just got myself a Zorki C but the trouble is I can't load it with film... There isn't enough clearance for the film leader to run next to the pressure plate. I can't even put a thin piece of paper in there (thinner than film I might add)

Try here for instructions on how to load a Leica. You'll need to use a pair of sissors to cut the leader back more and then you should be fine if you follow the rest of the instructions.

http://www.ozdoba.net/leica/schraub_laden_e.html

Good luck.

Walker

[pshinkaw]

Did you turn the rewind lever to the rewind position first? That releases the gears and gives you the room to slide in the film.

Same operational method as a Leica.

-Paul

[barns]

Thank you both for taking the time to reply-

I understand that the film must be trimmed first so that's not my problem.

When I rotate the rewind collar I can see the gears engaging and moving so I don't think that's an issue. It almost looks like the plate is in backwards, is this even possible?

I can't do it now (I'm at work!) but I'll try to attach a photo of what I'm talking about, perhaps that will explain it better than I can in words.

Cheers!

[barns]

okay, I've attached a photo

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v460/barns/filmgap.jpg


I hope you can see what I mean, the pressure plate is actually touching the shutter housing and there is no clearance at all between them


This isn't right is it? in all other respects the camera seems great...but not if I can't load film!!

Cheers!

[doubs43]

Originally posted by barns
the pressure plate is actually touching the shutter housing and there is no clearance at all between them. This isn't right is it? in all other respects the camera seems great...but not if I can't load film!!

The job of the pressure plate is to hold the film flat against the film plane. It seems logical to me that with no film in the camera that the pressure plate would be pressing against the film aperature.

It also seems logical that the pressure plate would be beveled along the lower side to allow the film leader to slip between it and the film opening. Is it possible that the pressure plate was installed incorrectly? Or are you being too gentle and not applying sufficient force to get the film behind the pressure plate? It shouldn't take a great deal of force in any event.

Walker

[Stanton]

I just looked at my Zorki C and it appears the same as in your photo. Mine loads quite easily. About the only thing I can think of is narrowing the tougue of the leader some more and perhaps lengthening it.

[barns]

Success!!!

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your help!!

I don't exactly know what happened ( perhaps it was the swearing and cursing :o ) but the film suddenly popped in and I'm good to go!

I'm off for a test shoot right now....


Cheers!