Test driving a new-to-me Noblex 135U

[pagpow]

So, I'm waiting for the first roll of film to come back as a rough check to function of the camera -- in the meantime:

Winding the film results in many squeaks -- is this a sign I didn't load the film quite parallel? hints for good loading?

Exposure counter seems a bit iffy -- did not advance for first 4-5 frames, did thereafter? common problem, operator error, or...?

The film advance and the shutter speed selector dial (hi, lo) seem crowded and this impinges on advancing ease. Is that just me, or...? Has anyone tried to improve on things -- say with a tight slip-on hose over the film advance to provide more gripping surface?

The bubble in the level does not seem to seat in the center as easily as the one on the Horizon 202 -- which seems to have a dimple? Common experience?

I ask especially because there circumference of the bubble shows marks that make me wonder if it was replaced.

Finally -- there seem to be no marks -- no arrows indicating direction of rotation, no "m" for multiple on the Single or Multiple exposure control, no "on" or "off" indication on teh switch, no Hi/Lo on the shutter range selector -- unlike photos I see in Instruction Manuals I have found. Different styling over time or...

Apologies for the deluge of questions. Thanks for any help.

[RML]

It's been years since I shot my 135u so I'm a bit rusty.

Squeaking : never heard that, so I'd say it's not normal.
Exposure counter : mine always worked well as far as I can remember.
Crowded real estate : never changed anything. I just fiddled with it.
Bubble : mine was properly aligned. I did find it difficult to get it dead center, though.

IIRC there was a little trick for multiple exposures. Can't remember, though.

I suggest you contact Noblex themselves if you feel there are problems with your camera.