Maineiac
Member
The little crank on the bottom of the M7 that closes the lens curtain split in two (it's pretty flimsy plastic.) For 3 bucks, Mamiya sent me a replacement along with a schematic. It's supposed to be an easy self-repair. I have the requisite tools--jewelers screwdrivers, various tweezers, etc., but it is not self-evident how to get the broken one off. It's just the small part that folds that needs replacing. It's held by a pin similar to that which holds a watchband on a watch, but since the crank is recessed, the pin has no clearance to come out.
Has anyone done this, and if so, can you tell me how?
Thanks.
Larry
Has anyone done this, and if so, can you tell me how?
Thanks.
Larry
Paolo Saccheri
Member
Hello Larry,
I read about your problem a bit too late I guess
Anyhow just to let you know I make spare new levers (cranks) made of solid brass painted black that will last forever and I add an instruction document with photos for a step by step DIY safe job.
Should you need it, just let me know
all the best
Paolo
I read about your problem a bit too late I guess
Anyhow just to let you know I make spare new levers (cranks) made of solid brass painted black that will last forever and I add an instruction document with photos for a step by step DIY safe job.
Should you need it, just let me know
all the best
Paolo
craygc
Well-known
Larry,
Firstly, I would certainly recommend the replacement parts Paolo offers - I've replaced them on both my Mamiya 7IIs with no complaints. As to how to do it, I actually went slightly against Paolo's instructions - Sorry Paolo After unscrewing and removing the base plate [easy] I actually unscrewed the centre of the curtain crank and pulled the collar off - I'll come back to this. Once off, as my flip out levers were still ok, I actually snipped them in half with side cutters and slid both halves off the pins. Once that is done, push the pins from the centre of the round collar out - just enough that you can insert the new crank. Once inserted, just push the pins back in. Given some of the pushing and pulling to get this done I'm glad I first removed round collar entirely, but it needs to go back on in the right position. Unfortunately I didn't take note of this when I did mine but trying to close the curtain and seeing where it comes to then trying again fixed everything in a few attempts. Basically, if its in the wrong position the curtain wont close fully.
Firstly, I would certainly recommend the replacement parts Paolo offers - I've replaced them on both my Mamiya 7IIs with no complaints. As to how to do it, I actually went slightly against Paolo's instructions - Sorry Paolo
After unscrewing and removing the base plate [easy] I actually unscrewed the centre of the curtain crank and pulled the collar off - I'll come back to this. Once off, as my flip out levers were still ok, I actually snipped them in half with side cutters and slid both halves off the pins. Once that is done, push the pins from the centre of the round collar out - just enough that you can insert the new crank. Once inserted, just push the pins back in. Given some of the pushing and pulling to get this done I'm glad I first removed round collar entirely, but it needs to go back on in the right position. Unfortunately I didn't take note of this when I did mine but trying to close the curtain and seeing where it comes to then trying again fixed everything in a few attempts. Basically, if its in the wrong position the curtain wont close fully.