Nikon S2 overlap problem

[claylerner]

Hello,
Im new to the site so i thought Id introduce myself. My name is Clay and im a photography student in Los Angeles. I shoot primarily with a Nikon S2 rangefinder that has been passed down in my family. I had it serviced a few years ago and its been very reliable for the most part but recently I've noticed that on one of every few rolls I shoot, around the 12th frame, the film seems to not be advancing all the way and I experience some overlapping for about 5 frames and then it resumes proper advancement. I dont know too much about Nikon rangefinders, so I was wondering if anyone can help me out. Is this sort of thing common on cameras that old? Thanks.

[NIKON KIU]

Very strange indeed. Let me get this straight, its OK untill you get to 12th frame and then it overlaps for 5 frames and then its OK??
does this happen with 24 exposure rolls or 36 exposure rolls? or both?
If the camera is not framing right it should happen with every frame not only the middle ones!!
May be its the lab?
Did you try tighting the film with your rewind lever to see if that does the trick?
I have never heard of this one.
Kiu

[Brian Sweeney]

This is an odd one. I had a Canon 7 do this before requiring a CLA. Things were slipping. Never had the problem again after the CLA.

[VinceC]

It doesn't sound like a common Nikon problem (had something sort of similar happen to an old Canon SLR once, long ago).

It does sound like something's out of alignment/needs adjustment/has a stripped gear tooth. An old camera mechanism has lots of clockwork elements to it to keep everything cooperating mechanically.

A quick look at the negatives will show if it's the fault of the camera or an automated photo processor.

Otherwise, the camera probably needs a regular maintenance checkup, usually called a CLA (clean, lube, adjust). This is usually between $150 and $175 and requires sending the camera away for a month or so. Nikon no longer services models of this vintage.

If you need something for photo studies, you can probably nab an old SLR off EBay for next to nothing, then send the S2 off for repairs. If the S2 is a family heirloom, it's worth getting it fixed.

As a follow-up to Vince's suggestion on a temporary replacement - if you go to eBay you can readily find an old manual Nikkormat FTN, FT-2 or FT-3 with TTL metering for about a $100 (often with a 50mm Nikkor lens).

As Vince says, you can use this while having the S2 serviced, and will then always have a reliable workhorse of a backup camera.

[NIKON KIU]

....You should go tru the basic steps:
1) Make sure the film is not slacking in the camera by Checking it after every few frames(use the rewind knob)
2) Remove the back and check the pressure plate, make sure it sits flush against the film railing
3) With the back off the camera carefully check the teeth on the sprocket wheel(next to the take up spool) for wear or missing teeth. gently move it with your thumb check for loosness.
4) Try a different roll of film(24exp vs 36) or a different lab.
5) Make sure you look at the negatives to confirm it was an exposurre problem and not proccessing problem.


I have been using Nikons for the last twenty years and NEVER EVER hd a problem with overlapping.
Let us know.
Regards,
Kiu
BTW: Welcome Aboard

[claylerner]

Thanks for your advice everyone. I always check that the film is tightly wound, so I dont think that is the problem. And the pressure plate and the sprocket wheel seem to functioning as it should. I think its probably a good idea to just spend the money and get it CLA'd. I have a Minolta CLE which I was planning on selling but I guess I'll just wait and use that until my S2 is fixed. Thanks again, Clay.