Nikon R8 : Experts please help diagnose?

[adamgarner]

I just bought a mint R8.

I fixed some slight corrosion in the battery compartment. I wasn't happy to see it but it ran as soon as I got it cleaned up. No prob.

I ran the camera at 24fps, 18, 54 and everything ran smoothly. I tried the functions to test them (fade in / out).

Right after a fade the camera stopped. Normally this would indicate to me that it was in the middle of an overlap, or a double exposure. The Nikons (users will know) shut off, and expect a rewind on overlaps and de's. I have been stuck here scratching my head before.

So, I set the rewind and it won't do anything. The batteries are registering as full charge. The motor for the zoom works fine. Everything is fine but the thing wont engage the motor anymore.

One thing that concerns me is that the motor gear is disengaged. I can spin the motor spindle from the compartment freely. I compared with my R10 and this happens when it's done with an overlap and is ready to be rewound.

So basically I'm stuck in a state where the R8 wants the cart to be rewound but it's not engaging for some reason.

Anyone know about this? Anyone know if there's a way to reset the system so I can run it and try again?

[aj]

Indeed like the classic blunder with R10/R8 is to think it is broken when it only needs direction switching As you are aware of this it likely is not the case.

I suppose some switching gear got stuck in thick grease or something broke. Check the stop-pins changing position when you move the REW/FOW switch. When you look close you should notice one coming out and the other retreating. If they don't something is definitely loose/stuck.

You can try moving it a number of times. Make sure the camera is at room temperature or slightly over it.
Otherwise the left side has to come off. Not funny as this will wreck the look of the leatherette.

[adamgarner]

Thanks for the reply.

Where are the "stop-pins?"

I'll see if they move.

[aj]

from the rear look into the film-chamber. above the gate to the right there is the opening for the claw, going up-to-down. below the gate to the right there is smaller opening. with proper light you can see the two pointy pins... you can also feel one protruding. only when switching you should notice one retracting and one coming out.

can find the drawing of the R10 gate any longer. the image-gallery of the forum is gone and the on-line image inaccessable.

But her on super8man's page you can check the photo. at 2/3 of the page:
http://home.pacbell.net/mnyberg/super8mm/super8_33.html

Remember when the film is running the pins don't move much. One peg-shaped pin just hammers through the perforation and holds the film still and tight in postion during exposure :idea:

Now check which other cameras can do this... None!

[adamgarner]

Cool!

Never would have noticed that. Thanks!

That seems to work just fine. I see them moving and switching.

So if the mechanics are working, I wonder if the electronics may have an issue. Is there a way to reset the state at all so that it's not expecting reverse?

Thanks for the help so far. Feels like progress...

[aj]

Well, then the FOW/REW knob is still in working condition. I.e. it moves the levers inside. There is of course also a connected switch which will alternate the current to the main engine.
So either there is some notch/lever not interlocking or moving properly
or there is a electric switch not responding.
You checked the manual to make sure all is in proper position? Normally, in any case if it is not running switching to the alternate position would bring back motion when pressing the trigger.

[BigWorm]

Adam,

Your camera needs cleaning. Send it to me and I'll take care of it for you.

R/